The Rock and Metal Profs: The History and Philosophy of Rock and Metal

The Profs are back, and this time with a very special and very much in-demand guest. R Alan Siler is the Co-host of the Modern Musicology Podcast, owner and author at kOZMIC Press, and host of The Doctor Who A-Z Podcast. We invited him on to talk all things rock and metal in the 1980s. In this freeform episode, we asked Alan to ponder and discuss the following topics and more: What was/is the value of keyboard in hard rock and metal; what qualified as "rock" music in the 1980s, and how have our perceptions changed?; should metal ever be mainstream?; our shared love of KISS; DIO and Bowie holograms touring "live"; songs that didn't age well; 1970s rock bands that were unable to transition successfully into the 80s culture of bombast and glitz, and much more! As always, Court and I thank all of you for your patience, as we are producing few episodes these days due to other time commitments. We are so grateful to all of you who download, listen, and interact with us on the Rock and Metal Profs Facebook page. You are appreciated!

The Profs are back after a long hiatus. Matt traveled Italy in search of a great rock and metal store, but to no avail. Apparently, Italians LOVE Jazz! Court visited Chicago, and saw Mr. Speed in Chattanooga, a fantastic KISS tribute act. Now, the profs are chomping at the bit. We tackle the Sunset Strip: the Talented, the Determined, and the Deluded! We want to thank all of our listeners for being patient and sticking with us while we blew off some steam. Let's do this!!!

The early 1980s was a time of tremendous change and transition for KISS. Just a few years prior, the "Hottest Band in the World" was selling out arenas and their albums shipped platinum. However, by 1981, Peter Criss was out of the band, with Ace Frehley soon to follow. The next few years brought line-up changes, a disastrous concept album (Music from the Elder), a return to rock album that sold poorly (Creatures of the Night), and the momentous decision by the band to finally reveal their true identities to the public. KISS re-imagined and re-branded with their 11th studio album "Lick it Up", and began their ascent to the top once more. Embracing the 80s hard rock bombast, guitar shredders, and all the glam and glitter of the decade, KISS showed they were still the Kings of the Mountain. Court, Matt and Tim discuss the often misunderstood and much maligned "Music from the Elder", the return to form with "Creatures of the NIght", and the brilliance of the first two non-makeup albums, "Lick it Up" and "Animalize."

Court and Matt have attended over 500 concerts over the course of their lifetimes, including numerous rock festivals. With the recent announcement that both Ozzy Osbourne and AC/DC are coming out of retirement to perform at the Power trip Festival in October, we thought this would be the perfect time to discuss the history, pros and cons of the rock festival experience. We discuss iconic festivals like Woodstock and Altamont, and some lesser-known but equally remarkable festivals that didn't go off as planned. We also recognize that as you listen to this episode, we will likely sound like two crotchety old rockers bemoaning the festival experience. In fairness, however, we did attempt to accentuate the positive, and we acknowledge that the rock festival is a young person's game. We hope that after listening you'll hit us up on the Rock and Metal Profs Facebook page and let us know about your best, worst, and most memorable rock festival moments. Rock on!

On this Ep. of RAMP, our long-time 3rd and silent member of the podcast, Mr. Tim Williamson joins us for some Q and A. Tim has played an instrumental role in making sure the podcast is available to listeners on all the various feeds, and we couldn't do the show were it not for his technical expertise. We finally coaxed him into doing the show with promises of caffeine, U2 tickets and strippers (we're kidding about the strippers). Tim brought us some really tough music-related questions to answer, which created all types of conundrums for Court and Matt. We cover everything from our favorite metal songs, to our favorite non-rock and metal genres. We debate whether or not Nirvana actually deserves it's place as the progenitors of grunge, and Court waxes philosophical on topics ranging from Vegas crooners to martyrdom in music and teen angst. As always, we are grateful to all our listeners and supporters -- you know who you are!

In this episode of RAMP the Profs take a close look and listen to the 90s and 2000s era of Metallica. The music Metallica produced after 1991 was polarizing, both enraging some early fans, but also introducing legions of younger fans to the band and their new sound. Purists claimed that Metallica had abandoned their thrash roots, sold out, and a few viewed the band's change in direction as a betrayal! Angry metal "Luddites" proclaimed they would never support the band again after the more commercial sound of their self-titled Black album in 91. Ironically, it was that same album that catapulted Metallica into the stratosphere as the biggest and most successful metal band in history. Court and Matt offer a different and more even-handed take on Metallica's later catalog, giving credit where due, and acknowledging that there were a few clunkers along the way as the band struggled to find it's identity. Court and I also want to thank all of our listeners, and in particular our long-time listeners for the years of support and interaction on the RAMP FB page. Rock on mates!

