Decibel Geek Podcast

The Great Affairs' Denny Smith joins Chris and Aaron this week for a long-form discussion on all-things KISS. Denny worked for the hottest and in the land for their Butterfields Auction in 2000. With items being auctioned such as band-owned guitars, handwritten lyrics, and original customs at stake, Denny had a front row seat to KISStory. He got to handle many amazing pieces of the band's archives. Being a huge fan himself, he took it all in and has many stories to share with the guys this week. Konversation with Denny Smith   Other KISStorical run-ins are discussed in this hour-plus talk including Denny witnessing the Detroit Rock City film premier in Hollywood as well as meetings with each member over the years. This all morphed into a KISS talk that includes Chris, Aaron, and Denny's takes on many eras and topics of interest involving the band. It's a fun talk with a good friend of the show and we're thrilled to bring it to you. Be sure to check out Denny and The Great Affairs, Highly recommended! Mor

It's officially KISSMAS in July! Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season of the Hottest Band in the Land! We thought we'd kick things off in a big way! Konversation with John Harte   Former KISS security director "Big" John Harte joins Aaron and Chris this week to discuss his career working for the Hottest Band in the World. In this hour-plus conversation, John reflects on a wild time as KISS rose to prominence during his initial years working for the band. During these years (1975-1976), John saw the ascension of this New York band to the highest of highs. He also was there to see them drop to their lowest of lows by the early 1980's. Subjects covered in this in-depth chat include the Paul Lynde Halloween Special from 1976, a death threat on one of the band members, the recording of the 1978 solo albums, the strange period that produced the sharp left turns stylistically with Dynasty, Unmasked, and Music from the Elder as well as the Creatures of the Night tour. There are numerous inside stories in t

This week we serve up volume 6 of what equates to a giant audio glass of WTF?! Aaron and Chris are back this week to get weird as they bring you Bizarro Covers 6! This hour-plus slab of killer bands putting a fresh spin on some definite non-rock/metal tracks includes some fabulous upgrades. Bizarro Covers 6     You'll get awesome renditions of songs by Phil Collins, Blondie, Depeche Mode, Elton John, The Pet Shop Boys and more performed by killer bands like GWAR, Jaded Heart, In This Moment, Stone Stour, Vince Neil, Volbeat, and more! It's a strange sensation but it feels so good. Enjoy Bizarro Covers volume 6 and SHARE it with a friend! Featured Artist: Crucified Barbara   Official Website Buy Music! Jaded Heart The Quireboys Volbeat GWAR In This Moment Vince Neil Squealer AlogiA Stone Sour UK Punks Geeks of the Week: Todd Cunningham, Miguel Nunez, Dragonsfire, Mike Stewart, Dave Shirt, Mo Akram, Steve True, Warren Money, Ryan Sessions, Rob Webb, Robin Bennett, David Alpizar, Marc Alden

After a smashing success with last week's NWOBHM episode, we thought we would return to tell you that what was great in the past is still great today thanks to some ambitious newer bands with resplendent taste in respectable music! NWOTHM Aaron and Chris are back this week to celebrate and clue you into a movement that is helping continue the genre we all love! The New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal is exactly what it sounds like; young, hungry bands recapturing the big, epic sounds of the great bands from the late 70's and 1980's and exposing them to a new generation of metalheads. NWOTHM Episode 193 The greats are not going to be around forever but with these NWOTHM bands carrying on their sound and attitude, the genre has continued life and will help fight the evil forces of Bieber and Riannah. In this hour-plus episode you'll hear edgy, kickass metal from bands such as Chrome Division, Skull Fist, Toledo Steel, Crimson Fire, Hessler, Striker, Alpha Tiger, and many more. Enjoy the ride this week as we g

