My Classic Album with Mike Norris

Classically trained tenor and Britain's Got Talent finalist Jonathan Antoine joins Mike to discuss Jeff Buckley's critically acclaimed album 'Grace'.

A modest success in Jeff's lifetime, 'Grace' has only grown in cultural relevance and esteem since the singer songwriter's untimely passing. Together Jonathan and Mike explore the emotional story of Jeff Buckley and how that informs the music on the sole studio album of his lifetime.

In what way do the lyrics on 'Grace' take on a eerie resonance since Jeff's death in 1997?

What commonality can Jonathan find between Jeff's emergence into the public eye and his own initial success? 

Why did Jeff replace the song 'Forget Her' with 'So Real' on initial releases of 'Grace'?

PLUS: An opportunity to hear Jonathan's beautiful new single 'Io si' written by legendary songwriter Diane Warren.

A fascinating exploration 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

'Io si' by Jonathan Antoine (Released by Loki Artist Group and MTX and played with thanks and permission from Michelle Gustenstein-Hinz)

All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

The 50th episode of 'My Classic Album' is here and it's jam packed like no other! Ian Haugland, drummer of Swedish rock legends Europe joins Mike to discuss our 50th classic album, Rainbow's 'Rising'.

A union including the likes of Ritchie Blackmore, Ronnie James Dio and Cozy Powell was too much for a young Ian Haugland to resist. Together Ian and Mike explore the impact 'Rising' had not only on themselves but the development of hard rock and heavy metal as a whole!

What unique process did Rainbow use to audition drummers including Cozy Powell?

How did keyboardist Tony Carey react when Ian played him the intro to 'Tarot Woman' on his own radio show?

Is 'Stargazer' the genesis of metal's relationship with fantasy?

PLUS: Enjoy a track from Europe's most recent album 'Walk The Earth'

Oh but there's so much more!

• Fans of TV show 'Parks and Recreation' rejoice! Mouse Rat are back!
• It's been running over on our Instagram page for nearly a month. After 50 episodes worth of classic albums, the winner of the 50 Album Showdown will be revealed!
• AND the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer joining Mike on a future episode of 'My Classic Album' will be announced at the end of the show!

My small way of thanking you all for enjoying 50 episodes 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

'5000 Candles In The Wind (Bye Bye L'il Sebastian)' by Mouse Rat (taken from their upcoming album 'The Awesome Album'. Released on and played with permission from Dualtone Records and Entertainment 720)

'Walk The Earth' by Europe (taken from their 2017 studio album 'Walk The Earth'. Released on and played with permission from Hell & Back Recordings)

All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

Continuing our celebrations for the 50th episode of 'My Classic Album' on June 15th, Mike is joined for this bonus episode of the show by presenter of fellow rock podcast Vintage Rock Pod Paul Stephenson.

Together Paul and Mike explore the story of 'My Classic Album' and how the show came to be; all interspersed with a selection of Mike's favourite moments from the show. Enjoy clips from episodes including guests such as Jen Majura, Damon Johnson and Savannah Pope. 

Enjoy this bonus episode and get ready for Episode 50: 'Rising' with Ian Haugland on June 15th!

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

Continuing our celebrations for the 50th episode of 'My Classic Album' on June 15th, Mike is joined for this bonus episode of the show by presenter of fellow rock podcast Vintage Rock Pod Paul Stephenson.

Together Paul and Mike explore the story of 'My Classic Album' and how the show came to be; all interspersed with a selection of Mike's favourite moments from the show. Enjoy clips from episodes including guests such as Jen Majura, Damon Johnson and Savannah Pope. 

Enjoy this bonus episode and get ready for Episode 50: 'Rising' with Ian Haugland on June 15th!

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

The Sharp Dressed Men of ZZ Top receive the 'My Classic Album' treatment as rock artist Justin Ross joins Mike to celebrate the iconic 'Eliminator' album.

From the moment he first heard ZZ Top at a car rally, Justin knew this band would shape his musical identity for years to come and together he and Mike explore the impact 'Eliminator' had on the MTV generation with it's eclectic blend of blues rock and new wave influences.

How did the likes of Depeche Mode and Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark influence ZZ Top at this point in their career?

What impact did the 'Eliminator' music videos on MTV have on the success of the album? 

What lyric from 'Legs' is amusingly lost in translation across the pond from America to the UK?

PLUS: Hear 'Drink The Water', a track from Justin's new album 'Into The Dark'.

Grab yourself a TV Dinner and settle in for another 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

'Drink The Water' by Justin Ross (an independent release played with permission from the artist)

All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

The Holy Triumvirate known as Rush finally make their way into the pantheon of legendary bands covered on 'My Classic Album'. Mike is joined by guitarist Travis Larson to discuss the iconic 'Moving Pictures'

From the moment Travis was given a mix tape from his school friend Jennifer including songs from 'Moving Pictures', the pair began an epic adventure of Rush fandom and ultimately a successful career in music together for over twenty years. Together Mike and Travis explore the impact 'Moving Pictures' had not only on the Travis Larson band but music lovers and even popular culture for four decades.

What classic movie scene (a favourite of Mike's) is soundtracked to 'Moving Pictures' single 'Limelight'?

How was Travis and Jennifer's experience of hearing Rush perform the entire album live on the Time Machine Tour?

In what way were Rush inspired by the likes of The Police and Talking Heads?

PLUS: Hear the title track from 'Annica', the most recent studio album from the Travis Larson Band on a mammoth 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

'Annica' by the Travis Larson Band (an independent release played with permission from the artist)

All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

Lauded as 'the American Led Zeppelin', the tale of American rockers Cactus is the encapsulation of sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll. On this edition of 'My Classic Album', Boone Froggett from Kentucky rockers Otis introduces Mike to Cactus's second album 'One Way... Or Another'

Wild shows with singer Rusty Day arrested before the encore and drug fuelled tours with the likes of Black Sabbath served as the backdrop for the album sessions with 'One Way... Or Another' playing a significant but underrated role in the development of hard rock and metal in its early years.

Which legendary British singer was close to becoming the voice of Cactus?

In what ways can Boone spot the influence of Eddie Kramer who helped produce the album?

Is 'Big Mama Boogie Pts 1 & 2' one of the defining moments in the storied career of drummer Carmine Appice?

PLUS: Enjoy music from Otis with their 2020 single 'Lyndales'. 

AND 50 years from the release of 'One Way... Or Another', hear 'Tightrope', the title track from the NEW Cactus studio album!

The legacy of Cactus comes full circle on a special 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

'Lyndales' by Otis (an independent release played with permission from the artist)

'Tightrope' by Cactus (with thanks to and permission from Cleopatra Records. Released from the new studio album 'Tightrope' available now!)

All music rights reserved to their respective owners.

The album that cemented U2 as one of the biggest bands on the planet and established a legacy they would never get away from... even when they tried! Mike is joined by West of House's Erick Bieger to share their love for 'The Joshua Tree'.

From the first time Erick listened to 'The Joshua Tree', the album resonated with him strongly. Not only did it inspire Erick's own journey as a musician but it also raised his own awareness of American foreign policy as explored by Bono and the band throughout the album.

Which track on 'The Joshua Tree' holds a personal significance to Mike's own family history?

What connects serial killer Robert John Bardo to the song 'Exit'?

Who was Greg Carroll, the man the song 'One Tree Hill' was written in memory of?

PLUS: Enjoy 'Holy Ghosted', a track from West of House's debut album 'Crescendo of Silence'.

An all time classic finally takes its place on '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

'Holy Ghosted' by West of House (played with permission from the artist from their 2020 album 'Crescendo of Silence', available on all streaming platforms)

Buckle in and enjoy one of the most fun episodes of 'My Classic Album' you'll have the pleasure of listening to as Mike is joined by Evanescence guitarist Jen Majura to chat about Steve Vai's third album 'Sex & Religion'.

Conceived as a group project and released under the band name Vai, 'Sex & Religion' is an extraordinary album that not only introduced the world to Devin Townsend but also introduced a young Jen Majura to the majesty of Steve Vai and helped kickstart her own journey as a guitarist.

How has bass player TM Stevens played an integral role in Jen's musical career?

Which track on the album makes use of the Xavian scale, a musical scale devised by Steve Vai himself?

Why does Jen regularly text Devin Townsend pictures of quokkas?

PLUS: Check out 'Soul Suffer Payment', a track from the self titled debut of Jen's band Something On 11.

An episode not to be missed from '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

'Soul Suffer Payment' by Something On 11 (played with permission from the artist from their 2020 album 'Something On 11', available on all streaming platforms)

On this episode of 'My Classic Album', Mike takes a journey into the superunknown looking back at Soundgarden's most celebrated album with Canadian singer songwriter VILIVANT.

Together Mike and VILIVANT explore how 'Superunknown' launched Soundgarden to mainstream notoriety as the grunge movement hit its apex while being unafraid to wear other genres and creativity firmly on their sleeves.

Who was Artis the Spoonman; the street performer who inspired and also performed on the Grammy winning 'Spoonman'?

Which song on the album came to singer Chris Cornell as he drove home from the studio?

How did a robin inspire the lyrics to 'Like Suicide'?

PLUS: An opportunity to listen to 'Stabilized', a track from VILIVANT's 2020 EP 'Never Again'.

Another in depth conversation to enjoy from '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

'Stabilized' by VILIVANT (played with permission from the artist from her 2020 EP 'Born Again', available on all streaming platforms)

The AC/DC lovefest continues on 'My Classic Album as friend of the show Damon Johnson returns to share his love for 'Highway To Hell'.

Damon recalls the very moment 'Highway To Hell' came into his life and the impact it had from the first three notes. Together Mike and Damon explore the pressures AC/DC were under from Atlantic Records to adapt for mainstream success and how they did it without compromising who they were as a band.

Which renowned producer almost produced 'Highway To Hell' before Mutt Lange's involvement?

What controversy in the mid 1980s change the public's perception of 'Night Prowler' forever?

Which song on the album did Angus Young write 'after a night of bad pizza'?

PLUS: Hear the fantastic 'Talk Yourself Into Anything', a track from Damon's new album 'Battle Lessons'.

Nobody's gonna slow us down on this 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

'Talk Yourself Into Anything' by Damon Johnson & The Get Ready. Played with permission from the new album 'Battle Lessons' out now!

For the next four weeks, 'My Classic Album' will be celebrating the Bon Scott era of AC/DC starting with this episode dedicated to their international debut 'High Voltage'.

Mike is joined by Riley Couzzourt, guitarist of the Georgia Thunderbolts for who 'High Voltage' marked a crucial in his journey as a lover of rock music and a musician in his own right. Together Mike and Riley explore how the growing popularity of AC/DC in both Australia and across the world led the band to release this album; a compilation of their first two Australian releases.

Before he joined the band as lead singer, what role did Bon Scott play in the lives of AC/DC?

Why did Rolling Stone famously slate the album upon its release?

Who did Bon play songs including 'She's Got Balls' to see if they would make the cut for 'High Voltage'?

PLUS: Hear 'Looking For An Old Friend', the opening track from the debut EP from the Georgia Thunderbolts!

An episode not to be missed from '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

'Looking For An Old Friend' by The Georgia Thunderbolts (taken from their debut EP 'The Georgia Thunderbolts'. Released on and played with permission from Mascot Records)

Stefan Blomqvist, vocalist and guitarist of Swedish rockers Black Paisley joins Mike to chart the phenomenal rise of Bon Jovi and their third album 'Slippery When Wet'.

From writing songs in guitarist Richie Sambora's basement to headlining arenas within one year, Bon Jovi became overnight sensations thanks to hits like 'You Give Love A Bad Name' and 'Livin' On A Prayer'. Together Stefan and Mike discuss the importance of songwriter Desmond Child, producer Bruce Fairbairn and engineer Bob Rock in ensuring 'Slippery When Wet' helped Bon Jovi became one of the biggest bands on the planet.

How do Bon Jovi have Bonnie Tyler to thank for one of the hit singles on 'Slippery When Wet'?

Which song on the album were Aerosmith very interested in recording?

What unique way did the band test drive all the tracks on the album?

All these questions and more to be answered on this edition of 'My Classic Album'.

PLUS: Hear 'Without Us', the lead single from Black Paisley's new album 'Rambler'.

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

'Without Us' by Black Paisley from their new album 'Rambler'

'My Classic Album' crashes into the 1980's as we look back at the most underrated jewel in the David Lee Roth era of Van Halen: 1981's 'Fair Warning'.

Guitarist Will Wallner joins Mike to discuss an album that took Van Halen away from the carefree vibes of their early work towards a darker, heavier and at times more sinister sound. A conversation recorded three months to the day since Eddie Van Halen's passing, 'Fair Warning' stands as a testament to the legendary guitarist's creativity and sheer vision.

Did tensions within the band contribute to the sound we hear on 'Fair Warning'? 

How did David Lee Roth come up with the iconic breakdown in 'Unchained'?

How did Eddie come up with the iconic introduction to album opener 'Mean Street'?

PLUS: Hear 'Back On The Strip': a world exclusive from Will's band Vain Wallner.

Hit the ground running with another 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

'Back On The Strip' by Vain Wallner

'My Classic Album' sees in 2021 with an album credited as the very beginning of glam rock fifty years ago. Mike and special guest Matthew Hughes from US rockers Atari Ferrari team up to discuss T.Rex's 1971 album 'Electric Warrior'

Mike and Matthew explore Marc Bolan's beginnings in psychedelic folk duo Tyrannosaurus Rex and the musical journey Marc and T.Rex took to become the first and quintessential glam act in the UK in the early 70's.

How has the music on 'Electric Warrior' inspired modern day bands such as the Black Keys, Arcade Fire and the White Stripes?

Why did the iconic 'Get It On' spell the end for Bolan's friendship with DJ John Peel?

Was second single 'Jeepster' released without Marc's blessing?

PLUS: Hear 'Heartbreaker', the latest single from Atari Ferrari!

Start the new year right with 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

'Heartbreaker' by Atari Ferrari

Untitled. Self-titled. Regardless of how to define it, ‘My Classic Album’ ends 2020 looking at blink-182’s celebrated 5th album with special guest Timmy Francis from pop punk pros As December Falls.

While Mike and Timmy were listening to this album in their formative years, blink-182 were going through a very experimental and transitional phase; one that would ensure the band were never quite the same again.

In what way did ‘I Miss You’ inspire a whole generation of bands?

What experience from producer Jerry Finn’s teenage years gave inspiration to TWO songs on the album?

How close was Robert Smith’s appearance not making it on to the album at all?

All these questions and more to be answered on another edition of ‘My Classic Album’

PLUS: Hear ‘Afterglow’, the latest single from Timmy’s band As December Falls!

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

‘Afterglow’ by As December Falls

Shauna Tohill, lead singer of Rews joins Mike as they express themselves about Madonna's final album of the 80's 'Like A Prayer'.

As Madonna looked to capitalise on the album market, 'Like A Prayer' brought forth a collection of reflective, controversial and deeply personal songs that were a huge part of Mike and Shauna's childhoods and stand as the pinnacle of the Queen of Pop's career. 

How did a young Shauna react to the now iconic music videos for the likes of 'Express Yourself' and 'Cherish'?

Why was 'Love Song', a collaboration with Prince not released as a single?

Who was Jessie, the young girl who inspired the song 'Dear Jessie'?

All these questions and more will be answered on this edition of 'My Classic Album'. 

PLUS: Hear 'Today We're Warriors', a standout track from Rews' latest album 'Warriors'.

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

'Today We're Warriors' by Rews. Courtesy of and with thanks to Marshall Records

Three years since our last anniversary special and three years since their last appearance on 'My Classic Album', Queen are honoured on the podcast as we look back on 45 years of their iconic album 'A Night At The Opera'.

Friend of the show Savannah Pope returns to celebrate this momentous occasion as she and Mike discuss how important 'A Night At The Opera' was to Queen's future back in 1975 and address the impact that 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and the other eleven songs on the album have had since the album's release.

How close did Queen come to disbanding due to adversities they faced in the mid 1970s?

Which song on the album did the band choose to perform for Groucho Marx?

What extreme measure did Roger Taylor allegedly take to ensure 'I'm In Love with My Car' was chosen as the B-Side for 'Bohemian Rhapsody'?

Mike will also be reading memories and thoughts that you have shared about 'A Night At The Opera' throughout the show. Plus he will reveal the song voted as the best on the album as voted for by Queen fans and My Classic Album listeners alike.

PLUS: Hear the title track from Savannah's most recent album 'Atlantis'.

It's such a jollification as a matter of fact! You won't want to miss a second!

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

                        'Atlantis' by Savannah Pope

Son of a gun! Singer songwriter and actress Noush Skaugen joins Mike to discuss the breakthrough album from Carly Simon 'No Secrets'.

Mike and Noush break down an album that saw Carly move away from her folk roots and create an album as independent, personal and influential as she would become.

Which current pop megastar cites Carly Simon as a major influence?

Why did James Taylor have an issue with his girlfriend Carly's rendition of his own 'Night Owl'?

And the age old question... Who indeed is the mysterious man who is so vain?

All these questions and more to be answered on this episode of 'My Classic Album'.

PLUS hear 'Rebels and Foes', a standout track from Noush's latest album 'Hey Sicko'.

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

                        'Rebels and Foes' by Noush Skaugen

Season 3 of 'My Classic Album' starts with a bang as French prog rock artist Franck Carducci joins Mike to look back at Pink Floyd's politically charged 'Animals'.

Franck was struck by the iconic album cover as a teenager before falling in love with arguably the heaviest album in the Pink Floyd canon. Loosely based on George Orwell's 'Animal Farm', the band led by Roger Waters attacked the British establishment through the metaphorical Dogs, Pigs and Sheep immortalised across the sprawling epics featured on 'Animals'.

Over 40 years on, does the album reflect society stronger than it did in 1977?

Is David Gilmour's guitar work on 'Dogs' his finest hour?

What happened to the inflatable pig who adorned the album cover?

All these questions and more answered on a brand new 'My Classic Album'. 

PLUS: Mike shares a fantastic track from Franck's latest album 'The Answer'.

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 Is) The Answer' by Franck Carducci