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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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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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

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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

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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

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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

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Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese

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

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

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'

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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

027 - 'I NEVER LOVED A MAN THE WAY I LOVE YOU' WITH NELL BRYDEN

May 1, 2019

Singer-songwriter Nell Bryden joins Mike to chat about 'I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You', the breakthrough album by the legendary Aretha Franklin.

Nell traces her own emotional journey with the album and how it has become a huge influence on the way she produces her own music while together Mike and Nell recall the crazy story surrounding the production of 'I Never Loved A Man', and how sessions nearly didn't make it past day one!

How important was Jerry Wexler in helping Aretha find her sound on this album?

Who was King Curtis, the man who was tasked with persuading Aretha to return to recording sessions?

As a self professed Sam Cooke fan, does Nell prefer Sam or Aretha's interpretation of 'A Change Is Gonna Come'?

All these questions and more answered on another 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'

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Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese

025 - 'BORN TO RUN' WITH WILL BLACK

April 1, 2019

An album that truly encapsulates the definition of 'classic', Bruce Springsteen's 'Born To Run' gets the 'My Classic Album' treatment thanks to Canadian singer Will Black.

Will joins Mike to break down an album that Springsteen took over a year in the studio to perfect at a time when the stakes were at an all time high.

What was Bruce's initial reaction to the final album upon first listening to it?

How important is the track order on 'Born To Run'?

Which members of the E Street Band link 'Born To Run' to Meat Loaf's 'Bat Out of Hell'?

PLUS Mike gives you the inside scoop on the return of Cleveland International Records and their compilation celebrating their history 'Cleveland Rocks'.

Buckle in for a jam packed 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

'Say Goodbye To Hollywood' performed by Ronnie Spector and the E Street Band. Written by Billy Joel. Provided courtesy of Cleveland International Records. Available on upcoming compilation 'Cleveland Rocks'

'Beautiful Losers' performed by Will Black. Available on his album 'Dancing With the Dead'

024 - 'APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION' WITH SKUNK MANHATTAN

March 15, 2019

"Do you know where you are?"

American musician and producer Skunk Manhattan joins Mike to welcome you to the Jungle in this edition of 'My Classic Album' as we break down the must successful debut album of all time: 1987's 'Appetite For Destruction' by Guns N' Roses!

Mike and Skunk delve in to the true story of an album that has influenced them both heavily and began Skunk's own journey into music. Together they try to explain just what makes the classic GN'R line-up of Axl Rose, Slash, Duff McKagan, Izzy Stradlin and Steven Adler and this album so special.

How did Elton John's 'Your Song' influence one of the songs on the album?

What were the x-rated lyrics that Slash originally fought to be the chorus for 'Paradise City'?

After 23 episodes of 'My Classic Album' which track on 'Appetite For Destruction' holds the distinction of being Mike's favourite song of all time?

All these questions and more answered on this awesome 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 Credit: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese

023 - 'CRAZY NIGHTS' WITH ROB WYLDE

March 1, 2019

Midnite City frontman Rob Wylde returns to 'My Classic Album' as we relive the 'Crazy Nights' of 1987 with arguably KISS' most misunderstood album. Despite bombing in the US, 'Crazy Nights' became the highest charting album of KISS' career in the UK and together Mike and Rob explore why.

Where does Rob rank guitarist Bruce Kulick against KISS alumni such as Ace Frehley and Vinnie Vincent?

Which track originated on a Wendy O Williams solo album?

What makes 'Reason To Live' not only Rob's favourite track on the album but his favourite song of all time?

All this and so much more 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 Credit: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese

021 - 'HOLY DIVER' WITH BLAZE BAYLEY

February 1, 2019

We've been gone too long in the midnight sea but 'My Classic Album' is back for a second season and we can't help but 'Stand Up and Shout' about our first episode!

Mike is joined by former Iron Maiden front man Blaze Bayley who brings with him one of the most celebrated metal albums of all time in Dio's debut 'Holy Diver'. Hear Blaze's incredible story from his days of working in a hotel listening to 'Holy Diver' to touring the world as part of Iron Maiden with Ronnie James Dio in tow! Mike and Blaze also talk about the story of how Ronnie went from leaving Black Sabbath, to recording a debut with the likes of Vinny Appice, Jimmy Bain and Vivian Campbell that would be remembered and beloved by metal fans for years to come.

How did Vinny Appice achieve the iconic drum sound on the album?

Who recorded Blaze's favourite cover version of 'Stand Up and Shout'?

Which song on 'Holy Diver' nearly didn't make the album as Ronnie James Dio was intent on destroying the tape?

All this and more will be revealed 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 Credit: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese

018 - 'DIRE STRAITS' WITH QUINT STARKIE

December 1, 2017

Singer songwriter Quint Starkie joins Mike for the last episode of 'My Classic Album' in 2017!

Dire Straits' self titled debut album is the subject of this month's podcast and together Mike and Quint explore just what made this album so special amongst a hugely punk orientated music scene in the late 1970s.

What are Quint's memories of hearing Dire Straits for the first time?

Why did Mark Knopfler initially have an issue with 'Sultans of Swing'?

How does a track like 'Lions' still resonate strongly in today's society?

PLUS Mike reviews 'Jupiter Calling', the latest album from the Corrs and reveals which classic album YOU chose as the My Classic Album of 2017.

All this and more on this edition of 'My Classic Album'.

For more information on the show:

Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk

Music Credit: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese

Dire Straits (Remastered) Buy on Amazon

017 - 'SHEER HEART ATTACK' WITH GREG HART

October 31, 2017

This month we venture deep into 'the Lap of the Gods' as the legendary Queen finally get the 'My Classic Album' treatment for their third album 'Sheer Heart Attack'.

Cats In Space guitarist Greg Hart joins Mike to discuss an album that both agree is the seminal album by Freddie Mercury and the gang. Together they discuss their mutual love of Queen and how the band's work on 'Sheer Heart Attack' would influence their output for years to come as well as how it has shaped the music of Cats In Space.

Was 'Stone Cold Crazy' a precursor to thrash metal?

Why should you NEVER put 'In The Lap of the Gods' on a shuffled playlist?

Did Roger Taylor unwittingly pioneer the sound of punk?

PLUS Mike reviews 'Judas', the latest album from hard rockers Fozzy. Not only that but we look back on the past year of 'My Classic Album' and invite YOU to vote for your Classic Album of the Year for 2017.

All this and more on this edition of 'My Classic Album'.

For more information on the show:

Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk

Music Credit: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese

Sheer Heart Attack [2011 Remaster] Buy on Amazon

016 - 40 YEARS OF 'BAT OUT OF HELL' WITH JACQUELINE DILLON AND ELLEN FOLEY

September 30, 2017

'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:

Head over to www.myclassicalbum.co.uk

Music Credit: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese

Bat Out Of Hell Buy on Amazon