With the majority of the world celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Beatles landmark first performance on the Ed Sullivan show, Aaron and Chris decided to dip their toe(s) into this renewed Beatlemania.   The guys discuss and spin some of their favorite 'heavy' Beatles tracks from albums such as The White Album, Yellow Submarine, Sergent Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Abbey Road and more.   We also hear from Podkisst host Ken Mills with his picks for favorite heavy Beatles tunes. If you didn't already know, Ken hosted a fantastic look back at the Sullivan show appearance in a special entitled Beatles Invade America. We highly recommend it!   We hope you enjoy this look/listen to The Heavier Side of the Beatles.   Buy Music!   The Beatles   Contact Us!   Rate, Review, and Subscribe in iTunes Join the Fan Page Follow on Twitter E-mail Us Comment Below     Call us on the Hotline! (540) DBGeek - 1 or (540) 324-3351

After a wild couple of weeks of going behind the KISS curtain, we're back this week to kick back, have some laughs, and spin some awesome cover songs. This week we bring you Under Covers 2, a collection of kick-ass hard rock and metal cover songs. Some of these are just great takes on the original and others are more rocked-up versions of less rocking songs. Covers by bands such as Bobaflex, Me First & the Gimme Gimmes, Ronnie James Dio, Halestorm and Nantucket covering songs by great acts like AC/DC, Styx, Alice Cooper, Simon & Garfunkle, and Hall & Oates (weird, I know). Hope you enjoy! Buy Music! (click artist name to purchase) Bobaflex Jizzy Pearl Me First and the Gimme Gimmes John Corabi Nantucket Ronnie James Dio Stevie Rachelle Halestorm Skid Row Contact Us! Rate, Review, and Subscribe in iTunes Join the Fan Page Follow on Twitter E-mail Us Comment Below Call us on the Hotline! (540) DBGeek - 1 or (540) 324-3351

General music listeners tend to state that there's no good music being produced these days. But, true Decibel Geeks know that isn't the case and this week Aaron and Chris are out to prove it as they share some of their favorite tracks from albums released in 2013. Also included in this discussion are the top picks from the Decibel Geek website writers. You'll learn through this hour-plus episode that a ton of great music was put our in 2013 by classic rockers you love as well as newer upstarts that have something to prove. Tracks from LaValle, Volbeat, Hardcore Superstar, Black Sabbath, Stryper, Motorhead, and more give you plenty to think about as we head into the new year. Buy Music! Michael Monroe - Horns & Halos Stryper - No More Hell to Pay Heaven's Basement - Filthy Empire Motorhead - Aftershock Black Star Riders - All Hell Breaks Loose The Bronx - The Bronx (IV) Queens of the Stone Age - ...Like Clockwork LaValle - Lavalle - Dear Sanity Black Sabbath - 13 [Deluxe Edition] Fates Warning - Darkness in a Different Light Volbeat - Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies Wednesday 13 - The Dixie Dead Queensryche - Queensryche Hardcore Superstar - C'Mon Take On Me Contact Us! Rate, Review, and Subscribe in iTunes Join the Fan Page Follow on Twitter E-mail Us Comment Below Call us on the Hotline! (540) DBGeek - 1 or (540) 324-3351 Direct Download

With this week containing that festive holiday that goes by many names (Christmas at DBG headquarters), Aaron and Chris decided to spread some seasonal cheer by spinning some notable songs that fit such a jolly time. BUY MUSIC! (click artist name to purchase) Teenage Casket Company - One Thing You Don’t Need ThisChristmas  E'nuff Z'nuff – Happy Holiday Twisted Sister – Oh Come All Ye Faithful AC/DC – Mistress for Christmas Tom Keifer – Blue Christmas Dio, Iommi, & Appice – God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen Brighton Rock – White Christmas Wednesday 13 – Buried by Christmas Dokken – Santa Claus is Coming to Town The Donnas – Christmas Wrapping Contact Us! Rate, Review, and Subscribe in iTunes Join the Fan Page Follow on Twitter E-mail Us Comment Below Call us on the Hotline! (540) DBGeek - 1 or (540) 324-3351

After getting through the whirlwind that was the first half of the year, Aaron and Chris return to tell the second half of the story in this week's 1978 Year in Review Part 2. This week, Aaron and Chris discuss the people, places, events, and music of the rest of the year. Stories include the over-saturation of KISS-mania, the poorly received Sgt. Pepper movie, and the Texxas Jam. Tracks from bands including Boston, Ramones, Black Sabbath, KISS, Gillan, Rush, and Rose Tattoo among others. We also include some interesting television commercials and promos from the year that was 1978. Buy Music! Boston - Dont Look Back The Who - Who Are You Styx - Pieces of Eight KISS - Ace Frehley KISS - KISS Gene Simmons KISS - Paul Stanley KISS - Peter Criss Ramones - Road to Ruin Black Sabbath - Never Say Die Ted Nugent - Weekend Warriors Gillan - Gillan Lynyrd Skynyrd - Skynyrd's First And...Last Rush - Hemispheres Judas Priest - Hellbent for Leather Alice Cooper - From the Inside Rose Tattoo - Rose Tattoo Contact Us!   Rate, Review, and Subscribe in iTunes Join the Fan Page Follow on Twitter E-mail Us Comment Below   Call us on the Hotline! (540) DBGeek - 1 or (540) 324-3351

We're going back in time this week to an era of disco, bellbottoms, and great rock n' roll as we present the first installment of our 1978 Year in Review.  Aaron and Chris had a lot of great music to choose from for this episode and you'll hear it along with all the pop culture discussion you've come to expect from these audio time capsules.  January through July of 1978 was a busy time for hard rock and early metal acts and Aaron and Chris present plenty of song clips and discussion of artists such as Judas Priest, Rainbow, KISS, AC/DC, Journey, Angel, Starz, Cheap Trick, and much, much more! Buy Music! (click album title to purchase via Amazon) Judas Priest - Stained Class Rainbow - Long Live Rock & Roll Ringo Starr - Bad Boy KISS - Double Platinum Tom Petty - You're Gonna Get it AC/DC - Powerage Foghat - Stone Blue Rolling Stones - Some Girls Journey – Infinity Starz – Attention Shoppers Angel – White Hot Van Halen – Van Halen Generation X – Generation X Bob Seger – Stranger in Town Cheap Trick - Heaven Tonight UFO – Obsession Contact Us! Rate, Review, and Subscribe in iTunes Join the Fan Page Follow on Twitter E-mail Us Comment Below Call us on the Hotline! (540) DBGeek - 1 or (540) 324-3351

