Sunday Sip🤘

Why Heavy Metal is the very best form of music and reggae blows

Welcome to your Sunday Sip, where I’m throwing down the gauntlet! I’m declaring that metal is the greatest form of music ever made. In the course of my painstaking and excruciatingly detailed research into this subject, I’ve discovered that most reggae music sucks!

Reggae is not for me

I realize I threw out a bold statement by saying that reggae music sucks. I’m kidding. Well, sort of :) I make this statement with a smile, as that’s my opinion. I’m sure there is a song in that genre that I might like. I just haven’t heard it yet. 

Before I jump into why I feel this way, let me share a funny story about reggae music. We stopped at the Hilo Town Tavern during our recent travels in Hawaii. It is a cool and funky bar located in downtown Hilo. They’ve got a great craft beer selection and excellent food. As we walked in, I heard the familiar refrain of a reggae beat. I tried to ignore it, but the music stayed on the reggae theme. 

Actually, old-school Bob Marley doesn’t drive me as nuts as what was playing at the Hilo Town Tavern. This was some sort of new school reggae infused with a bit of boy band pop swill and bromance hip-hop gone wrong. I think in my state of disharmony, I had an involuntary grimace. Brenda, Greg, and Dianne looked at me and asked what was wrong. I said something like, “Eye Yi Yi! These tunes! If I go to hell, this will be the soundtrack!” They laughed and said they hadn’t even noticed the music. Thankfully, we wrapped up our meal (which was excellent), and I could escape that brief aural glimpse into purgatory. 

That experience at the Hilo Town Tavern rekindled a question that has swirled around in my mind over the years: Why do we like the music we like? How is it that reggae is grand for some folks, while for someone like me, it is akin to a root canal?

I did some googling. There are plenty of insightful articles with research about personality and music, but none offer clear answers as to why some music clicks and some music doesn’t. The Washington Post had a story that featured research by David M. Greenberg (a researcher at Bar-Ilan University and the University of Cambridge). The article has some interesting points about how our personalities or cognitive style (empathizer or systemizer) may be reflected by the music we listen to. Yet, it didn’t give much information on why.

Another article from The Hill (of all places) has even more tidbits from Mr. Greenberg about a person’s level of empathy and the type of music they may gravitate toward, in addition to other personality linkages. I was particularly drawn to this quote:

“The idea that music is solely entertainment, or even just a pure aesthetic experience, is very misguided,” Greenberg explains. “Music is a form of language. It’s a part of human evolution, and it’s deeply embedded into our brains.”

The part that really strikes a chord (Think a downtuned C# open chug like in Black Sabbath’s “Symptom of the Universe”) is “embedded into our brains.”

To me, the thought that music is “embedded into our brains” leads me to believe that the music we enjoy is physically wired into us. I think that as our brains develop and grow, we become tuned to certain frequencies and patterns of frequencies. Our response to various styles of music is based on the tunings we acquire as we live our lives.

The tunings continue to take shape as we explore our world and engage in new experiences. My theory is that those who explore increase the overall bandwidth of frequencies that feel right to them. These folks then gain additional musical tastes, which fosters further musical exploration. When a person doesn’t have a lot of new experiences, the frequency range stays relatively unchanged, which means the music they gravitate towards remains static. 

This is just my hunch. I’ve got no science to back this up, but it sounds reasonable, right? Based on my own experiences, I’ve witnessed a transformation in frequencies that resonate with me. Over time, I’ve gotten into old-school country, bluegrass, 70s disco, some electronic/house/shoegaze, and a dash of folk. I even discovered that I actually enjoy some artists I’d written off years ago, such as Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, and John Mellencamp. 

However, my soul is centered in three genres: classic heavy blues rock (Allman Brothers, Jimi Hendrix, ZZ Top), psychedelic-proggy-experimental (Bowie, Pink Floyd, Yes, and new stuff like Slift and Earthless), and metal. Metal reigns supreme, yet it is funny how, even in that spectrum, you can find distinctions in what sounds good and what doesn’t.

I’m sure a non-metal person would find it all sound like noise. It's sort of the way reggae sounds to me. Yet, as a metal music fan, I know that not all metal is equal. For example, I never got into that much hair metal. Sure, Ratt was great, but Motley Crue was trash after their first album. Another one is nu-metal. Love the Deftones, but honestly, Slipknot is fucking tiresome and boring.

At the end of the day, each of us is uniquely wired. What makes one person groove might make another grimace. That is the magic of music. How are you wired? Are you a fellow headbanger, or is Bob Dylan more your speed? 

