1970 Countdown

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!Signals From Mars Episode 478: 1970 Albums CountdownWhat were the best albums released in 1970, and which records laid the foundation for hard rock and heavy metal? Host Victor M. Ruiz is joined by Brad Dahl and Jeremy Weltman for a listener-voted Top 10 countdown exploring the albums that changed rock music and influenced generations of musicians.From Black Sabbath's pioneering heavy metal sound and Deep Purple's explosive musicianship to Led Zeppelin's blend of blues, folk and hard rock, 1970 was a turning point. The discussion also reaches beyond the obvious classics, revisiting early Alice Cooper, Sir Lord Baltimore, Free, Mountain, The Doors and The Beatles. The countdown spotlights the blues-rock power of Free's Fire And Water, Mountain's Climbing!, the psychedelic edge of The Doors' Morrison Hotel, and the early metal reputation of Sir Lord Baltimore's Kingdom Come. It also examines The Beatles' Let It Be and how music from the late 1960s helped shape a new decade. What holds up after more than five decades? Which overlooked releases deserve another listen? And how close was the race for the top spot?Along the way, Victor, Brad and Jeremy discuss influential guitar riffs, unforgettable singers, classic album production, the lasting impact of 1970 on Metallica and Iron Maiden, and why understanding rock's roots makes today's music even more rewarding. The panel also weighs the impact of producer Roger Bain, the songwriting of Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler, the guitar work of Ritchie Blackmore and Jimmy Page, and the enduring performances of Ozzy Osbourne, Ian Gillan and Robert Plant. The top four albums accounted for roughly two-thirds of the total vote, and the two highest-ranked records were separated by just one point. Listen to discover how the votes fell, then tell us which 1970 album would top your list.Keywords: Best albums of 1970, 1970 rock albums, 1970 albums countdown, classic rock, hard rock history, heavy metal origins, proto-metal, Black Sabbath, Paranoid, Deep Purple In Rock, Led Zeppelin III, Sir Lord Baltimore, Signals From Mars podcast.Thank you to my Patrons for all of their supportSteven SailerSteve HoekerJeremy WeltmanMike JonesBrad DahlMark StriglGabriel RuizMetal DanJohan EderströmEd FergusonAnthony MackeyToni EspinSean RichmondCorey J ChatelainYou can become a Patron for as little as $2 a month. Go tohttps://patreon.com/signalsfrommarsSocial Media Links For Signals From MarsYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/signalsfrommarsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/signalsfrommarsofficial/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@signalsfrommarsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/signalsfrommarsVoicemail: https://rss.com/podcasts/signals-from-mars/voicemail/Follow, like and share!

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!Signals From Mars Episode 477 – My Kids Anthrax: Top 10 Favorite Anthrax SongsWhat are the best Anthrax songs, and how does a younger generation rank one of thrash metal's most influential bands?In Episode 477 of Signals From Mars, host Victor M. Ruiz welcomes back his sons, Roman and Adrian, for another installment of the My Kids series. This time, they tackle Anthrax, sharing their personal Top 10 favorite songs from the legendary New York heavy metal band's extensive catalog.Anthrax helped define thrash metal alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer as part of the Big Four. But Roman and Adrian aren't concerned with conventional rankings, critical acclaim, or which era of Anthrax fans consider the best. They're choosing the music they genuinely enjoy.Growing up listening to Anthrax at home, in the car, and while playing video games, both boys have developed their own musical tastes. Their selections span different periods of the band's history, including the Joey Belladonna and John Bush eras, classic thrash metal, later studio albums, and some unexpected cover songs.Throughout the discussion, Victor explores what makes these songs memorable to his sons, from powerful guitar riffs and Charlie Benante's drumming to catchy choruses, meaningful lyrics, and the energy that makes certain tracks perfect for getting pumped up before basketball games.The conversation also touches on Anthrax's musical evolution, their interpretations of songs by other artists, the differences between generations of metal fans, and Victor's own experiences discovering the band's music.Which Anthrax classics make the cut? Are there surprising selections? And will their favorites match yours?Listen to find out, and share your own Top 10 Anthrax songs!Keywords: Anthrax, Best Anthrax Songs, Top 10 Anthrax Songs, Anthrax Ranking, Thrash Metal, Heavy Metal Podcast, Big Four Thrash Metal, Joey Belladonna, John Bush, Scott Ian, Charlie Benante, Anthrax Discography, Signals From Mars, My Kids Anthrax.Thank you to my Patrons for all of their supportSteven SailerSteve HoekerJeremy WeltmanMike JonesBrad DahlMark StriglGabriel RuizMetal DanJohan EderströmEd FergusonAnthony MackeyToni EspinSean RichmondCorey J ChatelainYou can become a Patron for as little as $2 a month. Go tohttps://patreon.com/signalsfrommarsSocial Media Links For Signals From MarsYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/signalsfrommarsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/signalsfrommarsofficial/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@signalsfrommarsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/signalsfrommarsFollow, like and share!

