It’s come up so many times I’m always forced to wonder why such bands as Led Zeppelin, Jethro Tull (thanks a lot, Grammies), and even Black Sabbath (there, I said it) are shoehorned into the metal category when by today’s standards they wouldn’t be called that at all.

I understand that such bands are integral to the musical evolution that gave rise to modern metal.  But by including them under the metal umbrella for the purposes of “all time greatest band” lists, and so forth, it really skews the shit out of things.  So am I right?  I’m thinking that any band that is considered for a list/poll/etc. should be held up to the current metal standards of the day.

Now, I recognize we’re getting into the murky waters of the Sea of Subjectivity, but I’m thinking this is a valid point.  Whaddayasay?

- Genghis likes Zep’s mix of tasty riffs and Tolkien spices 

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The seventh installment for the two weeks ending January 31, 2010 bring up such diverse topics as Chilean riots, Billy Idol, Aerosmith and the ephemeral nature of love.  Give it a chance, eh?
- Genghis has Dancin’ With Myself stuck in his head now…

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Are you ready to rock?  Well strap yourself in, because we are about to bring you one of our heaviest interviews yet.  In our 8th installment of TRTR’s An Evening With… series, the boys sat down with Paul Shortino to discuss his latest CD, Chasing My Dream, as well as his involvement in the recent King Kobra reunion.  Whether it be music or politics, Paul lays it all out there, and lets you know what he really thinks.

Featured Beer of the Show:  Kona - Pipeline Porter

Featured DVD of the Show: Quiet Riot - 89′ Live in Japan

Featured Tracks: Rough Cutt - Black Widow, Quiet Riot - Callin the Shots, Shortino - I remember You, Rough Cutt - Dressed to Kill, Shortino/Northrup - Body and Soul, Shortino - Missing, Promises, Rouch Cutt - Dreamin Again and Shortino - To the Cross;

Ragman is feeling rough.

Black Tora is a power trio from McAllen, TX.  The band is young, but they have an old school sound, that can’t be matched.  I swear this CD could have came out in 1982.  The sound is classic and the songs have the same vibe from that era.  Don’t get me wrong, the CD doesn’t sound dated, it just has a raw feel which is reminiscent of a lot of the hard rock and metal that was coming out around that time.   These guys have been able to capture some of magic in a bottle from the early 80’s, which I think might get them noticed.  The band recorded their debut CD on Paul Shortino’s Rock Quary/Music Works label.  Paul produced the CD as well as lending a guest vocal to the final track Warrior.

Rise of the Tora is chock full chock of raw, adrenalized hard rock tunes. The CD starts with the hard rocking track Burn Out, but it wasn’t until the 2nd track Never Enough, that I was sold.  Never Enough is one of those classic tunes that will get stuck in your head and won’t let go.  It is an aggressive song with a very catchy melodic chorus.  The next track Criminal has a cool Rainbow type feel to it.   It is a mid paced rocker that has a cool Man on the Silver Mountain vibe to it.  Cool tune.  The CD is pretty solid from start to finish.

The songs are well written and catchy.  It is so amazing how dead on these guys sound is; it’s really pretty scary.  Oh yeah one more great thing a bout this band is that guitarist Dave Benitez can rip.  There is some really nice axe-work on this CD and if that ain’t enough vocalist/bassist Chris Daniels has a cool raspy voice which is reminiscent of Manowar’s Eric Adams.  The CD has a nice mix of up and mid tempo rockers.  All in all a solid CD form start to finish.

Bottom Line: Great new rock from a hard rock trio that are poised to take the world by storm.  Solid tunes mixed with great musicianship makes for a solid debut outing.  I swear, once you hear this CD, you will think that you have been transferred back in time 25 years.  And we all know that ain’t a bad thing.  Fresh new rock with an old school sound.

Standout Tracks: Never Enough, Criminal, Stealing Thunder, Wild Child.

Ragman needs to check these local dudes out live.

Would you call Marilyn Manson the shock rock king of the new millennium?  Not sure if I would, but I know many that would.  Not sure if Alice Cooper passed off the baton to Manson, or if he even approves of Manson’s antics, but you would be hard pressed to deny that this dude is all about controversy and perversity.  Manson makes the legendary Cooper character look like a well behaved school boy, by today’s standards.  That being said, it is hard to believe Manson has been around for 20 years.  It seems like yesterday, when I saw this dorky kid asking questions on an Mtv mid afternoon countdown show.  I’ve never been a big fan of Manson’s music, but I have always been intrigued to see what one of their live shows was like.  Thanks to Eagle Vision the opportunity has now presented itself with the release of Gods, Guns and Goverment, and better yet it is on Blu-ray.

God, Guns and Government is a show from the band’s 2002 tour in support of Holy Wood.   As you would expect, the band has an over the top look; like a motley crew of demented transvestites and evil clowns.  The stage show reminds me a little of Motley Crue’s Carnival of Sins tour.  The stage set is made up of odd images and some pretty cool lighting effects.  The DVD is shot very well and with the Blu-ray HD, you totally get a sense of being there.   I have to admit the show is pretty entertaining and the music ain’t half bad either.  I’m not sure if the music would be as strong had I not had the visual, but needless to say, it works.  Manson works the crowd like a pro and the band rocks pretty hard as well.  Still can’t believe John 5 is in this band.  The only downside to this DVD is having to see Manson in his leather bustier for the majority of the show. The sound quality on the DVD is spot on as well.  Be sure to check out the Special Feature The Death Parade for candid look backstage, at the madness which is Manson.  All in all a very enjoyable watch.

Bottom Line:  Marilyn Manson live, does not disappoint.  This DVD presents a very entertaining show and could actually make some non-believers start believing.  Don’t think I’ll go out and grad their whole back catalog, but I will be more open to when they have new music coming out.  I have to say this turned out to be alot better than I though it would be.

Ragman thinks John will be the next member of Marilyn Manson.