Megadeth discography ranked

Megadeth albums ranked by me - With the announcement of Megadeth's planned last album and farewell tour I thought I'd do a deep dive and revisit their entire catalogue.  Also with me going back to work I won't have the same luxury of time again for a while so I binged it all in two days.  I've been a fan for many years, however, I didn’t get into them until I was already an adult.  As such, my judgement is not clouded by nostalgia, but may also lack the connection to the cultural importance of the music as it was released at the time.  I've seen them live three times and thought they were great each time.

1. Rust in Peace (1990) - The first album featuring guitarist Marty Friedman and drummer Nick Menza.  It starts off with two of Megadeth’s best singles “Holy Wars . . . The Punishment Due” and “Hangar 18”. Production is markedly better than either of the first two albums, and the songs just have more layers of texture.  Three tracks in and it is an instant classic. One of the biggest criticisms of Megadeth in general is Dave’s vocals, and on tracks like “Tornado of Souls” the whiny sound is a detraction. On “Dawn Patrol” he is almost talking sounding like a creepy Marilyn Manson.  Other than that, this is a masterpiece and their Magnum Opus.

2. Peace Sells . . . But Who’s Buying? (1986) - Despite having a lot less time to write compared to the debut, the songwriting is far superior exemplified by album opener “Wake Up Dead” and title track “Peace Sells.” Themes range from black magic and occultism to modern politics. It also still has ripping riffs like on “Dark Mourning/Black Friday”. The album cemented Megadeth as a thrash superpower and helped push the genre of speed metal.  The reimagining of Willie Dixon’s “I Ain’t Superstitious” seems out of place and not as good as Killing’s “These Boots” in my opinion. 

3. Killing Is My Business . . . and Business is Good! (1985) - This one is raw in terms of production and vocals, but is loaded with blistering guitar licks.  It serves as a standard setter for thrash and set the tone for Mustaine’s career post-Metallica which was based on being heavier and faster than Metallica. Bass shines on “These Boots” but is lost in some other songs.  While the songwriting is still in development stages, “Rattlehead” and “Mechanix” seem to put it all together. For this one, I definitely recommend listening to the remastered versions for maximum rock effect.  It’s a totally different experience. 

4. Dystopia (2016) - This is one of Dave’s favorite albums and one that finally earned him a Grammy after 11 unsuccessful nominations. Chris Adler (Lamb of God) is playing on drums and Kiko Loureiro first appears as a Megadeth guitarist.  I feel like the songwriting is the strongest and the album is most cohesive since the 90’s.  There’s a definite tone and the songs musically seem to compliment the lyrics rather than acting as separate entities as sometimes happens in this band.  The playing is tremendous and there are no skip songs unlike the predecessor Super Collider where half of them were. 

5. Countdown to Extinction (1992) - This album became the band’s most commercially successful and highest charting, only held out of number one by Billy Ray Cyrus.  With the classic lineup solidified, the other members had more input and writing credits.  Mustaine’s vocals are the best up to this point.  Sonically it is heavier and not as fast as previous releases, but there are still plenty of shredding solos.  “Symphony of Destruction” is one of the best metal songs of all time and “Sweating Bullets” is one of the most cult classic Mustaine moments where he talks to the voice in his own head. Great songs, but a little slow at times for me. 

6. The World Needs a Hero (2001) - Exit Friedman and Capitol Records.  Enter Al Pitrelli and Sanctuary Records.  The return of Vic Rattlehead on the cover brings back a return to form in sound as well.  The title track and “Burning Bridges” stand out to me for the right reasons even though these weren’t released as a single.  The single “Moto Psycho” comes off as cheesy, but does have redeeming qualities. It’s an album you can play through in the background or dig into the lyrics and the parts of each musician.  Don’t sleep on this album.

7. Endgame (2009) - this was one that I bought on cd and I liked it back then.  Endgame’s lyrics sounded hyperbolic back in the Bush days, but proved prophetic in the days of 47.  There’s no monster tracks on this album, but there are some monster solos and unlike some albums I was left wanting more when this one came to an end. 

