059 - 'AFTER THE GOLD RUSH' WITH JACK J HUTCHINSON

Before Neil Young waged war on Spotify, he was already one of the most acclaimed singer songwriters of all time. Mike is joined by British blues rock guitarist and songwriter Jack J Hutchinson to celebrate Young's breakthrough album 'After The Gold Rush'. A regular on greatest album lists, 'After The Gold Rush' saw Neil build on his success with Crosby, Stills and Nash and record an album that still resonates with listeners over 50 years on.

How was 'After The Gold Rush' inspired by a Dean Stockwell screenplay of the same name?
Why did Lynyrd Skynyrd reference Neil Young and 'Southern Man' in their iconic 'Sweet Home Alabama'?
Who did Neil write the classic 'Only Love Can Break Your Heart' for?

PLUS: Enjoy 'I Will Follow You' - a fantastic track from Jack's 2020 album 'Back To The Blues' 

Another great episode of 'My Classic Album'.

For more information on the show: Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk

Like us on Facebook at 'My Classic Album with Mike Norris'
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Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese
'I Will Follow You' by Jack J Hutchinson. Released on the 2020 album 'Back To The Blues' on Psychedelic String Records.
Jack's latest album 'The Hammer Falls' is out now!

All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

058 - 'THE BLACK PARADE' WITH THE WARNING

Ale, Dany and Pau make up a trio of sisters who also happen to be one of the fastest rising bands in rock today! The Warning take time out to join Mike and celebrate their chosen classic album: My Chemical Romance’s ‘The Black Parade’.

An album influential on all three sisters, The Warning share the impact the story of The Patient’s journey to the afterlife has had. Together Mike and the band explore the album in full including how the influence of classic albums of the past is present for all to see on ‘The Black Parade’.

What impact did recording the album at the haunted Paramour Mansion have on the band?

Why did the breakout single ‘Welcome To The Black Parade’ nearly not make the album?

How did Liza Minnelli become involved with the song ‘Mama’?

 

PLUS: Enjoy ‘Animosity’ from The Warning’s latest EP ‘Mayday’.

Join the Black Parade on this epic edition of 'My Classic Album'.

For more information on the show: Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk

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Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese

'Animosity' by The Warning. Released on Republic Records a division of UMG Recordings inc & Lava Music LLC

All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

057 - 'JOE'S GARAGE' WITH TROY REDFERN

Mike returns with all new episodes of 'My Classic Album' as the podcast begins its 4th season! Season 4 kicks off with our most ambitious episode yet as Mike is joined by the King of Slide Guitar Troy Redfern to break down all three acts of Frank Zappa's rock opera 'Joe's Garage'.

Released in two parts by Zappa in 1979, Troy and Mike explore 'Joe's Garage' as a whole; often ambitious, constantly surreal yet ultimately packing an emotional punch as the story reaches its conclusion.

How does 'Joe's Garage' use xenochrony- a technique Zappa pioneered that is ever present throughout the album?

Is the beautiful 'Watermelon In Easter Hay' the apex of Frank Zappa's career?

What on Earth is plooking?

 

PLUS: Enjoy ''Westward the Sun'; the opening track from Troy's 2020 album 'Thunder Moon'.

AND: Mike shares his thoughts and pays tribute to Meat Loaf following his passing in January 2022.

 

Enjoy our opening episode of Season 4... and remember...

"THE WHITE ZONE IS FOR LOADING AND UNLOADING ONLY!"

 

For more information on the show: Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk

Like us on Facebook at 'My Classic Album with Mike Norris'

Follow us on Instagram @myclassicalbumpodcast

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Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese

'Westward the Sun' by Troy Redfern. An independent release played with permission from the artist. 

The album 'Thunder Moon' is available at https://troyredfern.bandcamp.com/album/thunder-moon

All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

055- 'DIVA' WITH RIVA TAYLOR

Singer songwriter Riva Taylor joins Mike to share her love for 'Diva', the debut solo album from the iconic Annie Lennox.

After ruling the 80's with Dave Stewart as part of Eurythmics, Annie kickstarted her solo career with an album full of career defining songs including 'Why', 'Little Bird' and 'Walking On Broken Glass'. Together Riva and Mike discuss how Annie was able to forge her own path throughout the 90's and beyond.

