The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock Podcast

Here's a 5 minute preview of UAWIL #24 on Aerosmith's box set Pandora's box.  We preview the 1991 set and how it helped us appreciate Aerosmith in the 70s and early 80s.  And we explain why we were gone for a week due to a ring of the door bell, an overexcited dog, a full glass of water and a laptop.

MTV played a significant role in the lives of American youths in the early 1980s. It was no different for the Wolf or Action Jackson as this new format opened up a world of culture we wouldn't have otherwise been exposed to.  Duran Duran, with their new wave fashion, pin-up looks and funky pop songs took the video genre to a whole new level and secured their place in pop culture.

Keith Richards is one of the legendary icons of rock n roll. Everyone knows him as a guitar god, for having written so many great Stones songs and as a raconteur. But his solo albums, though few and under appreciated, offer some of his best work as a singer and writer. We dissect 1988's Talk is Cheap & 1992's Main Offender while exploring songs he sang on Stones albums and recalling a fun time in our lives.

The Cult may have been catapulted into the spotlight and on MTV with Fire Woman from Sonic Temple.  But they shaped their sound best on their 2nd album, Love.  Released in 1985, it contained solid radio hits like She Sells Sanctuary and Rain but it was a cohesive record that established their hard rock, psychedelic, atmospheric sound which is hard to imitate and to define.  This is a go to record for The Wolf and the best album by Action Jackson's favorite band.

YES came out of the 60s and forged their own identity through extraordinary musicianship, intricate songs and fantastic artwork.  While some hits have kept them on classic rock for decades, the different eras and lineups over the last 50 years have created a catalog like none other.  So whether you like the 20 minute epics, the uber popular Owner of a Lonely Heart or don't know much about the band, our examination will peel back some layers and appreciate this special group.

Prior to 1988, Metallica hadn't made a video for MTV & couldn't get on rock radio.  The release of One changed that but it was the release of 1991's Metallica (The Black Album) that forever changed their fate & fortunes.  With 5 hit singles & a 2.5 year worldwide tour, Metallica usurped Guns n Roses as the biggest band in the world and never looked back.  We recall seeing them on that tour, our memories of the album and what it means to us today.

Before The Joshua Tree, U2 were upstart heroes looking to conquer, and make a difference in, the world.  Thanks to some amazing songs, brilliant production and constant promotion by MTV, this album skyrocketed them to superstar status and gave them the platform to not only branch out into other forms of music but allow them to have a positive impact around the globe.

Released in 1976, KISS Alive! changed the fortunes of KISS and transitioned them from a strong opening act to an international headliner. This success forced the band to come up with the goods in the studio and they were up to the task with Destroyer, Rock & Roll Over and Love Gun. These records gave us songs that would strengthen KISS's hold on the public and allow them to tour for decades...

In 1989, The Rolling Stones hadn't toured for 8 years, they're past few records didn't sell well and Mick & Keith were fighting and releasing solo records. But Steel Wheels put the Stones back on top of the world, set them up for an enormous tour and gave them the chance to continue their careers for several more decades.  We talk all about it this week on the Wolf!

By 1976, The Eagles had sold millions of records and done successful tours. But lineup changes, infighting and the pressures of being a big rock band were starting to weigh on the band. From that, they released Greatest Hits Vol 1 which went on to become the biggest selling album of all-time and Hotel California, their greatest triumph as a hard rock band.