MelRock Awards - 2008 Late Edition

[Behshad]

Lame attempt on the DHOTY. I believe everyone knows that it realistically should've been Ed. He certainly has caused more 'problem' here than Chief ever did. Even though Andrew and Ed are on civil terms with one another now (and Ed is a friend of mine & I mean no disrespect to him), this seems like a cowardly way out to me.

Congrats to Eric Ragno for his KBPOTY award!

Well at the same time that Andrew rightfully thinks that Chief did deserve to be named the DHOTY ( due to some empty threats against MR) , and while Ed/AR did do some minor damage here and there, I dont think it was big enough for him to top Chief and even if it was, Andrew wouldnt give Ed the pleasure of getting attention he would love to get as a bad boy of the boards!

[donnaplease]

Lame attempt on the DHOTY. I believe everyone knows that it realistically should've been Ed. He certainly has caused more 'problem' here than Chief ever did. Even though Andrew and Ed are on civil terms with one another now (and Ed is a friend of mine & I mean no disrespect to him), this seems like a cowardly way out to me.

Congrats to Eric Ragno for his KBPOTY award!

It almost seems like a badge of honor....most of the guys that earned the DHOTY are guys that I know in one way or another, and they're always proud to be bestowed this great honor from Andrew....

I'm sorry Frank. You're always the bridesmaid, and never the bride, huh?

[donnaplease]

Lame attempt on the DHOTY. I believe everyone knows that it realistically should've been Ed. He certainly has caused more 'problem' here than Chief ever did. Even though Andrew and Ed are on civil terms with one another now (and Ed is a friend of mine & I mean no disrespect to him), this seems like a cowardly way out to me.

Congrats to Eric Ragno for his KBPOTY award!

Well at the same time that Andrew rightfully thinks that Chief did deserve to be named the DHOTY ( due to some empty threats against MR) , and while Ed/AR did do some minor damage here and there, I dont think it was big enough for him to top Chief and even if it was, Andrew wouldnt give Ed the pleasure of getting attention he would love to get as a bad boy of the boards!

MINOR damage, here and there? Come on, B. You know as well as I do that AR has been hailed the antichrist here, by Andrew and many posters, some of whom don't even know him. Jeff was small potatoes compared to the dastardly AR.

It's Drew's call to make, I just don't agree with it. Besides, Eddie is a legend in his own mind anyway, so one more accolade wouldn't make that much difference.

[Duncan]

How cool would it be if we could have a real melodic rock awards show?

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Now playing: Rick Mathews - Kelly Be My Girl - Rick Mathews

[strangegrey]

Lame attempt on the DHOTY. I believe everyone knows that it realistically should've been Ed. He certainly has caused more 'problem' here than Chief ever did. Even though Andrew and Ed are on civil terms with one another now (and Ed is a friend of mine & I mean no disrespect to him), this seems like a cowardly way out to me.

Congrats to Eric Ragno for his KBPOTY award!

It almost seems like a badge of honor....most of the guys that earned the DHOTY are guys that I know in one way or another, and they're always proud to be bestowed this great honor from Andrew....

I'm sorry Frank. You're always the bridesmaid, and never the bride, huh?

Oh, I could be the bride if I wanted to...I just don't want to have to have my legs hoisted in the air for the rest of the night...

[Duncan]

Regarding the Best ballad nomination...bit of a cheat but Rick Price had a Best of out last year so I go for..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kl70X6BAp_k

..and listen up you American's. The best show rolling through your fine country this summer is Tommy Emmanuel and Rick Price.

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Now playing: Rick Price - What's Wrong With That Girl

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Now playing: Rick Price - Not A Day Goes By

[Behshad]

Lame attempt on the DHOTY. I believe everyone knows that it realistically should've been Ed. He certainly has caused more 'problem' here than Chief ever did. Even though Andrew and Ed are on civil terms with one another now (and Ed is a friend of mine & I mean no disrespect to him), this seems like a cowardly way out to me.

Congrats to Eric Ragno for his KBPOTY award!

Well at the same time that Andrew rightfully thinks that Chief did deserve to be named the DHOTY ( due to some empty threats against MR) , and while Ed/AR did do some minor damage here and there, I dont think it was big enough for him to top Chief and even if it was, Andrew wouldnt give Ed the pleasure of getting attention he would love to get as a bad boy of the boards!

MINOR damage, here and there? Come on, B. You know as well as I do that AR has been hailed the antichrist here, by Andrew and many posters, some of whom don't even know him. Jeff was small potatoes compared to the dastardly AR.

It's Drew's call to make, I just don't agree with it. Besides, Eddie is a legend in his own mind anyway, so one more accolade wouldn't make that much difference.

