life, and a little more

3 Is The Magic Number

metalman777 — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:44:47 +0000

Mastedon is the name of a Christian rock band formed by brothers Dino and John Elefante (former members and songwriters of Kansas) in the mid-80s. The band was formed mainly as a studio project and released two full-length albums and two stand-alone songs on compilation albums.

from me:
I’ve been a huge fan of Mastedon since 1989. Being a young Christian metalhead, I stumbled upon this band with awe and reverence. I was at their one and only concert at Cornerstone ‘91!

The Elefante brothers were the founders of Pakaderm Records which released some great Christian metal albums. X-Sinner and Guardian got their start on this label. Mastedon also released their second record, Lofcaudio, through Pakaderm. I’ll give you a minute to find the connecting dots of the names…Elefante brothers, Pakaderm Records, Mastedon…

Mastedon has always been head and shoulders above other Christian metal bands. All the other bands had their secular counterparts: Whitecross was the Christian Ratt, Barren Cross was the Christian Iron Maiden, X-Sinner was the Christian AC/DC. Mastedon had their own sound and their music was better than any other melodic metal band, secular or Christian.

After 19 long years, Mastedon has released some new tunes, and they have only gotten better. 3 is destined to become a classic, must-have for any melodic rock collector.

I have audio samples from each song from the new album below. If you love what you hear, and want Mastedon’s back catalog, you can but it from . iTunes is much cheaper than Amazon.com. They do not have the mp3 downloads.

01 Revolution of Mind

02 Slay Your Demons

03 Nowhere Without Your Love

04 One Day Down By The Lake (See You Real Soon)

05 Water Into Wine (Fassa Rokka)

06 Questions (It's About Time)

07 You Can't Take Anything

08 Lying

09 Western World

10 Close Your Eyes

11 Dust In The Wind (Bonus Track)

I have give a big shout out to Bravewords.com, as they were crucial in my finding out about the new Mastedon album. They are a wealth of information for the avid music fan!

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I’m Very Fond of Tall Stories

metalman777 — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:19:01 +0000

I will always refer to the 1980’s as the era in which the best music in the world was created. 80’s rock ‘n roll will always be my preferred music of choice. As the 90’s rolled around, grunge seemed to take over the world and all was bleak and hopeless.

Or so I used to believe. I’ve recently discovered that the 90’s was a great time of melodic rock; bands such as Pink Cream 69, Harem Scarem, Jaded Heart, Novella, and Mastedon were creating some unbelievably great music. It wasn’t the flashbang spandex big hair in your face rock of the 80’s, but a much more mature sound in which the bands took control of their music and craft.

I have recently “discovered” a band who call themselves Tall Stories. They released one self titled album in 1991 and another album entitled “Skyscrapers” in 2009. I downloaded the self titled album and was absolutely amazed. These guys were GOOD! This is an almost perfect melodic rock album.

A quick Google search reveals the following facts about the band:
Hailing from New York City, the band Tall Stories consisted of lead singer Steve Augeri, guitarist Jack Morer, bass player Kevin Totoian, and drummer Tom DeFaria. The band was generally dismissed as another slick, corporate-style rock act and had the misfortune of releasing their self-titled debut as grunge acts were breaking. The ill timing resulted in an album that sank without a trace despite garnering fairly strong support from the fading AOR format. Augeri went on to join Tyketto, but by the late ’90s, he had retired from music and was working in the maintenance department for the Gap chain in Manhattan. In 1998, he was tapped to replace Steve Perry as the lead singer for Journey.

There is some talent in this band! I’m waiting until payday so I can buy their 2009 album. If you love melodic, AOR style music, you’ll LOVE this band!!

Here are few samples for your listening pleasure:

06 Somewhere She Waits

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A Ball of Confusion

metalman777 — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 23:42:57 +0000

I created a killer playlist for my run this morning, selecting some of my favorite bands covering their favorite songs. There’s nothing like listening to Dream Theater sing Iron Maiden’s “To Tame A Land”, or Killswitch Engage play Dio’s “Holy Diver” or The Showdown jam to Kansas’ “Carry On My Wayward Son”!