If there is one band that truly defines having a "good time" it's Van Halen. Formed in 1974 in suburban Pasadena, California, brothers Alex and Eddie Van Halen were joined by bassist Michael Anthony and vocalist David Lee Roth and set forth in creating music history. Blessed with other-worldly talent, Eddie quickly redefined the art of hard rock guitar playing via two-handed tapping and whammy bar dive bombs. Alex's drumming, rooted in the influences of Ginger Baker and Buddy Rich, was an aggressive undercurrent to the band's sound. Michael Anthony's rock solid bass playing was only overshadowed by his angelic backing vocals. And David Lee Roth's ringmaster routine; featuring high jumps and other assorted acrobatics, rounded out a band that would marry classical influences with Harlem soul to create the combustible mix that was the Roth-Era of Van Halen. After 1984, it seemed that the spirit of original Van Halen was lost forever with Roth embarking on a long solo career and the brothers starting to work with Sammy Hagar. But, time does tend to heal all wounds and after many years of assorted will-they-won't-they drama, the original Van Halen (sans Michael Anthony) reconvened in 2006 and released new material in 2012. Toddzilla This week Aaron and Chris are joined by Nashville rock music legend Todd Austin (aka Toddzilla). Todd has been a fixture of the Nashville rock/funk music scene for many years. Known in local circles as the 'Minister of Funk' through his work with JonesWorld and his new project Funkhammer, Todd wanted to join us for a discussion of Roth-Era Van Halen and how it affected him as a guitar player and as a person. In this discussion we'll discuss favorite tracks from all Roth-Era VH albums as well as indulge in some of Toddzilla's favorite memories of Dave and the boys from back in the day. It's a solid hour of nostalgia for debauchery and crazy concert memories of a legendary band. Don't miss it! More Toddzilla! (Click Band Name for More Info) Funkhammer Todzilla's Funkhammer JonesWorld Buy Roth-Era VH Music! (Click Album Title to Buy on Amazon!) Van Halen Van Halen II Women & Children First Fair Warning Diver Down 1984 A Different Kind of Truth Contact Us!   Rate, Review, and Subscribe in iTunes Join the Fan Page Follow on Twitter E-mail Us Comment Below   Call us on the Hotline! (540) DBGeek - 1 or (540) 324-3351 Direct Download

The holidays are fast approaching and Chris and Aaron are as busy as ever getting some great episodes and interviews together to bring to all of you Decibel Geeks. This week, the guys stop to take a breather and give you a taste of what they've been listening to. There's a lot of variety in this new edition of the Radio Sucks Radio show. Brand new tracks by The Black Spiders, Michael Monroe, The Dead Daisies, and Hardcore Superstar fit in nicely with some awesome covers performed by Vince Neil, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Damone. There's even more but you gotta listen! Michael Monroe – Stained Glass Heart – Horns & Halos   The Dead Daisies (ft. Slash) – Lock N’ Load –The Dead Daisies   Black Spiders – Balls –This Savage Land   Mr. Big – The Whole World’s Gonna Know –Bump Ahead   Hardcore Superstar – C’mon Take on Me –C'Mon Take On Me   Tesla - Children's Heritage -Gold   Damone - Everybody Wants You –Everybody Wants You   Randy Castillo/Tracii Guns/Stevie Rachelle – Too Late for Love –Arena Rock Classics   Vince Neil - Long Cool Woman –Tattoos & Tequila   Smashing Pumpkins - (We're All) Clones –Aeroplane Flies High    Contact Us!   Rate, Review, and Subscribe in iTunes Join the Fan Page Follow on Twitter E-mail Us Comment Below Call us on the Hotline! (540) DBGeek - 1 or (540) 324-3351

Decibel Geek is much more than just a weekly podcast. If you don't already know, there are a TON of great articles being put out consistently by our dedicated staff of writers; giving you more hard rock and metal stuff to geek out on on the days between episodes. Many of the articles are inspired by song choices from Aaron and Chris that are featured on the episodes. There are also a number of reviews of some of the best new and classic albums being put out regularly. This week Aaron and Chris shine a spotlight on the great articles being written by the Decibel Geek staff. All song choices were inspired by an article written by a particular staff member. There's quite a bit of great variety in this episode and we hope this will help turn you on to some great new/classic music. Click on writer's name to read the original article that inspired the song choice.  Click on the album title to go to Amazon and order! Andy Lafon: LaValle – Don’t Cry –Dear Sanity   The Meister: Arch Rival - In The Face of Danger –In the Face of Danger   Kate Campbell: Queensryche – Fallout –Queensryche    BJ Kahuna Hawaii - Escape the Night –Loud, Wild, and Heavy   Billy Hardaway: Alter Bridge – Farther than the Sun -Fortress   Derik Novak: Stryper - The Rock That Makes Me Roll –Soldiers Under Command   Loosecannon: Bobaflex – Wading Through the Dark –Charlatan's Web   Cynthia Johnson: Skid Row - Big Guns –Skid Row   J. Alexander: GWAR – Madness at the Core of Time –Battle Maximus   Wally Gator: Ace Frehley – Snowblind –Ace Frehley  Contact Us! Rate, Review, and Subscribe in iTunes Join the Fan Page Follow on Twitter E-mail Us Comment Below Call us on the Hotline! (540) DBGeek - 1 or (540) 324-3351

