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

May 1, 2021

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

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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

April 15, 2021

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

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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

April 1, 2021

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'

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)

044 - 'SUPERKNOWN' WITH VILIVANT

March 15, 2021

On this episode of 'My Classic Album', Mike takes a journey into the superunknown looking back at Soundgarden's most celebrated album with Canadian singer songwriter VILIVANT.

Together Mike and VILIVANT explore how 'Superunknown' launched Soundgarden to mainstream notoriety as the grunge movement hit its apex while being unafraid to wear other genres and creativity firmly on their sleeves.

Who was Artis the Spoonman; the street performer who inspired and also performed on the Grammy winning 'Spoonman'?

Which song on the album came to singer Chris Cornell as he drove home from the studio?

How did a robin inspire the lyrics to 'Like Suicide'?

PLUS: An opportunity to listen to 'Stabilized', a track from VILIVANT's 2020 EP 'Never Again'.

Another in depth conversation to enjoy from '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

'Stabilized' by VILIVANT (played with permission from the artist from her 2020 EP 'Born Again', available on all streaming platforms)

043 - 'HIGHWAY TO HELL' WITH DAMON JOHNSON

March 1, 2021

The AC/DC lovefest continues on 'My Classic Album as friend of the show Damon Johnson returns to share his love for 'Highway To Hell'.

Damon recalls the very moment 'Highway To Hell' came into his life and the impact it had from the first three notes. Together Mike and Damon explore the pressures AC/DC were under from Atlantic Records to adapt for mainstream success and how they did it without compromising who they were as a band.

Which renowned producer almost produced 'Highway To Hell' before Mutt Lange's involvement?

What controversy in the mid 1980s change the public's perception of 'Night Prowler' forever?

Which song on the album did Angus Young write 'after a night of bad pizza'?

PLUS: Hear the fantastic 'Talk Yourself Into Anything', a track from Damon's new album 'Battle Lessons'.

Nobody's gonna slow us down on this 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

'Talk Yourself Into Anything' by Damon Johnson & The Get Ready. Played with permission from the new album 'Battle Lessons' out now!

042 - 'HIGH VOLTAGE' WITH RILEY COUZZOURT

February 15, 2021

For the next four weeks, 'My Classic Album' will be celebrating the Bon Scott era of AC/DC starting with this episode dedicated to their international debut 'High Voltage'.

Mike is joined by Riley Couzzourt, guitarist of the Georgia Thunderbolts for who 'High Voltage' marked a crucial in his journey as a lover of rock music and a musician in his own right. Together Mike and Riley explore how the growing popularity of AC/DC in both Australia and across the world led the band to release this album; a compilation of their first two Australian releases.

Before he joined the band as lead singer, what role did Bon Scott play in the lives of AC/DC?

Why did Rolling Stone famously slate the album upon its release?

Who did Bon play songs including 'She's Got Balls' to see if they would make the cut for 'High Voltage'?

PLUS: Hear 'Looking For An Old Friend', the opening track from the debut EP from the Georgia Thunderbolts!

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

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

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Or on Twitter @mca_podcast

Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese

'Looking For An Old Friend' by The Georgia Thunderbolts (taken from their debut EP 'The Georgia Thunderbolts'. Released on and played with permission from Mascot Records)

041 - 'SLIPPERY WHEN WET' WITH STEFAN BLOMQVIST

February 1, 2021

Stefan Blomqvist, vocalist and guitarist of Swedish rockers Black Paisley joins Mike to chart the phenomenal rise of Bon Jovi and their third album 'Slippery When Wet'.

From writing songs in guitarist Richie Sambora's basement to headlining arenas within one year, Bon Jovi became overnight sensations thanks to hits like 'You Give Love A Bad Name' and 'Livin' On A Prayer'. Together Stefan and Mike discuss the importance of songwriter Desmond Child, producer Bruce Fairbairn and engineer Bob Rock in securing Bon Jovi became one of the biggest bands on the planet.

How do Bon Jovi have Bonnie Tyler to thank for one of the hit singles on 'Slippery When Wet'?

Which song on the album were Aerosmith very interested in recording?

What unique way did the band test drive all the tracks on the album?

All these questions and more to be answered on this edition of 'My Classic Album'.