Chuck’s List of Favorite Metal Albums as of Today

Best-of lists are doomed to failure, but they can be a lot of fun to consider and discuss. Just like the kind of music you enjoy is a function of what frequencies appeal to you, so too is what you would consider “The Best” of any particular genre you dig.

I love metal music. I love the power of it. When I hear an awesome riff roaring with rage, I just have to clench my fists and roar back. Here is my list of metal albums (in no particular order) that demand to be played loud with your fists clenched and your head thrashing.

Forbidden - Twisted Into Form

My god, this album gets me every time. The acoustic opening sets the tone perfectly. The teeth-gnashing riffs, the terrifying solos, those vocals—total metal perfection! Every track blazes with aggression and technical ecstasy. No matter how my tastes change over time, this one is a constant.

Iron Maiden - Killers

Adrian Smith and Dave Murray were early inspirations in my guitar playing. While Maiden has a ton of great albums, Killers rises to the top. There is a raw passion on this album that is unmatched in any of their later releases. However, I must say that Powerslave is a damn close second.

At The Gates - Terminal Spirit Disease

My love of melodic death metal and journey into more extreme metal music started with At The Gates. They supercharged classical music structures, adding tortured vocals to produce a vehicle for the listener to release the darkness within. Take a listen to “The Beautiful Wound” and tell me you can’t feel the wondrous agony within.

Judas Priest - Hell Bent For Leather

Like many Judas Priest albums, this one isn’t perfect. But it doesn’t get more metal than the title track combined with “Green Manalishi” and “Running Wild.” Halford’s soaring vocals and the dual leads of Tipton and Downing make this a classic metal album.

Carcass - Heartwork

Take hook-ridden hard rock riffs, tune it down to B, and let it roll. Fans of early Carcass grind did not warm to the death rock and roll of Heartwork, but I love it. The snarling vocals full of venom and spite, combined with glorious riffs and solos, make this album a winner.

Black Sabbath - Vol 4

There can be no heavy metal without Black Sabbath. They spawned all that is heavy. Picking just one of their albums is tough, but for my money, it has to be the cocaine-fueled Vol. 4 with the ultra-heaviness and mammoth grooves of tunes such as “Tomorrow's Dream,” “Supernaut,” and “Snowblind.”

The Absence - Riders of the Plague

From start to finish, this album is melodic death at its best. Tunes such as “The Murder,” “Dead and Gone, and the title track are portraits in brutal brilliance featuring dazzling guitars, concussive drums, and searing vocals—a true masterpiece. Be sure to check out their latest self-titled album, which is out now! Oh, and if you love this album, they are finally re-releasing a vinyl version (joy!!)

Ozzy Osbourne - Blizzard of Ozz

Former Black Sabbath vocalist Ozzy Osbourne hit the lottery when he found a kid named Randy Rhoads. Randy set the standard that all metal musicians strive for to this day. Listen to “Mr. Crowley” and enjoy one of the very best guitar solos ever recorded.

Throne - Pestilence Dawn

When I think of horror movies such as Event Horizon and Prince of Darkness, with their evil sci-fi themes, and try to imagine a soundtrack constructed of heavy metal, I imagine this band. Throne is a local Michigan band that plays sinister and furious music. They are the embodiment of awesome blackened death metal.

Halloween - Don’t Metal With Evil

Thanks to this band, I learned that local bands are as good as, if not better than, national acts. This is another album that rules from start to finish. Halloween combines the catch hooks and stellar songwriting of Maiden with the neo-classical gas of Randy Rhoads. What’s not to love?

Anthrax - Among The Living

Stephen King’s “The Stand” and Judge Dredd are set to mosh. What more can you ask for? I caught Anthrax opening for Raven while touring for their Fistful of Metal album and became an instant fan of their kinetic brand of thrash. All hail the greatest rhythm guitarist ever, Mr. Scott Ian.

Metallica - Master of Puppets

This is a masterpiece from one of the greatest metal bands of all time. Metallica's focused attack and devastating performance on this album are a wonder to behold. Thanks to this album, thrash metal moved to the sports arena. Cliff’em All!

Convulsis - An Evil Born From The Void

While only an EP, the songs on this album are relentless thrash brimming with violence. Sure, Convulsis has a passing resemblance to Exodus, thanks to the vocals. However, that isn’t a bad thing. Their music blends the evil of Slayer with the maelstrom of early Sepultura. Hopefully, this band will be a force to reckon with in years to come.

GIG - The Art of Michigan Music

I’m keeping this in the rotation as my heart is deeply invested in this three-day art and music extravaganza called GIG—The Art of Michigan Music. Mark your calendars for November (8th, 9th, and 10th) and join Brenda and me at Art 634 in Jackson. We’ll showcase some of Michigan’s finest artists who create unique posters, t-shirts, and album covers and take outstanding band and concert photos.