8. The Sick, the Dying . . . and the Dead! (2022) - This one took six years to put out, but there was a lot going on.  Dave Mustaine was diagnosed with throat cancer, there was a global pandemic and lockdown, then David Ellefson was ousted from the band and all of his bass parts were re-recorded.  One has to wonder how the album might have sounded with Ellefson still playing on it especially since somebody finally learned how to produce Mustaine’s vocals.  This is not quite a concept album, but there is an eerie vibe to it all.  Dave’s cancer radiation became the inspiration for “Dogs of Chernobyl” and his doctor even got a writing credit for giving information and phrases about radiation poisoning!   In a sign of modern times, six singles were released within a span of six months. 

9. The System Has Failed (2004) - The 10th studio album started as a solo album after Mustaine suffered an arm injury and disbanded the group.  A total lineup change meant Mustaine was back in control.  He apparently offered co-founder Ellefson his job back, but they couldn’t agree to financial terms.  Multiple session musicians contributed to the recording.  Heavy drumming and chunky riffs provide the backbone for harmonized guitar melodies and shredding solos that come over top. The lyrics are a strength as well.  I could listen to anything from this album and be content, but I wouldn’t be clamoring for any specific song except maybe “Truth Be Told.” 

10. Thirteen (2011) - David Ellefson returned on bass duties, but Mustaine already had a bunch of songs written.  Despite early critic reviews being pretty positive, this album is frequently very low on ranked lists of Megadeth albums. I’m partial to the heavier sound a lot of the songs have. “Never Dead, Sudden Death, and Deadly Nightshade” are really great songs.  Thematically, this album is also much stronger than a lot of the Megadeth catalogue. 

11. So Far, So Good . . . So What! (1988) - It’s the first album the drumming stands out in a positive way and credit for that goes to drum tech turned full time drummer, Chuck Behler.  It’s a very solid album but lacking some cohesiveness and monster singles. My favorite track was the 4th single “In My Darkest Hour.”

12. Youthanasia (1994) - This one took a step back from previous albums.  Most of the songs are just rock and without the solos you wouldn’t even call it a metal album, certainly not thrash.  Fun fact: they tried to be the first to record an album completely digitally, but ultimately magnetic tape was still used.  Dave Mustaine has said that he is most proud of “A Tout Le Monde.” I never could connect with the song.  I prefer “Reckoning Day,” “The Killing Road” and “Youthanasia.” 

13. United Abominations (2007) - Another new lineup and the first release on Roadrunner Records.  More disgruntled lyrics over fast music.  Mustaine basically revisited some old classics and freshened them up.  “Amerikhastan” he called basically “Part 2 to Holy Wars” and “A Tout le Monde (Set Me Free)” reprises the original with the addition of Christina Scabbia (Lacuna Coil).  It adds musicality, but it still falls short of epic. The final minute of the album at the end of “Burnt Ice,” now that’s epic! 

14. Risk (1999) - Here we take another turn as the band tries to create the next new stadium anthem with “Crush ‘Em” and explores more alternative sounds with “Breadline” and “The Doctor Is Calling.”  Dave cites guitarist Marty Friedman as the reason for slowing down the tempos.  He does get writing credit on the majority of the songs before departing a year after its release.  This is also the studio debut of drummer Jimmy DeGrasso.  It’s not a quintessential Megadeth record, but I find it a lot more listenable than its predecessor Cryptic Writings. “Wanderlust” sandwiched in the middle is a nice hidden gem of a rock and roll track.  “Seven” talks of the seven deadly sins over a groovy bass line and swing tempo drums. 

15. Super Collider (2013) - Released on another new record label, a branch of Universal created for “MegaDave,” not even Vic wanted to appear on the cover as only a dim reflection of his skull can be seen.  After a few heavy rockers in a row, this album reverts back to a more radio-friendly and commercial sound.  “Kingmaker,” “Dance in the Rain” featuring a David Draiman guest appearance, and “Don’t Turn Your Back” are not bad.  The cover of Thin Lizzy’s “Cold Sweat” is pretty good too, but the bonus tracks are better than half of what made this album.

16. Cryptic Writings (1997) - Contrary to the album title, Megadeth made a conscious effort to be more marketable with this album by being more melodic and making lyrics more accessible and inclusive.  It may have been a push from management, but Dave claims “we're willing to study the marketplace and educate ourselves.”  Lead single “Trust” is one of their best songs overall.  Second single “Almost Honest” is basically a pop song with a guitar solo 2/3 of the way through. Seriously, it sounds more Bon Jovi than Megadeth.  The third single “Use the Man” opens like the Beatles, then gets grungy, then speeds up.  The speed metal returns on “Disintegrators.” Can you say identity crisis?  Some people rank this in the middle of their catalogue, but for me it is at the bottom with only the lead track that I would go back to.