PLUS: Hear 'Without Us', the lead single from Black Paisley's new album 'Rambler'.

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

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Or on Twitter @mca_podcast

Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese

'Without Us' by Black Paisley from their new album 'Rambler'

040 - 'FAIR WARNING' WITH WILL WALLNER

January 15, 2021

'My Classic Album' crashes into the 1980's as we look back at the most underrated jewel in the David Lee Roth era of Van Halen: 1981's 'Fair Warning'.

Guitarist Will Wallner joins Mike to discuss an album that took Van Halen away from the carefree vibes of their early work towards a darker, heavier and at times more sinister sound. A conversation recorded three months to the day since Eddie Van Halen's passing, 'Fair Warning' stands as a testament to the legendary guitarist's creativity and sheer vision.

Did tensions within the band contribute to the sound we hear on 'Fair Warning'?

How did David Lee Roth come up with the iconic breakdown in 'Unchained'?

How did Eddie come up with the iconic introduction to album opener 'Mean Street'?

PLUS: Hear 'Back On The Strip': a world exclusive from Will's band Vain Wallner.

Hit the ground running with 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'

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Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese

'Back On The Strip' by Vain Wallner

039 - 'ELECTRIC WARRIOR' WITH MATTHEW HUGHES

January 1, 2021

'My Classic Album' sees in 2021 with an album credited as the very beginning of glam rock fifty years ago. Mike and special guest Matthew Hughes from US rockers Atari Ferrari team up to discuss T.Rex's 1971 album 'Electric Warrior'

Mike and Matthew explore Marc Bolan's beginnings in psychedelic folk duo Tyrannosaurus Rex and the musical journey Marc and T.Rex took to become the first and quintessential glam act in the UK in the early 70's.

How has the music on 'Electric Warrior' inspired modern day bands such as the Black Keys, Arcade Fire and the White Stripes?

Why did the iconic 'Get It On' spell the end for Bolan's friendship with DJ John Peel?

Was second single 'Jeepster' released without Marc's blessing?

PLUS: Hear 'Heartbreaker', the latest single from Atari Ferrari!

Start the new year right with 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'

Or on Twitter @mca_podcast

Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese

'Heartbreaker' by Atari Ferrari

038 - 'BLINK-182' WITH TIMMY FRANCIS

December 28, 2020

Untitled. Self-titled. Regardless of how to define it, ‘My Classic Album’ ends 2020 looking at blink-182’s celebrated 5th album with special guest Timmy Francis from pop punk pros As December Falls.

While Mike and Timmy were listening to this album in their formative years, blink-182 were going through a very experimental and transitional phase; one that would ensure the band were never quite the same again.

In what way did ‘I Miss You’ inspire a whole generation of bands?

What experience from producer Jerry Finn’s teenage years gave inspiration to TWO songs on the album?

How close was Robert Smith’s appearance not making it on to the album at all?

All these questions and more to be answered on another edition of ‘My Classic Album’

PLUS: Hear ‘Afterglow’, the latest single from Timmy’s band As December Falls!

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

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

Or on Twitter @mca_podcast

Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese

‘Afterglow’ by As December Falls

037 - 'LIKE A PRAYER' WITH SHAUNA TOHILL

December 1, 2020

Shauna Tohill, lead singer of Rews joins Mike as they express themselves about Madonna's final album of the 80's 'Like A Prayer'.

As Madonna looked to capitalise on the album market, 'Like A Prayer' brought forth a collection of reflective, controversial and deeply personal songs that were a huge part of Mike and Shauna's childhoods and stand as the pinnacle of the Queen of Pop's career.

How did a young Shauna react to the now iconic music videos for the likes of 'Express Yourself' and 'Cherish'?

Why was 'Love Song', a collaboration with Prince not released as a single?

Who was Jessie, the young girl who inspired the song 'Dear Jessie'?

All these questions and more will be answered on this edition of 'My Classic Album'.

PLUS: Hear 'Today We're Warriors', a standout track from Rews' latest album 'Warriors'.

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

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

Or on Twitter @mca_podcast

Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese

'Today We're Warriors' by Rews. Courtesy of and with thanks to Marshall Records

036 - 45 YEARS AT THE OPERA WITH SAVANNAH POPE

November 15, 2020

Three years since our last anniversary special and three years since their last appearance on 'My Classic Album', Queen are honoured on the podcast as we look back on 45 years of their iconic album 'A Night At The Opera'.

