Saturday, May 30, 2026

SONG OF THE WEEK: 5-31-2026

 




SONG:  "Uh! All Night"

ARTIST:  Kiss

ALBUM:  "Asylum"

YEAR:  1985

PLACE OF ORIGIN:  New York City, New York

YEARS ACTIVE:  1973 - Present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

The meaning of the 1985 Kiss song "Uh! All Night" is a straightforward, literal celebration of partying, let-loose fun, and sexual release as a reward for surviving the daily grind of a working-class job.

KISS DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

1974 - Kiss (Casablanca Records)
* Peaked at #87 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Gold

1974 - Hotter Than Hell (Casablanca Records)
* Peaked at #100 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Gold

1975 - Dressed To Kill (Casablanca Records)
* Peaked at #32 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Gold

1975 - Alive (Casablanca Records)
* Peaked at #9 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Gold

1976 - Destroyer (Casablanca Records)
* Peaked at #11 on the Billboard 200
* Certified 2X Platinum

1976 - Rock And Roll Over (Casablanca Records)
* Peaked at #11 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Platinum

1977 - Love Gun (Casablanca Records)
* Peaked at #4 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Platinum

1977 - Alive II (Casablanca Records)
* Peaked at #7 on the Billboard 200
* Certified 2X Platinum

1978 - Gene Simmons (Casablanca Records)
* Peaked at #22 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Platinum

1978 - Ace Frehley (Casablanca Records)
* Peaked at #26 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Platinum

1978 - Peter Criss (Casablanca Records)
* Peaked at #43 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Platinum

1978 - Paul Stanley (Casablanca Records)
* Peaked at #40 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Platinum

1979 - Dynasty (Casablanca Records)
* Peaked at #9 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Platinum

1980 - Unmasked (Casablanca Records)
* Peaked at #35 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Gold

1981 - The Elder (Casablanca Records)
* Peaked at #75 on the Billboard 200

1982 - Creatures Of The Night (Casablanca Records)
* Peaked at #45 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Gold

1983 - Lick It Up (Mercury Records)
* Peaked at #24 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Platinum

1984 - Animalize (Mercury Records)
* Peaked at #19 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Platinum

1985 - Asylum (Mercury Records)
* Peaked at #20 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Gold

1987 - Crazy Nights (Mercury Records)
* Peaked at #18 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Platinum

1989 - Hot In The Shade (Mercury Records)
* Peaked at #29 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Gold

1992 - Revenge (Mercury Records)
* Peaked at #6 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Gold

1993 - Alive III (Mercury Records)
* Peaked at #9 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Gold

1996 - Kiss Unplugged (Mercury Records)
* Peaked at #15 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Gold

1997 - Carnival Of Souls (Mercury Records)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

1998 - Psycho Circus (Mercury Records)
* Peaked at #3 on the Billboard 200
* Certified Gold

2003 - Kiss Symphony:  Alive IV (Sanctuary Records)
* Peaked at #18 on the Billboard 200

2006 - Alive! The Millennium Concert (Universal Records)
* Peaked at #167 on the Billboard 200

2009 - Sonic Boom (Kiss Records)
* Peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200

2012 - Monster (Universal Records)
* Peaked at #3 on the Billboard 200

2016 - Kiss Rocks Vegas (Eagle Rocks Entertainment)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

MY THOUGHTS ON KISS:

