Episode 16: 40 Years of 'Bat Out of Hell' with Jacqueline Dillon and Ellen Foley
My Classic Album with Mike Norris
Release Date: 09/30/2017
Episode 46: 'The Joshua Tree' with Erick Bieger
My Classic Album with Mike Norris
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...
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Episode 45: 'Sex & Religion' with Jen Majura
My Classic Album with Mike Norris
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?...
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Episode 44: 'Superunknown' with VILIVANT
My Classic Album with Mike Norris
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...
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Episode 43: 'Highway To Hell' with Damon Johnson
My Classic Album with Mike Norris
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...
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Episode 42: 'High Voltage’ with Riley Couzzourt
My Classic Album with Mike Norris
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...
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Episode 41: 'Slippery When Wet' with Stefan Blomqvist
My Classic Album with Mike Norris
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 ensuring 'Slippery When Wet' helped Bon Jovi became one of the biggest bands on the planet. How do...
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Episode 40: 'Fair Warning' with Will Wallner
My Classic Album with Mike Norris
'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...
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Episode 39: 'Electric Warrior' with Matthew Hughes
My Classic Album with Mike Norris
'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...
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Episode 38: ‘blink-182’ with Timmy Francis
My Classic Album with Mike Norris
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...
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Episode 37: 'Like A Prayer' with Shauna Tohill
My Classic Album with Mike Norris
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,...
info_outline'My Classic Album' gets all revved up as Mike finally gets to talk about HIS classic album; the iconic 'Bat Out of Hell'.
On this special episode to celebrate 40 years of Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman's defining album, Mike is joined by Meat Loaf fan and Steinman confidante Jacqueline Dillon. Together Mike and Jacqueline go back to the very beginning of their own journeys with 'Bat' as well as discuss the album's eventful history from its roots in the musical 'Neverland' through to its phenomenal sales of 43 million copies! Not only that but as always all seven tracks on the album get the 'My Classic Album' treatment.
How did Jacqueline's love of 'Bat Out of Hell' lead to a long time association with Jim Steinman?
Which track on the album hides an Eagles influence in the backing vocals?
Why did a performance of 'For Crying Out Loud' play a pivotal role in the album's success?
Not only that but vocalist Ellen Foley who appeared on 'Paradise By The Dashboard Light' joins 'My Classic Album' to discuss her memories and thoughts about 'Bat Out of Hell' forty years on! Ellen and Mike also chat about Pandora's Box as well as Ellen's reunion with Meat Loaf on last year's 'Braver Than We Are'. This is a conversation not to be missed!
PLUS: Mike reads out your thoughts and memories on 'Bat Out of Hell' as well as revealing which song YOU voted as your favourite track on the album!
So much to fit in on this bumper edition of 'My Classic Album'.
For more information on the show:
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Music Credit: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese