The Chronicles of Michael Christopher
Links to writings. Musings on life. Photography. Travels. Skulls.
The following article appeared in yesterday's edition of The Daily Times in my weekly Rock Music Menu column under the title "Unfortunately, in-person live music won’t be returning anytime soon." States across the country are beginning to reveal their plans to reopen in the wake of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, hoping to restore some sense... Continue Reading →
During the 70s and 80s, Ted Templeman was hands down the hottest producer in rock music. He worked on some of the most memorable records in the history of the genre, like Van Morrision's Tupelo Honey, The Doobie Brothers' Takin' It to the Streets and the first six albums by Van Halen. Seeing the words... Continue Reading →
Unless you didn't get into Aerosmith until their second wave of mainstream popularity, the debate of which is the greatest album in their catalog comes down to two choices: Rocks or Toys in the Attic. The latter came out 45 years ago today, so for the occasion I broke it down track-by-track for Ultimate Classic... Continue Reading →
There's little doubt I'm in the minority when it comes to my favorite Corrosion of Conformity album. While "Albatross" from 1994's Deliverance is one of my top songs of all time, front to back, I always return to 2000's America's Volume Dealer. Many longtime fans were put off by the deeper dive into Southern rock,... Continue Reading →
The 36th iteration of Wrestlemania takes place this weekend, and due to the absolutely bonkers state of affairs in the world currently, it's going to take place for the first time without an audience. Over at Ultimate Classic Rock, I took a look at the first time the pro wrestling showcase took place, at Madison... Continue Reading →
Unbeknownst to fans at the time, come 1995 the relationship between Sammy Hagar and the brothers Van Halen had seriously deteriorated. Their fourth album together, Balance, was released that January, and by the following spring, they'd split. The recording of the LP had been anything but smooth, leading producer Bruce Fairbairn to ask Eddie Van... Continue Reading →
If I had to pick one thing I don't like about PINS, it would be that they haven't released enough new music since I first became enamored with them at Iceland Airwaves 2014 when they delivered an out-of-nowhere cover of the Misfits "Hybrid Moments" at both of their live shows. That's about to change come... Continue Reading →
The union between Jimmy Page and The Black Crowes back in 1999 was one of necessity and convenience that just happened to work really well - until it didn't. The former wanted to keep rocking and rolling but his ex-Led Zeppelin bandmate Robert Plant had no interest. The Crowes just released their best album in... Continue Reading →
There's been a whole lot of grumbling about Chris and Rich Robinson deciding to "reunite" The Black Crowes with only themselves as original members, but those guys are just putting their heads down and playing music. The lengthy trek to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their debut LP, Shake Your Money Maker, doesn't begin until... Continue Reading →