Kiss is a New York City band that formed back in 1973. Founded by guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley and bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons, the band was rounded out with Peter Criss on drums/vocals and Ace Frehley on lead guitar/vocals. Known for their heavy sound, especially live, and their iconic face paint, the early years were a struggle for the band. The band's self-titled debut (1974), "Hotter Than Hell" (1974) and "Dressed To Kill (1975) were struggling to sell and the future of the band was very much in doubt at this time. What they lacked in the studio, they more than made up for as a live act. They were garnering quite the reputation as a live band, often out-performing headline acts. Lots of bands didn't want Kiss to open for them for fear of getting blown off the stage! In 1975, Kiss took a shot in the dark and tried to capture their live performance on album. The result was "Alive!" and the rest is, well, Kisstory! "Alive!" rescued the band and lit a fire under them. In 1976, the band released their most ambitious album. Produced be Bob Ezrin, "Destroyer" is often considered to be Kiss' best album. The roller coaster ride was getting to the top at this point and for the members of Kiss, it was time to hold on tight! The years from 1975 to 1978, Kiss was on top of the world. They were selling out world tours and releasing platinum albums such as "Rock And Roll Over", "Love Gun" and "Alive II". Whatever small cracks that were appearing within the band, however, were beginning to open wider. In an effort to try to save the band, the group decided to release four solo albums under the Kiss name. This was kinda the beginning of the end for the original line-up of Kiss. Peter Criss basically didn't perform on "Dynasty" other than his own track "Dirty Livin'". Criss did not perform at all on 1980's "Unmasked" and was ousted by the band following the release of "Unmasked". Eric Carr took over drumming duties at that point. In 1981, a disastrous decision was made to do a concept album which would be "The Elder". Guitarist Ace Frehley, who did not like the direction the band was going in basically since "Dynasty", wanted Kiss to do a full on heavy rock album but with Criss gone, Frehley was often out-voted by Stanley and Simmons two to one. Frehley did not fully contribute to "The Elder". After "The Elder", Frehley decided to quit the band. Frehley's behavior had been erratic going all the way back to "Destroyer". His use of alcohol and drugs and hard partying lifestyle would sometimes get in the way of his contributions to the band. Though Simmons and Stanley tried to talk Frehley into staying in the band, Frehley felt at that time that if he stayed he might die. Vinnie Vincent would take over on lead guitar at that point. After "Creatures Of The Night", Kiss decided to remove that make up and costumes, a move generated to put some spark under the band. The early 80's had been a lean time for Kiss and they were looking for anything to give them a spark. Their first album without the make-up, "Lick It Up" was a good start for the band. The 80's were a weird time for the band. They always seemed like they were looking to find an identity and often, it seemed like they were following whatever was popular at that time. After having nothing but headaches with Vinnie Vincent, the band brought in Mark St. John for "Animalize" in 1984. St. John developed some condition which made his hand swell so Bruce Kulick was brought in to play live shows and eventually, Kulick was made the lead guitarist. In 1992, it seemed Kiss finally grew comfortable in their "unmasked" skin with their album "Revenge", both in sound and look. "Revenge" saw Eric Singer take over drumming duties as Eric Carr passed away tragically in 1991 due to cancer. When Kiss was tabbed to do an iconic MTV Unplugged, they decided to invite original members Ace Frehley and Peter Criss to join them for some songs. Singer and Kulick saw the writing on the wall at that point and figured Kiss was going to do a full on reunion, make-up, costumes and all. They were right. In 1996, the original Kiss line-up went on a reunion tour that was hugely successful. One of the highest grossing tours in history! What should have been a great time for the band, turned out to be a bummer. It was said that the original line-up was going to record a new album but in reality, Ace and Peter had barely anything to do with the album. This sucked for fans who really wanted a full band collaboration on a new album. Again, cracks were appearing in the armor. Ace was getting into bad habits again with substances, Peter was being confrontational and Paul and Gene were being control freaks. Though the band was coming apart, Kiss did put together a successful "Psycho Circus" tour and what would be their first of many "Farewell Tours". Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons did not intend for Kiss to retire after the "Farewell Tour". With Ace and Peter out of the band again, Kiss continued on with Eric Singer and this time Tommy Thayer on lead guitar. In a controversial move, Kiss put Eric and Tommy in Peter's "cat" make-up and Ace's "Spaceman" persona. There was a lot of fighting amongst the former and current bandmembers as well as the fans about that decision. For the most part, Kiss would be mostly a touring band at this point though they did release 2 albums with their current line-up, 2009's "Sonic Boom" and 2012's "Monster". "Monster" would be the last studio album that the band has released. In 2019, Kiss embarked on what would be a 4 year "End Of The Road" tour which wrapped up in New York City in 2023. Of course, Kiss being Kiss, just when you thought they had retired, they did a residency in Las Vegas which was kind of an off chute of their Kiss Kruises. It seems the band will do these residencies in the future from time to time and there was also some rumors or hints of possibly working on new songs as well. We'll see. Tragedy struck the band in 2025 as original member Ace Frehley passed away due to complications from a fall at his home. Kiss was my favorite band growing up. I still love the band and always will. There's no doubt, 1970's Kiss is their wheelhouse. The image, the songs, the fire, the explosions! Kiss was most definitely one of a kind. The voice of Paul Stanley, the imagery of Gene Simmons, the cool swagger of Ace Frehley and the aggression of Peter Criss led Kiss to be one of most legendary, influential and iconic bands of all time. I was born in 1974 so when the band went on a reunion tour in 1996, my dreams came true! I got to see the original lineup multiple times during the Reunion, Psycho Circus and Farewll tours. Those are some of the highlights in my life, seeing the original line-up, cranking on all cylinders. Being that Ace was always my favorite member in the band, it was a gutpunch when he tragically passed away. Despite some of the things said about him, Ace proved to be the most active member since the year 2000 when it came to working on and releasing new material. It sucks that the original four now can never get back together again even though there really wasn't a chance it would happen anyway.