Every once in a while in the past, Aaron and Chris would break out a track that's from an up and coming act that has an old-school vibe that fits within the Decibel Geek methodology. They would usually call this a Fresh Blood track. Upon further investigation, there's a TON of great new rock and metal being made these days and Chris and Aaron are in the fortunate position to bring you full volumes of this Fresh Blood series and we kick it off today!  We hope you enjoy this new batch of ear candy! Click Artist name for more info.  Click track/album name to purchase on Amazon Wyldlife - The Time Has Come to Rock & Roll [Explicit] Revolution Riot - "Ashes of Dreams", Untitled (TBA) Scorpion Child – Polygon of Eyes – Self-Titled (2013) Hammering Process - "Kachina"- Hammering Process [Explicit] (2012) Monster Truck – The Lion – Furiosity (2013) Robot Lords of Tokyo - "Hell Will Have to Wait"- Virtue & Vice (2013) Impera – Beast Within –  Pieces of Eden (10/18/13) 210 To Lowell - "Dead Jimmy", Dirtier Than The Devil (2013) Screaming Eagles – Rock & Roll Soul – From the Flames (2013) The Mad Mad Ones - "Bury Me", The Mad Mad Ones (TBA)

With Halloween fast approaching, we felt this week was the best time to go ahead and take a look into the history of Shock Rock. It's time for Shock Rocktober! In this hour-plus episode, Aaron and Chris Go back to the earliest days of Shock Rock with Screamin' Jay Hawkins all the way through Lordi today and along with some acts you may have missed the first time. Before we get to the music, we're proud to announce a special prize giveaway brought to you by the Decibel Geek Podcast and Michael Wagener. We're giving away a free slot to Michael Wagener's upcoming 7-Day Production Workshop at Wireworld Studio near Nashville, TN. The week-long workshop begins on December 1st. The normal cost of this 7-day workshop is $2450.00. In this workshop, you'll learn hands-on technique in the birth of a song all the way through recording, mixing, and mastering. It's a unique chance to work with a music production legend in an intimate setting. To enter the contest, simply e-mail a letter to us along with an mp3 sample of your work (if available). The letter should state why you think you are the best candidate for this workshop and what you hope to get out of it. E-mail us at decibelgeek@gmail.com. Deadline for submissions is midnight on 11/9/2013. Winner will be chosen and notified within 1 week. Good luck to all! Buy Music! (Click Artist to Purchase) Screamin Jay Hawkins The Crazy World of Arthur Brown Iggy Pop & The Stooges Alice Cooper KISS Wendy O. Williams GG Allin Ozzy Osbourne WASP King Diamond Lizzy Borden GWAR Rob Zombie Marilyn Manson Slipknot Murderdolls - Wednesday 13 Lordi Also-rans: Screaming Lord Sutch, The Doors, Frank Zappa, Black Sabbath, Sex Pistols, Twisted Sister, Motley Crue, Green Jelly, Rammstein, TOOL, Mushroomhead, Mindless Self Indulgence, Lady Gaga. Contact Us! Rate, Review, and Subscribe in iTunes Join the Fan Page Follow on Twitter E-mail Us Comment Below Call us on the Hotline! (540) DBGeek - 1 or (540) 324-3351

Whether you know the name Michael Wagener or not chances are, if you're a fan of this show, he's had a major impact on your life. A cursory glance at the discography of this German-born music production legend will leave you stunned due to the number of pivotal hard rock and heavy metal moments he helped create and shape.  This week Aaron and Chris head to Wireworld Studios for a long-form discussion of some of the many highlights of Michael's career. In this discussion, you'll hear about his early roots in Germany as he helped form Accept and then made the jump across the pond to begin his storied career on a ready-to-explode Sunset Strip. One project led to another and within just a few years Michael had worked with acts such as Dokken, Motley Crue, Metallica, Poison, Stryper, White Lion, and Skid Row just to name a few.  In this talk, Michael also shares his take on the evolution of the recording industry and the changes that have taken place due to the digital divide. It's a solid hour of insight on many of your favorite albums and artists and it's right here for you this week on the Decibel Geek Podcast.  Michael Wagener Official Website: www.michaelwagener.com Contact Us!   Rate, Review, and Subscribe in iTunes Join the Fan Page Follow on Twitter E-mail Us Comment Below   Call us on the Hotline! (540) DBGeek - 1 or (540) 324-3351

One of the nicest people that we've interviewed over the past 2+ years was Jan Kuehnemund, founder of all-female hard rock band Vixen. While Jan's guitar skills and physical beauty provided her with a powerful 1-2 punch in the music industry, those things were overshadowed when you actually talked to her. Jan's dedication, integrity, and drive helped propel her and Vixen to stardom in the late 1980's. Those qualities also served her well through the many lean years that followed. All of this is what makes this week's episode so difficult for us.  Jan Kuehnemund passed away last Friday October 10th, 2013 after a long battle with cancer.  We interviewed Jan in late February of 2012 and uploaded the episode on March 2nd, 2012. The process of interviewing Jan was a true pleasure. She was forthcoming, funny, intriguing, and patient in giving us knuckleheads in Nashville an hour of her time to yack about rock music and her life in it. We could have just gone ahead and dedicated this week's episode to Jan and proceeded with a new theme. But, Jan really left an impression on us and Aaron and I still have good memories of talking to her. The Decibel Geek podcast has really grown since April of 2012 (83 episodes ago!) and we couldn't think of a more fitting tribute to Jan than to give you all a replay of our conversation. In this talk, she talks about the early days of bringing Vixen from Minnesota to Los Angeles, their struggles to be taken seriously, and their rise to fame. She also details the difficult days of the 1990's, acrimony among band members and the beginning of reconciliation with the girls for VH1's Bands Reunited series. She also shares touring memories of working with such acts and Deep Purple and KISS. While the war stories are interesting and entertaining, we hope you will take from this talk what we did; Jan Kuehnemund was a thoughtful, caring, and beautiful spirit that will most definitely be missed. Rock in Peace Jan. Your music lives on. - Chris Czynszak

