The Chronicles of Michael Christopher
Links to writings. Musings on life. Photography. Travels. Skulls.
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 →
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 →
The popularity of 'Wayne's World' on Saturday Night Live was through the roof in 1990, and with Aerosmith at the height of their comeback that started a few years earlier when they collaborated with Run-DMC on a remake of "Walk This Way," it was a perfect storm for them to get together. Mike Myers, the... Continue Reading →
Today marks the 25th anniversary of Van Halen's final studio album with Sammy Hagar at the helm, the uneven Balance, which was released January 24, 1995. Though it wasn't clear at the time, the band was falling apart from the inside out, which had quite a bit to do with the mess laid down on... Continue Reading →
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2020 was announced today, and there were quite a few surprises in terms of who was inducted and who got snubbed. I guested on Indie617's Morning Glory with Michael Marotta to break it all down and attempt to answer the question, "Does the institution even matter?"... Continue Reading →
It's an exciting day here at The Chronicles of MC as my first book, Depeche Mode FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the World's Finest Synth-Pop Band has an official release date! It will be available beginning October 15, 2020. Pre-orders are being taken now at Amazon with other outlets to be announced soon.... Continue Reading →
This week, UK rock and roll stalwarts The Cult are coming to the end of a tour to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their mainstream breakthrough LP Sonic Temple, which got the box set treatment back in October. The band has been on the road since the spring marking the occasion, with the final show... Continue Reading →
