Muppets Are So Metal

If I hadn't procrastinated so long, I'd be getting ready to see Avenged Sevenfold in Columbus later today. By the time I went to the Ticketmaster counter on Wednesday, the show was sold out. Now, I sit at home, pondering all things Metal. I realized I haven't written about Alice Cooper much. Both the man and the band transcend several decades of rock. There was shock Alice, Glam Alice, and in-between Alice. I've found some cool clips. Maybe you'll like one - or all - of them!

Alice Cooper is the king of shock rock. Imagine my surprise, however, when I stumbled across a vintage clip of Alice singing "School's Out" with...the Muppets.

Yes, Mr. Cooper dances with the Muppets while wearing a mortar board and graduation gown. At one point, the gown comes off, only to reveal a Muppet tail attached to the beloved Metaller. Well, you better watch for yourself. This clip is from 1978.

Of course, there isn't anything much "scarier" than rockers who sell out. I mean, I've already written about musicians who take a quick buck and have their songs featured in commercials...but what about musicians who actually STAR in commercials? Enter our friend Alice:

Here's a commercial for Staples:

Here's one for Residence Inn (yes, a hotel chain!):

Now, here's Alice Cooper (both the band and the man) in the 1970s. "I Love the Dead."

So, which Alice Cooper do you prefer? Shock rock, commercial, or Muppet friendly.?

My favorite Alice tune is still "Poison." I'll post it again because I can.

Feel the Shake

Do you know Jetboy? If not, get familiar. The legendary glam band is back on the road and rumored to be on the bill for Rocklahoma 2008.

Why now? Why not. In just two weeks, the band will release The Glam Years CD and Movie. I want a copy of the DVD!

Jetboy never reached the level of fame they were due. Now, history might have a chance to repeat itself. Gearing up for a holiday tour with RATT frontman Stephen Pearcy, Jetboy is coming to Ohio in early December. If the stars align, I'll go to the show.

In the meantime, watch this video: Jetboy "Feel the Shake" from the album of the same name.

So, what do you think about Jetboy possibly playing Rocklahoma 2008?

www.myspace.com/jetboyrocks

Foreigner: Alive and Rockin'

During a seemingly never-ending tour, Foreigner paused to record a DVD of one of their biggest live shows. Foreigner Alive & Rockin’ was recorded at the 2006 Bang Your Head Festival in Balingen, Germany. The DVD isn’t long, but the set packs a punch. Songs included are:

Double Vision
Head Games
Dirty White Boy
Cold As Ice
Starrider
Feels Like the First Time
Urgent
Juke Box Hero/Whole Lotta Love
Hot Blooded

During 2006, Foreigner was celebrating three decades as a band. Despite many line-up changes, this most recent version of the band still sounds great and puts on a good show. The set starts strong and grows in momentum. The DVD is shot in a way that actually makes the viewer feel part of the live experience. More importantly, the sound quality is also great.

Naturally, highlights of the live DVD are all the band’s biggest hits. The crowd is most excited during “Juke Box Hero/Whole Lotta Love.” Perhaps it’s because Jason Bonham in sitting behind the kit, but for brief moments Foreigner actually sound like Led Zeppelin. The mix of both classic songs gives the band and crowd energy, and also provides lots of opportunities for drum and guitar solos.

By the time Foreigner reach their encore and “Hot Blooded” most of the crowd looks spent. This is from bouncing along to every song in the set. While there are quite a few crowd pans, producers did a good job selecting shots and cuts on the fly. Key moments on stage are never missed, and neither are important reaction shots. As with most encores, “Hot Blooded” has an extended ending, with lots of jam time. Another great part of watching the footage is the transition from day to dusk. The Foreigner set makes a good soundtrack to the time change.

In addition to the music, the DVD also includes special features like interviews with band members. The DVD packaging isn’t inventive, but it gets the job done. Shipped in a regular DVD case, the only extra is a booklet outlining Foreigner history. The book also contains photos, mini-bios and credits. Priced at around 15 bucks, Foreigner Alive & Rockin’ will make a nice stocking stuffer for music fans this holiday season. While it’s true most live DVDs and CDs are not a necessity, the package does offer all the big hits in great sound and a fun atmosphere. Truly, a win-win all around.

For more information, please visit: ForeignerOnline.com

Scream and Shout

A couple weeks ago, Dirty Penny released their first video in support of Take It Sleezy. Surprisingly, they picked "Scream and Shout" as the track. I consider "Scream and Shout" one of the weakest songs on the debut disc. If it was me, I probably would produce a video in support of "Vendetta" or "Midnight Ride." Since the band didn't ask my opinion, I guess I'll live with "Scream and Shout."

If you're under 13, you probably shouldn't watch the clip because it's very racy. I'm also confused about the choice of the female lead. She seems a little..."old" for the very young Dirty Penny boys. At any rate, the clip is about as glam as you can get.

Here's "Scream and Shout." Let me know what you think.

Enemy in Me

My boys Vains of Jenna have just released their video for "Enemy in Me."

The song is featured on Viva La Bands Volume Two. I reviewed the CD last night for a glossy rock magazine that will launch at the beginning of 2008. "Enemy in Me" is easily the best song on the compilation. As you can tell from the video, the song is a much more mature Vains of Jenna. Watch my favorite Swedes and enjoy!

Wasted in America

Friday evening, I interviewed Kristy "Krash" Majors, formally of Pretty Boy Floyd and now a solo artist and business mogul.

Life got in the way and I didn't have a chance to transcribe the 40 minute phone conversation for post today, but that is definitely on my docket for tonight.

In 2006, Kristy Majors released Sex, Drugs and Rock n' Roll to rave reviews.His initial press of the disc is already sold out, but it's still available on iTunes. In anticipation of tomorrow's interview, here's "Wasted in America" from Sex, Drugs and Rock n' Roll.

So, what do you think of Kristy's solo work?

Photo credit: Valerie Nerres for Kristy "Krash" Majors. www.valscreationsphotography.com

Too Young to Steal?

First, in the interest of full disclosure, I didn't single-handedly discover this topic. Still, the comparisons are so striking, I feel the need to share with you dear readers.

It seems pop band Finger Eleven has stolen from Motley Crue.

Listen to "Paralzyer" then listen to "Too You To Fall In Love."

Yes, the main riffs are the same.

Here's Finger Eleven "Paralyzer."

Now, here's Motley Crue "Too Young to Fall In Love."

So, what do you think? Are the riffs the same, or is it just an odd coincidence? I'll await your thoughts.