We're back this week with another edition of the Radio Sucks Radio Show. We love doing this version of the show because it allows us to focus on the most important thing....the music! This week Aaron and Christ return with volume 14 of our popular Radio Sucks Radio Show. In this episode you'll deep cuts from artists such as Tom Keifer, Tora Tora, Peter Criss, and Brides of Destruction. You'll also get a heaping helping of newer stuff from bands like Stryper, Brand New Machine, and Teenage Casket Company. It's over an hour of solid, rock-filled goodness that's just waiting to ooze into your ears so crank it up and check it out! Geek of the Week is Jamie McNicol from Krazy Knights: The Australian KISS Podcast. Jamie and his co-host produce a weekly show about the Hottest Band in the Land from Down Under. Lots of interesting guests and interesting discussion. We here at the Decibel Geek podcast encourage our listeners to check out this great show! Buy Music! Song List (Click to Purchase on Amazon!) Honky Toast - Shakin and a Bakin from Whatcha Gonna Do Honky Tom Keifer - Ain't That a Bitch from The Way Life Goes Tora Tora - Amnesia from Wild America Bruce Dickinson - Tattooed Millionaire from Tattooed Millionaire Brides of Destruction - Brace Yourself from Here Come the Brides Teenage Casket Company - Takes a Little Time from Still Standing Peter Criss - Bad Attitude from Criss Cat #1 Brand New Machine - Blackout Overdose from The Devil Made Me Do It Hair of the Dog - The Party Ain't Over from Hair of the Dog Stryper - Revelation from No More Hell to Pay Contact Us! Rate, Review, and Subscribe in iTunes Join the Fan Page Follow on Twitter E-mail Us Comment Below Call us on the Hotline! (540) DBGeek - 1 or (540) 324-3351

The average music fan these days tends to enjoy a band while they are "in fashion" and on the charts. Unfortunately, that's a passing thing and what goes up, must come down. It seems that the instant that a band falls out of favor with the general crowd, it becomes the majority's modus operandi to mock said artist for a short while and then, worse, ignore them completely. This usually leads to the artist working twice as hard to put out quality material (sometimes too hard in the case of trend following) and typically continued to be ignored by the mainstream listening audience. It's a sad state of affairs where nobody wins. The artist doesn't win due to their hard work not getting recognized and the music fans don't win due to not being aware of the material being released by the artist due to flavor-of-the-week favoritism. This week, Aaron and Chris set out to introduce your ears to some gems that were lost on overlooked and ignored albums by bands/artists that had already seen their "better days." Tracks by artists such as David Lee Roth, Enuff Z'nuff, Hanoi Rocks, The Doors, Alice Cooper, Hanoi Rocks and more highlight this episode as we unearth "Buried Treasures." Enuff Z'Nuff - Tweaked, "Life is Strange" (1995) Poison – Crack a Smile – “Shut Up, Make Love” (2000) The Doors - L.A. Woman, "The Changeling" (1971) Badlands – Voodoo Highway – “The Last Time” (1991) Black Label Society - 1919 Eternal, "Demise of Sanity" (2002) Hanoi Rocks – Street Poetry – “This One’s for Rock and Roll” (2007) Pearl Jam - Riot Act, "Get Right" (2002) David Lee Roth – Your Filthy Little Mouth – “She’s My Machine” (1994) Warrant - Ultraphobic - "Undertow" (1995) Alice Cooper – DaDa – “Pass the Gun Around” (1983) Buy Music! Enuff Z'nuff - Tweaked Poison - Crack A Smile...And More The Doors - L.A. Woman Badlands - Voodoo Highway Black Label Society - 1919 Eternal Hanoi Rocks - Street Poetry Pearl Jam - Riot Act David Lee Roth - Your Filthy Little Mouth Warrant - Ultraphobic Alice Cooper - Dada Contact Us! Rate, Review, and Subscribe in iTunes Join the Fan Page Follow on Twitter E-mail Us Comment Below Call us on the Hotline! (540) DBGeek - 1 or (540) 342-3351

This week’s episode is the result of some it’s-a-small-world moments coming together. As you may remember, during our 2012 KISSMAS in July, we featured an episode on KISS Kover songs. One of the songs played was by a band named Hair of the Dog. This band achieved some strong popularity in the upper Midwest; most notably in central Wisconsin, home to Aaron Camaro. We couldn’t find a whole lot of information on Hair of the Dog or the current-day status of their members online and went on to work on other episodes about other artists. Flash forward to July of 2013 and Chris heads out to the TomKeifer/John Corabi double-bill at local Nashville club 3rd and Lindsley. After running into some mutual friends, he’s introduced to legendary producer Michael Wagener. During the conversation, Chris hands Mr. Wagener a Decibel Geek business card. Overhearing the conversation, guitarist Jeremy Asbrock chimes in that he’s a listener of the show and was impressed by our Lydia Criss interview. After this, Jeremy introduces Chris to Ryan Cook, former singer for the aforementioned Hair of the Dog. Upon learning that Jeremy and Ryan were band mates and living in Nashville, the wheels were set into motion to get microphones in front of everyone and this week, schedules lined up and we dug into lots of discussion. Hair of the DogRyan Cook - 2nd from Left While this week’s episode is called The Big Rock Show, its title is taken from our guests’ band. Ryan Cook and Jeremy Asbrock make up part of this group that started out as a fun way to jam on some cover songs that the members grew up on and has turned into a true gig for the guys with appearances all over the country as well as on the high seas for a number of rock-themed cruise ships. Ryan Cook, while a member of Hair of the Dog, is not also a part-time player in Skid Row; replacing Dave “Snake” Sabo, when scheduling conflicts come up. Jeremy Asbrock, a Nashville native, was a member of longtime Music City favorites The Shazam. The ShazamJeremy Asbrock - Far Left We get into details of how The Big Rock Show came together, the relationship of the band members, and some memorable gigs that they’ve had over the years.  Aaron and Chris truly met their match in the KISS fan department as Ryan and Jeremy are every bit as much KISS geeks as they are. This conversation is 90% KISS-related discussion and you must be warned, copious amounts of alcohol are consumed throughout the conversation, resulting in the silliness factor increasing over time. If you are uptight about certain issues with KISS, we may piss you off. If you aren’t, you’ll probably get a good laugh out of it. The Big Rock Show will be performing in Nashville at 12thand Porter on Friday, October 17th. The show is being sponsored by local classic rock station WNRQ 105.9 The Rock. During this performance, 2 tickets will be given away to KISS KRUISE III, at which The Big Rock Show will also be performing. It promises to be a fun night of great music and lots of KISS fans (including Aaron and Chris) so come check it out if you are anywhere near Nashville. The Decibel Geek Podcast thanks Ryan Cook and Jeremy Asbrock from The Big Rock Show for their time and the fun conversation. We look forward to having them on again.   Buy Music! Hair of the Dog The Shazam Contact Us!   Rate, Review, and Subscribe in iTunes Join the Fan Page Follow on Twitter E-mail Us Comment Below   Call us on the Hotline! (540) DBGeek - 1 or (540) 342-3351