SIMILAR ARTISTS:

Van Halen
AC/DC
Def Leppard
Aerosmith
Ozzy Osbourne

TEN KISS SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Deuce (Alive version)
2. Detroit Rock City
3. Black Diamond (Alive version)
4. Parasite (Alive version)
5. King Of The Night Time World
6. Mr. Speed
7. Shock Me (Alive II version)
8. I Stole Your Love
9. Strange Ways
10. Goin' Blind



Saturday, May 23, 2026

SONG OF THE WEEK: 5-24-2026

 




SONG:  "In Exile"

ARTIST:  Thrice

ALBUM:  "Beggars"

YEAR:  2009

PLACE OF ORIGIN:  Irvine, California

YEARS ACTIVE:  1998 - Present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

The Thrice song "In Exile" (from their 2009 album "Beggars") is a track about spiritual displacement, existential longing, and the Christian concept of the earthly life as a temporary journey.

THRICE DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2000 - Identity Crisis (Greenflag Records)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2002 - The Illusion Of Safety (Sub City Records)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2003 - The Artist In The Ambulance (Island Records)
* Peaked at #16 on the Billboard 200

2005 - Vheissu (Island Records)
* Peaked at #15 on the Billboard 200

2007 - The Alchemy Index:  Vol. I & II (Vagrant Records)
* Peaked at #24 on the Billboard 200

2008 - The Alchemy Index:  Vol. III & IV (Vagrant Records)
* Peaked at #17 on the Billboard 200

2008 - Live At The House Of Blues (Vagrant Records)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2009 - Beggars (Vagrant Records)
* Peaked at #47 on the Billboard 200

2011 - Major/Minor (Vagrant Records)
* Peaked at #18 on the Billboard 200

2012 - Anthology (Staple/Workhorse Music Group)
* Peaked at #104 on the Billboard 200

2016 - To Be Everywhere Is To Be Nowhere (Vagrant Records)
* Peaked at #15 on the Billboard 200

2018 - Palms (Epitaph Records)
* Peaked at #27 on the Billboard 200

2021 - Horizons/East (Epitaph Records)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2025 - Horizons/West (Epitaph Records)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

MY THOUGHTS ON THRICE:

