Pick #5: Stickin' It to the Man

The Pretender

Foo Fighters, Echoes, Silence, Patience, and Grace 2007

After a suggestion from a close friend within our circle of "rock buddies," we've decided to bring you a taste of rock Foo Fighters style. In your face, rebellious, nonconformist, you name it, this video's got it. And the band, with David Grohl, the drummer from the now defunct Nirvana taking the helm at lead vocals, has come out with some absolutely mind boggling work. Their many concerts are certainly memorable to all that attend, and the MSG concert series was and will probably be their best performance. Let's give credit to the Mr. Grohl for not shooting himself with a quail gun, but instead giving us fans a shot through the heart each and every time his band play a tune. And of course, to the dude behind this week's pick, we salute you.

Pick #4: Nothing Stings Quite Like a Scorpion

No One Like You

Scorpions, Blackout 1982

Our first, and hopefully not last of the classic works of metal mania, is here and in your face. The Scorpions join our edition of crazed rhythm and blues doom at the number four pick, but are number one in a ton of hearts. Known to many as the best thing to come out of Germany since........well....ever, the hard metal crew from Hanover takes their cues from Klaus Meine, one of the most unique but fantastic vocalists to ever pick up a mic. The band goes all the way back to 1965, and, at one point, were considered a glam metal group, if that's imaginable. "Rock You Like a Hurricane" proved to be a trademark, but only one in a batch of truly remarkable hits. Don't get blown away by the "Wind of Change," and stick with this group. Lord knows they've been sticking with it for over 35 years, and haven't fallen of the ledge yet.

Pick #3: A Flashback to 2001

Wherever You Will Go

The Calling, Camino Palmero 2001

Well, here we are. Stanley Cup Championship Round: Avalanche v.s. Devils in an epic seven game series that saw Raymond Borque kiss that coveted chalice for the first time in his illustrious career. Now, as a 10 year old kid, the only other thing I remember from that hockey year (besides Barry Melrose and Gary Thorne), is a montage of the Stanley Cup Playoffs up until that point. The song behind the magic on ice: The Calling's Wherever You Will Go. With Alex Band on lead vocals, The Calling essentially cemented a one hit wonder spot with Wherever You Will Go, but are among a number of bands from the early decade, including Lifehouse, to post up some top notch modern rock numbers. Kudos to Mr. Band and The Calling. You guys made that hockey year for me all the more memorable.

Pick #2: Take A Seat and Enjoy-You're At the Dream Theater!

I Walk Beside You

Dream Theater, Octavarium 2005

Welcome to the Dream Theater. Today's act: the best damn progressive modern rock band in America, and probably the world. Initially known as Majesty, the band changed its name early on and hasn't missed a beat ever since. From its founding in 1985 until now, the band has undergone a number of changes, but has remained true to its commitment of making music with the world's best rock instrumentalists. Look out for Mike Portnoy, Dream Theater's kickass drummer, and the youngest to be inducted into the Modern Drummers Hall of Fame, as well as the always guitar flaming John Petrucci. Dream Theater, like Rush, is probably one of the most underrated hard rock bands on Planet Earth, and gets little radio airtime. But check out their live DVD's and you'll be as angry as us about that. Any rock fantasy or genre you cater to, the boys from Dream Theater will leave you speechless, no doubt. So what are you waiting for, come and see the show that's taking the rock world by storm! Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Pick#1: Not A Bad Way to Start

Hearts Burst Into Fire

Bullet For My Valentine, Scream Aim Fire 2008

If you can understand a person from Wales, then, hey, more power to you. But if you can dig the lively and intense ripping sound of metalcore band Bullet For My Valentine, well then you're most definitely in the asset column. With the always shell shocking vocals of Matt Tuck, fused with the bombastic guitar playing of Michael Paget, it's only a matter of time before this group plays their way to the cream of the crop in the metal world. And their newest album, Scream Aim Fire, kicks off that very journey. Released in January of '08, the record has hit number 4 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 525,000 copies worldwide. Check out the biggest track on the album, Hearts Burst Into Fire, which was featured in the video game NHL 09, and happens to be the intro song to our radio show: NHL 2K9. So listen and learn folks, the Welsh ain't coherent, but you better believe their music is!

AJ's Pick of the Week

Hey folks! Well, if you follow my station on BlogTalkRadio (known as NHL 2K9), you'll be interested to know that at the show, we've decided to run a brand new segment called Slapshots and Anthems, where each week we'll be highlighting a kickass rock song. Old school or new school, we lay it all on the line, breaking down our favorite tunes and the artists behind them. From artist history to important albums, we'll be rolling to the guitar bite, and we hope you join us in celebrating the greatness of rock music. Just remember to kick it back here and check out the site for more info on the tunes that we like to call our "Picks of the Week." Who needs acid to take a trip when you can get high on some face melting madness!

See, even he's rockin' out!