What The Heck Is Diet Rock?

Check it: my boys Nickelback just released a video for their new song "Edge of a Revolution." The video is good: very glossy, you can tell it cost some cash. No big deal since the guys in Nickelback are loaded. Plus they are a hit machine. Anyway, I was reading Blabbermouth comments about the video (I know, I know) and people kept calling them "bro rock"and "diet rock" I have never heard the phrase diet rock... ever. What does that even mean? Someone please enlighten me.

Nickelback will release their new album, No Fixed Address, on November 18. They plan to tour in 2015 -- and I'll totally be in the crowd at one of their shows. 

Comments

[Him]

Yet again, orbits align: I agree with bkallday on the Slayer front (and, to a lesser degree, on the Testament argument), especially up through _South of Heaven_/late 80s-early 90s. One item we seem to agree on regardless. And that's a good thing, as Martha Stewart is fond of saying.

At least I got Metalboy! to grant Metallica a bit of their due. And, full disclosure, I started to yawn a lot more once the _And Justice_ album came out. After that, and especially once the _Load_ era started, I almost completely tuned out.

Let me ask this though, Metalboy!: are you more willing to give Maiden their due when it comes to the Di'Anno-era? I would guess that slightly punkier, edgier, sound would be your preference. "Running Free," yes? But what do I know?!!?

[Rita]

Wasted Years, the Trooper, infinite Dreams (for the tempo change alone in the middle part), The Wicker Man and 2 minutes To Midnight are all really great. Run To The Hills is way up there too. Actually, just listen to pretty much all of Edward the Great and you will hear some fantastic music.

That isn't to say they don't have their share of repetitive uninspired lyrics. And I'm not sure that I can forgive Bruce for giving Rob a hard time about using the TelePrompTer for Breaking the Law. Rob even reacted to that jab with abundant class, another reason to love that man :)

[Badland]

You ought not talk that way. You just a BOY mmhmmm

[Metalboy!]

Haha!! Badland... Now, who's actin' like a boy?

Rita... I appreciate your words. But, as with anything, the proof is in the grooves. Ya drop the needle on the record and if you like what you hear, well, you like what you hear...

SO...

Way back in 1982 I bought a New Wave of British Heavy Metal compilation album (Double LP set, the title of which I can't recall), not even knowing what the h*ll NWOBHM was at the time.

On it was Iron Maiden, "Run To The Hills" and "The Number Of The Beast", Saxon, "Princess Of The Night" and "Denim And Leather", Diamond Head, "Am I Evil", Def Leppard, "High 'n' Dry" and "Bringin' On The Heartbreak", Tygers of Pan Tang, "Love Potion #9" (Remake of The Lieber/Stoller hit for The Clovers and One of THE Greatest Metal Covers of All Time!), Raven, "Rock Until You Drop" and "Hellraiser/Action" and some other sh*t I don't remember which, unfortunately, I can't check cuz the LP is stuck in storage approximately 1,000 miles away.

Me and the Boyz played it to death at parties with the usual mix of Crue, Dio and whatever else struck our fancy. As the years wore on, we also covered Crue, Def Leppard, Saxon, MSG, Dio, Priest Lizzy Borden and other sh*t plus AC/DC, etc.

Look, I like A LOT OF METAL...

Though "Run To The Hills" is mindlessly infectious, pretty much just one band that never stuck with us was Iron Maiden. They were just too "proggie" for our taste, plain and simple. Later, I had a British bud tell me they are pretty much viewed as Greasers in England.

Hahahaha!!! Sorry, folks! It is what it is!

p.s. But I told ya, I LOVE "Can I Play With Madness" AND Dickinson's solo effort "Tattooed Millionaire". Like I said, I call it like I hear it!

[Him]

I guess I am persistent: I am still interested in Metalboy!'s opinion of the Di'Anno years. Anything worthwhile in that part of the Maiden catalog? And you did remind us that you do have an aversion to "proggier" bands. So I suppose it makes sense (somewhat). Raven?!!? Hadn't thought about them in quite awhile.

Gotta' agree, Rita. "Wasted Years" is one of my favorites. And, for such an astute businessman and colleague, Dickinson's comments about Halford were a bit off-putting (and responded to with, as you said, class). No one needs to see two guys, one 56 and the other 63, verbally slap-fighting. Save that for Erna and Sixx, or Bolan and Bach.

[Rita]

I hear you Him. Although Bruce's comment was somewhat humorous, it did turn me off a bit. Sounds like I'm not the only one either.

I would put these two in the Legends category and at their age, they should not be taking shots at eachother. A more united stance would be appropriate, imo.

And I have never seen Rob not ooze class, ever. Can't wait to see him from the second row in 2 weeks. He sounds so incredible live. Really looking forward to that.

[Him]

I envy you Rita. Enjoy that show.

[Rita]

Thanks Him.

I can't see myself not enjoying that show. Especially since I will be seeing it with my best friend Carolyne. We always have the most fun together.