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!Signals From Mars Episode 476: Rev Jones InterviewBassist Rev Jones joins Victor M. Ruiz on Signals From Mars for a hard rock and heavy metal conversation spanning Michael Schenker Group (MSG), Leslie West and Mountain, Steelheart, Gundriver, and decades on stage and in the studio.How did Rev's path cross with some of rock's most celebrated guitarists? What separates an unforgettable live performance from great musicianship? Rev reflects on his experiences touring, recording, and working behind the scenes, with stories from the road and insights into the craft of playing bass.The discussion explores his signature Dean bass guitars and their unusual design, recording approaches, his collaborations with Jeff Martin and Blasted To Static, and Gundriver's Give War A Chance album. There is also conversation about UFO, Pete Way, George Thorogood, Paul Gilbert, studio sessions, and opportunities that might have taken his career in different directions. You'll have to listen to hear the stories behind the names.Rev also considers how musical chemistry develops, why performing live requires more than technical ability, and what happens when a project moves from songwriting and recording to the possibility of touring. For bass players and musicians, the conversation offers a look at tone, gear, arrangement choices, and professional life on and off stage.Whether you're a fan of Michael Schenker, MSG, Leslie West, Steelheart, classic rock, or modern hard rock, this Rev Jones interview offers a musician's perspective on the business and the music.Keywords: Rev Jones interview, Signals From Mars Episode 476, Michael Schenker Group, MSG, Leslie West, Mountain, Steelheart, Gundriver, Give War A Chance, Dean bass, hard rock podcast, heavy metal interview.Thank you to my Patrons for all of their supportSteven SailerSteve HoekerJeremy WeltmanMike JonesBrad DahlMark StriglGabriel RuizMetal DanJohan EderströmEd FergusonAnthony MackeyToni EspinSean RichmondCorey J ChatelainYou can become a Patron for as little as $2 a month. Go tohttps://patreon.com/signalsfrommarsSocial Media Links For Rev JonesWebsite: https://www.revjones.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/revjonesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/revjonesbass/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RevJonesBassSocial Media Links For Signals From MarsYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/signalsfrommarsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/signalsfrommarsofficial/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@signalsfrommarsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/signalsfrommarsFollow, like and share!

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!Signals From Mars Episode 475 - September 2026 Albums ReviewWhat were the best hard rock and heavy metal albums of September 2026? Victor M. Ruiz welcomes Ed Ferguson and Jeremy Weltman for a new releases roundup packed with honest reviews, unexpected discoveries, and some sharply divided opinions. From classic hard rock and NWOBHM to thrash, doom, industrial, grindcore, and extreme metal, the trio separates the essential listens from the disappointments.Anthrax's Cursum Perficio takes center stage: Victor considers it their strongest album since Joey Belladonna's return, but Ed and Jeremy hear things differently. Is this a late-career high point or a step away from the thrash sound fans love? Europe also sparks discussion with Come This Madness, including comparisons to Deep Purple and praise for John Norum's guitar work.The episode explores Green Lung's Necropolitan, President's Blood of Your Empire, Audrey Horne's Achilles, Accept's Teutonic Titans, Airbourne, and new music from Tygers of Pan Tang, Cloven Hoof, and Stabbing Westward. Ed spotlights underground discoveries including XION's When Stars Collide, Task Force Toxicator's Countdown to Death, Deviated Instinct's Scavenger Gospel, and BRAT's Manslayer. Jeremy weighs in on The Bites and melodic hard rock, while the conversation moves from old-school riffs to modern metal production and genre-crossing experiments.With hundreds of releases to consider, the discussion highlights established metal legends alongside emerging bands that deserve more attention. Expect contrasting opinions, hidden gems, and some surprising favorites.Which September 2026 releases deserve repeat listens? Which unexpected album won over the panel? Hear their weekly picks, disagreements, and recommendations, then tell us what made your own list.Keywords: September 2026 album reviews, new metal albums 2026, Anthrax Cursum Perficio review, Europe Come This Madness, heavy metal podcast, hard rock reviews, thrash metal, doom metal, underground metal, Signals From Mars.Thank you to my Patrons for all of their supportSteven SailerSteve HoekerJeremy WeltmanMike JonesBrad DahlMark StriglGabriel RuizMetal DanJohan EderströmEd FergusonAnthony MackeyToni EspinSean RichmondCorey J ChatelainYou can become a Patron for as little as $2 a month. Go tohttps://patreon.com/signalsfrommarsSocial Media Links For Signals From MarsYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/signalsfrommarsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/signalsfrommarsofficial/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@signalsfrommarsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/signalsfrommarsFollow, like and share!

