The blog originally appeared on May 9, 2009:
What could Chris Cornell’s Soundgarden and Eddie Vedder’s Pearl Jam have in common. Temple Of The Dog that’s what.
Chris founded the band in honor of his deceased friend and fellow musician Andrew Wood. In the band was Eddie Vedder doing some vocal work. They had an album through A&M in 1991, but it didn’t really do much until people found out later that it was associated with Pearl Jam and Soundgarden.
As stated before Chris founded the band simply because he was writing songs in tribute to his friend. He would have recorded them with Soundgarden but the music is a lot less aggressive and melodic then the tunes we are used to Garden putting up. Chris solved this problem by asking a few of Andrew Woods old band mates to perform with him under the name Temple of the Dog.
Eddie got involved as a back up singer, but Chris had certain vocal patterns he wanted in the songs so he asked Eddie to take over. Eddie sang them exactly as Chris wanted and they were laid down on the album with Eddie’s voice.
Today we sit down with a True Canadian Music Legend and Community Activist and talk about things ranging from Ra’s passion for his commuinty and children with learning disabilities to protecting the Legacy of Trooper. Ra is very candid about bands using replacement singers and claiming to be the real thing, but also hits on the fun time and amazing fan reaction that Trooper gets everytime they walk on stage.
On a personal note I apologize for the lack of good audio. We had numerous problems with this interview that have since been corrected for future interviews. Ra is a very down to earth man that deserves the fame and legions of fans he has gained. Cheers my friend and can’t wait to meet you in person on September 11th Rockin the Harbour.
Now enough sappy shit, enjoy the interview:
This blog was originally a 4 part series on August 21st, 2009:
As I stated on my other list, this is just who I like. Not a matter of technical performance or record sales or popularity. These are just the vocalists that you will find on my MP3 Player and on the Flash Drives in my car. I enjoy all music and enjoy writing these heavy metal blogs, just some more then others. Now lets rock this list!
#20 – Rob Halford – Although you will find Rob at the top of most people’s Metal lists I’m not that huge of a Priest fan and never really got into his solo stuff. Even though he is the acclaimed Metal God I’m just giving him some respect for what he’s done and the Priest songs I like.
#19 – Dee Snider – Dee was a lot higher when I started thinking about this list for everything he did for Metal and all the great stuff he said to Tipper Gore back in the day, but then two things happened: Gone Country and the new Twisted song 30. I struggle with Metal musicians doing the crossover. I love the guy and his antics, but he dropped off in my play list during recent times.
#18 – Gene Simmons – Gene will never be known for his vocals, but he has done some classic KISS tunes that we all sing pretty much everyday. His voice is unique and exactly what is needed to offset the high octave of Stanley. Domino and I Love it Loud are two of my favorite KISS songs; both are Gene songs. Gene might not be the professional trained voice of Paul, but his roughness only adds to the Demon and KISS.
#17 – Sebastian Bach – Much like Dee Snider a few years ago Sebastian would have been near the top of my list, but along came his departure from Skid Row and once again that damn Gone Country show. I love the screaming deep vocals of Sebastian on Monkey Business and Slave to the Grind, but not much since then has tickled my fancy. In the next couple of years Sebastian could go either way on my list. If he reunites with Row then he will shoot up drastically, if he produces this album that is half country he will fall down around the number that Stompin’ Tom would be at.
I was asked by a good friend of the sites to give this record a listen and if it made the cut to give it a review. Well I knew it would make the cut simply because this friend is rarely wrong when it comes to music. What was most unexpected from me was our friend has stepped out of his comfort zone and sent us a band that blends Nu-Metal with Glam Metal. Glam Metal with Black Metal. Black Metal with Keyboards, and so on.
This band: Rites of Ash takes a daring stab at their second album with “Like Venom.” The styles of 80-Two (vocals), Lazzo (guitar and keyboards), Lumer (drums), and Berry (bass) ring through on the entire album as they list influences from Disturbed to Lady Gaga.
Check out the details after the warp:
In this interview we talk to Brian about the original Helix lineup, what to expect on September 11th for Rockin the Harbour, Vagabond Bones, and what it takes to write a Helix song!
We will have much more in our continuing coverage of “Rockin the Harbour.”
Please click the yellow bar at the top if the interview audio does not show up to enable the pop-up. Allow some load time.
Ra McGuire of Trooper
Author: Martell
September 11th Helix, Saga, and Trooper will be Rockin the Harbour in support of the Canadian Progress Club. This is going to be an amazing event and after you hear the words of Legendary Ra McGuire you are going to make this a not miss on your calendar.
Read the rest by clicking here!