Artist Submissions are Open!

Attention artists and photographers!! If you are making gig posters, t-shirt artwork, album artwork, taking band promotional or concert photos (or both), and you are from Michigan, I’d love to include your work as part of the art exhibit for GIG–The Art of Michigan Music. The artist submissions are open. Drop me an email if you have any questions.

Sponsor GIG!

If you or someone you know can support our efforts to make GIG - The Art of Michigan Music a success, visit our Be A Part of Gig page and then get in touch with me via email (chuck@lifeinmichigan.com). With your help, the goal of showcasing the outstanding artistic talent behind Michigan Music becomes attainable. Ultimately, we want this to be a yearly event that helps this segment of the artist community thrive.

Many thanks to Dawn Corporate Giving, Experience Jackson, Ogma Brewing, Manchester Underground Music and Art, and yours truly - Life In Michigan for jumping on board. Join our dream team and become a sponsor today!

Vendors Wanted

On top of needing Artists and Sponsors, we are also seeking vendors. If you or someone you know is in a band and wants to sell any merchandise at the show, we’d love to have you. We also need vinyl record and musical instrument dealers. Do you have a studio or service that artists or musicians in the Michigan music community would be interested in? Then get a table and join our Sunday Music Market. There is a $20 dollar table fee. Email me for more information (chuck@lifeinmichigan.com)

Stay tuned to the GIG–The Art of Michigan Music website and our socials on Facebook and Instagram for updates. Mark your calendars for November 8-10, and we’ll see you at Art 634 in Jackson.

Upcoming Events You Won't Want to Miss

There is so much to share every week. If you have events that we missed, please be sure to post a note on Substack. 

Mike Ward at Ann Arbor District Library on April 28th—Head downtown to the Ann Arbor District Library to catch singer-songwriter Mike Ward live from 3 to 4 p.m. with cellist Sara Gibson and singer-songwriter Annie Bacon.

Dirk Kroll Band at the historic Goldner Walsh Garden and Home on May 2nd - Pontiac is where it is on May 2nd. Join Detroit Music Award winning singer -songwriter Dirk Kroll and his full band featuring some horn, keys, and storied songs with blended vocal harmonies for an early evening show in the intimate events space at the historical Goldner Walsh Garden & Home. B.Y.O.B.

“Mirrors” Exhibition Premiere at the Saginaw Club on May 4th - Kick off the start of the exhibition tour at Saginaw's historical Victorian-style Saginaw Club for the full traveling gallery of stories and educational materials! All proceeds benefit the project's initial touring and printing costs for adults and teens! 

The 'Midwest Broken Mirror Project is a photo/video series and body-empowerment program produced by the 501c3 nonprofit Creative Embers. 'Mirrors' explores how our culture, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, trauma, and abilities affect our feelings about our bodies and others. The project connects and inspires people to share their experiences and feel empowered by our collective differences.

Displacer with Finality, Among These Ashes, and Imminent Sonic Destruction at New Dodge Lounge on May 5th - It is a metal fiesta for your soul

Agritourism Summit at the Hagerty Center in Traverse City on May 8th—This event is open to everyone interested in learning more about Michigan’s growing agritourism.

“Free Candy” Book Release with Dylan Dunbar and Jennifer Westwood and the Handsome Devils at Valentine Distilling Co. on May 9th - An evening of music, craft cocktails, and stories as we unveil Detroit author Dylan Dunbar's first published work, "Free Candy.' If you like The Twilight Zone, Black Mirror, and Tales From The Crypt, you won't be able to resist "Free Candy."

Royal Sweets with Ladyship Warship at Bowlero Lanes & Lounge on May 10th - Raw and untamed rock music invades the lanes in Royal Oak.

Wilson Thicket at Blacksmith Shop Concert Series on May 17th - Check out some outstanding bluegrass-ish music while supporting the Historic Blacksmith Shop in Manchester.

Cider Week GR in Grand Rapids on May 10-18th - Gather in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids and celebrate the flavors of the Great Cider State as you taste dozens of Michigan ciders and enjoy live music and games. Food from delicious local food trucks will be available for purchase, as well as 10 Michigan Craft Cider Samples and Commemorative Glass.

Drink Their Blood with Rip Vanripper, Flood The Desert, and Bronson Arm at Bell’s Eccentric Cafe on May 18th - Things get a little crazy with a night of metal music at Bell’s Eccentric Cafe in Kalamazoo with local jazz metal heroes Drink Their Blood leading the charge.