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!Signals From Mars Episode 474 - AI Music With Corey J ChatelainCan AI-generated music be creative, original, and meaningful? In Episode 474 of Signals From Mars, Victor M. Ruiz talks with Corey J Chatelain about using artificial intelligence to create and release music, with a heavy focus on hard rock, heavy metal, progressive metal, thrash, djent, songwriting, and experimentation.Corey explains how tools such as Suno helped turn ideas he had carried for years into finished musical projects. The discussion explores AI-assisted songwriting, prompting, lyrics, musical influences, creative control, production, distribution through DistroKid, Spotify releases, copyright concerns, ethics, and whether AI should be viewed as a replacement for musicians or simply another creative tool.The conversation also gets into the practical side of creating AI music: refining prompts, guiding emotional changes within a song, working through multiple generations, correcting vocal pronunciation, shaping lyrics, and trying to make separate projects feel like distinct bands with their own identities. Corey also discusses how AI can open doors for people who understand music creatively but may not have the instrumental ability to perform every idea themselves.The episode touches on projects including Paint Bucket, Pawn, Left Field Philosophers, Elixir Vitae, Giganticide, and Bards of the Forgotten Verses, while examining how AI can blend metal with progressive, folk, orchestral, and Middle Eastern influences. Rather than giving you a verdict on AI music, the conversation looks at how the technology is actually being used and leaves listeners to decide what they think about the future of AI in music.Keywords: AI Music, AI Generated Music, Suno AI, Artificial Intelligence Music, AI Songwriting, Heavy Metal, Hard Rock, Progressive Metal, Thrash Metal, Djent, Music Production, DistroKid, Spotify, Corey J Chatelain, Signals From MarsThank you to my Patrons for all of their supportSteven SailerSteve HoekerJeremy WeltmanMike JonesBrad DahlMark StriglGabriel RuizChris VaglioMetal DanJohan EderströmEd FergusonAnthony MackeyToni EspinSean RichmondYou can become a Patron for as little as $2 a month. Go tohttps://patreon.com/signalsfrommarsCorey J Chatelain / Double C MusicSpotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QQRPA6lbofim6ybWjGoPlSocial Media Links For Signals From MarsYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/signalsfrommarsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/signalsfrommarsofficial/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@signalsfrommarsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/signalsfrommarsFollow, like and share!:chatgpt-content-reference{index="0"}

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!Signals From Mars Episode 473 - Guitar Live AlbumsWhat are the greatest live albums when the guitarist completely takes over the performance? In Episode 473 of Signals From Mars, we focus on Guitar Live Albums: records where the guitar playing is so powerful, expressive, technical, or over the top that it becomes one of the main reasons the album stands out.Listeners and friends of the show submitted their ten favorite live albums built around unforgettable guitar performances. We break down the results, discuss what makes a great live guitar record, and look at the impact of legendary solos, extended jams, improvisation, tone, stage energy, and musicians pushing songs far beyond their studio versions.This is not simply a countdown of famous concert records. The focus is on live albums where the guitarist elevates the music and helps define the entire performance. Some players stretch familiar songs into something completely different onstage, while others deliver solos, riffs, dynamics, and improvisation that make the live version essential listening.We also talk about what separates an excellent live album from a truly memorable guitar showcase. Is it technical ability, emotion, sound, spontaneity, chemistry with the band, or the feeling that the guitarist is taking risks in front of an audience? The voting brings together different eras and styles of rock and metal while keeping the spotlight firmly on live guitar playing.This episode is for fans of hard rock, heavy metal, classic rock, guitar heroes, live albums, guitar solos, and unforgettable concert recordings. If you love live records where the guitar feels bigger, louder, and more exciting than the studio version, this episode is built for you.Which live album features your favorite guitar performance? Which guitarist belongs at the top of your own list? Listen to the countdown and compare your choices with the albums that received votes.Keywords:Signals From Mars, Guitar Live Albums, Best Live Albums, Greatest Live Albums, Live Guitar Albums, Guitar Solos, Live Guitar Solos, Greatest Guitarists, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Classic Rock, Rock Podcast, Metal Podcast, Music Podcast, Live MusicThank you to my Patrons for all of their supportSteven SailerSteve HoekerJeremy WeltmanMike JonesBrad DahlMark StriglGabriel RuizChris VaglioMetal DanJohan EderströmEd FergusonAnthony MackeyToni EspinSean RichmondYou can become a Patron for as little as $2 a month. Go tohttps://patreon.com/signalsfrommarsSocial Media Links For Signals From MarsYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/signalsfrommarsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/signalsfrommarsofficial/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@signalsfrommarsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/signalsfrommarsFollow, like and share!