Thrice formed as a band back in 1998, hailing from Irvine, California. Early on the band had a hardcore punk/post-hardcore vibe. Their very first release was a self-released EP in 1999 called "First Impressions". The band's debut full length studio album was released in 2000, titled "Identity Crisis". Their sophomore effort, 2002's "The Illusion Of Safety", started to generate some buzz for the band. In 2003, Thrice signed on with major label and released "The Artist In The Ambulance". This is really the album that put Thrice on the map, thanks in part to songs like "All That's Left" and "Stare At The Sun". 2005's "Vheissu" was a clear departure in sound for Thrice as they incorporated many different styles and elements, including even some electronic sounds. In 2007 and 2008, Thrice released a four part set of albums called "The Alchemy Index". Each part represented the elements fire, water, air and earth. The band thought those albums were a little "sleepy" so they decided to liven it up a bit with their next release, 2009's "Beggars". After releasing "Major/Minor" in 2011 and touring for the first half of 2012, Thrice decided to go on a hiatus. All of the members worked on other projects, most notably lead singer/guitarist Dustin Kensrue's solo project. Luckily in 2015, Thrice decided to get back together and in 2016, released the album "To Be Everywhere Is To Be Nowhere". This is a fantastic album and definitely let the world know that Thrice is indeed back! In 2018, after 10 solid years of working with Vagrant Records, Thrice signed on with legendary punk label Epitaph Records and released "Palms". In 2021, the band released "Horizons/East" and in 2025, the sister album to that, "Horizons/West", was released. That is Thrice's most recent release. Thrice is an awesome band. For me, after the big four bands of grunge in the early 90's, Thrice is one of my favorite bands. They really don't have a bad album, in fact, most of them are great! I first got into Thrice when I heard the song "Deadbolt" from "The Illusion Of Safety" album and I fell in love with them right away. They  just write amazing songs. Their 2016 album "To Be Everywhere Is To Be Nowhere" is just so damn good. What a great comeback album after a brief hiatus! I'd have to think about it a little, but off the top of my head, Thrice, along with Rise Against and The Gaslight Anthem are definitely some of my favorite bands after the grunge era.

SIMILAR ARTISTS:

Thursday
Senses Fail
Story Of The Year
Funeral For A Friend
Finch

TEN THRICE SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Black Honey
2. The Artist In The Ambulance
3. Broken Lungs
4. In Exile
5. Come All You Weary
6. Deadbolt
7. Image Of The Invisible
8. Sea Change
9. Promises
10. Scavengers




Saturday, May 16, 2026

SONG OF THE WEEK: 5-17-2026

 




SONG:  "Pick Pocket"

ARTIST:  The Vacancies

ALBUM:  "Gutpunch"

YEAR:  2002

PLACE OF ORIGIN:  Cleveland, Ohio

YEARS ACTIVE:  1998 - 2018



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

The song addresses a relationship or situation where someone subtly and deceptively drains you of your energy, emotions, or resources while acting like a friend. Like a physical pickpocket, the perpetrator operates in plain sight, stealing from you without you realizing it until the damage is already done.

THE VACANCIES DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2002 - Gutpunch (Smog Veil Records)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2005 - A Beat Missing Or A Silence Added (Blackheart Records)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2007 - Tantrum (Blackheart Records)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

MY THOUGHTS ON THE VACANCIES:

The Vacancies formed as a band back in 1998, hailing from Cleveland, Ohio. Their sound is a nod to old school punk bands like The Ramones, The Clash and The Dead Boys. The band released their debut full length album back in 2002, titled "Gutpunch". After appearing as an opening act for Joan Jett, she was so impressed by the band's live energy that she signed them to her own label, Blackheart Records. The band's first release with Blackheart would be 2005's "A Beat Missing Or A Silence Added". The Vacancies' most recent release would be their 2007 album "Tantrum". By 2008, The Vacancies had basically broken up. In 2018, the band did get back together to play a short 20 year anniversary tour. Other than that, there has been no other activity for The Vacancies. As I said earler, The Vacancies were heavily influenced by old school punk rock bands. They do have a little "garage punk" to their style as well. They never really crossed over as a band. It was definitely a jolt in the arm for the band to have Joan Jett endorse them because she is a true legend but even that couldn't put the band over the top. I got into The Vacancies from their 2007 album "Tantrum". It's a good album and they are a good band but it's nothing that stands apart from anything else out there. I could definitely see why Joan Jett liked their energy however as they definitely feel like an energetic band.

