Welcome to the first Real Rock Awards. 2010 was an interesting year in the all encompassing world of rock and roll and we had a lot to choose from in every category. So without further ado, fanfare, gobbledygook or annoying speeches… Here we go!
BEST RECORD:
This was a no brainer for us. PIERCE THE VEIL // SELFISH MACHINES is proof positive that new technology can be used to make something amazing. Considering what this record went up against (Ozzy, Megadeth, Bad Religion, etc.) it should have been a bit of a shock. It wasn’t… these kids are up to something… and it is big.
BEST LIVE PERFORMANCE:
Cheri Currie of THE RUNAWAYS fame opened up for Joan Jett and put on one of the best shows I have ever seen. The energy during her set was unbelievable. It is concerts like these that we in the rock world live for. It was a truly unique moment in time. A lot of great bands (big and small) toured in 2010 but for us this was the show to see.
BEST PRODUCTION:
BEST LIVE RECORD:
MEGADETH RUST IN PEACE LIVE AT THE PALLADIUM
I was at this show it was nuts! The DVD and CD are both well mixed and mastered, and seeing Megadeth play songs live that they never had before from arguably their best record is a real treat. Overall a great snapshot from a great tour.
BEST SINGLE:
HALFORD “FIRE AND ICE” From Rob Halford solo record MADE OF METAL is an infectious smooth hard rocking sing along that just gets stuck in your craw… and you can’t get it out.
BEST THROWBACK RECORD:
DANZIG “RED DETH SABAOTH” is much more like a SAM HAIN record than what we have become used to from self imposed rock star Glen Danzig. Over the years we have followed Danzig – from his humble iconic beginnings with THE MISFITS – to the slower more moody SAM HAIN – to the height of his solo career: DANZIG ” HOW THE GODS KILL” - and to the depths of his solo career: DANZIG 4 (also known as ‘Danzig does Nine Inch Nails’). All that being said, Red Deth Sabaoth is a really cool analog sounding sloppy rock and roll mess that is the most authentic thing to come from Glen Danzig in a long, long time. It is a welcome return to what made him great in the first place. He has returned in all his dark glory. Lets hope he keeps it up in 2011.
BAND TO WATCH IN 2011:
BENVENUE This was the toughest category because we heard so many great new bands in 2010, but we have agreed that this band showed the most promise to do something big in 2011.
WORST RECORD:
Really? Come on, be nice.
BEST VOCALS:
KENNY COLLINS of the band LOGAN is pure power.
BEST GUITAR:
GREG HAMPTON of the band THE NEW CZARS is a nasty yet totally creative guitar player.
BEST BASS: TOMMY ALDO SONIN from the band BENVENUE knows when to lay back and when to push. Most important however is that he is never boring and always manages to stand out without getting in the way.
BEST DRUMS: GREGORY NASH from the band ADDICTED TO PAIN is perfect on their EP. He hits hard and has flashy moments but really just keeps everything at a razor sharp clip.
MIXING: RANDY STAUB for the band ABUSED ROMANCE mixed what we consider to be the most sonically superior recording of 2010
Well, that’s it folks! Maybe next year we will add more categories… maybe not.
All category winners will receive a giant awesome imaginary prize and the satisfaction that goes along with winning such a prestigious award / (cash value $0)
2010 gets a 3.5 (out of five)
Lets push the envelope people!