Which song on the album does Dave Stewart believe Annie wrote about him?
How did the single release for 'Cold' make UK chart history?
In what way did Annie Lennox pave the way for the Spice Girls? 

PLUS: Hear 'IN LOVE (no more)', a standout track from Riva's most recent EP 'TWH.2'

Enjoy another jam packed episode of 'My Classic Album'.

For more information on the show: Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk
Like us on Facebook at 'My Classic Album with Mike Norris'
Follow us on Instagram @myclassicalbumpodcast
Or on Twitter @mca_podcast

Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese
'IN LOVE (no more)' by Riva Taylor Released on and played with permission from Bloom Recordings. 

All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

054 - 'GOING FOR THE ONE' WITH RON 'BUMBLEFOOT' THAL

One of the most accomplished guitarists on the planet Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal joins Mike to share his love of Yes and their 1977 album 'Going For The One'.

From the moment Ron first heard the title track as a child growing up in Staten Island, he was transported into a world created by the sheer beauty he heard across the five tracks on 'Going For The One'. Together with Mike, Ron shares why his love for this album still runs deep and strong to this day.

What led Rick Wakeman to return to Yes after leaving in 1973?
Which band delayed production of 'Going For The One' due to their own time at Mountain Studios in Montreux?
Has Ron ever had the pleasure of playing a vachalia; the Portugese guitar of choice used on 'Wondrous Stories'?

PLUS: Mike samples Ron's infamous 'Bumblef**ked' Hot Sauce live on the show with some moral support from Evanescence's Jen Majura!

AND: Hear Bumblefoot's fantastic 2020 single 'Planetary Lockdown'. 

An unforgettable episode of 'My Classic Album'.

Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese
'Planetary Lockdown' by Bumblefoot Released on and played with permission from Bumblefoot Music
All music rights reserved to their respective owners.


053 - 'POWERSLAVE' WITH EMLEE JOHANNSON

Emlee Johansson, drummer of Swedish rockers Thundermother joins Mike to discuss Iron Maiden's iconic 5th album 'Powerslave'.

Amongst an unparalleled run of albums from Maiden in the 1980s, for many (including Emlee), 'Powerslave' sits as the pinnacle of the legendary metal band's career. Emlee recalls hearing opening track 'Aces High' for the first time and how this directly impacted her own journey into music.

Which song on 'Powerslave' harkens back to themes from 'The Number of The Beast'?
How has Nicko McBrain influenced Emlee's own drumming style?
Over 30 years since the release of '2 Minutes To Midnight', how much closer has the world come to doomsday?

PLUS: Hear 'Driving In Style', an awesome cut from Thundermother's latest album 'Heat Wave'
Horns in the air for another episode of 'My Classic Album'.

Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese
'Driving In Style' by Thundermother (taken from their 2020 album 'Heat Wave'. Released on and played with permission from AFM Records)
All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

051 - 'GRACE' WITH JONATHAN ANTOINE

Classically trained tenor and Britain's Got Talent finalist Jonathan Antoine joins Mike to discuss Jeff Buckley's critically acclaimed album 'Grace'.

A modest success in Jeff's lifetime, 'Grace' has only grown in cultural relevance and esteem since the singer songwriter's untimely passing. Together Jonathan and Mike explore the emotional story of Jeff Buckley and how that informs the music on the sole studio album of his lifetime.

In what way do the lyrics on 'Grace' take on a eerie resonance since Jeff's death in 1997?
What commonality can Jonathan find between Jeff's emergence into the public eye and his own initial success? 
Why did Jeff replace the song 'Forget Her' with 'So Real' on initial releases of 'Grace'? 

PLUS: An opportunity to hear Jonathan's beautiful new single 'Io si' written by legendary songwriter Diane Warren.

A fascinating exploration on this episode of 'My Classic Album'

For more information on the show: Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk
Like us on Facebook at 'My Classic Album with Mike Norris'
Follow us on Instagram @myclassicalbumpodcast
Or on Twitter @mca_podcast 

Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese
'Io si' by Jonathan Antoine (Released by Loki Artist Group and MTX and played with thanks and permission from Michelle Gustenstein-Hinz)

All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

050 - 'RISING' WITH IAN HAUGLAND

The 50th episode of 'My Classic Album' is here and it's jam packed like no other! Ian Haugland, drummer of Swedish rock legends Europe joins Mike to discuss our 50th classic album, Rainbow's 'Rising'.