SIMILAR ARTISTS:

The Ducky Boys
Born To Lose
Far From Finished
The Blue Bloods
Pistol Grip

TEN THE VACANCIES SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Sick Modern Era
2. Below Merlot
3. Save Yourself
4. Saturday Saints
5. Headcase
6. Strummer
7. I Wanna Be There
8. Radio Revolution
9. Children Of The Century
10. Compound



Saturday, May 9, 2026

SONG OF THE WEEK: 5-10-2026

 




SONG:  "Queensberry Rules"

ARTIST:  Gallows

ALBUM:  "Grey Britain"

YEAR:  2009

PLACE OF ORIGIN:  Watford, Hertfordshire, England

YEARS ACTIVE:  2004 - 2021



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

The song "Queensberry Rules" by Gallows—released on their 2009 album "Grey Britain"—is a critique of teenage knife crime and societal indifference in modern London. Vocalist Frank Carter has stated the song harks back to a "better day" where disputes were settled with fists or in a boxing ring rather than with lethal weapons. The lyrics "Let's take this back to the old school, live our lives by the Queensberry rules" urge a return to a more "honorable" or less fatal form of conflict.

GALLOWS DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2006 - Orchestra Of Wolves (In At The Deep End Records)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2009 - Grey Britain (Warner Bros.)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2012 - Gallows (Venn Records)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

2015 - Desolation Sounds (Venn Records)
* Did not chart on the Billboard 200

MY THOUGHTS ON GALLOWS:

Gallows is an England hardcore punk band that got it's start back in 2004. The band dropped their debut full length studio album, "Orchestra Of Wolves" in 2006. The album was distributed by Epitaph Records here in the States. The song "In The Belly Of A Shark" is often considered to be the bands signature song. In 2009, Gallows signed a deal with major label Warner Bros. to release their sophomore effort, "Grey Britain". This would be the last album to feature Frank Carter on vocals as he would leave Gallows in 2011 citing disagreements about the direction of the band. Gallows wanted to continue on in a hardcore direction while Carter wanted to go in a more mainstream, melodic direction as evidenced by his next project Pure Love. Gallows brought in Alexisonfire lead singer Wade MacNeil to take over vocal duties. MacNeil's first full length album with the band was 2012's "Gallows". The band's last full length effort to date would be 2015's "Desolation Sounds". The last song the band would release was the Discharge cover, "The Possibility Of Life's Destruction" which was featured on a compilation album in 2017. 2019 would be the last concert Gallows would play at the Slam Dunk Festival. They were scheduled to perform at the Reading and Leeds Festivals in 2021 but cancelled due to Covid. The band has been considered broken up since 2021. There was a rumor that the original line-up would get back together but that never came to fruition. As I said earlier, Gallows is a hardcore punk band. Very aggressive and in your face. I'm definitely a bigger fan of the Frank Carter era of the band. I just like his vocals and songs better. I would gravitate to Carter's other projects, Pure Love and Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, over Gallows as well. Especially over the MacNeil era of Gallows. I enjoy some of the MacNeil era songs but Carter just has that "it" factor. It definitely would have been interesting to see an original line-up reunion. Maybe it will happen some day!

SIMILAR ARTISTS:

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes
Turnstile
H2O
Hot Water Music
Ignite

TEN GALLOWS SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Misery
2. In The Belly Of A Shark
3. The Vulture (Acts I & II)
4. Staring At The Rude Bois (The Ruts cover)
5. Abandon Ship
6. London Is The Reason
7. Outsider Art
8. Bonfire Season
9. Cross Of Lorraine
10. Mystic Death