060 - 'TOTO IV' WITH LZI HAYES

February 28, 2022

Lzi Hayes, one quarter of rising UK rockers The Hot Damn joins Mike to geek out over one the majesty of Toto and their celebrated fourth studio album.

A band with mixed fortunes in the early 80's, Toto were in danger of being dropped by their label while simultaneously contributing to Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'. Lzi and Mike explore why Toto IV brought the band back from the brink.

How was 'Rosanna' influenced by John Bonham's performance on Led Zeppelin's 'Fool In The Rain'?
Which track on the album features an Eagle on backing vocals?
Why is Steve Lukather such a bastard? (In the nicest possible way!)

PLUS: Enjoy 'I Didn't Like You Anyway', the massive new single from The Hot Damn!

Celebrate the awesomeness that is Toto on this awesome 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
'I Didn't Like You Anyway' by The Hot Damn. An independent release played with permission from the artist.

All music rights reserved to their respective owners

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

February 14, 2022

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'
Follow us on Instagram @myclassicalbumpodcast
Or on Twitter @mca_podcast

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

February 8, 2022

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

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

Or on Twitter @mca_podcast

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

February 1, 2022

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'

Or on Twitter @mca_podcast

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