Decibel Geek Podcast

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

Love is in the air once again...so it's time to break out some sappy shit!   Aaron and Chris commemorate this year's Valentine's Day with the second volume of their For the Ladies collection of power ballads. In this hour plus block of music, you'll get heartfelt anthems from artists such as Y&T, Salty Dog, Babylon AD, Hair of the Dog, Slaughter, and Aerosmith among others.   It's okay to let your macho guard down for a week, fellas. Enjoy, For the Ladies volume 2!   Buy Music!   Aerosmith Great White Y&T Salty Dog Ozzy Osbourne Babylon AD Damn Yankees Warrant Slaughter Hair of the Dog     Geeks of the Week: Todd Cunningham, David Alpizar, Miguel Nunez, Scott Lull, Joe Royland, Wayne Cross, Chris Karam, Jeff Hogland, Trevor McDougall, Matt Ashcraft, Wally Norton, Derik Novak, Corey Nowlin, PJ Brown, Mike Blount, Justin Hayes, Devin Fox, Joe Hebensperger, Rob Harris, Paul Korn, Dan Chaput, Marc Alden Taylor, Ian Wadley, Billy Hardaway, Andrew Jacobs, Warren Money, Enoch Tsarion, JTB’s Gr

Sometimes it's best to just start at the beginning; and this week we're doing just that.   Aaron and Chris return this week to present Demo-licious; an hour-plus of the original inspiration for tunes from some of your favorite bands. You'll hear unreleased songs from bands like KISS, Motley Crue, Cinderella, and Ace Frehley. You'll also get the original demos for tracks that would take shape later down the road from bands like Van Halen, Guns N' Roses, and some interesting situations involving demos from Black Sabbath and Metallica. Enjoy Demo-licious and SHARE it with a friend!   Geeks of the Week: Mike Blount, Warren Money, Marc Alden Taylor, Bakko, Todd Cunningham, Robert Foster, Trevor McDougall, Ian Wadley (Rock and Metal Combat podcast), Jeff Hogland, Wally Norton, Derik Novak, Andrew Jacobs, Joe Royland, Brent Walter, Matt Syverson (Paperback Rocker Podcast), Chad Pollock, Brian Knapp, Darren Parkin, West Side Dave, Sit and Spin with Joe, Enoch Tsarion, The Mooger Fooger, DC, Viking Girl, Billy Ha

We dig deep into the Decibel Geek vault for something never heard before.   Chris and Aaron present a chat with former Dan Hartman group member Blanche Napoleon. The group, formed in the late 70's by Hartman (a former member of the Edgar Winter group) and included Napoleon on backing vocals, drummer Hilly Michaels, G.E. Smith, and a young, unknown guitarist named Vincent Cusano. The Hartman group had a Hot 100 disco hit in 'Instant Replay'; of which the promo video has gained some popularity in recent years due to the "interesting" choreography between Cusano and Smith.   Blanche shares her memories of Vinnie during his musically formative years, the bond between the band members, Hartman's connection to other musical notables of the day, the disco nightlife of the late 70's in New York City and much more.     Editor's Note: The interview portion of this episode was recorded in December of 2011. It was shelved at the time due to being too far out of demographic. Upon further reflection and a growing

After a week Down Under, we're back to a format that feels like a good ole pair of jeans.   Chris and Aaron present volume 20 of their long-running music-based Radio Sucks Radio Show format. No top-40, no corporate directives; just great rock and metal music that spans decades and borders and delivers over a full hour of ear candy. Great tracks from Poison, Gus G., D.A.D., Monte Pittman, Clutch, The Tip, and many more! Dig it!   Geeks of the Week: Miguel Nunez, Danny Allen Clark, David Alpizar, Nick Tevelis, Devin Fox, Robert DePasqua, Joe Lascon, Joe Royland, Jason Thomas Broadrick, Scott Olinger, Shane Hebert, Kynan O’Meara, Brent Walter, Warren Money, Billy Hardaway, Derik Novak, Jeff Hogland, Marc Alden Taylor, Ian Wadley (Rock and Metal Combat Podcast), Brent Tibbetts, Mike Bount, James Brendon Dunn, Brian Knapp, JTB’s Groovy Record Room, Wayne Newburn, Chad Pollock, Rock and Roll GPS, TwittEarl, Barrisite, hoops, Daniel Chaput, DC, Raw Magazine, Hot Metal Magazine, Loudmouth, Faces Rocks Magazine

Chris and Aaron return this week to bring you Aussie Rock volume 1! In this hour-plus episode the guys spin some of their favorite music from Down Under. You'll hear some familiar names but some not-so-familiar ones as well to give you a taste of some awesome Australian talent.   This week you get great tracks from well-known Aussie bands such as AC/DC, Rose Tattoo, and Airbourne. You'll also get some cool tracks from great artists such as Skyhooks, Electric Mary, White Widdow, Chinatown Angels and much more. A lot of great hard rock to fill your head holes. Dig it!   Geeks of the Week: Danny Allen Clark, Devin Fox, Brian Bates, Miguel Nunez, Todd Cunningham, Sid Menon, Brian Bates, Miguel Nunez, David Alpizar, Derik Novak, Bakko, Crash Crafton, Justin Ace Sixx, Matt Ashcraft, Kal Hinz, Rich Dillon, Robert de Pasqua, Joe Royland, Gino Ames, Jeff Hogland, Marc Bullard, Shane Hebert, Joe Lascon, Matt Syverson (Paperback Rocker podcast), James Brendon Dunn, Ian Wadley (Rock and Metal Combat Podcast), Howa

On June 11, 1991 rock and metal history was made when Skid Row released their followup album. Sophomore jinx? Nothing could be further from the truth.   This week Aaron and Chris return to Wire World Studios to sit down with legendary producers Michael Wagener to discuss the landmark album, Slave to the Grind. The followup to the self-titled Skid Row debut album left its mark as it debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 Chart. The album holds up today with its mix of sludgy guitars, dark lyrics, and powerful vocals from singer Sebastian Bach. In this discussion, Michael shares his memories of producing this album. You'll hear stories of the atmosphere of the recording process, the band's work ethic, and much, much more.   Buy Music! (click artist name to purchase!)   Skid Row   More Michael Wagener!   Official Website MW Rok Pak Production Workshops   Contact Us!   Rate, Review, and Subscribe in iTunes Join the Facebook Fan Page Follow on Twitter Follow on Instagram E-mail Us Call us on th

What better way to ring in a new year than by taking it as a literal directive?   Chris and Aaron kick off 2015 by taking the phrase "Happy New Year" quite literally. This week has the guys picking some of their favorite songs that have the words "Happy,""New,"or "Year" in the title.   You'll get great tracks from Hanoi Rocks,Wolfmother, Them Crooked Vultures, Iron Maiden, KISS, and more! We even spin a couple listener suggestions. Drop down from the chandelier, take that lampshade off your head, and listen to some great rock with us this week.   Geeks of the Week: Gino Ames, Mike Blount, Matt Ashcraft, Scott Olinger, Brad Kalmanson, David Alpizar, Billy Hardaway, Derik Novak, Robert De Pasqua, Wally Norton, Justin Ace Sixx, Jeff Hogland, Shane Hebert, Paul Stamm, Matt Syverson (Paperback Rocker podcast), Joe Lascon, Joe Royland, Warren Money, Jason Thomas Broadrick, Corey Nowlin, Chance Foster, Rich Dillon, James Brendon Dunn, The Riff of the Day, Brian Knapp, Sit and Spin with Joe, JTB’s Groovy Rec