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!Signals From Mars Episode 472 - My Kids Top 5 AC/DCRoman and Adrian return to Signals From Mars to count down their five favorite AC/DC songs. This episode looks at AC/DC through a younger generation of rock fans who are choosing the songs they actually listen to, connect with and keep coming back to, rather than approaching the band through decades of rankings and fan debates.Victor joins the discussion as they talk about AC/DC classics, deeper cuts, Bon Scott and Brian Johnson-era material, family memories, basketball motivation, gaming, road trips and the songs that have become part of everyday life. Their choices lead into conversations about how younger listeners discover classic rock and hard rock today, why certain AC/DC tracks still connect across generations, and how songs can become tied to specific memories long after their original release.The episode also expands beyond the Top 5 as Victor compares their choices with his own 45-song AC/DC playlist and puts both kids on the spot over which tracks would make their personal collections. That opens the door to more discussion about AC/DC albums, familiar hits, overlooked songs and tracks they may need to revisit.There are no spoilers here for Roman or Adrian's complete rankings. Listen to the episode to hear which AC/DC songs make each Top 5, where their tastes overlap, where they differ, and which unexpected choices make the conversation especially interesting.This is a family rock discussion built around one of hard rock's most influential bands, with AC/DC history, memories, opinions and plenty of classic rock conversation on Signals From Mars Episode 472.Keywords:AC/DC, AC/DC Songs, Best AC/DC Songs, Favorite AC/DC Songs, AC/DC Top 5, Angus Young, Brian Johnson, Bon Scott, Malcolm Young, Back In Black, Highway To Hell, Classic Rock, Hard Rock, Rock And Roll, Rock Podcast, Music Podcast, Signals From Mars, Episode 472Thank you to my Patrons for all of their supportSteven SailerSteve HoekerJeremy WeltmanMike JonesBrad DahlMark StriglGabriel RuizChris VaglioMetal DanJohan EderströmEd FergusonAnthony MackeyToni EspinSean RichmondYou can become a Patron for as little as $2 a month. Go tohttps://patreon.com/signalsfrommarsSocial Media Links For Signals From MarsYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/signalsfrommarsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/signalsfrommarsofficial/X / Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/SignalsFromMarsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@signalsfrommarsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/signalsfrommarsFollow, like and share!

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!Signals From Mars Episode 471 features the US Vinyl Haul 2026, with a look at the rock and heavy metal albums brought back from a summer trip to the United States.This vinyl collecting episode covers Corrosion Of Conformity – Good God Baad Man, Mötley Crüe – Too Fast For Love, Nine Inch Nails – With Teeth, Anthrax – Volume 8, Alice In Chains – Alice In Chains, and Megadeth – Megadeth.Victor discusses the different vinyl editions, packaging, artwork, record store finds, exclusive pressings, pricing, and the reasons these albums were added to the collection. The episode also looks at the realities of vinyl prices in 2026 and how rising costs are affecting buying decisions for collectors.Among the featured releases are a Walmart exclusive Alice In Chains pressing, the Megadeth Zoetrope vinyl, and a Target exclusive Megadeth CD with additional content. Some of the collector editions impress, while others raise questions about whether premium vinyl releases always deliver enough value.If you collect vinyl, shop at record stores, follow hard rock and heavy metal, or enjoy comparing different editions of classic and modern albums, this Signals From Mars vinyl haul episode has plenty to explore.Keywords: Signals From Mars, US Vinyl Haul 2026, Vinyl Haul, Vinyl Collection, Vinyl Collector, Heavy Metal Vinyl, Rock Vinyl, Corrosion Of Conformity, Mötley Crüe, Nine Inch Nails, Anthrax, Alice In Chains, MegadethThank you to my Patrons for all of their supportSteven SailerSteve HoekerJeremy WeltmanMike JonesBrad DahlMark StriglGabriel RuizChris VaglioMetal DanJohan EderströmEd FergusonAnthony MackeyToni EspinSean RichmondYou can become a Patron for as little as $2 a month. Go tohttps://patreon.com/signalsfrommarsSocial Media Links For Signals From MarsYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/signalsfrommarsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/signalsfrommarsofficial/X / Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/SignalsFromMarsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@signalsfrommarsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/signalsfrommarsFollow, like and share!

