My Classic Album with Mike Norris – Details, episodes & analysis

Sicksense September and Season 4 of 'My Classic Album' come to an end as Vicky Psarakis joins Mike to chat about Evanescence's debut album 'Fallen'.

'Fallen' saw Evanescence and singer Amy Lee become superstars overnight. Together Vicky and Mike explore their love of the album and its importance in their teenage years.

Which Meat Loaf song brought founding members Amy Lee and Ben Moody together?

Why did the band shy away from their popularity in the Christian rock scene?

How did 12 Stones singer Paul McCoy come to be involved on 'Bring Me To Life'?

PLUS: Enjoy 'Make Believe', another track from Sicksense's debut EP 'Kings Today'

AND Mike reads an exclusive passage from his upcoming debut novel 'Reap Sleep Rock Repeat'.

Season 4 of 'My Classic Album' ends in style!

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

'Make Believe' by Sicksense. Out now on the band's debut EP 'Kings Today'

All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

This month has been christened 'Sicksense September' here on 'My Classic Album' as members of this fantastic new band join Mike to discuss the classic albums that have inspired them! First up it's Robbie J. Fonts (also of Stuck Mojo) who has chosen the debut album from metal legends Slipknot!

Emerging from the Iowa music scene, Slipknot turned metal on it's head upon signing to Roadrunner Records and releasing their first album in 1999. As parents freaked at the masked ninesome, the youth found a band that spoke their language.

What unbelievable measures did producer Ross Robinson go to to get the best out of the band in the studio?

Which track from 'Slipknot' earned the band their first Grammy nomination?

Why was 'Purity' removed from the tracklist shortly after the album's release?

PLUS: Enjoy 'Kings Today', the title track from Sicksense's debut EP!

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

'Kings Today' by Sicksense. Out now on the band's debut EP 'Kings Today'

All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

After ten years on the live circuit, Skynyrd took full advantage of their big break. Together Fred, Moose and Mike explore why the songs on 'Pronounced' have endured so strongly for nearly 50 years.

How did Ronnie Van Zant react when producer Al Kooper wanted 'Simple Man' kept off the album?

What does Moose make of Metallica's cover of 'Tuesday's Gone'?

Why does 'Free Bird' end with that iconic instrumental jam?

PLUS: Enjoy 'I Come In Peace', a track from Sons of Liberty's latest album 'Aces and Eights'.

A southern fried good time on this 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

'I Come In Peace' by Sons Of Liberty. An independent release played with permission from the artist. 

With thanks to O'Neill PR

All music rights reserved to their respective owners

Lzi Hayes, one quarter of rising UK rockers The Hot Damn joins Mike to geek out over one the majesty of Toto and their celebrated fourth studio album.

A band with mixed fortunes in the early 80's, Toto were in danger of being dropped by their label while simultaneously contributing to Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'. Lzi and Mike explore why Toto IV brought the band back from the brink.

How was 'Rosanna' influenced by John Bonham's performance on Led Zeppelin's 'Fool In The Rain'?

Which track on the album features an Eagle on backing vocals?

Why is Steve Lukather such a bastard? (In the nicest possible way!)

PLUS: Enjoy 'I Didn't Like You Anyway', the massive new single from The Hot Damn!

Celebrate the awesomeness that is Toto on this awesome edition 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

'I Didn't Like You Anyway' by The Hot Damn. An independent release played with permission from the artist. 

All music rights reserved to their respective owners

Before Neil Young waged war on Spotify, he was already one of the most acclaimed singer songwriters of all time. Mike is joined by British blues rock guitarist and songwriter Jack J Hutchinson to celebrate Young's breakthrough album 'After The Gold Rush'.

A regular on greatest album lists, 'After The Gold Rush' saw Neil build on his success with Crosby, Stills and Nash and record an album that still resonates with listeners over 50 years on.

How was 'After The Gold Rush' inspired by a Dean Stockwell screenplay of the same name?

Why did Lynyrd Skynyrd reference Neil Young and 'Southern Man' in their iconic 'Sweet Home Alabama'?

Who did Neil write the classic 'Only Love Can Break Your Heart' for?

PLUS: Enjoy 'I Will Follow You' - a fantastic track from Jack's 2020 album 'Back To The Blues'

Another great 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

'I Will Follow You' by Jack J Hutchinson. Released on the 2020 album 'Back To The Blues' on Psychedelic String Records.

Jack's latest album 'The Hammer Falls' is out now!

All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

Ale, Dany and Pau make up a trio of sisters who also happen to be one of the fastest rising bands in rock today! The Warning take time out to join Mike and celebrate their chosen classic album: My Chemical Romance’s ‘The Black Parade’.