It's hard to believe that in 4 years of the show's existence, we've never tackled this one. Better late than never. This week Aaron and Chris head across the pond to celebrate one of metal's biggest milestones; the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. This monumental shift in heavy music was born in the United Kingdom in the late 70's, flourished in the early 80's, and was heavily responsible for the birth of thrash music. NWOBHM NWOBHM - Ep192 This wave of heavy metal bands emerged due to the death of arena rock. Taking the attitude and hard edge of punk music, this group of British bands thumbed their noses at the new wave trend that was dominating the airwaves and cranked up their amps and their tempos and let'er rip. A number of bands from this very influential movement would go on to legendary status while many talented groups fell by the wayside. This week the guys aim to give you a heaping helping of both! In this NWOBHM-themed episode you'll get killer tracks from legends such as Judas Priest, Motorhead

We return with the latest installment of our Albums Unleashed series and this one is Wild! Aaron and Chris return this week along with special guest Anthony Corder to discuss the fantastic 1992 A&M Records release of Tora Tora's Wild America. This album hit the shelves amidst a tidal wave of grunge music that was taking over the airwaves. The musical climate at the time relegated it to a slot just outside the Billboard Top 100. While it didn't get its just due back then, Chris and Aaron set out this week to shine a spotlight on this rock n' roll masterpiece. Joining them to tell the story of Wild America is lead singer Anthony Corder. In this long-form discussion, Anthony takes you through the writing and recording process for Wild America. Tora Tora Wild America Unleashed  Recorded at Memphis' legendary Ardent Studios, this album's writing and recording feature tie-ins to many legendary names in the industry including songwriter Taylor Rhodes, drummer Stan Lynch (Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers), producer J

Some weeks it's fun to just kick back, forget about a theme or topic and play deejay. This is one of those weeks. Chris and Aaron return this week to spin some great tracks that the suits on corporate radio are just not gonna give you. In this hour plus episode you'll get classic tracks from Bulletboys, Krokus, Rough Cutt, and Richie Scarlet. You'll also get get great newer tracks from Crobot, Whitesnake, Armored Saint and much more! Crank up Radio Sucks Radio Show vol21 and SHARE with a friend! Featured Artist: Temple of Silence Temple of Silence Official Website; Official EPK Geeks of the Week: Dave Shirt, Greg McGlone, Chad Wagner, Bill Wang, Robin Bennett, Miguel Nunez, Dennis Gamez, Mike Stewart, David Alpizar, Chris Karam, Paul Watson, Joe Royland, Joe Lascon, Cobras & Fire podcast, Steven Kersh, Ian Wadley (Rock & Metal Combat Podcast), Trevor McDougall, Brad Kalmanson, Matt Ashcraft, Derik Novak, Wayne Cross, Bily Hardaway, Shane Hebert, Anthony Pool, Justin Ace Sixx, Marc Alden Taylor, Andrew

As music fans, we can sometimes be left dumfounded about certain decisions made by our favorite artists. Never is that more true than the choice of a song selected to be a single from an album. Whether it's the decision of artist, manager, pr, or record company some of these choices can leave one scratching their head. In the event that the singles that are chosen don't perform well at radio, it can cause some serious frustration to listeners that feel a choice of a different single could have made the difference between a hit and a dud. "Shoulda Been a Single" This phrase has been echoed by music fans across the globe for decades. Those of us that love hearing full albums, no doubt, have a massive list of songs that they feel qualify with the statement above. This week Chris & Aaron play record executive and decide which songs they feel could've made a dent at radio if given the chance. Some great songs from artists such as KISS, Cheap Trick, Ramones, Thin Lizzy, Warrant, Tora Tora and many more! Check o