September is the gateway to autumn; leaves changing, kids in school, football on the weekends.....and a ton of strange holidays. America continues its downward spiral into over-thinking everything and Chris and Aaron use it to their advantage this week as their song choices are inspired but some of the nutty holidays that take place in September.  September 5th is Cheese Pizza Day in the United States. Chris' choice of a track from Motley Crue's 1989 Dr. Feelgood album hits the spot. September 2nd is Labor Day. While this one isn't wacky at all, it was too good to resist using as inspiration for Aaron's pick from Motorhead's Snake Bite Love album. September 16th is Working Parents Day in America. While there were lots of choices that could have been made, Chris throws a curve ball with his mother-ly choice of a song from Dope's Life album. September 6th is Fight Procrastination Day. Putting things off is a common trait for many people and this holiday surely hits home for lots of people. Aaron's choice of a pick about the hope of love on the near future from KISS' 1980 Unmasked album is an interesting one. September 17th is Constitution Day. While laws and rights are all about what make up America's number one document, Chris goes across the ocean for a pick from Hardcore Superstar's 2013 C'mon Take on Me album. No look at important dates in the month of September hold more weight than September 11th. This date is burned into the minds of all that witnessed it and the guys had to address it in this episode. Aaron's choice of a track from LA Guns' Waking the Dead album is a fitting tribute to some of the heroes from that fateful day. Continuing on a serious note is Chris choice of a song to celebrate September 13th; Fortune Cookie Day. Just kidding. It's actually quite a stretch but well worth it to spin a track from Thin Lizzy's legendary Bad Reputation album from 1977. September 13th is Blame Someone Else Day. This day is probably popular in Washington. Either way, Aaron picka a track from Poison's debut album Look What the Cat Dragged In. September 23rd is Dog in Politics Day. What does this mean? We have no idea but it was enough impetus for Chris to pick a track from Krokus' new album Dirty Dynamite. The video is a must-see. We close out the show with Aaron's pick of a track from Ugly Kid Joe's America's Least Wanted album that helps celebrate September 28th; Good Neighbor Day. Buy Music! Motley Crue Motorhead Dope KISS Hardcore Superstar LA Guns Thin Lizzy Poison Krokus Ugly Kid Joe Contact Us!   Rate, Review, and Subscribe in iTunes Join the Fan Page Follow on Twitter E-mail Us Comment Below   Call us on the Hotline! (540) DBGeek - 1 or (540) 342-3351

Aaron and Chris return this week to talk about their favorite subject...themselves! This is the official self-congratulatory episode of the Decibel Geek podcast. The reason for this? The guys have finally reached triple digits! In this week's episode, Chris and Aaron take a look back at the past 100 episodes and discuss some of the highlights, lowlights, and technical problems that have been a part of everything that makes up the Decibel Geek podcast. In this episode, you'll hear Chris recount the circumstances that led him to start a podcast, the producer that was here one minute and gone the next, and Aaron Camaro's introduction to the show. The guys also recount some of their favorite moments including favorite interviews, guests, and topic discussion of the past 100 episodes. Aaron and Chris also play numerous voice mail recordings left by listeners, past guests, rock legends, and fellow rock/metal podcasters. Closing out this 100th episode celebration is Chris and Aaron listening and commenting on Episode Zero - An Introduction that Chris recorded by himself back in April of 2011. Lots of comedy here at Chris' expense.  For those of you that have been with us along for the ride as well as those of you that are new to the show, we'd like to extend a huge THANK YOU to all of you. This show doesn't exist without the support and passion of great people like you. We look forward to invading your ears every week to bring you more rock/metal talk and music to make your week brighter. We hope you'll stick with us for the next 100. Thanks again! Chris & Aaron

We're back this week to celebrate the second half of 1985 as we dissect July through December. There was a ton of music released in the second half of 1985 and Chris and Aaron are back to bring you some of the best tracks from the year. Without further ado, here are the stories, the people, and the sounds that made 1985 an interesting year for Decibel Geeks:   July: July 13 – The Live Aid concert takes place in Wembley Stadium, London, UK and Philadelphia, USA. The headlining acts at the latter venue included a Led Zeppelin reunion, the first since their 1980 disbandment. Rough Cutt – Take Her (Rough Cutt)  August: August 31 – Richard Ramirez, the serial killer known as the Night Stalker, is captured in Los Angeles. Metal Edge Magazine is Launched. Pantera – I Am the Night (I Am the Night)  DIO - Fallen Angels (Sacred Heart)  KIX – Sex (Midnight Dynamite)  September: September 6 – Michael Jackson purchases the publishing rights for most of the Beatles' music for $47 million, much to the dismay of Paul McCartney, whom he is bidding against. September 19 – The Parents Music Resource Center's (P.M.R.C.) United States Senate hearing on rock censorship begin in Washington, D.C. Heavy metal singer Dee Snider of Twisted Sister, rock star Frank Zappa and country singer John Denver testify against the P.M.R.C. September 22 – The Farm Aid concert is held in Champaign, Illinois, USA. KISS – Who Wants to be Lonely – (Asylum)  Slayer - At Dawn They Sleep (Hell Awaits)  Vandenberg – All the Way (Alibi)  October: October 18 – The first Nintendo home video game console in United States is released by the Nintendo Entertainment System. ZZ Top - Planet of Women (Afterburner)  The Cult – Rain (Love)  November: Aerosmith – Let the Music Do the Talking (Done with Mirrors)  Twisted Sister - Kill or Be Killed (Come Out and Play)  Dokken - The Hunter (Under Lock and Key)  King Kobra – Shadow Rider (Ready to Strike) WASP - The Last Command (The Last Command)    December: December 23 - Two young fans of Judas Priest in Sparks, Nevada shoot themselves, one fatally, after listening to the band's records. A lawsuit is brought against the group in 1986 claiming that they were compelled by backwards subliminal messages hidden in their music. Bands Formed: Britny Fox, Dream Theater, Drivin and Cryin, Roxx Gang, Guns N Roses, Jane’s Addiction, LA Guns, L7, The Mr. T Experience. Band Breakups: Diamond Head, Hanoi Rocks, Mercyful Fate, The Power Station, Quarterflash, Scandal Births: Orianthi, Reggie Bush, Bruno Mars Deaths: Nicolas Colasanto (Coach from Cheers), Margaret Hamilton (Wicked Witch), Rock Hudson (AIDS), Orson Wells, Ricky Nelson  Buy Music! Rough Cutt Pantera DIO KIX KISS Slayer Vandenberg ZZ Top The Cult Aerosmith Twisted Sister Dokken King Kobra WASP Contact Us!   Rate, Review, and Subscribe in iTunes Join the Fan Page Follow on Twitter E-mail Us Comment Below   Call us on the Hotline! (540) DBGeek - 1 or (540) 342-3351