Megadeth top 10 favorite songs (amended from original list posted in 2016)

1. Holy Wars...The Punishment Due

2. Peace Sells

3. Symphony of Destruction

4. Angry Again

5. Hangar 18

6. Mechanix

7. Dialectic Chaos

8. Rattlehead

9. Never Dead

10. Dystopia

Megadeth from Gigantour in Camden 2013

Megadeth from Wellmont Theater 2013

Promo photo for the band's yet untitled final album

Chevelle - Bright as Blasphemy

If I had to listen to one band for the rest of my life, I think I'd have to pick Chevelle.  I've been a fan since Point #1 (1999).  I've seen them live ten times, and after the release of their 10th album today I can't wait to see them again.  Bright as Blasphemy is only nine songs and clocks in at just under 40 minutes, but it exemplifies what I love about this band.  They are riff dominant rock when a lot of bands aren't anymore.  They have changed their sound enough to make each album different while keeping a signature sound that works.  The lyrics are deep enough to make you think, but often amorphous enough to be left open to interpretation.

Though their last album NIRATIAS released in 2021 was not that long ago, this album was originally planned to be released at the end of 2023 and then mid-2024 before eventually getting pushed back another year.  The reasons are multiple.  Firstly, the writing process was described as "torturous" by drummer Sam Loeffler.  It's kind of ironic since the writing is down to just the two brothers, Sam and Pete.  Sam says that Pete is very self critical, however, and he will try to rewrite and improve songs until they meet his high standards.  Secondly, the album is largely self-produced.  They're at a point in their career where they are taking control of the music.  Pete does most of it himself with touring bassist, Kemble Walters, assisting in engineering. Thirdly, they signed to a new label, Alchemy Recordings, a relatively new label founded by Danny Wimmer (promoter) and Dino Paredes (manager/producer Puscifer, A Perfect Circle). Curiously, Chevelle is not yet mentioned on their official website. I wouldn't put Bright as Blasphemy as a favorite album, but it is a nice addition to their catalogue. My favorite tracks would be album opener, "Pale Horse;" lead single, "Rabbit Hole (Cowards, Pt. 1);" and closing track, "Shocked at the End of the World."  If you like riff and groove oriented rock with breakdowns to bang your head to, check it out.  Also, Chevelle is best listened to on quality headphones or speaker systems.  You get so much more depth, especially in the low end, if you listen on good equipment.

Chevelle are currently on tour with Asking Alexandria and Dead Poet Society and local dates include 8/23 (Asbury Park, Stone Pony Summer Stage), 8/26 (NYC, Rooftop at Pier 17), 8/27 (Bethlehem, Wind Creek Event Center), and 8/28 (Wallingford, Toyota Oakdale Theatre)

Chevelle at Wellmont Theater 8-3-24

Chevelle at Wellmont Theater 8-3-24

RIP Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne

Ozzy Osbourne (December 3, 1948 - July 22, 2025)

It is the end of an era.  A hard rock and heavy metal icon has passed, the one many consider the godfather of metal, Ozzy Osbourne.  He was a founding member of Black Sabbath that formed in 1968 and released their first album in 1970.  He wrote and sang on nine Black Sabbath albums and thirteen solo studio albums.  He and his wife Sharon were responsible for starting the biggest and most successful festival tours to feature metal artists.  He just played his final show from a throne on stage at Villa Park in Aston, Birmingham, UK on July 5.  The show titled “Back To The Beginning: Ozzy’s Final Bow” was already planned for a movie release early next year. Time will tell if it will now be expanded beyond the original plan of a 100 minute concert film.

I won't claim to be Ozzy's biggest fan growing up, rather my relationship with Ozzy's music evolved over time.  I was born in 1980 and I didn't start getting into rock until middle school and metal even later.  I first remember being a fan of songs like "Iron Man" (1970) and "Crazy Train" (1980).  When I was a kid I feel like Ozzy was always in pop culture.  Pop music had Michael Jackson and Madonna.  Rock music had Ozzy and Lemmy.  I knew he had his own name tattooed on his knuckles. I had heard the stories of Ozzy biting the head off of a dove (1981) and a bat (1982) and urinating on the Alamo (1982).  I didn't know quite what to think about it, but these things certainly made him stand out. 