Exactly... he has been given a reputation, even by some who dont know him...... he is like a myth ,.,,,, kinda like susie, but in a much different way....
Ed stirred shit up here, much like Deano, Dan, Tito, Gideon, you, me and others do,,,,, but he never threatened to put Andrew out of business .
The main damage he tried to cause was when he pretended to be Andrew on the Journey official forum...

Dont worry though, there's always next year, (Tito is one of the candidates I hear, so is Gideon ).....

[Rick]

Lame attempt on the DHOTY. I believe everyone knows that it realistically should've been Ed. He certainly has caused more 'problem' here than Chief ever did. Even though Andrew and Ed are on civil terms with one another now (and Ed is a friend of mine & I mean no disrespect to him), this seems like a cowardly way out to me.

Congrats to Eric Ragno for his KBPOTY award!

Well at the same time that Andrew rightfully thinks that Chief did deserve to be named the DHOTY ( due to some empty threats against MR) , and while Ed/AR did do some minor damage here and there, I dont think it was big enough for him to top Chief and even if it was, Andrew wouldnt give Ed the pleasure of getting attention he would love to get as a bad boy of the boards!

I'm not sure how "empty" those threats were B. He made the threats, and followed through with them. He started a board, courted some of Andrews sponsors, did interviews, reviewed new releases. I don't think any of that is empty. He was running his version of MR. He INTENDED to run Andrew out of business. I would take that very very personal, seeing how Drew's got a wife and kids to feed. Chief just wasn't savvy enough to make his plan work.

I was stunned that he pulled that shit.

[weatherman90]

How cool would it be if we could have a real melodic rock awards show?

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Now playing: Rick Mathews - Kelly Be My Girl - Rick Mathews

I think something along those lines would be very cool. Doesn't have to be expensive - maybe just a panel of unbiased musicians and industry folk sitting around for webcam award debates with Andrew!

[Rip Rokken]

Hey, where the hell is Dokken's LSA? No joke, this is a serious oversight, but there is still time to correct it without repercussions.

Thanks dude, now that forced me to pull it out and listen to LSA. That album is such a conundrum. The songs kick but, that new kid they have playing George Lynch is fucking amazingly good.....I just can't get past the tired sound of Don's voice. Put a healthier voice on the record, and it's a fucking killer, top tier dokken record....who needs Senor Scary?

I know what you're saying for sure, but it actually grew on me after a while. There are so many killer tracks on this album, it still works even if Don wasn't at the top of his game.

[Ehwmatt]

My vote for best ballad woulda been Luke's "The Letting Go" - surprised to see it on the honorable mention best song but nowhere near the ballad list. yes, it is a ballad

[Lula]

Lame attempt on the DHOTY. I believe everyone knows that it realistically should've been Ed. He certainly has caused more 'problem' here than Chief ever did. Even though Andrew and Ed are on civil terms with one another now (and Ed is a friend of mine & I mean no disrespect to him), this seems like a cowardly way out to me.

Congrats to Eric Ragno for his KBPOTY award!

Well at the same time that Andrew rightfully thinks that Chief did deserve to be named the DHOTY ( due to some empty threats against MR) , and while Ed/AR did do some minor damage here and there, I dont think it was big enough for him to top Chief and even if it was, Andrew wouldnt give Ed the pleasure of getting attention he would love to get as a bad boy of the boards!

I'm not sure how "empty" those threats were B. He made the threats, and followed through with them. He started a board, courted some of Andrews sponsors, did interviews, reviewed new releases. I don't think any of that is empty. He was running his version of MR. He INTENDED to run Andrew out of business. I would take that very very personal, seeing how Drew's got a wife and kids to feed. Chief just wasn't savvy enough to make his plan work.

I was stunned that he pulled that shit.

well said rick

[Chubby321]

VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Arnel Pineda (Journey)

A few truly great vocal performances around in 2008, but Arnel takes the prize - simply because he delivered big time under huge pressure from all sides. He had to live up to Journey fan expectations...he had to replay the faith the band showed in him....he had to overcome the unpopular decision to let 2 previous vocalists go...one of his first shows was broadcast live across the world and he had to deliver live on his first grueling US tour. And on top of that he had to re-record a dozen of the band's legacy tunes. My hat goes off to Arnel for delivering on all fronts and staying humble despite having monster talent.

[Duncan]

My vote for best ballad woulda been Luke's "The Letting Go" - surprised to see it on the honorable mention best song but nowhere near the ballad list. yes, it is a ballad

The problem is Ehwmatt is that this is proper songwriting. It'll never catch on.

...and in case any of the Luke clan reads this. Still can't get Trev's ep on I Tunes over here.