In 1997, no frills rock was about as unpopular as you can imagine....unless you lived in the midwestern United States. The plains states have long been a hotbed of rock and roll fandom. States such as Kansas, Missouri, and Wisconsin thrived on cranked up Les Pauls through Marshall Stacks and in 1997 one of the midwest's favorite bands was Hair of the Dog. Featuring Ryan Cook, John Sepetys, Mike Dupke, and Brian Saputo, HOTD was a staple across mid-America and drew well while touring with the likes of Cinderella, Skid Row, and Motorhead among others. Hair of the Dog released 3 albums; 1997's self-titled, 2000's 'Rise', and 2001's 'Ignite' before calling it a day with the members moving on to other endeavours. This week Aaron Camaro sits down with Ryan Cook & John Sepetys of Hair of the Dog to discuss the history of the band. In this hour-plus discussion Ryan and John shares stories of the Los Angeles music scene including The Rainbow, experiences with famed rock photog Neil Zlowzower, their rise in the mid

su·per·group ˈso͞opərˌɡro͞op/ noun an exceptionally successful rock group, in particular one formed by musicians already famous from playing in other groups.   Yep, that's the definition but we'll be playing fast and loose with Webster's rules. When did we ever care how successful a band is? Great music is all that matters. Supergroups Episode Decibel Geek Podcast This week Aaron and Chris are back to showcase some of their favorite "supergroups." This term is thrown about by lots of folks for lots of reasons. The guys this week explain how they define a supergroup and spin great tracks from the likes of Humble Pie, Blue Murder, Neurotic Outsiders, Them Crooked Vultures, and much, much more!   Geeks of the Week: Miguel Nunez, Andrew KISS (Strange Ways podcast), Brent Walter, Robin Bennett, Kal Hinz, Wayne Cross, Chris Karam, Aaron Baker, Ian Wadley (Rock and Metal Combat podcast), Justin Hayes, Colin Francis, Todd Cunningham, David Alpizar, Joe Lascon, Dan Chaput, Brad Kalmanson, Bakko, Gino Ames, J

It's often said that first impressions are important. In the case of great hard rock and heavy metal albums, this is often true. This week Aaron and Chris pick out some of their favorite album openers. In this hour-plus episode, you'll hear great leadoff tracks from artists like KISS, UFO, Europe, Judas Priest, Metallica, Vinnie Vincent Invasion and much more!  Album Openers episode from Decibel Geek podcast Geeks of the Week: Pat Catalano, David Alpizar, Aaron Baker, Robin Bennett, Mike Stewart, Matt Ashcraft, Brent Walter, Robert De Pasqua, Shane Hebert, Devin Fox, Anthony Pool, Trevor McDougall, Wayne Cross, Billy Hardaway, Marc Alden Taylor, Colin Francis, PJ Brown, Paul Korn, Mike Blount, Ian Wadley (Rock & Metal Combat podcast), Warren Money, James Brendon Dunn, Joe Royland, Justin hayes, Kal Hinz, Joe Lascon, Bakko, Rob Harris, Matt Syverson (Paperback Rocker podcast), Joseph Ciambelli, Wayne Newburn, Brandt Cattell, Chad Pollock, Sit and Spin with Joe, Stealth, hoops, DC, MusicMagsAndWax, Jens Hellb

Back in October of 2013, Chris and Aaron had a brainstorm. They noticed that many people like songs from big albums by big bands but when those bands go “out of fashion” with the mainstream, they release some great work and much of that work gets ignored by the general music listener. The idea of Buried Treasure was born. This week Aaron and Chris present Buried Treasure II; a collection of great songs from some of your favorite bands that you may have missed from albums released after mainstream success faded. In this hour-plus show you’ll get cool tunes from Dokken, Thin Lizzy, RATT, Britny Fox, Dio and much, much more. Dig it! Dokken– Shadows of Life – Dysfunctional (1995) Quiet Riot – Loaded Gun – Terrified (1993) Aerosmith– Bolivian Ragamuffin – Rock in a Hard Place (1982) Thin Lizzy – Angel of Death – Renegade (1981) RATT– Breakout– Ratt (1999) Britny Fox - "Six Guns Loaded" - Bite Down Hard (1991) Samantha 7 - "Bury Me" - Samantha 7 (2000) Faster Pusscat - "The Power & The Glory Hole" - The Po