In 1991 he had a resurgence with his second album to feature Zakk Wylde, No More Tears, featuring the title track and "Mama I'm Coming Home."  Although I was watching MTV and VH1 by this point, Headbanger's Ball was on past my bedtime.  And while I enjoyed Ozzy, Aerosmith, Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Twisted Sister, Guns N Roses, etc. in 1991 the grunge and alternative movement surged quickly and dominated airwaves.  I started listening to REM, Nirvana, and Soundgarden.  Later Alanis Morissete, Green Day, and Weezer.  In the summer of 1993 I have a distinct memory of watching the video for "Crazy Train" and thinking it was one of the greatest songs ever.  In 1994 Ozzy first appeared on Beavis and Butthead.  He also recorded a song with Miss Piggy from the muppets.  In 1995 Ozzy's Ozzmosis album came out and I particularly liked "Perry Mason." Then Ozzy kind of faded from my attention for a few years.

In college during the fall of 1999 a friend of mine introduced me to heavier music.  He was a huge fan of the Deftones' first two albums.  He then turned me onto Papa Roach, Linkin Park, Staind, etc.  This was pre-YouTube, but we had file sharing programs so I started to explore songs from these bands as well as go back to earlier metal like Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, and Judas Priest.  I bought cds of my favorite artists, and I went to my first concert in February of 2000.  I was now on my way to becoming a true metal-head.  I saw Ozzy perform live for the first time with Black Sabbath at Ozzfest 2001.  They headlined an amazing show that 170 concerts later is still my favorite of all time.  I enjoyed every set and even though I was tired from 12 hours of rocking, I remember thinking I could listen to Black Sabbath forever and be happy.  Songs like "N.I.B" and "War Pigs" really stood out in the live performance.

In October 2001 Ozzy released Down to Earth featuring "Gets Me Through; Facing Hell; Junkie; and Dreamer." This album wasn't as heavy as a lot of his material but I liked several songs on it.  In March 2002 the reality TV series The Osbournes came out.  It quickly became popular as we got to peer into the family life of the Prince of Darkness and see a softer and funnier side of Ozzy which really humanized him. I saw Ozzy on stage for the second time at Ozzfest in July 2002.  This time his band lineup featured Zakk Wylde on guitar, Mike Bordin on drums, and Robert Trujillo on bass. Obviously the sound was different, but still very cool.  I liked everything Zakk did except I didn't think Crazy Train sounded as good with him compared to Randy Rhodes.  I remember Ozzy running and jumping around a lot and hyping up the crowd, even throwing buckets of water.  They played a 14 song set including two from the new album.  Ozzy was maybe at the height of his popularity at this time and I loved getting to see him in his element performing.  

In 2003 it became public that Ozzy was being overprescribed several types of pills which affected his speech and ability to walk.  Some of the footage made it to air on his reality show and most people laughed at his condition.  However, in December 2003 when an ATV accident nearly took his life it was no laughing matter.  When I saw Ozzfest 2004 I went to the Camden show and Ozzy was sick so Rob Halford filled in for him with Black Sabbath.  In May of 2005 he was diagnosed with Parkin syndrome, a genetic disorder related to Parkinson's disease that also causes tremors, posture instability, and affected his hearing.  I got to see Ozzy again in 2007.  While it was a fun concert, Ozzy didn't sound as good as the first two times I saw him and his body was not nearly as limber.  His jumps were awkward, though he still tried.  He didn't run around as much and he held onto the microphone stand more.  The vocals were a little more garbled and he was constantly yelling "I can't hear you" and "Show me your cigarette lighters."  

It was around this time that I started writing this blog to catalogue some of my concert going experiences and write about music that I enjoy.  I didn't have to think for very long before I decided to call it "Diary of a Madman Bink" in honor of Ozzy.  At some point my friends in Phoenixband started dedicating "Crazy Train" to me when they covered it at their shows!