As I hit mile 2 on my run, Tesla’s cover of the classic Temptation song “A Ball of Confusion” started playing and really caught my attention.

(<--click to play) Tesla's cover of 'A Ball Of Confusion'I started listening to the lyrics and was moved by how relevant the song is today. It was originally written in 1970! Listen to the song and read the lyrics below:

“Fear in the air, tension everywhere” – what an accurate description of our society today! As I pondered the words, I was actually comforted to know that today’s problems were basically the same 35 years ago, which were basically the same problems as 100 years ago, and on and on. There truly is nothing new under the sun. God was there for past generations and is here for me today.

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A preview of Mastedon’s new album, 3

metalman777 — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:57:01 +0000

see my review and hear clips from all songs at this blog post!

From Frontiers Records website:

John Elefante’s name came to prominence in 1981 when he became the new lead singer and keyboardist for Kansas. John sang the lead vocals and performed keyboards on three multi – Platinum albums with band, giving also a major songwriting contribution.

In 1984, together with his brother Dino, he started to become involved for the first time in producing the Christian act Sweet Comfort Band. Soon the couple became one of the most renowned producers in the genre, in particular their tenure with Petra brought multiple gold and platinum albums, 10 consecutive CCM Magazine Reader’s Choice Awards, induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Hard Rock Cafe, and the only artist to ever have 4 albums in the SoundScan top-100 Christian chart.

Elefante also felt the songwriting muse and formed a Metal band with his brother, Mastedon. The band’s name was a pachyderm-inspired reference to the brothers’ last name. Although John was an accomplished vocalist and performer, the Mastedon albums featured multiple lead singers and performances by other artists, creating an eclectic sound anchored by John’s songwriting. His brother Dino played a prominent role, contributing songwriting and handling most of the guitar work.

Mastedon’s first release was titled “It’s a Jungle Out There!” (1989). A year later, the band released “Lofcaudio”. The albums charted at #25 and #10, respectively in the Billboard Top Contemporary Christian chart. To this day, they are still considered classics in the genre.

In 1996 John started a solo career that brought him to release three successful albums more in the Adult Contemporary – Pop Rock vein. After a few years of hiatus, John Elefante decided to go back to his roots sound with a brand new Mastedon album that – contrary to the predecessors – would only feature his amazing lead vocals. Musically, the new album, simply entitled “3” harkens back to the best of Mastedon and to his work with Kansas and none other than main Kansas songwriter Kerry Livgren appears on lead guitar on the release. More famed musicians and such as Dave Amato (REO Speedwagon), Anthony Sallee (Whiteheart), Dan Needham (Michael McDonald, Neville Brothers, Amy Grant, Garth Brooks etc) and of course John’s brother Dino Elefante.

Rich melodic harmonies and melodies are the keys to a Mastedon record and “3” is clearly an instant winner in all its moments and will remain as an hallmark in John Elefante’s career for many years to come.

MASTEDON
John Elefante: all lead vocals; rhythm guitar, keyboards
Dave Amato, Kerry Livgren: Lead Guitars
Anthony Sallee: bass
Dan Needham: drums
Dino Elefante: Additional guitars, acoustic guitar, backing vocals
With:
Tim Smith: bass on Slay Your Demons
Jr McNeely: additional guitar on Questions

And, as an added bonus they also announced this:

As a companion to this new release, Frontiers managed to acquire the rights for the re-release of Mastedon’s legendary debut album, It’s A Jungle Out There!. Released originally in 1989, it charted at #25 in the Billboard Top Contemporary Christian chart. To this day, this album is still considered classics in the genre and has reached some amazing prices in the trades on eBay. Frontiers new reissue includes full lyrics and three bonus tracks ‘Wasn’t It Love’ (from the compilation California Metal) and live versions of ‘Islands In The Sky’ and ‘Right Hand’, recorded live at Cornerstone in 1991.