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Now playing: Steve Lukather - The Letting Go

[conversationpc]

Hey, where the hell is Dokken's LSA? No joke, this is a serious oversight, but there is still time to correct it without repercussions.

Thanks dude, now that forced me to pull it out and listen to LSA. That album is such a conundrum. The songs kick but, that new kid they have playing George Lynch is fucking amazingly good.....I just can't get past the tired sound of Don's voice. Put a healthier voice on the record, and it's a fucking killer, top tier dokken record....who needs Senor Scary?

I know what you're saying for sure, but it actually grew on me after a while. There are so many killer tracks on this album, it still works even if Don wasn't at the top of his game.

Don's voice doesn't bother me. Dude's about 60 and still singing. There are other aging singers out there that sound far worse than he does. He sounds good enough, IMO.

[Don]

Great pick for album of the year, it's like Scandinavian Rock meets Winger with Frontiers era Steve Perry vocals mixed in. I am impressed. That's how you rock.

Brother Firetribe FTW!

[Carla777]

Hey, where the hell is Dokken's LSA? No joke, this is a serious oversight, but there is still time to correct it without repercussions.

No kidding! agree with this

Overall a good list...altough i don't know all the bands ..so is time for me for check it out!

[Chubby321]

THE BEST OLD-SCHOOL AOR ALBUM
1. Journey - Revelation

2008 SONG OF THE YEAR
“What I Needed”….did not make the cut.

THE BEST BALLAD
1. Journey - Turn Down The World Tonight


GUITARIST OF THE YEAR
Honorable Mentions - Neal Schon .... he's still my #1:D

[Andrew]

I just can't get past the tired sound of Don's voice.

Bingo. The voice was shot on that record. Can't even bring myself to listen to it. Painful. The rest of it was great.

[Lula]

Don's voice doesn't bother me. Dude's about 60 and still singing. There are other aging singers out there that sound far worse than he does. He sounds good enough, IMO.

dude!!! where have you been? nice to see you!

[Andrew]

Lame attempt on the DHOTY. I believe everyone knows that it realistically should've been Ed. He certainly has caused more 'problem' here than Chief ever did. Even though Andrew and Ed are on civil terms with one another now (and Ed is a friend of mine & I mean no disrespect to him), this seems like a cowardly way out to me.

You gotta be kidding me right? Thanks for the post of the week.

I didn't even consider Ed.

[Duncan]

Great pick for album of the year, it's like Scandinavian Rock meets Winger with Frontiers era Steve Perry vocals mixed in. I am impressed. That's how you rock.

I am actually not convinced that this band aren't taking the piss in a Spinal Tap kind of way. I mean Brother Firetribe, kinda smacks of Manowar to me. Have you listened to the lyrics, my god every cliche in the book. Great hooks, but dated arrangements. i don't know, I'm a sucker for a hook, but can't we have a hook with something that sounds intelligent. I'm embarrassed to play this Cd out loud.


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Now playing: Brother Firetribe - Who Will You Run to Now

Brother Firetribe FTW!

[Don]

Great pick for album of the year, it's like Scandinavian Rock meets Winger with Frontiers era Steve Perry vocals mixed in. I am impressed. That's how you rock.

I am actually not convinced that this band aren't taking the piss in a Spinal Tap kind of way. I mean Brother Firetribe, kinda smacks of Manowar to me. Have you listened to the lyrics, my god every cliche in the book. Great hooks, but dated arrangements. i don't know, I'm a sucker for a hook, but can't we have a hook with something that sounds intelligent. I'm embarrassed to play this Cd out loud.


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Now playing: Brother Firetribe - Who Will You Run to Now

Brother Firetribe FTW!

Why, you play Revelation, don't you?

[Duncan]

Great pick for album of the year, it's like Scandinavian Rock meets Winger with Frontiers era Steve Perry vocals mixed in. I am impressed. That's how you rock.

I am actually not convinced that this band aren't taking the piss in a Spinal Tap kind of way. I mean Brother Firetribe, kinda smacks of Manowar to me. Have you listened to the lyrics, my god every cliche in the book. Great hooks, but dated arrangements. i don't know, I'm a sucker for a hook, but can't we have a hook with something that sounds intelligent. I'm embarrassed to play this Cd out loud.


----------------
Now playing: Brother Firetribe - Who Will You Run to Now

Brother Firetribe FTW!

Why, you play Revelation, don't you?

Ha!, I can't put my finger on why, but Euros singing shit lyrics sound so much worse than anyone else. It never held the Scorpions back though, although i happen to think Winds of Change is one of the worst songs of all time.

I think this comes down to the simple fact that melodic is american music and in what ever format it is sung unless it sounds american it sounds eurovision.