This week we fulfill an interview wish that goes back to the beginning of the show; fitting for our 4 year anniversary. This week Aaron and Chris celebrate the 4 year anniversary of Decibel Geek with an in-depth conversation with Mark Slaughter. Currently promoting his new solo album produced by Michael Wagener, 'Reflections in a Rearview Mirror' Mark was kind enough to sit down in-person with Aaron, Chris, and Decibel Geek writer Billy Hardaway for a long-form talk on the new album, the history of Slaughter, and A LOT of discussion about his days working with Vinnie Vincent in the Invasion. Aaron and Chris put out a call a few weeks ago for listener questions for Mark and the listeners did not disappoint. Many of the questions made it into the interview including one that Mark deemed his favorite. The solicitor of that question wins an autographed print of Mark from the photoshoot for his new album. The photo was taken by friend of the show and past guest Chad Lee of Chad Lee Photography. Be sure to list

Aaron and Chris return this week to cover the second half of a very dark year in music and history. 2001 Year in Review part 2 features more discussion of the pop culture, people, events, and music of July-December. In this hour-plus episode, you'll get discussion of the unveiling of the first iPod, the end of Napster, and the 9/11 terror attacks. You'll also get more classic commercials and tracks by artists including Saxon, Judas Priest, Mr. Big, Danger Danger, Beautiful Creatures, Gamma Ray, Bruce Kulick, and many more.       Geeks of the Week   Devin Fox, Bakko, Anthony Pool, Joseph Ciambelli, Kal Hinz, David Alpizar, Wally Norton, Derik Novak, Jeff Hogland, Paul Korn, Mike Blount, Ian Wadley, Robin Bennett, Colin Francis, Justin Hayes, Joe Lascon, James Brendon Dunn, Dan Chuput, Billy Hardaway, Joe Royland, Rob Harris, Warren Money, Matt Syverson, Brent Walter, Marc Alden Taylor, KISS Army Omaha, Dave Shirt, Mike Stewart, Chad Pollock, Rodney Dickson, Wayne Newburn, Sit and Spin with Joe, Brian K

We go back in time for the next two weeks to a year that changed the world....but were the tunes good?   This week Aaron and Chris and present part 1 of their 2001 Year in Review. It doesn't seem like it's been almost a decade and a half from 2001 but it has. Many of you are probably thinking "Did anything good come out in 2001?" Well, your hosts this week dug deep and think you'll nod your head in approval at a number of the gems they unearthed from a year that saw the Billboard charts topped by stuff that, well let's just say was "ungood." In part 1 you'll hear all the info from January to June of 2001 including news on the launch of Wikipedia, Don Felder being fired by The Eagles, Eric Singer being rehired by KISS and putting on the catman makeup, the death of Joey Ramone, the release of Motley Crue's 'The Dirt' and much, much more. You'll also get classic commercials from the year as well as lots of tracks from artists such as Buckcherry, Aerosmith, Betty Blowtorch, Econoline Crush, Hair of the Dog, C

With a show that's been in existence for nearly 4 years and has covered numerous facets of rock and metal, you had to know this day would come. We think you'll like it anyway.   This week Aaron and Chris set out to tackle a true challenge....finding songs from the genre known as Rap Rock that actually kick ass. This genre is picked apart and ridiculed by many rock and metal purists but your hosts aim this week to dig up some gems and prove that there's some good stuff even in midst of something they hate. Tracks from Rage Against the Machine, Clutch, Kid Rock, Incubus, Gwar, Body Count, The Deftones, Mudvayne and much, much more are included. We hope you'll listen with an open mind as we spin some rockin' riffs and righteous rhymes......otherwise, please come back next week. Dig it!   Geeks of the Week: Todd Cunningham, Anthony Pool, David Alpizar, Dave Shirt, Devin Fox, Marc Alden Taylor, Rhys Lett, Ryan Sessions, Bakko, Bill Wang, Ian Wadley (Rock & Metal Combat Podcast), Robin Bennett, Justin Hayes,