When preparing for this year's KISSMAS in JULY episodes, we wanted to dig in and talk to some people that were first-hand witnesses to KISS' rise to stardom. This week's guest not only witnessed it; he helped make it happen. Peter Oreckinto, or "Moose" as he's known in KISS circles, was brought into the KISS family very early in the band's history. Having a background in theater, as well as pyrotechnics, Oreckinto was tailor-made for his job as a member of the early KISS road crew; and what a crew it is. Setting up and tearing down a KISS show these days is a task of military precision, with a military-sized crew handling the job. But back in the early days of the band, the KISS road crew were a tight-knit group of guys that worked tirelessly to help assemble the ladder that the band would use to go on to bigger success. The amount of blood, sweat, and tears that went into working for KISS in those early days is not to be underestimated.  In this discussion, Oreckinto shares what it was like barnstorming the country with a group of 4 struggling New Yorkers that were out to see the world for the first time. It was doubly hard for KISS' crew in those days due to the ridicule they would endure from rival crews as well as the attitudes they would run into due to KISS routinely blowing the headliners off the stage with their wild stage shows. It's well-known that Bill Aucoin financed a lot of KISS' early road expenses on his American Express cards. What you may not know is there were other forms of financing for the band in those early days; and not at all in the cleanest sense. During this conversation, Oreckinto reveals some "family" ties to the KISS organization and how not keeping a certain promise led to some near-death incidents that threatened the lives of the band and their crew. KISS' early tours were scatter-shot affairs that were known as "dart board" tours due to the crazy nature of travel routing. In this discussion, Oreckinto shares what it was like to cover thousands of miles between gigs, crisscrossing the United States on very little money, and even less sleep. KISS also had to tour with a wide variety of acts for different reasons including being thrown off tours for upstaging the headline acts. During our Conversation, Moose shares his recollections of the numerous acts that KISS toured with; including some heated exchanges with acts such as Black Sabbath and Lyrnyrd Skynyrd and even a knife fight with members of Aerosmith's road crew. We only get to scratch the surface in this discussion but there's plenty of interesting conversation about the early days of the Hottest Band in the Land. We thank Peter "Moose" Oreckinto for his time. It's truly an honor. Stay tuned for Part 2 and submit your questions through any of the contact methods below! Buy Music! KISS Contact Us!   Rate, Review, and Subscribe in iTunes Join the Fan Page Follow on Twitter E-mail Us Comment Below   Call us on the Hotline! (540) DBGeek - 1 or (540) 342-3351

With KISSMAS in July just around the corner, we'll be knee-deep in the Hottest Band in the Land when Independence Day rolls around but we still wanted to celebrate America's birthday. We decided to do our Patriotic duty and spin some rock songs about America this week.  Before we get down to business, we name Jay Hardman Geek of the Week for his hilarious response to a "Pick Your Poison" question on the Decibel Geek facebook fan page that pertains to some of Metallica's more "experimental" projects. Chris attended the Geoff Tate-led version of Queensryche's performance at War Memorial Auditorium in Nashville. In this review, you'll hear his thoughts on the band's performance, concert attendence (or lack thereof), and his memories of the meet & greet after the concert.  We kick off our ear-bleeding tribute to America with some love for the USA from a Canadian as Sebastian Bach performs 'American Metalhead' from 2007's Angel Down album. The Offspring are well-known for their tongue-in-cheek, silly tracks from the 90's. However, there's more to this band if you dig a little deeper. We take a listen to the title track from 1998's Americana album. Only in America would someone name themselves Jizzy Pearl. Love/Hate remains a criminally underrated gem of a band from Hollywood. We feel it our patriotic duty to give Jizzy and company their just due and spin the title track from 1992's 'Wasted in America' album. Next up is a track about America that got this British hard rock band in quite a pickle during a festival show in England. British metalheads took it upon themselves to shower Def Leppard with bottles of urine during their performance at the Reading Festival in England. We take a listen to 'Hello America' from the On Through the Night album. Before we get back tot he music, Chris reads some hilarious Letters to the Editor from a 1989 Hit Parader magazine.  Up next is another rock artist that doesn't get near enough attention from the music buying public. Lizzy Borden has been doing his shock rock show for 30 years. We take a listen to 'American Metal' from 1985's Love You to Pieces album. We go from Def Leppard telling America 'Hello' to Blackie Lawless and WASP bidding the Land of the Free adieu with 'Goodbye America' from 1995's Still Not Black Enough album.  It wouldn't be a patriotic Decibel Geek show without a little KISS. To get you primed for next month's KISSMAS festivities, we spin 'All American Man' from the studio side of Alive II. In 90 episodes (so far), we've never played anything by The Runaways. That changes this week as we take a listen to 'American Nights' from their 1976 self-titled debut album. A true transplanted American is Lemmy of Motorhead. Always a fixture of L.A.'s Rainbow, Lemmy has written a number of songs about America. We spin 'Stone Deaf in the U.S.A' from 1987's Rock n Roll album. Closing out the show is the lyrical genius of one, Alice Cooper. 1982's DaDa album has gone down in history as a piece of work that is not in Mr. Cooper's memory banks due to the high volume of alcohol consumption going on at the time. Aside from that, he had a spark of brilliance when he penned a patriotic song that extols on the joys of wonder bread, the A-team and waitresses that love to flirt. A perfect way to cap off our tribute to America.  Buy Music! Sebastian Bach The Offspring Love/Hate Def Leppard Lizzy Borden WASP KISS The Runaways Motorhead Alice Cooper Contact Us!   Rate, Review, and Subscribe in iTunes Join the Fan Page Follow on Twitter E-mail Us Comment Below   Call us on the Hotline! (540) DBGeek - 1 or (540) 342-3351