In this episode of RAMP Court and Matt circle back to take a look at KISS in the 1980s, 90s and 2000s. Listeners know by now that Court is a huge fan of KISS in the 80s, while Matt grew up in the 1970s and thus favors the classic-era with the original line-up. Court takes center stage on this one to talk about what the hottest band in the world did right in their later incarnations with Eric Carr, Vinnie Vincent, Mark St. John, Bruce Kulick and Eric Singer. KISS fans should enjoy this one!

Listeners to the podcast know that Court was a massive fan of early GnR and Appetite for Destruction. However, when Use Your Illusion 1 and 2 were released, young Dr. Lewis had an epic meltdown and vowed never to listen to those albums again. His expectations were so high that those albums were a massive letdown, and one that sticks in Court's craw even today. The mere mention of those albums sends Court into an epic tirade of profanity, rants about Yoko Ono, and the imbibing of adult beverages to numb the pain of Axl's betrayal. Finally, after 30-plus years, Court decided it was time to come to grips with his feelings, recline on the leather couch of rock and roll psychology, and drill deep into his psyche to determine why these albums evoke such strong feelings all these years later. Matt and Court construct the album that should-have-been, a single, two-record Use Your Illusion featuring only the songs that should have comprised that release back in 1991. This is going to be a fun one folks, so let us know what you think on the RAMP Facebook page!

We are back with our "Best Albums of 2022" picks, and it's a doozy. Neither Court nor I had any idea which albums the other selected, and it was interesting to see how much our picks varied. We think we did a pretty good job covering the strongest offerings of 22, but it is entirely possible that we overlooked a masterpiece! We are counting on you to let us know where we went right or wrong. Give it a listen, and drop us a message on the Rock and Metal Profs Facebook page. We want to hear from you! Happy Holidays everyone, and be safe out there!

We're back! Court and Matt field questions from the listeners, grappling with topics such as best concept albums, best side projects, remarkable rock and roll feuds, and Gene Simmons' proclamation that "rock is dead." We want to thank all of the listeners who took the time to submit questions -- We appreciate you!

We're back! After a lengthy and mostly involuntary hiatus, the Profs are back and answering your questions. Yes, we feel bad that it's been 2 months since our last episode, but we hope you'll go easy on us. Court and I have been in marathon mode this fall semester, doing our best to educate the next generation. Sometimes career and life clash with our rock and roll lifestyles! We are so excited to be back and fielding listener questions from listeners, colleagues, friends and family. This is part 1 of 2, and we'll try to get the next episode up very soon. We appreciate you taking the time to download and listen!

In this episode of RAMP Court and Matt interview author and philosopher William Irwin. Dr. Irwin is a Herve' A. Leblanc Distinguished Service Professor and the Chair of Philosophy at King's College in Pennsylvania. He is also a long time fan of metal and the author of two books examining the music of Metallica. "Metallica and Philosophy: A Crash Course in Brain Surgery", and "The Meaning of Metallica: Ride the Lyrics" are the topics of discussion on today's podcast. Dr. Irwin researched the lyrical subject matter penned by James Hetfield, revealing a rich artistry and a profoundly thoughtful songwriter who draws heavily from life experiences to create some of the greatest metal music ever recorded. Dr. Irwin shows that Metallica is the thinking-man's (or woman's) band, proving yet again that hard rock and metal has produced some of the most insightful and intelligent music in history. You can take a closer look at William Irwin's work on Metallica using the links below: https://www.amazon.com/Metallica-Philosophy-Crash-Course-Surgery/dp/1665194405 https://www.amazon.com/Meaning-Metallica-Ride-Lyrics/dp/1770416188/ref=d_pd_sbs_sccl_1_1/135-7976432-1169717?pd_rd_w=jbB39&content-id=amzn1.sym.2dc9b33d-bf98-4c85-be26-75af626c0551&pf_rd_p=2dc9b33d-bf98-4c85-be26-75af626c0551&pf_rd_r=XZY45BZZ14GKG9C58M27&pd_rd_wg=aAovv&pd_rd_r=8a2d9f24-1989-4dab-b518-7b8fa89fdda3&pd_rd_i=1770416188&psc=1

Court and Matt are back to discuss the newly remastered and expanded deluxe edition of DIO's seminal 1983 debut solo album, Holy Diver. The profs discuss this epic 4-disc expanded album and its merits, as well as the soon-to-be released DIO documentary "Dreamers Never Die." Matt also recounts going to see Yngwie Malmsteen in Bowling Green KY, and the shred-tastic festivities of that evening. Thanks for listening to the show -- We appreciate you!

the story of RIOT has all the elements of a good Greek tragedy. It is a tale that is equal parts raw talent, ambition, youthful recklessness, greed, calamity, and possibly the worst band mascot in history! There were a multitude of external forces that thwarted RIOT's efforts to make good, even as they produced a string of really good albums (and a couple bad ones) in the 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond. Over RIOT’s 45-year career, they’ve endured revolving door line-ups, 28 different band members, including 5 vocalists and 7 drummers, and the passing of 3 key members of the early line-up, including founder Mark Reale in 2012. Nevertheless, RIOT inspired some of the greatest rock and metal acts in history, leaving an indelible imprint on the genre. RIOT may be the greatest rock band you've never heard of, until now! Professors Matt and Court do their best to present an unvarnished and honest look at a band that should have been massive in the mid-eighties.