We're back this week to talk about the second half of a very polarizing album.   Chris and Aaron return this week with the second part of their discussion with producer Toby Wright for Albums Unleashed - Carnival of Souls. Covering the second half of this controversial KISS album, Toby shares his memories of the tracking and mixing of the songs including the Gene Simmons-sung 'In My Head,' which was written by Gene along with Scott Van Zen and Jaime St. James of Black n' Blue. In this section of the discussion, Wright remembers pushing Simmons and bandmate Paul Stanley to record harmony vocals in the vein of Alice in Chains members Jerry Cantrell and Layne Staley; and how the attempt would fall short by comparison.   Another track discussed in this hour-plus special is 'I Confess.' Wright reflects on a tense recording session involving a string section that was brought in to add a dark feel to the songs and how he had to get the classically-trained musicians to break convention to pull off the sound he

We wanted to get into something polarizing and divisive this week. Mission accomplised...   Famed producer Toby Wright sits down with Chris and Aaron this week for part 1 of a 2 part Albums Unleashed special covering KISS' 1997 release Carnival of Souls.   Shelved in early 1996 by Mercury Records due to KISS taking a left turn at Reunionville, Carnival of Souls leaked shortly thereafter and was bootlegged in large numbers necessitating an official release in October of 1997.   In this hour-plus part 1 episode, Toby Wright recounts his initial meetings with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley about the "new direction" in which the band was deciding to head, his impressions of the songs being written for the album, and the tracking of basic tracks. The track by track discussion in this episode includes Toby's memories of the creation of songs 'Hate,' 'Rain,' 'Master & Slave,' 'Childhoods End,' ' I Will Be There,' and 'Jungle.' Discussion of tension between Simmons & Stanley over arrangements is also included

After having full intention of recording a new Year in Review episode, life got in the way but something more fun came from it; talking to you!   Aaron and Chris call an audible this week. Instead of an intended Year in Review show (don't worry, it'll still happen), the guys get on the blower and talk to you! In this hour-plus interactive episode, your hosts have quick chats with friends of the show including listeners, musicians, and hosts of other great podcasts; all answering one important question.    You'll hear from folks including Mitch Lafon (One on One with Mitch Lafon), Victor Ruiz (Mars Attacks Podcast), Joe Polo (Podcast Rock City), Ian Wadley (Rock and Metal Combat Podcast), Roch Vallaincourt (Radioactive Metal Podcast), Ryan Cook (Big Rock Show/Hair of the Dog), Chip Z'nuff (Enuff Z'nuff), and many others including numerous Decibel Geek listeners. This was a bit of an experiment but it was a lot of fun to record. We hope you enjoy Rock n Rolodex!   Calls in Order   Jeff “Crippler” Dani

There's been a lot of talk in the KISS fan world about the original road crew. This week, we have one of them on to talk about the good old days.   Jay "Hot Sam" Barth guests this week to discuss his time working for KISS during their rise to stardom. As front-of-house sound mixer, Hot Sam had a great seat to watch Gene, Paul, Ace, and Peter slay audiences on a nightly basis. In this discussion, Hot Sam discusses his time working with the band on the Dressed to Kill tour, the recording of KISS Alive!, the popularity of the band in his hometown of Detroit, and the changes that he witnessed during the Destroyer tour in 1976.    Other members of the original KISS crew have released a book documenting the era entitled, 'Out on the Streets.' It can be purchased HERE   The Decibel Geek podcast thanks Jay "Hot Sam" Barth for coming on the show and sharing his memories of working with KISS.     Geeks of the Week: Brent Walter, Nikos Tevelis, David Alpizar, Devin Fox, Todd Cunningham, Justin Hayes, Jeff Ho