A union including the likes of Ritchie Blackmore, Ronnie James Dio and Cozy Powell was too much for a young Ian Haugland to resist. Together Ian and Mike explore the impact 'Rising' had not only on themselves but the development of hard rock and heavy metal as a whole!

What unique process did Rainbow use to audition drummers including Cozy Powell?

How did keyboardist Tony Carey react when Ian played him the intro to 'Tarot Woman' on his own radio show?

Is 'Stargazer' the genesis of metal's relationship with fantasy?

PLUS: Enjoy a track from Europe's most recent album 'Walk The Earth'

Oh but there's so much more!

  • Fans of TV show 'Parks and Recreation' rejoice! Mouse Rat are back!

  • It's been running over on our Instagram page for nearly a month. After 50 episodes worth of classic albums, the winner of the 50 Album Showdown will be revealed!

  • AND the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer joining Mike on a future episode of 'My Classic Album' will be announced at the end of the show!

My small way of thanking you all for enjoying 50 episodes of 'My Classic Album'

For more information on the show: Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk

Like us on Facebook at 'My Classic Album with Mike Norris'

Follow us on Instagram @myclassicalbumpodcast

Or on Twitter @mca_podcast

 

Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese

'5000 Candles In The Wind (Bye Bye L'il Sebastian)' by Mouse Rat (taken from their upcoming album 'The Awesome Album'. Released on and played with permission from Dualtone Records and Entertainment 720)

'Walk The Earth' by Europe (taken from their 2017 studio album 'Walk The Earth'. Released on and played with permission from Hell & Back Recordings)

All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

049 - 'ELIMINATOR' WITH JUSTIN ROSS

The Sharp Dressed Men of ZZ Top receive the 'My Classic Album' treatment as rock artist Justin Ross joins Mike to celebrate the iconic 'Eliminator' album. From the moment he first heard ZZ Top at a car rally, Justin knew this band would shape his musical identity for years to come and together he and Mike explore the impact 'Eliminator' had on the MTV generation with it's eclectic blend of blues rock and new wave influences.

How did the likes of Depeche Mode and Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark influence ZZ Top at this point in their career?
What impact did the 'Eliminator' music videos on MTV have on the success of the album? 
What lyric from 'Legs' is amusingly lost in translation across the pond from America to the UK?

PLUS: Hear 'Drink The Water', a track from Justin's new album 'Into The Dark'. Grab yourself a TV Dinner and settle in for another episode of 'My Classic Album'.

For more information on the show: Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk
Like us on Facebook at 'My Classic Album with Mike Norris'
Follow us on Instagram @myclassicalbumpodcast
Or on Twitter @mca_podcast

 

Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese
'Drink The Water' by Justin Ross (an independent release played with permission from the artist)
All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

048 - 'MOVING PICTURES' WITH TRAVIS LARSON

The Holy Triumvirate known as Rush finally make their way into the pantheon of legendary bands covered on 'My Classic Album'. Mike is joined by guitarist Travis Larson to discuss the iconic 'Moving Pictures'

From the moment Travis was given a mix tape from his school friend Jennifer including songs from 'Moving Pictures', the pair began an epic adventure of Rush fandom and ultimately a successful career in music together for over twenty years. Together Mike and Travis explore the impact 'Moving Pictures' had not only on the Travis Larson band but music lovers and even popular culture for four decades.

What classic movie scene (a favourite of Mike's) is soundtracked to 'Moving Pictures' single 'Limelight'?
How was Travis and Jennifer's experience of hearing Rush perform the entire album live on the Time Machine Tour?
In what way were Rush inspired by the likes of The Police and Talking Heads?

PLUS: Hear the title track from 'Annica', the most recent studio album from the Travis Larson Band on a mammoth edition of 'My Classic Album'.

For more information on the show: Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk
Like us on Facebook at 'My Classic Album with Mike Norris'
Follow us on Instagram @myclassicalbumpodcast
Or on Twitter @mca_podcast

 

Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese
'Annica' by the Travis Larson Band (an independent release played with permission from the artist)
All music rights reserved to their respective owners.