The tracklisting:

‘It’s A Jungle Out There’
‘Glory Bound’
‘This Is The Day’
‘Love Inhalation’
‘Islands In The Sky’
‘Get Up’
‘Love That Will Survive’
‘Innocent Girl’
‘Shine On’
‘Right Hand’
‘Wasn’t It Love’ *
‘Islands In The Sky’ (Live at Cornerstone ‘91 )*
‘Right Hand’ (Live at Cornerstone ‘91) *
(* bonus tracks)

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Sho’ Ain’t Pretty

metalman777 — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 17:00:52 +0000

I know I’m not the most fashionable guy in the world. In fact, I think I just bought my first new shirt in 2 or 3 years just the other day. Clothes are not high on my priority list, but even I was shocked when I got home from my run today and looked down and saw what I was wearing.

Even my running dog Lucy isn't so sure about the new outfit...

Yes, this was my morning’s running wardrobe! Incredibly horribly awesome I know. One can only appreciate the bright Livestrong yellow shoes, blue/grey/black tights under a black and white running short. Even I, who cares not a bit what other people think of me, am glad that I’ll be running in the dark most of the time! Lemme explain…

It is starting to get darn cold in the mornings. I recently noticed these CW-X running tights on Amazon.com for 50% off, and I thought they would be the perfect tool to ward off the morning chills. They are also advertised to:

Patented Conditioning Web extends from the sides of the hip stabilizing pelvis and provides lower back support and helps to reduce fatique and increase power
Auto Sensor fabric helps keep the body cool and dry pulls moisture away from the body and carries it to the outside of the tight Silver dioxide fiber makes fabric antibacterial
Conditioning Web follows the main muscle structure of the upper leg intersecting at a key point of the hamstring providing a suspension system for the hamstring effectively reducing workload especially in the pull phase
Versatile performance for both outer wear and as a supportive base layer
Flat seam construction eliminates abrasion increases comfort and enhances fit by reducing bulky seams

These tights are pretty amazing. The support for the muscles in the legs is phenomenal. They seem to absorb most of the shock of the leg hitting the ground and distribute it out through the fabric. My legs are not sore like they usually are after a run!

I’m going to need to run with them for a few weeks to see the full effect, but I’m glad to have purchased them. Even if it makes me look a little weird as I run…

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And I Didn’t Even Die!

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The Supplemented Origin of Species

metalman777 — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:59:53 +0000

The evolution versus creationism debate has been raging through the Christian community for a long time now. Some Christians are literal 7 Day, the Earth is 10,000 years old creationists and some believe the earth could be billions of years old, and the God created everything through the mechanism of evolution. Both sides can be dogmatic and overbearing.

One such group that isn’t shy about what the believe in is a ministry called The Way of The Master. Fronted by Christian celebrity Kirk Cameron and quasi-apologist Ray Comfort, this ministry is finding new ways to sneak in the gospel to an unsuspecting audience. (And yeah, these are the same guys who unsuccessfully tried to “prove” that God exists without using the Bible. See the video here)

Watch the video below to see what their new plan is.

I’ll be the very first to admit that I am not a fan of this ministry at all. I think this is a propaganda piece with a lot of false information. Our kids can’t pray in public? Can’t open a Bible at school? What planet are these guys living on?

A friend of mine posted the following rebuttal video on Facebook. There is some minor language, just to let you know.

I gotta say, I like this girl. She is spunky and really feels passionate about what she is saying. She has some bad arguments at the end, but more importantly, she has some very good facts to present at the front of the video.

My original intent in writing this blog post was to talk about differing views of creationism. But after watching the videos again, I have a different problem with Way of the Master.

Why sneak in the Gospel? Are they going to be telling everyone they give the book to that there is a Gospel track inside? Are the life giving words of Jesus something to hide?

Leave some comments and tell me what you think.

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Nice, real nice

metalman777 — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 02:04:05 +0000

Nothing big to report. I finally have a minute to sit and enjoy Nathan’s soccer practice and it isn’t a million degrees out here.

Feels real good to just sit for a minute and relax in the moment.

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And I Didn’t Even Die!

metalman777 — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:06:14 +0000

As I sit here and type these words, my legs are feeling both awesomely strong and amazingly feeble….I just ran my first 10K!