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Now playing: Brother Firetribe - Play It from the Heart

[Rip Rokken]

VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Arnel Pineda (Journey)

A few truly great vocal performances around in 2008, but Arnel takes the prize - simply because he delivered big time under huge pressure from all sides. He had to live up to Journey fan expectations...he had to replay the faith the band showed in him....he had to overcome the unpopular decision to let 2 previous vocalists go...one of his first shows was broadcast live across the world and he had to deliver live on his first grueling US tour. And on top of that he had to re-record a dozen of the band's legacy tunes. My hat goes off to Arnel for delivering on all fronts and staying humble despite having monster talent.

First thing I did when I hit that page was scan for Dokken and just dismissed everything else after finding Don didn't make the list. Dumb of me to miss this the first time around, and it is WELL EARNED. AP deserves every bit of it. Every time the mark gets raised just a little more, he jumps up even higher and kicks it. Very proud of Arnel.

But where's Don?!?!?!?!!

[yulog]

Lame attempt on the DHOTY. I believe everyone knows that it realistically should've been Ed. He certainly has caused more 'problem' here than Chief ever did. Even though Andrew and Ed are on civil terms with one another now (and Ed is a friend of mine & I mean no disrespect to him), this seems like a cowardly way out to me.

You gotta be kidding me right? Thanks for the post of the week.

I didn't even consider Ed.

Yeah, Eds "badboy" persona was debunked a year ago on WTF. Why would he be on the list for this past year. This last year has been super quiet overall in comparison to 2 yrs ago..its been like a library

[Duncan]

Great pick for album of the year, it's like Scandinavian Rock meets Winger with Frontiers era Steve Perry vocals mixed in. I am impressed. That's how you rock.

I am actually not convinced that this band aren't taking the piss in a Spinal Tap kind of way. I mean Brother Firetribe, kinda smacks of Manowar to me. Have you listened to the lyrics, my god every cliche in the book. Great hooks, but dated arrangements. i don't know, I'm a sucker for a hook, but can't we have a hook with something that sounds intelligent. I'm embarrassed to play this Cd out loud.


----------------
Now playing: Brother Firetribe - Who Will You Run to Now

Brother Firetribe FTW!

Why, you play Revelation, don't you?

Ha!, I can't put my finger on why, but Euros singing shit lyrics sound so much worse than anyone else. It never held the Scorpions back though, although i happen to think Winds of Change is one of the worst songs of all time.

I think this comes down to the simple fact that melodic rock is American music and in what ever format it is sung unless it sounds american it sounds eurovision.

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Now playing: Brother Firetribe - Two Hearts

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Now playing: Brother Firetribe - Play It from the Heart

[weatherman90]

VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Arnel Pineda (Journey)

A few truly great vocal performances around in 2008, but Arnel takes the prize - simply because he delivered big time under huge pressure from all sides. He had to live up to Journey fan expectations...he had to replay the faith the band showed in him....he had to overcome the unpopular decision to let 2 previous vocalists go...one of his first shows was broadcast live across the world and he had to deliver live on his first grueling US tour. And on top of that he had to re-record a dozen of the band's legacy tunes. My hat goes off to Arnel for delivering on all fronts and staying humble despite having monster talent.

First thing I did when I hit that page was scan for Dokken and just dismissed everything else after finding Don didn't make the list. Dumb of me to miss this the first time around, and it is WELL EARNED. AP deserves every bit of it. Every time the mark gets raised just a little more, he jumps up even higher and kicks it. Very proud of Arnel.

But where's Don?!?!?!?!!

Stack that record up against anything from the classic Dokken catalog - it holds its own and then some. Levin brings incredible skill to the table, and Don brings it home with a solid vocal performance. No, it's not 1985 again, but Don works with what he's got - which just happens to (still) be one of rock's greatest and most menacing set of pipes.

[Andrew]

Don works with what he's got - which just happens to (still) be one of rock's greatest and most menacing set of pipes.

Dude, he's out of tune and struggling to his basic notes....he was a good vocalist, but that wasn't present on LSA.

[weatherman90]

Don works with what he's got - which just happens to (still) be one of rock's greatest and most menacing set of pipes.

Dude, he's out of tune and struggling to his basic notes....he was a good vocalist, but that wasn't present on LSA.

I don't hear out of tune at all. He does of course struggle in places, but for the most part he sings within himself. Everyone's voice ages differently and I could dwell on it, but as a listener I tend to turn it up to 11 and never look back when that Standing on the Outside riff kicks in.

The melodies are tighter and stronger than they were on Erase the Slate (another great record), so it's exciting to hear a net gain in the band's sound over the last decade.