26. Iron Maiden - Piece Of Mind (1983)
Ok, Iron Maiden finally makes an appearance on my list. This was the first album from them that I was
"waiting" on. How would they follow up The Number Of The Beast was on everyone's mind. The band
definitely delivered. This might be my favorite performance by Bruce Dickinson. He just sounds so young
and powerful here. I love the tone of his voice. New drummer Nicko McBrain kicks off the album in grand
style. I use the beginning of Where Eagles Dare as my ringtone! Dave Murray and Adrian Smith continue to
craft their unique sound. Such classics as Die With Your Boots On, The Trooper, and Revelations. This
album has a ton of character and an endearing sound quality to it, one that I don't think has been matched
in their catalog.
Fave tracks: Where Eagles Dare, Die With Your Boots On, Still Life, Revelations
25. Ozzy Osbourne- Blizzard Of Ozz (1980) and Diary Of A Madman (1981)
Here's a spot where I really couldn't pick one or the other. These two albums are so great.
A little story..I first became aware of Ozzy when I was in the 7th grade. My father taught high school and one
of his students brought in a cassette of Blizzard Of Ozz. Did my father like heavy metal? Hell no. But being
that my last name is Crowley, one of his students thought he might get a kick out of the song. Well, he
didn't...but I DID! This tape was incredible. And for years I thought Diary was even better. Seems as
though Blizzard has caught up with it over time.
Needless to say, I have been serenaded with Mr. Crowley my entire life. It used to be a lot worse when I was
younger, but I get at least one reference a month even today.
Blizzard fave tracks: Mr. Crowley, I Don't Know, Revelation (Mother Earth)
Diary fave tracks: Diary Of A Madman, Over The Mountain, SATO
24. Waysted- The Good The Bad The Waysted (1985) AND Waysted EP (1984)
I am not sure how many people will actually recognize these. Basically Waysted was formed when Pete Way
left UFO to form a band with "Fast" Eddie Clark, who had left Motorhead. Hence the band, Fastway!
Because Chrysalis would not let Pete Way out of his contract (they held the UFO rights), he was unable to
perform with Fastway, although he wrote all of the songs with Clark.
So he would form Waysted. Joining him was UFO alum Paul Raymond on keys and the unknown Fin Moore
on vocals. They realeased Vices in 1983, and even toured with a coveted spot 3rd on the bill on Ozzy's Bark
At The Moon tour along with Motley Crue.
Then in 1984, they landed a spot on Maiden's Enlgish tour. To get some new material out, they released
Waysted, an EP containing 5 tracks. Joining the band for this would be UFO drummer Andy Parker, and
another change in guitarists. This is a great EP and some awesome songs.
In 1985 they would release The Good The Bad The Waysted. The lineup was Way, Moore (vocals) Jerry
Shirley on drums and Paul Chapman from UFO on guitars. An awesome lineup. This would go on to be one
of the most listened to albums of the mid 80's. It's is just good solid hard rock with a little bit of a sleaze
factor courtesy of Fin Moore's vocals, who the best way to describe him would be a Brian Johnson type
that you can actually understand.
Anyway, check ' em out:
Waysted Fave tracks: Won't Get Out Alive, The Price You Pay, Cinderella Boys
TGTBTW fave tracks: Land That's Lost The Love, Manuel, Heaven Tonight, Crazy 'Bout The Stuff
Topic: The TAC Top 50! v. Old guys talking about music! (Read 73065 times)