Mark Arminski Art Exhibit at Edo Ramen on May 18th - Legendary Detroit artist Mark Arminski is showing off his latest creations in Royal Oak. 

Steampunk on the Bricks at Art 634 on May 25th

Step into a world where the elegance of Victorian-era style collides with the ingenuity of an imagined future! Art 634 proudly presents Steampunk on the Bricks, an extraordinary steampunk-themed festival that includes live music, an art show, two vendor markets, performers, make-and-take workshops, a gaming area, a cash bar, food trucks, and more!

In Other News

Are you looking for ideas on places to visit in Michigan? Our friend Dianna Stampfler has you covered with all the things to do in Clare over on Rural Innovation Exchange. Also, on the Rural Innovation Exchange, Sarah Rigg (and the best photographer in Ann Arbor, Doug Coombe) has an interesting story about the growth of farming in Washtenaw County. 

A big shout out to A2 Pulp, the Ann Arbor District Library art publication. Their team does an incredible job promoting the arts in Washtenaw County. Check out recent features on Mike Ward (Detroit singer-songwriter and outstanding person) and Chris DuPont and Kylee Phillips, another pair of wonderful musicians who recently joined forces on a fantastic new EP called Big Sky Sessions.

I'm not sure if this is “news,” but I’ve been loving season 3 of the podcast Bad Idea Social Club by Aaron McCall. Each episode features an interview with someone involved in a creative space. I particularly enjoyed Aaron’s talks with Joe Short (Founder of Short’s Brewing) and Jacob Rosenburg (Design Director, Commonwealth//McCann Detroit). The stories were compelling and inspiring, especially as I work on GIG and Life In Michigan. In the end, I aspire to be as cool as these folks.

Substack Restack Attack

Substack is where it’s at. Check out these other superb publications:

Darkrooms Magazine issue #3 - Photostack edition by Marcel Borgstijn–I love seeing concert photography on Substack. This is a link to a full magazine, but the added bonus is the links to each photographer’s substack, where you can really run down a rabbit hole.

The Garden of Forking Paths by Brian Klass -The Evolution of Stupidity (and Octopus Intelligence)—I’d really like to meet an octopus and shake hands (arms?). There is too much great info and thoughts to unpack here, but I highly recommend checking this out.

Living Pictures by Shital Morjaria - Looking for ghosts on a hill - A beautiful and haunting photo essay that had me thinking of BigFoot and hiking in the misty mountains of Scotland.

Record Shop Stories by Rich Headland—Record Shop Story #3: Capsule Records, Hove—I love the idea of exploring record stores and telling the stories behind them. I’ve done something along these lines in Life In Michigan, but not nearly as well. Check it out!

Adventures Yet To Print

Guess what is still on deck? Yep, Metro Detroit Vinyl and Beer story. I know!! I know!!! We attempted to hit the new Village Vinyl on record store day, but the line was hours long. However, we did get to a super cool store called People’s Records down by Eastern Market in Detroit so that I can add that one to the mix.

We’ve got some adventures on tap that will certainly become stories. In May, we are doing a little West Coast Michigan run. We are visiting with Fred and Ulla at the Red Horse Center for Collaborative Leadership in Fennville. Then, we’ll spend a night at the Jade Estate Inn in Allegan while visiting local breweries (Tantrick, Heronmark, and Schaendorf). We’ll pop over to Grand Rapids for Michigan Cider Fest before busting a move down to Bell’s Eccentric Cafe for a night of metal with Drink Their Blood. Let the adventures begin!

What Are You Reading?

I just finished a writing master class by listening to A Swim in a Pond in the Rain by George Saunders. If you aspire to write or not, this is a great book. I always feel uneducated about writing as I’ve not spent much time reading the masters. In particular, I wasn’t familiar with the works of the great Russian writers such as Tolstoy, Chekhov, or Gogol. The short stories are fascinating, and George’s insights color the stories in ways that give the reader a glimpse into the writer. I felt I wanted to come back to this material, so I ended up getting the paperback. Sometimes, you just have to hold a book in your hands, don’t you think?

What Are You Spinning?

I’ll spare you the laundry list of what I’ve been spinning since I rambled about my favorite metal albums. However, I did cue up Elton John’s Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy. It’s fantastic (no pun intended). The title track alone is worth owning the entire album. Actually, all the tunes on this one are stellar. The cover art is amazing as well. When I bought this years ago, I didn’t realize it was an autobiographical concept album. It makes sense, but I was clueless back then.

That’s A Wrap

Thank you all so much for sticking with me for another Sunday Sip. I realize I’m putting you through a marathon, so I’ll try to dial it back in future newsletters. Until next week, here is a photo of Jeff Walker (Carcass) keeping an eye on you!