Lucy the Running Dog

I’ve been running since June of this year. Running started out as a love/hate relationship, but some time this last month, I’ve started to really love it. I actually anticipate and long to get out on the road with my dog Lucy and some good tunes in my ears. Never in a million years would I have thought I’d enjoy running!

I am happy to have done 6.22 miles, but am still nervous as that is only 1/2 of a 1/2 marathon! I plan on running in the Santa Cruz Half Marathon in April. As good as I feel about finally running a 10k today, the idea of that being only the 1/2 way mark in the Santa Cruz race is still in my mind. I’m glad that I still have quite a long time to train.

My short term goal is to get my 10k down to an hour and with a long range goal of completing the 1/2 marathon in 2 hours 15 minutes or less.

This was the route I ran today. Almost made it to the UC! I was very proud of Lucy as she trotted the entire time right by my side. I was hesitant to take her as I new it would be long, but when she saw me putting on my running shoes she got excited and I just couldn’t tell her no!

She is one pooped pup now:

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Three New Gmail Themes

metalman777 — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 23:56:36 +0000

I’ve been using Gmail for very long time now. It was to my great delight when the Gmail team introduced Themes for my favorite web based email client.

Today I noticed three more new themes in my settings area.

Orca’s Island is the first new theme. It is a little drab and boring. I doubt if I’ll use it.

High Score is very colorful retro theme that harkens back to the day of Super Mario Bros.

The last new theme is entitled Turf. And yes, it is grass!

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Dynazty – Bring The Thunder review

metalman777 — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 21:07:50 +0000

Hard Rock Hideout hit it out of the ball park when they recommended this album from newcomers Dynazty (or click here for ). Rob Rockitt says this:

It makes me feel old when a band like Dynazty comes along, and rocks out like it is 1987 all over again. The funny thing is, the oldest member of Dynazty is 24. With the way Bring the Thunder rocks, you would think these guys were veterans of the Sunset Strip. In all honesty, these guys were in diapers when the L.A. Scene hit its peak. Nonetheless, Dynazty brings us a classic sounding rock record with big hooks on their debut release Bring the Thunder.

I quote Rob because he describes this bands energy exactly. Take a listen for yourself.

01 Bring The Thunder
Bring The Thunder opens the album in a huge way. This is 80’s metal in 2009! I love the big background vocals on the chorus.

02 Catch The Night
Second up is Catch The Night. It is your typical party song, but the entire thing is pretty catchy. “Drown your sorrows or they’ll drown you”. I love the cheesy cliche!

03 Lights Out (In Candyland)
Lights Out (In Candyland) would be the prerequisite “you wanna be my groupie” song from the 80’s. The vocals are extremely tight on this song. The guitar shreds. The bass pounds and the drums crash. I find myself headbanging while driving, so yeah, this song is awesome.

04 Far Away
Acoustic guitars open up the ballad Far Away. It is a decent song. The vocals carry the melody.

05 Top Of The Line
Top Of The Line
Top of the Line should have been written in 1986 when Dokken were at the top of their game. I can see the drummer twirling his drumsticks and the lead singer hammin’ it up for the camera for their non-existent video. If you love hair metal, you’ll love this song. Heck, you’ll love this entire album.

06 Monkey Wants, Monkey Needs
Monkey Wants, Monkey Needs is a very interesting title for a very interesting song. The hair flair is still flying big on this song, and that is just great!

07 Adrenaline
Adrenaline sounds like a straight away party song…

08 Take Me Down
Power ballad or slower rock song? I can’t quite categorize Take Me Down. I love the big background vocals on the chorus, as well as the staggered drum beat.

09 The Devil's Shake
I’d have to say that The Devil’s Shake is the second best song on this disc. The guitar work is supremely solid and the vocals are very strong. This is a chorus you’ll find yourself singing along to!

10 Higher N' Higher
Higher N’ Higher is another great song with that 80’s metal vibe.

11 Sail Away (Bonus Track)
I’ll give the Best Track On The Album Award to this song, Sail Away. Everything about reminds me of the metal of the good ‘ol days.

Rating: 10.0/10 (1 vote cast)

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