In 2008 Ozzfest stopped being a big traveling tour.  Ozzy continued to perform sporadically his remaining years as either a solo act or with some members of Black Sabbath until cancelling entire tours in 2019 and 2020.  He was diagnosed with emphysema and Parkinson's disease.  Given this, it is very fortunate that I got to see him the times that I did, and sounding pretty great in 2001 and 2002.  Ozzy's last album came out in September of 2022 called Patient Number 9.  I previously spoke about it here as I described it as my favorite album of the year and one of his best in a long time.  

Ozzy Osbourne's passing marks not just the end of a legendary career, but the closing of a chapter in rock history that will never be repeated. From his groundbreaking work with Black Sabbath to his theatrical solo career, he didn't just perform heavy metal - he personified it, complete with all its darkness, humor, and humanity. For fans like me who discovered his music across different decades and life stages, Ozzy was a constant icon in an ever-changing musical landscape. Whether you knew him as the bat-biting madman, the loving father from reality TV, or simply as the voice behind "Iron Man" and "Crazy Train," his influence transcended generations and genres.  Like the Beetles influenced him, he has influenced countless artists from Judas Priest, Van Halen, and Pantera to Candlemass, Fozzy, Halestorm, and Yungblud.  I feel incredibly fortunate to have witnessed him perform during the latter end of his prime years, when his voice was strong and his stage presence electric. Those memories, along with the countless fans whose lives his music touched, ensure that while the Prince of Darkness may have taken his final bow, his legacy will continue to inspire headbangers for generations to come.

Infest 25th Anniversary

"Welcome to the original Papa Roach soundfire
Viva La Cucaracha!!!
My name's Coby Dick
Mr. Dick if you're nasty
Rock a mic with a voice that's raspy
And I'm poetic in my operations
My God given talent is to rock all the nations" 

If that's not one of the coolest openings to an album, I don't know what is.  This is the opening to 2000's Infest, an album that turned 25 years old this April 25th.  I decided to reflect on it in this post because it was one of the landmark albums of my college years and early concert going.  Before the album even came out, my friend had been sharing with me demos of songs from artists like Papa Roach, Linkin Park, Disturbed, and more.  I could be wrong, but I think the first song I heard from Papa Roach was Dead Cell.  That's right.  It wasn't Last Resort like most people.  It was what would become the fourth single from the major label debut.  And I was still an instant fan.  Then the video for Last Resort started appearing on MTV's TRL and I, like many, was hooked.  Papa Roach's popularity soon skyrocketed with their songs being on TV, movies, and video games as well as relentlessly touring and putting on energetic shows.

Two days before I saw them live for the first time I saw Papa Roach perform "Last Resort" on Late Night with Conan O'Brian where I saw Jacoby slamming the microphone into his head, stomping around stage, and doing a front summersault.  I remember being amped by that.  I would see them on July 16, 2000 in Asbury Park for Warped Tour and then again on September 4 headline at the Stone Pony.  What I remember most was that Jacoby commanded the crowds, even as a younger band, whether in a small venue or huge parking lot.  The band typically wore all black and sounded really tight, especially for a hard rock band.  When I wore my Papa Roach shirt to see Linkin Park in November the bass player, Phoenix, would strike up a conversation with me about them!  I also saw Papa Roach kill it on the main stage at Ozzfest 2001.  Their live show energy was so amazing, especially for these early Infest shows.  

After the second album came out I got to go to soundcheck and do a meet and greet with the band in March of 2003 at the Birch Hill Nite Club.  Jacoby (singer), Jerry (guitar), and Tobin (bass) were all super nice to talk to and signed merchandise for me.  Dave the drummer did not hang out much.  Later I would hear that this was common behavior for him, unfortunately.  I would go on to see them a total of nine times at different venues over the years.  The final time being in 2015 when I was shoulder tackled in a Papa Roach mosh pit!

While they have also gone on to release nine more albums and stay relevant on the charts, Infest has been their most popular at 4x Platinum.  The official "Last Resort" video has nearly 300 million views on YouTube.  To commemorate the anniversary, I'll give a quick comment on each track of this legendary album:

1. Infest - A manifesto to "infest" the crowds like the cockroaches of rock and an indictment of "the government, the media, or your family."  Many people didn't think Papa Roach would still be relevant or playing in 2025, but they are still going strong and this album anthem still holds up.

2. Last Resort - Their best known song which is anti-suicide.  Lyrically and thematically it was way ahead of its time as it would be years later that we would start to hear about destigmatizing mental health issues following the suicides of Chris Cornell, Chester Bennington, Avicii, and others.

3. Broken Home - Another song about a difficult subject that has become an anthem for many listeners.  It comes off very cathartic at live shows and features some of Jacoby's best screams.

4. Dead Cell - Verses feature rapping and the chorus is a simple one meant to get the crowd to sing along.  Lyrically it warns of the dangers of digital technology on the mind.  This was the first song I heard that turned me on to P-Roach and the last single from the album.

5. Between Angels and Insects - This was the third single and another song that comes off very well in a live setting.  Lyrically it is about not being materialistic.  Sonically, there are some unique bass lines and guitar riffs.

6. Blood Brothers - Quick riffing introduces this track which has more rap-like verses and big clean-singing choruses.  This song keeps the energy up mid-album.

7. Revenge - Another guitar intro gives way to a rapping verse and big chorus.  This song also features record scratching, which was a common element in the nu-metal genre, and a breakdown with kind of a reggae drum beat.

8. Snakes - A very nu-metal style song about betrayal inspired by a roommate of Jacoby's that spent rent money on weed and got them evicted.

9. Never Enough - Straight forward rock song about self worth and a negative self-perception.  This song was on the soundtrack to Gran Turismo 3 for Playstation 2.  This game went on to become the best selling Playstation exclusive and to be considered one of the best video games of all time.

10. Binge - A cautionary tale about drinking.  Jacoby admitted to underage drinking as a teenager.  As an adult he started to have health problems that eventually led to his decision to get sober in 2012.

11. Thrown Away - Driving rhythms provide the backdrop for Jacoby to sing about the voices in his head and battling with mental health.  Sound effects lead into a hidden track called "Tight Rope" that has a reggae sound.

12. Legacy - "Clean edit" versions of Infest had this as a bonus track.  It features rapping and singing over staccato riffing.  Thematically it brings the manifesto full circle and repeats the idea that Papa Roach "was here from the start and will be here in the end."

Me, Jacoby, and Chris 3/8/03

Me, Jerry, and Chris 3/8/03

Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - An Intimate Experience

Red Jumpsuit Apparatus live from the Bunker, Virginia Beach 6/14/25

This concert was going to be memorable for me because it was going to be my first concert outside of the Northeast and because I invited my nephew to come with me for our first show together and his second ever rock show.  We got more than we bargained for!  If you haven't seen my other social media posts, bear with me as I set the stage (no pun intended) and back up to the beginning.  

I drove up to Virginia Beach from Elizabeth City, NC through torrential downpours to arrive at The Bunker brewpub and burger bar just before doors opened.  We paid to park and walked about two blocks to be fourth in line.  A bouncer kept us out in the rain, which had thankfully settled to a drizzle.  I noticed the guitar player slip out at one point with an instrument case and walk up the street.  Nobody said anything.  Then he came back a few minutes later and I said "What's up, man?"  He turned around and said something to the effect of "Hey, how's it goin?"  It was later I would remember that his name was Randy Winter.  The doors opened a couple minutes past the advertised 6:30 and the bouncer was only letting a few people in at a time.  Once we got inside I learned that it was because they were checking tickets manually from a list and they had sold out!  After a two beer wait on standby, we were able to buy two tickets and make our way into the concert hall.  Ronnie, the lead singer, was doing meet and greets and asked anyone that did not yet get a picture to form an orderly line.  Again we ended up about fourth in line and my nephew got a picture first and mentioned learning about their band from the soundtrack to the 2007 racing game MX vs. ATV Untamed. I mentioned to Ronnie that the last time I saw him was at a tiny club called the Stanhope House. He said he remembered playing there a few times, but that he didn't like that the stage was very low so he couldn't see the whole crowd.

