More look a like album covers

More look a likes for you.



Not the most creative cover, but I think they were trying to be respectful to their idols. 1977 set out to create an album of originals that sounds like KISS during their prime and they succeeded.



Billy Milano's M.O.D. "borrowed" MSG's logo for this one. Frankly I don't think anyone whose name is not Schenker should be allowed to put a flying V on their album cover.



Guns and Roses were a definite target during that long, long time when it looked like "Chineese Democracy" would never be released. Treephort were not very subtle in their take on the Use your illusion covers.


Dirty Skirty do a variation on Motley Crue's "Too fast for love".



Here is a link to the first part on this top in case you missed it the other week.
http://metalmark.blogspot.com/2010/09/album-cover-look-alikes.html

Top five albums of 1977

Here they are.

1-AC/DC-Let there be rock
2-Judas Priest-Sin after sin
3-Rush-Farewell to kings
4-Tie: Scorpions-Taken by force and Motorhead-s/t
5-KISS-Lovegun

A number of good albums for sure as there is one tie and I unfortunately had to leave the Nuge and Thin Lizzy off in a tight battle for the final spot. However no real great albums as "Let there be rock" is solid, but probably the band's third best album and "Sin after sin" is Priest's third or forth best of the decade. Still a fine year that saw several bands improving.

My list for 1976 will be up next week.

Thin Lizzy-Still Dangerous

VH1 Classic
2009



This show was recorded at the Tower Theatre in Philadelphia back in 1977. To me this was around the band's peak creatively. This live recording reflects that as the band are in fine form here. Thin Lizzy sound relaxed and comfortable for this set. My expectations for a live album are that I want it to be a little different form the studio versions. I may love the studio versions, but put some personality, energy or something of yourselves into the show to make it worth my time. If I want to hear the song note per note than I'll listen to that, but my hope is that on a live album that a band will either be fired up, take some chances or both. Thin Lizzy certainly take that approach here. It took all of maybe thirty seconds into the opener "Soldier of fortune" for me to know that this going to be a good live album. It seems like the band vary the tone and the grooves as much they do the pace on several of the songs here. There is certainly plenty here for fans old and new. They keep things moving an concentrate more on the songs as Phil Lynott keeps the between song banter short and sweet. Thin Lizzy were never overwhelming, but instead they made their point through a smooth and tight approach. I am sure they ever build up a great deal of momentum on this release, but it's solid overall. The sound quality is good and the band of course is in fine form. I wish that it had been a little longer. It seemed to come to an end just as I was getting into it, but still a solid album.

1977-Rock 'n Roll

Play it again records, LLC
2008



These days it seems that you cannot turn around without running into a tribute band. 1977 fortunately take a slightly different approach. Instead of merely knocking out cover songs, these guys opted to create an album of all originals. The hook is that they have crafted their songs to sound like KISS did back in 1977. Actually I think the sound here is similar to all the KISS albums from 1976 and 1977. The guitar tone is very much like the way Ace Frehley played back then. The vocal harmonies are close to Paul and Gene's style. Obviously these guys spent many an hour listing and absorbing those classic albums from the mid-late 70's. Many of the songs presented here are so close in style to classic KISS tracks that you could compare track listings and draw lines matching up which songs that 1977 were inspired by. They keep it interesting though probably due to their love of the band that they are emulating. They pay attention to detail as every little twist and turn is geared to sound like it was done twenty plus years ago. Even the little pops and hissing between tracks appeal to me as a long time vinyl fan. Simple it may be, but the songs are easy to get into and a fun listen for sure. After playing the disc for a second time I found myself inevitably singing along with the choruses like I had known these lines for years. In the end the approach of doing originals based firmly on the KISS style sure beats hearing the umpteenth cover version of "Cold Gin" or "Detroit Rock City". The band's enthusiasm and love for this type of music certainly shines through in all aspects on this album. Let's face facts it's been a long time since the real KISS have done a studio album this honest and enjoyable. So KISS fans and fans of 70's hard rock should really check this one out.



http://www.myspace.com/1977themusic