047 - 'ONE WAY... OR ANOTHER' WITH BOONE FROGGETT

Lauded as 'the American Led Zeppelin', the tale of American rockers Cactus is the encapsulation of sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll. On this edition of 'My Classic Album', Boone Froggett from Kentucky rockers Otis introduces Mike to Cactus's second album 'One Way... Or Another'

Wild shows with singer Rusty Day arrested before the encore and drug fuelled tours with the likes of Black Sabbath served as the backdrop for the album sessions with 'One Way... Or Another' playing a significant but underrated role in the development of hard rock and metal in its early years.

Which legendary British singer was close to becoming the voice of Cactus?
In what ways can Boone spot the influence of Eddie Kramer who helped produce the album?
Is 'Big Mama Boogie Pts 1 & 2' one of the defining moments in the storied career of drummer Carmine Appice?

PLUS: Enjoy music from Otis with their 2020 single 'Lyndales'. 

AND 50 years from the release of 'One Way... Or Another', hear 'Tightrope', the title track from the NEW Cactus studio album! 

The legacy of Cactus comes full circle on a special episode of 'My Classic Album' 

For more information on the show: Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk

Like us on Facebook at 'My Classic Album with Mike Norris'
Follow us on Instagram @myclassicalbumpodcast
Or on Twitter @mca_podcast

 

Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese
'Lyndales' by Otis (an independent release played with permission from the artist)
'Tightrope' by Cactus (with thanks to and permission from Cleopatra Records. Released from the new studio album 'Tightrope' available now!)

All music rights reserved to their respective owners.


046 - 'THE JOSHUA TREE' WITH ERICK BIEGER

The album that cemented U2 as one of the biggest bands on the planet and established a legacy they would never get away from... even when they tried! Mike is joined by West of House's Erick Bieger to share their love for 'The Joshua Tree'.

From the first time Erick listened to 'The Joshua Tree', the album resonated with him strongly. Not only did it inspire Erick's own journey as a musician but it also raised his own awareness of American foreign policy as explored by Bono and the band throughout the album.

 

Which track on 'The Joshua Tree' holds a personal significance to Mike's own family history?

What connects serial killer Robert John Bardo to the song 'Exit'?

Who was Greg Carroll, the man the song 'One Tree Hill' was written in memory of?

 

PLUS: Enjoy 'Holy Ghosted', a track from West of House's debut album 'Crescendo of Silence'.

 

An all time classic finally takes its place on 'My Classic Album'

For more information on the show: Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk

Like us on Facebook at 'My Classic Album with Mike Norris'

Follow us on Instagram @myclassicalbumpodcast

Or on Twitter @mca_podcast

 

Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese

'Holy Ghosted' by West of House (played with permission from the artist from their 2020 album 'Crescendo of Silence', available on all streaming platforms)

045 - 'SEX & RELIGION' WITH JEN MAJURA

Buckle in and enjoy one of the most fun episodes of 'My Classic Album' you'll have the pleasure of listening to as Mike is joined by Evanescence guitarist Jen Majura to chat about Steve Vai's third album 'Sex & Religion'.

Conceived as a group project and released under the band name Vai, 'Sex & Religion' is an extraordinary album that not only introduced the world to Devin Townsend but also introduced a young Jen Majura to the majesty of Steve Vai and helped kickstart her own journey as a guitarist.

 

How has bass player TM Stevens played an integral role in Jen's musical career?

Which track on the album makes use of the Xavian scale, a musical scale devised by Steve Vai himself?

Why does Jen regularly text Devin Townsend pictures of quokkas?

PLUS: Check out 'Soul Suffer Payment', a track from the self titled debut of Jen's band Something On 11.

 

An episode not to be missed from 'My Classic Album'.

 

For more information on the show: Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk

Like us on Facebook at 'My Classic Album with Mike Norris'

Follow us on Instagram @myclassicalbumpodcast

Or on Twitter @mca_podcast

 

Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese

'Soul Suffer Payment' by Something On 11 (played with permission from the artist from their 2020 album 'Something On 11', available on all streaming platforms)