Friend of the show Savannah Pope returns to celebrate this momentous occasion as she and Mike discuss how important 'A Night At The Opera' was to Queen's future back in 1975 and address the impact that 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and the other eleven songs on the album have had since the album's release.

How close did Queen come to disbanding due to adversities they faced in the mid 1970s?

Which song on the album did the band choose to perform for Groucho Marx?

What extreme measure did Roger Taylor allegedly take to ensure 'I'm In Love with My Car' was chosen as the B-Side for 'Bohemian Rhapsody'?

Mike will also be reading memories and thoughts that you have shared about 'A Night At The Opera' throughout the show. Plus he will reveal the song voted as the best on the album as voted for by Queen fans and My Classic Album listeners alike.

It's such a jollifcation as a matter of fact! You won't want to miss a second!

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

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

Or on Twitter @mca_podcast

Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese

035 - 'NO SECRETS' WITH NOUSH SKAUGEN

November 1, 2020

Son of a gun! Singer songwriter and actress Noush Skaugen joins Mike to discuss the breakthrough album from Carly Simon 'No Secrets'.

Mike and Noush break down an album that saw Carly move away from her folk roots and create an album as independent, personal and influential as she would become.

Which current pop megastar cites Carly Simon as a major influence?

Why did James Taylor have an issue with his girlfriend Carly's rendition of his own 'Night Owl'?

And the age old question... Who indeed is the mysterious man who is so vain?

All these questions and more to be answered on this episode of 'My Classic Album'.

PLUS hear 'Rebels and Foes', a standout track from Noush's latest album 'Hey Sicko'.

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

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

Or on Twitter @mca_podcast

Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese

'Rebels and Foes' by Noush Skaugen

034 - 'ANIMALS' WITH FRANCK CARDUCCI

October 15, 2020

Season 3 of 'My Classic Album' starts with a bang as French prog rock artist Franck Carducci joins Mike to look back at Pink Floyd's politically charged 'Animals'.

Franck was struck by the iconic album cover as a teenager before falling in love with arguably the heaviest album in the Pink Floyd canon. Loosely based on George Orwell's 'Animal Farm', the band led by Roger Waters attacked the British establishment through the metaphorical Dogs, Pigs and Sheep immortalised across the sprawling epics featured on 'Animals'.

Over 40 years on, does the album reflect society stronger than it did in 1977?

Is David Gilmour's guitar work on 'Dogs' his finest hour?

What happened to the inflatable pig who adorned the album cover?

All these questions and more answered on a brand new 'My Classic Album'.

PLUS: Mike shares a fantastic track from Franck's latest album 'The Answer'.

Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese

'(Love Is) The Answer' by Franck Carducci

033 - 'SURFING WITH THE ALIEN' WITH SAM RUSSELL

September 18, 2019

Hold on tight as Mike and guitarist extraordinaire Sam Russell celebrate Joe Satriani's 'Surfing With The Alien', the first fully instrumental album to be showcased on 'My Classic Album'.

Without a single vocal or lyric on the album, Satriani is able to tell vivid stories and evoke strong emotion from every track on this album. Sam's discovery of this album from his music teacher in his early days of playing guitar comes full circle as he and Mike discover behind many of the great tracks on this album.

How is Joe Satriani influenced by the great composers of classical music?

Which song on the album has been nominated for a Grammy Award on three separate occasions?

What exactly is the pitch axis theory?

All these questions and more will be answered on the latest edition of 'My Classic Album'. PLUS: Mike gets in to his latest live music experience as he shares his thoughts from seeing southern rockers the Kentucky Headhunters in Newcastle!

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

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

Or on Twitter @mca_podcast

Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese

032 - 'BLOOD SUGAR SEX MAGIK' WITH ELIZABETH EVERTS

September 1, 2019

'My Classic Album' celebrates California's favourite funk rock maestros Red Hot Chili Peppers today as Mike and special guest Elizabeth Everts sit down and chat about the band's 5th album 'Blood Sugar Sex Magik'.

