As the new year approaches, I wanted to take a few moments to reflect on 2013.

First, let's talk music.  2013 saw some great bands release some amazing albums (see my previous post for my top 10).  Black Sabbath got back with Ozzy and recorded an album so monstrous, that I'll put it up against any Ozzy era Sabbath record.  "13" is, in my opinion, flawless, but the record should have never been released.  The only reason Tony and Geezer got back with Ozzy is because Dio died.  So as good as "13" is, I do have some trouble listening to it because if Ronnie were still alive, this album would have never came out.

Speaking of sludgy metal, doom metal kings Cathedral released their final album, "The Last Spire."  I had the honor of speaking with Cathedral frontman and Rise Above Records founder Lee Dorrian earlier this year.  You can listen to that interview here.

Our local boys Pop Evil released their third record, "Onyx" and it's a real solid album.  The Rocker is currently working on getting Pop Evil for a big show in 2014 so get ready for that rock assault!

Speaking of shows, I finally saw Rush this year and I would pay money to see them again.  I'm a casual Rush fan but those guys blew me away!  Ratt, Dokken, Sebastian Bach and Lita Ford invaded Wings Stadium, and even though the turn out, and Don Dokken's voice, were weak, it was still a great show!  If I've said it once, I've said it 100 times; if you guys want to go to shows in Kalamazoo, then you have to show up when they come to town.  If you don't show up, then venues like Wings Stadium will stop bringing these shows to town and we'll have to drive to Grand Rapids, Detroit, or farther to see these great shows.

Guillermo Del Toro proved that giant monsters movies still rule with Pacific Rim.  That and Star Trek: Into Darkness tied for my favorite movies of the summer.  If you love giant monster movies, then watch Pacific Rim, and if you're a Trekkie, Into Darkness did not disappoint!

2013 wasn't all good though; former Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr lost his battle to MS.  Iron Maiden is my number 1 favorite band on the planet.  Losing Clive was like losing a family member.  Unfortunately, I did lose some family members.  My wife lost two grandparents, and her aunt Kel lost her battle to cancer.  It's one thing to lose a 90 year old grandparent; it's something completely different to lose a 50 year old aunt.  Kel was a beautiful person and she's missed every day.

Finally, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of you members of the RK Army for your loyalty.  I can't thank you enough for listening and supporting our small radio station.  You've made me one happy Jewish boy.

Have a great New Year, be safe, and I'll see you in 2014.

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