On this episode of RAMP, the Profs talk to multi-talented vocalist, songwriter, instrumentalist and former lead singer of Black Sabbath, Mr. Tony Martin. Over Martin's illustrious career he's produced some of the most iconic and memorable music in rock and metal history both as Sabbath's vocalist in the 80s and 90s, and as a solo performer. His voice appears on over 80 recordings, and he continues to produce some of the best music within the genre. His new album "Thorns" is a contender for album of the year, and showcases what fans of Tony Martin have always known -- he is a special talent both as a singer and composer. Court and Matt ask him about his role in Sabbath, the new solo album, the upcoming Black Sabbath/Tony Martin-era box set, and some of life's biggest questions. Tony also recounts some memorable stories from the road as a member of Sabbath. Our sincere thanks to Tony for coming on the show and for being a true gentleman and a class act!

Tony Martin was the 2nd longest tenured vocalist in the history of Black Sabbath. During his run with the band, Martin wrote, sang, toured and performed with the band as they traveled to regions where Sabbath had never ventured prior, including Italy, Greece and the USSR. He sang on 5 studio albums and a live album, producing some of Sabbath's best material and contributing to a musical legacy that will forever endure. Black Sabbath are the progenitors of Heavy Metal -- an entire genre of music! Martin's songwriting expertise took the band in new directions, exploring new themes that challenged what people expected from the band. At the same time, Martin understood that he was a member of Sabbath and that expectations were high -- he was, after all, stepping into the shoes of Ozzy, Dio and Ian Gillan. Martin handled himself masterfully, writing lyrics that embraced Sabbath's traditions while pushing the band into new territory. Court and Matt discuss the criminally under-appreciated Tony Martin era of Sabbath, as well as his recent solo effort "Thorns" on the newest episode of The Rock and Metal Profs.

Court and Matt raise their fists in the air and shout in unison to celebrate all that is POWER METAL! Power metal has been around since the 1970s, and most rockers at that time were unaware they were fans of this emerging subgenre of metal. The Profs unpack the origins of power metal, they attempt to define it, and they explain why it should be distinguished from prog metal, math metal, thrash and classic metal. The Profs discuss the historical, philosophical and mythological themes that are common in power metal. They also talk about why power metal became such a positive and unifying musical force in Europe and the U.S. in the eighties, nineties and today.

The Profs are back, and the "War of the Currents" begins with Tesla: The Early Years. When Tesla burst on the scene in the mid-eighties, many rock and metal fans took notice. With their straightforward workingman's approach to performing and touring, Tesla became one of the biggest bands in America. Remarkably, Tesla was also a thinking man's (and woman's) band. Not content to emulate other successful acts of the day with songs about sex and drugs, Tesla focused on thought-provoking subject matter -- history, politics, relationships and philosophy. Their success was beyond anything these 5 gents from Sacramento California could have envisioned. However, as we so often see, success bred strife, addiction, and division. in spite of that conflict, Tesla went on to produce some of the most thoughtful and memorable music ever produced in the genre.

Happy 50th Episode!! The Rock and Metal Profs are back to discuss that age-old debate -- which version of the band was superior? Over the years Court and Matt have been in countless debates about which iteration of Black Sabbath was best -- Ozzy or Dio? Van Halen or Van Hagar? Early Iron Maiden with DiAnno or the Dickinson era? 70s KISS or 80s KISS? Were the Stones at their best with Brian Jones, Mick Taylor or Ronnie Wood? Does having superior musicians in the band mean that the music must be superior as well? What role does chemistry and "magic" play in terms of measuring a band's greatness? Matt challenges Court to listen to GnR's Chinese Democracy with objective ears (even though the mere mention of GnR drives Court into a fit of rage). We ask the listeners to sound off on the RAMP Facebook page and let us know what you think. Give us your picks! Tell us where we are wrong!

Another round for the ladies! On this episode the Rock and Metal Profs discuss some of the most talented and influential female musicians of the nineties and two-thousands. From Jennifer Batten to Nita Strauss, from Kim Deal to Amy Lee, from Floor Jansen to Simone Simon, Court and Matt do their best to give these incredibly gifted, hard-working and committed artists their due. Rock and metal music tends to be a sausage-fest, but as the profs point out, there is a veritable plethora of female performers who have breathed new life into the genre at a time when metal is anything but mainstream. Matt points out that Americans have a blind spot when it comes to symphonic metal born in western Europe, while Court emphasizes that we should not overlook the talented rock guitarists who found their niche in pop and country. It's a rich tapestry of musical ability as we celebrate the ladies on this 49th episode of RAMP! If we missed any of your favorite female performers, please hit us up on the RAMP Facebook page and let us know so we can promote and share the artists you love!