An album influential on all three sisters, The Warning share the impact the story of The Patient’s journey to the afterlife has had. Together Mike and the band explore the album in full including how the influence of classic albums of the past is present for all to see on ‘The Black Parade’.

What impact did recording the album at the haunted Paramour Mansion have on the band?

Why did the breakout single ‘Welcome To The Black Parade’ nearly not make the album?

How did Liza Minnelli become involved with the song ‘Mama’?

PLUS: Enjoy ‘Animosity’ from The Warning’s latest EP ‘Mayday’.

Join the Black Parade on this epic edition 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

'Animosity' by The Warning. Released on Republic Records a division of UMG Recordings inc & Lava Music LLC

All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

Released in two parts by Zappa in 1979, Troy and Mike explore 'Joe's Garage' as a whole; often ambitious, constantly surreal yet ultimately packing an emotional punch as the story reaches its conclusion.

How does 'Joe's Garage' use xenochrony- a technique Zappa pioneered that is ever present throughout the album?

Is the beautiful 'Watermelon In Easter Hay' the apex of Frank Zappa's career?

What on Earth is plooking?

PLUS: Enjoy ''Westward the Sun'; the opening track from Troy's 2020 album 'Thunder Moon'.

AND: Mike shares his thoughts and pays tribute to Meat Loaf following his passing in January 2022.

Enjoy our opening episode of Season 4... and remember...

"THE WHITE ZONE IS FOR LOADING AND UNLOADING ONLY!"

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

'Westward the Sun' by Troy Redfern. An independent release played with permission from the artist. 

The album 'Thunder Moon' is available at https://troyredfern.bandcamp.com/album/thunder-moon

All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

One of the most successful and critically acclaimed albums of all time; Nirvana's second album 'Nevermind' becomes only the 5th album to earn an anniversary special on 'My Classic Album'.

Martha's Nathan Stephens-Griffin returns to the podcast to sit down with Mike and discuss an album that changed music forever, and played a huge role in their friendship as teenagers as well as their mutual love of music.

Why do we have the Pixies to thank for a key hallmark of the Nirvana sound?

How did a frustrating day in the studio for Nirvana shape what would become 'Endless, Nameless'; the hidden track of Nevermind?

Is Roger Taylor 'in denial'?

PLUS: Podcasters Assemble! Hear from some of my esteemed podcast peers as The Rock Guys Podcast, A Sound Purchase and Concerts That Made Us all share their thoughts on 'Nevermind'

AND: Enjoy 'Love Keeps Kicking', a standout track from Martha's latest studio album.

OH BUT THERE'S MORE: Find out which track YOU voted as the best song on 'Nevermind'.

The perfect way to end our third season 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

'Love Keeps Kicking' by Martha. Released on and played with permission from Big Scary Monsters Recording Company. 

All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

Singer songwriter Riva Taylor joins Mike to share her love for 'Diva', the debut solo album from the iconic Annie Lennox.

After ruling the 80's with Dave Stewart as part of Eurythmics, Annie kickstarted her solo career with an album full of career defining songs including 'Why', 'Little Bird' and 'Walking On Broken Glass'. Together Riva and Mike discuss how Annie was able to forge her own path throughout the 90's and beyond.

Which song on the album does Dave Stewart believe Annie wrote about him?

How did the single release for 'Cold' make UK chart history?

In what way did Annie Lennox pave the way for the Spice Girls?

PLUS: Hear 'IN LOVE (no more)', a standout track from Riva's most recent EP 'TWH.2'

Enjoy another 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

'IN LOVE (no more)' by Riva Taylor Released on and played with permission from Bloom Recordings. 

All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

One of the most accomplished guitarists on the planet Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal joins Mike to share his love of Yes and their 1977 album 'Going For The One'.

From the moment Ron first heard the title track as a child growing up in Staten Island, he was transported into a world created by the sheer beauty he heard across the five tracks on 'Going For The One'. Together with Mike, Ron shares why his love for this album still runs deep and strong to this day.

What led Rick Wakeman to return to Yes after leaving in 1973?

Which band delayed production of 'Going For The One' due to their own time at Mountain Studios in Montreux?

Has Ron ever had the pleasure of playing a vachalia; the Portugese guitar of choice used on 'Wondrous Stories'?

PLUS: Mike samples Ron's infamous 'Bumblef**ked' Hot Sauce live on the show with some moral support from Evanescence's Jen Majura!

AND: Hear Bumblefoot's fantastic 2020 single 'Planetary Lockdown'.

An unforgettable episode of 'My Classic Album'.

Music Credits: 'This Is Rock' by Silvia Marchese

'Planetary Lockdown' by Bumblefoot Released on and played with permission from Bumblefoot Music

All music rights reserved to their respective owners.