It may not be well-known but, according to the National Eye Institute, May is Healthy Vision Month. We thought we would help spread the word and enjoy some good music at the same time. Here's what the National Eye Institute wants to tell you: "Millions of people living in the United States have undetected vision problems, eye diseases, and conditions. HVM is designed to elevate vision as a health priority for the Nation by promoting the importance of early detection and treatment, as well as the use of proper eye safety practices, in preventing vision loss and blindness. One of the most important things people can do to protect their vision is to schedule a comprehensive dilated eye exam. In this painless procedure, an eye care professional examines the eyes to look for common vision problems and eye diseases, many of which have no early warning signs. A comprehensive dilated eye exam can detect eye diseases and conditions in their early stages, before vision loss occurs. Early detection and treatment can help to save your sight." With that said, we thought we'd celebrate Healthy Vision Month by spinning some songs that refer, in the title, to sight/vision is some form. Here we go. After deciding on the title for this episode, Chris' first choice came very easily. From 1977's Draw the Line album, we kick things off with Aerosmith performing 'Sight for Sore Eyes.' Aaron starts his sight-related picks with a track from the oft-overlooked 1995 release from Dokken; Dysfunctional. This album marked the return of George Lynch. We spin the opening track, 'Inside Looking Out.' Electric Six Chris decided to do some digging in research for this episode. A nugget was found in the vast space that is youtube with his choice of the track 'Night Vision' off Electric Six's 2005 release Switzerland. Aaron's next pick is 'Eyes of a Strager.' Wait, before you think it's the well-known Queensryche track, think again. This great sing comes from the appropriately-titled Visual Lies album from Lizzy Borden and is a great addition to the show. We return from break one with a selection from Motley Crue's debut album Too Fast for Love. While filled with lots of great hook-y songs, Too Fast....sports one track that fits in with our vision-themed show as we spin 'Starry Eyes.' Up next is Aaron's choice of a bonus track from Ozzy Osbourne's iconic Blizzard of Oz release. Featuring some seering Randy Rhoads guitar work, 'You Lookin' at Me, Lookin' at You' is a testimony to the strength of material being created by the gone-too-soon guitarist and the Prince of Darkness. Chris keeps the Crazy Train on track as we segue into a double-dose of Ozzy with his choice of 'Looking for Tomorrow' from the classic Sabbath Bloody Sabbath album from 1973. One band that doesn't get nearly the amount of recognition it deserves is Turbonegro. We try to alleviate that problem with Aaron's choice of 'If You See Kaye' from their Party Animals album. We close out the show with Chris' choice of a KISS track that appeared on two different albums in the band's catalog with different personnel. 'See You in Your Dreams' was selected from Rock and Roll Over and features some powerful drumming from Peter Criss and a great solo from Ace Frehley. Playing things out this week is a fantastic cover of a sight-related classic that's all about focus. Aaron's choice of At Vance's version of 'Eye of the Tiger' is a motivating way to finish things off. Buy Music! Aerosmith Dokken Electric Six Lizzy Borden Motley Crue Ozzy Osbourne Black Sabbath Turbonegro KISS At Vance Contact Us!   Rate, Review, and Subscribe in iTunes Join the Fan Page Follow on Twitter E-mail Us Comment Below   Call us on the Hotline! (540) DBGeek - 1 or (540) 342-3351 

We're back this week to discuss the first half of a very transitional year in music history. 1979 was a true crossroads for rock music fans; with the genre splitting into multiple sub-genres and another genre that ruled the world becoming passe. The "Year of the Child" kicked off with the Music for UNICEF concert featuring pop tarts such as ABBA, Donna Summer & the Bee Gees performing sets on January 9th. Any chance Chris & Aaron decided to spotlight any of those artists this week? If you said yes, welcome new listener. We cover January with a track by alt-rocker Joe Jackson that would go on to become one of the more well-known tracks from thrashers Anthrax. Also included for the first month of the year are clips from the debut album by Accept & a track from UFO that will leave you with palpitations. February saw the passing of Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious due to a heroin overdose the day after being released from prison. We listen to a clip of Sid of vocals for the Pistols from their Great Rock & Roll Swindle album. Also featured in February are tracks from Scorpions' Lovedrive album as well as a very Cheap Trick-like track from Angel's Sinful album. We return from the first break a news clip from the Three Mile Island nuclear power disaster that took place in March of 1979 set to the soundtrack of Van Halen's D.O.A. from their II album. Representing the third month of the year is a track from Motorhead's Overkill album that is more no-frills greatness from Lemmy and co. Spring of 1979 shows upbeat picks of song clips from Thin Lizzy's Black Rose album, Journey's Evolution, and New England's Paul Stanley-produced self-titled debut. Quite a month for melodic rock and roll. We head into May with KISS' sharpest left-turn to date with the release of the much poppier Dynasty album. Featuring the disco hit 'I Was Made for Lovin' You,' we spin a track from Gene Simmons that ponders the question on every narcissist's mind. Also included from May of '79 are overlooked tracks from Riot's Narita album & Ted Nugent's State of Shock. Since this is just part 1 of our 1979 Year in Review, we finish off the first half of the year in June with three very unique tracks. Paul McCartney will most likely be remembered for his gentle ballads and melodic numbers. But, the choice of track from his Back to the Egg album will give you a much edgier impression of Macca. Also included from June of 1979 is a track from the pre-KISS Bruce Kulick/Michael Bolton project known as Blackjack and a show closer that's definitely not obscure but still rocks plenty enough to get us amped up for part 2 next week. We hope you dig the music and, if you do........ Buy Music! Joe Jackson Generation X Accept UFO Angel Van Halen Motorhead  Journey Thin Lizzy New England KISS RIOT Ted Nugent Paul McCartney & Wings Blackjack The Knack Contact Us!   Rate, Review, and Subscribe in iTunes Join the Fan Page Follow on Twitter E-mail Us Comment Below   Call us on the Hotline! (540) DBGeek - 1 or (540) 342-3351