Mike and Elizabeth break down a period that saw the band truly embrace their creativity and friendship in to an album that catapulted them in to rock's stratosphere!

What kind of supernatural experiences did the Chilis have in the Mansion, the haunted building that the band lived and recorded in at the suggestion of Rick Rubin?

Do songs such as 'Under The Bridge' and 'Breaking The Girl' foreshadow the future direction of the band?

Did Anthony Kiedis really date Sinead O'Connor?

These questions and more to be answered on the latest 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'

Or on Twitter @mca_podcast

Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese

031 - 'METALLICA' (THE BLACK ALBUM) WITH CALVIN LEVER

July 1, 2019

'My Classic Album' is "off to Never Never Land" as we celebrate 'Metallica', the self titled 1991 album that millions the world over know simply as The Black Album.

Mike is joined by Calvin Lever; rhythm guitarist of UK metal band Night Screamer. Mike and Calvin discuss the importance of The Black Album in their own lives while exploring how the personal lives of Metallica along with their relationship with producer Bob Rock led to one of the biggest selling albums in music history.

How did Chris Issak serve as an influence on the likes of 'Nothing Else Matters' and 'The Unforgiven'?

Which song's lyrics originally dealt with cot death?

What exactly is the Tent of Doom?

PLUS Mike plays a track from Night Screamer's debut album 'Dead of Night'. Plenty to get your teeth in to on this bumper 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'

Or on Twitter @mca_podcast

Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese

'March of the Dead' by Night Screamer taken from their debut album 'Dead of Night' available at www.nightscreamer.bandcamp.com

030 - 'DAMN THE TORPEDOES' WITH HANNAH WICKLUND

June 15, 2019

The supremely talented Hannah Wicklund joins Mike for the 30th episode of 'My Classic Album' to chat about 'Damn The Torpedoes', the breakthrough album from Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers!

Together Mike and Hannah explore the unbelievable story behind the production of this incredible album including the unbelievable lengths Tom went to during a bitter dispute with the band's record label.

Which track on the album took over 100 takes to get right?

How does a particular lyric from 'Even The Losers' have a special significance for Hannah?

Why was 'Don't Do Me Like That' nearly given to the J Geils Band?

All these questions and more answered 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'

Or on Twitter @mca_podcast

Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese

029 - 'SYNCHRONICITY' WITH Damon Johnson

June 1, 2019

"Is that my mother on the phone?" No it's Damon Johnson! The Black Star Riders alum joins Mike to chat about 'Synchronicity', the final studio album by The Police!

While The Police were at each other's throats behind the scenes, they managed to release a seminal album that solidified their place as the biggest band on the planet bringing along millions of fans including Damon with them.

How was the album one meeting away from not happening?

Is 'Tea In The Sahara' or 'Murder by Numbers' the true ending of 'Synchronicity'? (CLUE: In what format do you own the album?)

What are Damon and Mike's thoughts on the utterly crazy 'Mother'?

PLUS: Mike shares his thoughts on his experience watching Sting perform inside Durham Cathedral in 2008 and reveals his opinions on Sting's latest studio album 'My Songs'.

All this and so much more 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'

Or on Twitter @mca_podcast

Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese

028 - 'THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW' WITH SAVANNAH POPE

May 15, 2019

'My Classic Album' takes a jump to the left as we celebrate a soundtrack for the first time in the podcast's history! American singer Savannah Pope joins Mike to chat about the soundtrack to the 1975 musical 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show'.

Savannah explains why the music from 'Rocky Horror' has become such a huge part of her life and why the movie perfectly encapsulates the ethos of glam rock while influencing the fashion of punk that would follow just a few years later.

What nearly caused Meat Loaf to walk off the 'Rocky Horror' project altogether?

In what ways does Dr. Frank N Furter draw parallels to Ziggy Stardust?

Under what circumstances did Savannah meet Tim Curry?

All these questions and more will be answered on this special edition of 'My Classic Album'

PLUS the chance to hear 'Rock N' Roll No More', one of the standout tracks from Savannah's debut album 'Atlantis'

For more information on the show:

Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk

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

Or on Twitter @mca_podcast

Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese

'Rock N' Roll No More' by Savannah Pope from her debut album 'Atlantis' available on Apple Music, Spotify and www.savannahpopemusic.co.uk