Underrated Bands: Meltdown
I got into a conversation with someone the other day about underrated bands. There’s lots of bands that will never make, but some that should be bigger than they are. Here’s a short list of a few I like that should be selling more albums, playing bigger venues, and just overall be, or should’ve been bigger.
The Pretty Reckless. I’m a huge fan of this band. These guys are straight ahead rock n’ roll. I included a live video so you can see for yourself why Taylor and company should be bigger.
Kings X. Now, I’m not a huge fan of this band, but, man are they good! These guys influenced so many bands, including many of the grunge scene.
Cinderella. Anyone who knows me knows I’m a big Tom Keifer and Cinderella fan. As far as the 80s go, these guys should have been headlining arenas in my opinion. Tom just came through Detroit last week and still sounds great!
Rival Sons. Great guys. Great musicians. Their last album is stellar! They played here last winter and I was distraught at how few people showed up to see this band. These guys should be, and will probably be, much bigger.
W.A.S.P. Going back to the 80s for this one again. Blackie Lawless and the guys were your mother’s worst nightmare back in the decade of decadence. Yeah, they had their fair share of success, but i.m.o. should’ve been bigger for far longer. This might be my favorite cover song ever.
Spread Eagle. These guys were suppose to be the east coast answer to the west coast machine, Guns N’ Roses. It never panned out that way, but their debut album is just a gritty, dirty, rock filled assault.
What are some of your favorite underrated bands?
-Meltdown-
Below are some great shots of Dorothy, whose latest album rules! She is a little underrated for now, but not for long.
Dorothy
Dorothy Martin’s life changed forever when she was forced to face death on her tour bus some three years ago. After her guitar technician had taken an overdose, Dorothy instinctively began praying for his survival. While he may have temporarily died, the technician was astonishingly, miraculously restored back to life. It was this moment that seemed to bring Dorothy to life too. It was this divine intervention that caused a radical and spiritual awakening in the singer, the result of which can be heard on Gifts From The Holy Ghost, Dorothy’s third studio album as front person for the pseudonymous, rock band Dorothy.
With the combined powers of Keith Wallen, Jason Hook, Scott Stevens, Phil X, Trevor Lukather, Joel Hamiltonand the legendary ear of producer Chris Lord Alge, Gifts From The Holy Ghost is made from a musical palette which seems to encompass each of the musician’s influences, as well as many of the essential sounds of rock music’s history—from swampy blues to ‘90s alternative —in a way that makes the case for rock and roll itself. Not only is the genre alive, but it’s more invigorated than ever.
The album’s lyrics are a perfect balance of specificity and generality, so that the listener can attach their own darknesses and triumphs to the songs, while still getting a sense of Dorothy’s own. “We are all one human family.” she declares.
With Gifts From The Holy Ghost, Dorothy identifies her purpose as an artist. She conquers darkness with light, numbness with feeling, disharmony with unity—all while delivering one of this year’s most fun rock & roll records.
The album features “Rest In Peace” which pushed Dorothy into Top 15 at Active Rock Radio charts this month, garnered over 4 Million streams worldwide and has been deemed essential listening by Loudwire, Consequence, Blabbermouth, New Noise, Metal Injection and more. Dorothy kicked off her extensive, 40 date U.S. tour in her hometown of San Diego on Monday and continues southbound this week before heading up the east coast.
Meltdown started on the mighty WRIF on the evening of Halloween, 1995. Technically, his first on-air shift was the morning of November 1st. Moving to the Motor City from Buffalo, N.Y., he has built a career and family. Over his almost three-decade stint at RIFF, he's had the privilege to work with some of the biggest personalities in Detroit radio history. He boasts of being just the second-afternoon drive jock in the station's illustrious 53-year history.
Along with his love for rock music and attending concerts, he's also an avid Harley-Davidson enthusiast and hockey player. He plays year-round and manages to squeeze in a few charity games throughout the year. Meltdown writes about the Detroit Red Wings, rock music, and Detroit concert venues.