It's worth noting that Ronnie recently made news from a social media post where he said Trump supporters shouldn't come to his shows.  What he said when he took the stage was "EVERYONE is welcome here.  I've made that pretty clear.  But if you don't like it, or you think certain groups of people are better than other groups of people, there's the door" and pointed to the exit.  He said if it was okay with us he was going to do a Q&A session before starting the regular set.  I was not expecting this so I didn't have a question ready.  Some people asked about the meanings of certain songs like "False Pretense" and "Cat and Mouse."  He played part of "Cat and Mouse" acoustic.  Then somebody asked about what he liked to listen to.  He said he has varied tastes, but a lot of it is rock.  Somebody shouted to cover a song.  He joked that we wouldn't know some of his favorites, but then started to play "Outside" by Staind.  He said he needed somebody with a phone to help him with the lyrics.  My nephew's hand shot up immediately and he was called up on stage by Ronnie to hold up his phone with the lyrics!  Ronnie then played the whole song acoustic.  He said he would do another cover in the set and then answered a couple more questions before calling the rest of the band up to play.  Notably absent (for me) was lead guitarist Josh Burke.

They then played a full band set for 60 minutes that included mostly songs from their most famous Don't You Fake It 2006 album including "In Fate's Hands; Don't You Fake It; False Pretense; Cat and Mouse; Your Guardian Angel; and Face Down" and a cover of Blink 182's "All the Small Things". The packed house was vibing along with every song.  Some people were singing or dancing, but I'd say the majority were pretty chill.  There was no crowd surfing or anything like that.  After the set my nephew told Ronnie that he should join us for food at a restaurant a mile away.  Then he disappeared backstage.  We checked out the merch booth and then chatted with Randy while he packed his gear.  My nephew talked to him about some local venues.  He pointed at the speakers during a song and I recognized HIM was playing.  He seemed impressed I knew them and we talked briefly about HIM and CKY, who I had seen recently.  We asked if he was coming out to eat with us and he said "I don't know anything about that.  I'll see if I can get Ronnie for you."  Then we were shooed away by security.  We waited out front for a bit by what looked to be their tour bus.  I was starting to think that we would be abandoned when Ronnie came out and said "Ok, where's this chicken place?"  My nephew explained it's called Chix on the Beach and they're known for seafood.  Ronnie said he is deathly allergic and didn't want to risk it.  He asked if there was a buffet or something in the area.  We couldn't quickly come up with something to suit him so he told us to hit him up on Discord and the socials and we could possibly hang out the next time we see them.  I was a little disappointed that we couldn't hang this night, but he had already been cool with us and we were starving by that point so we went to the place my nephew had his mind set on.  Their food was very good and we drove home with full bellies and discussing what an awesome night we just had.

In my opinion, the entire RJA catalogue is pretty good so if you like emo and alternative rock you should dive deeper into their music.  They previously released all their albums for free, but the links appear to be dead now.  You can find them on most streaming services.  See video of my nephew assisting on "Outside" here along with other videos and shorts on my YT channel.  

What do you look for in lyrical themes?

I've had an article bouncing around in my head for a while that will eventually get published, but then I had a shower thought today that I decided to do first.  It's a departure from my usual reviews and lists, and more of a question that will hopefully generate some discussion.  

What do you like in musical themes?  Do you gravitate to music that is about romance?  What about fantasy?  What about violence?  What about empowerment?  Most of us have a favorite genre, but what about lyrical themes?  Do you seek out songs that have a certain kind of content?

I generally don't seek themes first, but I do often try to pair music to match or improve my mood.  I think lyrics can be really important or sometimes immaterial to a song's success.  I tend to like songs that tell a story like Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Gimme Three Steps" or Finger Eleven's "Paralyzed."  Did you ever notice they are both about awkwardness on the dance floor?  Random.  One that is both romantic and tells a story is Willie Nelson's "Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground."  Sometimes I like the paranormal themes of Dio or Crobot, but I never really got into the fantasy metal too deeply, which some bands built their whole careers on.  One of my favorite themes for songs is about lying or liars, and particularly those that get punished for lying, like ill Niño's "Liar" and Lifer's "No Need".  I have thought about making a whole playlist of these songs.  Anyone interested?  What are your favorite lyrical themes, or are you all over the place?

Top Rock Albums of 2024 with a twist

I didn't post my usual top 10 albums of the year for 2024 in time for Christmas.  First of all, I thought it was a down year for rock after a few strong years.  Second, life has been difficult lately and I have been focusing on other things.  I spent a lot of entertainment hours listening to music still, but also on listening to podcasts and other YouTube channels.  I've recently been learning more about AI and I used it to help me make this post about top rock albums of 2024 in my voice.  See if you notice anything fishy or if you like it.  LMK.