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!Signals From Mars Episode 470 – July & August 2026 Albums ReviewSignals From Mars returns after the August hiatus to kick off year 17 of podcasting with a deep dive into the July and August 2026 rock and metal releases. Victor M. Ruiz is joined by Jeremy Weltman and Ed Ferguson to discuss standout albums, new discoveries, disappointments, surprise favorites, and weekly picks across hard rock, heavy metal, thrash metal, death metal, hardcore, punk, industrial metal, power metal, and more.The episode covers releases from Deep Purple, L.A. Guns, The Rolling Stones, DevilDriver, Left to Die, Motionless In White, Madball, Cancer Bats, Marilyn Manson, Weezer, Flotsam and Jetsam, The Warning, Mastodon, Kicking Valentina, Tokyo Blade, Burning Sun, Exhumer, Led By Vultures, and many more. Which albums stood out, which missed the mark, and which 2026 releases deserve another listen?Keywords: July 2026 albums, August 2026 albums, 2026 rock albums, 2026 metal albums, hard rock, heavy metal, thrash metal, death metal, new music, album reviews, Signals From MarsThank you to my Patrons for all of their supportSteven SailerSteve HoekerJeremy WeltmanMike JonesBrad DahlMark StriglGabriel RuizChris VaglioMetal DanJohan EderströmEd FergusonAnthony MackeyToni EspinSean RichmondYou can become a Patron for as little as $2 a month. Go tohttps://patreon.com/signalsfrommarsSocial Media Links For Signals From MarsYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/signalsfrommarsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/signalsfrommarsofficial/X / Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/SignalsFromMarsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@signalsfrommarsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/signalsfrommarsFollow, like and share!

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!Signals From Mars Episode 469 – June 2026 Albums ReviewVictor M. Ruiz is joined by Jeremy Weltman and Ed Ferguson to review the most notable rock and metal albums released in June 2026. The discussion covers hard rock, heavy metal, thrash metal, death metal, progressive rock, alternative rock, symphonic metal, punk, doom and more.The episode explores standout releases, unexpected discoveries, disappointing albums and the records each panelist recommends from every week of June 2026. Artists discussed include Evergrey, Jared James Nichols, Midnight Rider, Embryonic Autopsy, Dogstar, Death Cab For Cutie, Converge, Evanescence, Voivod, Joe Holmes, Yes, Spread Eagle, Tarja, Devourment, War Thrash, Matador, U.S. Bastards, The Pretty Reckless, Muse and Switchfoot.Which June 2026 rock and metal albums deserve more attention? Which releases are worth revisiting, and which ones failed to make an impact? Listen as Victor, Jeremy and Ed compare their monthly picks and highlight music from established artists, underground bands and international metal scenes.Keywords:June 2026 Albums Review, New Rock Albums 2026, New Metal Albums 2026, Hard Rock Reviews, Heavy Metal Reviews, Rock Podcast, Metal Podcast, Album Review Podcast, Signals From MarsThank you to my Patrons for all of their supportSteven SailerSteve HoekerJeremy WeltmanMike JonesBrad DahlMark StriglGabriel RuizChris VaglioMetal DanJohan EderströmEd FergusonAnthony MackeyToni EspinSean RichmondYou can become a Patron for as little as $2 a month. Go tohttps://patreon.com/signalsfrommarsSocial Media Links For Signals From MarsYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/signalsfrommarsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/signalsfrommarsofficial/X / Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/SignalsFromMarsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@signalsfrommarsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/signalsfrommarsFollow, like and share!