By Ian Liberman
BODY COUNT’S BLOODLUST
25 years ago, Tracey Marrow (aka Ice-T), formed Body Count, one of the first metal rap bands with Ernie C (a traditional rap/hip-hop artist). Body Count is a unique, political, socially-oriented, rap-metal band. Back in the day, they released albums that struck a negative chord with traditional organizations such as the police and parents’ groups with controversial tunes like “Cop Killer.”
Many of the themes from the band’s latest release are extrapolated from I-Tea’s experiences with racism, racial profiling, and the violent environment of the urban landscape of U.S cities like Los Angeles.
In 1998, Ice-T was selected in an NBC audition to play a police TV detective named Odafin “Fin” Tutuola, on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, (which is now in its 19th season). Ice-T claims he is on the side of egalitarianism and equality, not any particular cultural group or race.
Body Count’s latest release, Bloodlust, is particularly epitomized by the song “All Lives Matter.” In the song, Ice-T examines (through personal experiences) why the catch phrase, and name of one of the most socially significant lobby groups for black equality, is called “Black Lives Matter.” He also delves into why critics, who draw conclusions about the name and purpose of the group, do not comprehend that using the phrase “All Lives Matter” instead of “Black Lives Matter” dilutes the injustices and issues experienced by the black culture on a socio-political level. Throughout the album, Ice-T narrates his social and personal experiences and ideas.
If you love metal and rap, or just even metal, you are going to find the new Body Count album intellectually stimulating and filled with wonderful, aggressive, guitar-oriented melodies that will bloody your eardrums.
FOO FIGHTERS’ CONCRETE AND GOLD
Foo Fighters have announced that their latest album, Concrete and Gold, will be dropping on September 15th. Dave Grohl compared it to Motorhead playing Sgt. Pepper’s. There band will be touring in support of the album this fall. If you’re a fan of Grohl’s, make sure to check out the video of his 8-year old daughter playing drums on Queen’s “We Will Rock You.”
ROBIN TROWER’S TIME AND EMOTION
A few months ago, Procol Harum’s timeless classic “A Whiter Shade Of Pale” turned 50 years old! In addition to his work with Procol Harum, guitarist Robin Trower has been releasing solo albums with regularity. The English guitarist will be releasing Time and Emotion (his 22nd studio album) soon, and following it up with a tour. You may not be familiar with his work, but he is one of the few guitarists whose sound is in the same psychedelic wheelhouse as Jimi Hendrix.
ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME GOES INTERNATIONAL
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has made arrangements to construct a new version with unique attractions, in Tokyo, Japan. The first exhibit will open this September, while the full experience will follow a year later.
INFERNO OF ROCK TRIVIA QUESTIONS:
If trivia is up your alley, make sure to check out the Inferno of Rock Trivia Card Game available on Amazon or worldwide from Rock From Hell.
JUNE 2017 TRIVIA QUESTION ANSWERS
[1] Between the ages 9 – 11, what artist did Chris Cornell listen to most? It was the very early Beatles work because it had a rockabilly and blues sound.
[2] What was the name of the Chris Cornell’s cover band in the early ’80s?
The Shemps. (Shemp was Chris` favorite member of the Three Stooges. The Shemps caused him to connect with bassist Hiro Yamamoto, guitarist Kim Thayil, and with Scott Sundquist, who were to form Soundgarden, in 1984.
JULY 2017 TRIVIA QUESTIONS
[1] Who is the only guest artist to ever appear on a Black Sabbath album?
[2] This band was called Fecal Matter, Pen Cap Chew, Bliss, Ted Ed Fred, and Skid Row before settling on their final name. Who are they?
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