1. Judas Priest - Invincible Shield

Priest delivered exactly what I hoped for with "Invincible Shield." At 72, Rob Halford's vocals are still powerful, and the dual guitar attack of Richie Faulkner and Andy Sneap brings that classic Priest sound into 2024. This album feels like a natural follow-up to "Firepower" with tracks like "Panic Attack" and "Crown of Horns" that could stand alongside their classics from the 80s. They've managed to maintain their heaviness while incorporating just enough modern production to keep things fresh. This is how legacy bands should age - by refusing to mellow out.

Best tracks: Panic Attack, Crown of Horns, Invincible Shield

2. Alkaline Trio - Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs

It's been six years since their last album, but Alkaline Trio hasn't missed a beat. "Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs" delivers that perfect mix of punk energy and gothic sensibilities that's made them unique for over 20 years. Matt Skiba's return after his stint with Blink-182 seems to have reinvigorated the band. The album balances their trademark dark lyrics with surprisingly catchy hooks. This is easily their strongest material since "Crimson."

Best tracks: Bad Time, Break, Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs

Static-X - Project Regeneration Vol. 2

After seeing them live at Starland Ballroom back in February 2024, I was hyped for this release. Wayne Static's legacy lives on with the band expertly weaving his recorded vocals and synth work with new material. The combination of industrial metal grooves and Xer0's faithful vocal delivery has produced a viable version of the band that seems as popular as ever and with more buzz about them than I can recall since "Wisconsin Death Trip." Tracks like "Z0mbie" absolutely crush live, but deeper cuts like "Electrical Pulse" and "Terminator Oscillator" show they're not just relying on nostalgia. This album bridges the gap between their classic sound and modern production in a way that honors Wayne while still moving forward.  Their stage show is better than ever.  Click here for a look back at my previous post.

Best tracks: Z0mbie, Electrical Pulse, Terminator Oscillator

Sum 41 - Heaven :x: Hell

Sum 41 are calling it quits after releasing a double album.  The first is supposed to be more pop-punk akin to their early days and the second more metal influenced, but it is all power-pop and some of the best material Sum 41 has released.  If you are a fan of the genre, you don't want to miss this epic farewell release.

Best tracks:

Spiritbox - Tsunami Sea

Spiritbox has absolutely exploded with their first full-length follow-up to 2021's Eternal Blue. Courtney LaPlante continues to showcase her incredible range, effortlessly switching between devastating screams and ethereal clean vocals. The band's unique blend of djent, metalcore, and atmospheric elements feels more refined than ever. Mike Stringer's guitar work is both technical and emotive, creating intricate soundscapes that perfectly complement the vocal performance. This album cement's Spiritbox's place as one of modern metal's most exciting acts that some consider to be the future of hard rock.

Best tracks: Black Rainbow, Soft Spine, No Loss No Love

Smashing Pumpkins, Aghori Mhori Mei

Rather than release any singles ahead of time, the album came at once. I didn't honestly expect to like more than a song or two, but it was a good album front to back. After some questionable divergence from their signature sound, Smashing Pumpkins rock again and I'm here for it.

Green Day - Saviors

Green Day's return to form surprised me as much as anyone. After a few albums that felt like they were chasing trends, "Saviors" brings back the snotty punk energy that made them great while incorporating the maturity they've gained over the years. Billie Joe sounds rejuvenated, Mike Dirnt's bass lines are prominent in the mix again, and Tré Cool's drumming propels these songs with an urgency I haven't heard from them in a long time. Songs like "The American Dream Is Killing Me" show they still have something to say.

Best tracks: The American Dream Is Killing Me, Look Ma, No Brains!, Dilemma

Mick Mars - The Other Side of Mars

After parting ways with Mötley Crüe, Mars has delivered a surprisingly heavy and vital solo debut. Free from the constraints of his former band, he's created a record that showcases his distinctive guitar work while exploring new territory. His collaboration with vocalist Jacob Bunton (formerly of Adler) brings a fresh energy to his bluesy, hard rock sound. At 73, Mars proves he's still got plenty of gas in the tank and wasn't the one holding Mötley back.

Best tracks: Loyal to the Lie, Undone, Right Side of Wrong

What albums did I miss? Let me know in the comments, and don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for concert footage and more music discussion.

Note: This post was created with writing assistance from Claude, an AI assistant by Anthropic. All opinions and musical assessments reflect my personal taste and style.