Wendy O'Williams - WOW - 12" VINYL LP ALBUM

  Wendy Orlean Williams (May 28, 1949 – April 6, 1998), better known as Wendy O. Williams, was the lead singer for the punk band the Plasmatics, whose stage theatrics included blowing up equipment, near nudity and chain-sawing guitars. Dubbed "The Queen of Shock Rock," Williams was widely considered the most controversial and radical woman singer of her day. She often sported a trademark Mohawk haircut. Williams was nominated in 1985 for a Grammy in the Best Female Rock Vocal category during the height of her band's popularity.

 

large album front cover photo of: Wendy O'Williams - WOW

Album Description:

This web-page focuses onto the iconic album "WOW" by Wendy O'Williams, released in 1984 in the Netherlands. Produced by Gene Simmons and recorded at Right Track Studios in New York, the album showcases the raw energy and rebellious spirit of punk rock. With sound engineers Frank Filipetti and Tom Roberts at the helm and mastering by George Marino at Sterling Sound, New York City, the album presents a sonically immersive experience. Furthermore, the album cover design by Butch Star captures the essence of Wendy O'Williams' provocative stage presence and musical style.

The emergence of punk rock in the late 1970s brought a wave of audacious and unconventional music. Wendy O'Williams, the lead singer of the Plasmatics, was at the forefront of this movement, known for her fierce stage presence and energetic performances.

Wendy O'Williams rose to prominence as the lead singer of the Plasmatics, a punk rock band known for their explosive live shows and provocative visuals. With "WOW", her first solo album, she aimed to establish herself as a distinct force in the punk rock genre. Gene Simmons, best known as the bassist of the rock band KISS, took on the role of producer for the album, adding his expertise to the project.

The album was recorded at Right Track Studios in New York, a renowned recording facility known for its exceptional acoustics and state-of-the-art equipment. Frank Filipetti and Tom Roberts, accomplished sound engineers, skillfully captured the raw energy and power of Wendy O'Williams' performances. Their expertise ensured a balance between the intensity of the punk rock genre and the clarity of the recording.

Once the recording process was complete, the album was handed over to George Marino, a highly respected mastering engineer at Sterling Sound in New York City. Marino's expertise in mastering ensured the album's sonic cohesion, bringing out the best in each track while maintaining a consistent sound throughout the LP.

The album cover design plays a vital role in capturing the essence of an artist and their music. Butch Star, a talented graphic designer, was responsible for creating the visual representation of "WOW". Star's design encapsulated Wendy O'Williams' provocative and rebellious image, complementing the album's themes and musical content.

"WOW" stands as a testament to Wendy O'Williams' talent and contribution to the punk rock genre. The album was a significant milestone in her career, solidifying her status as a solo artist and further establishing her as an influential figure in punk rock. The album's impact on the music industry and its lasting legacy are explored in this section.

Music Genre:

  Heavy Metal

Album  Production information:

Produced by Gene Simmons

  Gene Simmons is the pseudonym used by Chaim Weitz while playing bass in the Kiss band. He used the alias "Reginal Von Helsing" , when playing bass and producer for "Wendy O. Williams".

Sound/recording engineers: Frank Filipetti, Tom Roberts

Recorded at Right Track Studios in New York

Mastered by George Marino at Sterling Sound, New York City

George Marino was a highly acclaimed Senior Mastering Engineer at Sterling Sound in New York City. Born on 15 April 1947, in the Bronx, New York, he became one of the most experienced and influential sound mastering engineers in the world. With his unparalleled expertise, Marino played a significant role in shaping the sound of countless albums across various music genres.

From a young age, Marino displayed a deep passion for music and an innate talent for audio engineering. He began his career at Capitol Records in New York, where he worked as a mastering engineer and honed his skills in audio post-production. In 1973, Marino joined Sterling Sound, a renowned mastering facility founded by Lee Hulko. It was here that he would leave an indelible mark on the music industry.

Over the years, George Marino mastered an extensive catalog of albums for a wide range of artists and musical styles. His meticulous attention to detail and exceptional ear for sound allowed him to consistently deliver exceptional quality and clarity in his work. He possessed an intuitive understanding of how to enhance the dynamics, balance, and overall sonic experience of each record he touched.

During the 1980s, a pivotal era for heavy metal music, George Marino worked on numerous influential albums in the genre. His mastering contributions to these records played a crucial role in shaping the iconic sounds of heavy metal during that decade. Some notable albums he mastered include:

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  • 1. Metallica - "Master of Puppets" (1986)
  • 2. Iron Maiden - "The Number of the Beast" (1982)
  • 3. AC/DC - "Back in Black" (1980)
  • 4. Judas Priest - "British Steel" (1980)
  • 5. Slayer - "Reign in Blood" (1986)
  • 6. Ozzy Osbourne - "Blizzard of Ozz" (1980)
  • 7. Black Sabbath - "Heaven and Hell" (1980)
  • 8. Megadeth - "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?" (1986)
  • 9. Motörhead - "Ace of Spades" (1980)
  • 10. Dio - "Holy Diver" (1983)

These albums, among many others, showcase Marino's contribution to the heavy metal genre's sonic landscape during the 1980s. His meticulous mastering work ensured that these records had the power, clarity, and impact necessary to captivate listeners and establish their enduring legacies.

George Marino's career spanned over four decades, during which he received numerous accolades for his outstanding contributions to the music industry. His expertise and mastery of sound engineering made him a highly sought-after professional, and he worked with a diverse range of artists, including AC/DC, Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Coldplay, and many more.

Tragically, George Marino passed away on 4 June 2012, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy as one of the most skilled and respected mastering engineers of his time. His dedication to his craft, meticulous attention to detail, and unparalleled expertise continue to inspire and influence audio engineers and musicians worldwide. George Marino's contributions to the art of sound mastering remain an enduring testament to his extraordinary talent and passion for music.

Album cover design by Butch Star

Record Label & Catalognr:

  Roadrunner RR 9852

Media Format:

  12" Vinyl LP Record 150 grams vinyl

Year & Country:

  1984 Made in Holland
Band Members and Musicians on: Wendy O'Williams - WOW
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Wendy O'Williams
  • Wes Beech
  • Michael Ray
  • Reginald Von Helsing
  • T.C. Tolliver
  • Special Guest: Ace Frehley Lead Guitar on Bump and Grind

Track Listing of: Wendy O'Williams - WOW

The Song/tracks on "Wendy O'Williams - WOW" are:

 
    Side One:
  • I Love Sex (and Rock and Roll)
  • It's My Life
  • Priestess
  • Thief in the Night
  • Opus in CM2
 
    Side Two:
  • Ready to Rock
  • Bump and Grind
  • Legends Never Die
  • Ain't None of Your Business
Album cover photos of : Wendy O'Williams - WOW

High Resolution Photo Album Front Cover of Wendy O'Williams - WOW https://vinyl-records.nl
Photo of Album's Back Cover  
High Resolution Photo Album Back Cover of Wendy O'Williams - WOW https://vinyl-records.nl
Close-up Photo of Record Label 
Enlarged High Resolution Photo of the Record's label Wendy O'Williams - WOW https://vinyl-records.nl

 Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).