Awesome Album Series #9: RAINBOW "On Stage"

Another awesome live album coming up. In 1977 RAINBOW exposed the ultimate line up to the world with the brilliant double live LP, "On Stage". Featuring Blackmore and Dio (RIP) with Cozy Powell (RIP), Jimmy Bain and Tony Carey, the album showcase four sides of pure bliss.

It was recorded live over several German and Japanese dates in late 1976 during the "Rising" world tour. "On Stage" reflects the extraordinary talent of the group with no studio tricks or overdubs, offering absolutely surprising versions of their classics which doesn’t sound much like the studio work. That makes it a very strong album!

Awesome Album Series #8: AC/DC "Powerage"

In 1978 AC/DC detonated the brilliant “Powerage” album. Often overlooked and underrated, I think the LP is filled with awesome tracks! One of my all time fav AC/DC song is “Kicked in the Teeth” - it’s raw and an absolute perfect way to close the album.

“Powerage” marked the studio debut of Cliff Williams, and his work on this one is perfect! From the kick off with “Rock ’n’ Roll Damnation” to the excellent closer, oh well - it’s awesomeness par excellence all the way!



I never got the pleasure of seeing Bon Scott live, but saw them live in Norway twice in the 80s. I think i will see them this summer too. Luckily I stumbled upon this pearl - Live in Glasgow 1978:

Awesome Album Series #7: HANOI ROCKS "All Those Wasted Years"

Bangkok Shocks, Saigon Shakes, Hanoi Rocks - and on “All Those Wasted Years” they rocked big time! In my band at the time, Barfly, we did two Hanoi Rocks covers; “Up Around the Bend” (I know it is CCR - but we did it Hanoi-style) and “Taxi Driver”.

This awesome live album was recorded in December 1983 at The Marquee Club in London, and released in 1984, about a year before the tragic death of Razzle. My first Hanoi Rocks album was “Two Steps From the Move”, another awesome sleazy rocker! 



I never got the pleasure of seeing the band live, but this live album was a nice replacement. And when I got the video it was all just fine!

Awesome Album Series #6: JUDAS PRIEST "Sad Wings of Destiny"

I was 7 years when “Sad Wings of Destiny” came out in 1976 - and totally unaware of Judas Priest. My only knowledge of heavy rock was my elder brother`s “Stormbringer” LP.

I first started listening to Priest when I heard the “British Steel” album a few years later. Then I dug up all the previous records - and I loved them! The reason I pick “Sad Wings of Destiny” for my Awesome Album Series, is because it`s awesome :) 



The band had yet to develop the studs-and-leather image that was to become their trademark; instead, they wore contemporary mid-1970s fashions, including high-heeled boots and frilled shirts.

Awesome Album Series #5: VAN HALEN "Fair Warning"

If I had to bring only one Van Halen record to a desert island, or something, I would go for “Fair Warning”. It is approx 30 minute of true awesomeness. And as you know, awesomeness is great! It came out in April, 1981. I was 12 years old.

The LP often gets overlooked - partially because it's a dark, strange beast, partially because it lacks any song as purely fun as the hits from the first three records. But hey, that`why it is a great record!

Eddie Van Halen preferred to explore darker, longer and generally more complex song-structures that emphasized his innovative guitar work. Of course “Fair Warning” is still melodic, but dark at the same time. That`s what make it brilliant.

Eddie sounds restless here, pushing and pulling the group toward different rhythms and textures, from the disco beat that pulsates on "Push Comes to Shove" to the swinging rhythms on "So This Is Love?"