That's right everyone it's time for another "Radio Sucks" episode of the Decibel Geek Podcast because as you know, radio sucks. So once again Chris and AAron put on the DJ hats and spin some great music that you probably will not hear on your radio dial. So just sit back, relax, open your ears real wide and say "give it to me straight Decibel Geek Podcast. I can take it!" Chris' pick of Heaven's Basement performing "I Am Electric" is a testament to how important you, the listener, are to this show as a suggestion from listener Devin Fox impressed us so much that it took the place of one of our previously picked songs. This is a great, energetic track from their debut album Filthy Empire that starts the show off right. Dig it! Up next is "Tomorrow Never Comes" from Saints of the Underground, the heavy metal super-group featuring members of Ratt, Warrant, Alice Cooper. From the 2008 release "Love the Sin, Hate the Sinner" this would be Jani Lane's last full length album release, he passed away on August 11th, 2011. Bruce Kulick released his BK3 album in 2010 and he utilized some "friends" as guest vocalists throughout the album. "Ain't Gonna Die" is one of those tracks that featured the vocal stylings of Gene Simmons. A great little rocker that you won't hear on your local radio station. Nu Metal band turned straight ahead rockers, Papa Roach are "Still Swinging" from their 2012 The Connection album. This may seem like an unorthodox pick for the Decibel Geek podcast but we think you'll agree that this group has definitely matured their sound since their earlier days. In 1993 Kerrang Magazine voted Earth vs. The Wildhearts, the debut album from The Wildhearts as the number #1 album of the year. A band with quite an interesting and unpredictable history, Chris and AAron spin "TV Tan" from their debut album. Also in 1993 producer Tom Werman (Motley Crue, Cheap Trick, Poison, Nugent, LA Guns, etc.) was at the helm for Pariah's To Mock a Killingbird" album. An amazing album featuring the tune "Love To Turn You On" but the band was dropped by Geffen records. Swiss band Shakra formed in the late 90's and have released 11 albums including 2013's Powerplay album. Turned on to the Decibel Geek Podcast from the Talking Metal podcast, "Back On Track" is the title track from their 2011 album on AFM Records Up next is 100 Watt Opera - "Servant" from their self titled 2005 album. This is a band that AAron recently discovered right in his backyard of Nashville. Veterans of the Nashville club circuit, 100 Watt Opera are an impressive group of Music City rockers that deserve your attention. Closing out the show this week, you wanted the best, you got the best! The hottest band in the world.....KISS! If your hungry and you need a meal you can always call for a little "Room Service" from their 1975 Dressed to Kill album. Buy Music Heaven's Basement Loudmouth Saints Of The Underground  Bruce Kulick Papa Roach The Wildhearts  Pariah Shakra 100 Watt Opera KISS  Contact Us! Rate, Review, and Subscribe in iTunes Join the Fan Page Follow on Twitter E-mail Us Comment Below

After taking a 2 week long look at 1986, we're taking a detour back to Bizarro World with our third installment of Bizarro Covers. What are Bizarro Covers, you ask? Basically, these are songs that were not originally considered hard rock/metal (mostly) and are being covered by, you guessed it, hard rock and metal bands. There's no shortage of strange cover songs out there and we're happy to share, what we think, are some of the best.  We start things off with Yngwie Malmsteen's take on an ABBA disco classic. Of course, Yngwie shows complete restraint; letting the song breathe and allow lots of open space to take in the lyrics.....NOT. Either way, it's an interesting approach to this sugary pop number. Next up is a case of Germany covering Australia as power metal veterans Sinner cover the Midnight Oil 80's classic Beds Are Burning. We keep the German theme going with power/speed metal legends Blind Guardian's 1996 cover of the 1954 Chordettes sugary Mr. Sandman. Not quite as snuggly as the original. Keeping with the old-school vibe, Aaron pulls out The Misfits covering the 1960 Drifters hit This Magic Moment for their Project 1950 album. Jerry Only in fine form on this one. We break new ground coming out of the first break with a cover of a Lady Gaga track! Before you hit the 'unsubscribe' button, give us a chance to expose you to a great performance of Bad Romance by Halestorm. Being the KISS nerds that we are, we couldn't help but pull out a great version of 1977's Plaster Caster from the Love Gun album performed by grunge forerunners The Lemonheads. We really go deep into Bizarro World with the next track being a cover of A-ha's 1985 hit Take on Me from Italian progressive power metal band Vision Divine. You get extra cool points if you've heard this track before. In keeping with strange cover versions, Aaron's choice of Mindless Self Indulgence's cover of Rush's Tom Sawyer will have you looking at the song in a whole new way. Paul Stanley really created a monster (no pun intended) when he penned a song titled Hide Your Heart in the late 1980's. Originally a rejected song from the Crazy Nights album, Stanley put the song on the open market and it was snapped up by a number of different artists including Bonnie Tyler, Molly Hatchet, and Ace Frehley with Frehley's version being the only one that could compete with KISS' release of the song for their 1989 Hot in the Shade album. We take a serious listen to Ace's version of the song from his Trouble Walkin' solo release.  Closing out the show is a Doro Pesch cover of Procol Harum's 1967 timeless classic A Whiter Shade of Pale. A definitely more rocked-up version of this Summer of Love number. We hope you've enjoyed this visit to Bizarro World! If you did...... Buy Music! Yngwie Malmsteen Sinner Blind Guardian Misfits Halestorm The Lemonheads Vision Divine Mindless Self Indulgence Ace Frehley Doro Pesch Contact Us!   Rate, Review, and Subscribe in iTunes Join the Fan Page Follow on Twitter E-mail Us Comment Below