Hard Rock Music Time Machine – 4/21/16

Hard Rock Music Time Machine – 4/21/16

Each Thursday, Hard Rock Music Time Machine takes a journey back in time to feature a variety of songs that date back as far as the ’70s, the ’80s (the glory days of hard rock), hidden gems of the ’90s and hard rock/metal songs of the new millennium (as recent as a few years ago).

Whenever possible, it will also contain interviews from featured artists discussing the inspiration and meaning behind their songs.   On the last Thursday of each month, we will be doing special themes that feature songs based on specific categories or years.

In addition to appearing on the embedded YouTube playlist below, all songs featured on Hard Rock Music Time Machine can be listened to individually by clicking on the hyper-linked song titles above each review.
 

 

 

 ADAM WALDMAN – (Publisher, Hard Rock Daddy)

MEAT LOAF – “Hot Patootie – Bless My Soul” (1975)

When Meat Loaf burst onto the scene in 1977 with Bat Out Of Hell, a theatrical rock collaboration with Jim Steinman, he became a household name virtually overnight.  However, fans of the cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show got to know this larger-than-life personality when he portrayed Eddie (an ex-delivery boy and partial brain donor to Rocky).  During one of the most memorable scenes in the movie, a maniacal Meat Loaf performed this week’s featured song – “Hot Patootie – Bless My Soul” – with an intensity that foreshadowed what was to come from one of the most animated singers in rock and roll history.  Although the song was written by Richard O’Brien, it is Steinman-esque… theatrical, storytelling lyrics brought to life by energetic, over-the-top musical performances.

 

FIRE INC. – “Nowhere Fast” (1984)

When you think of Jim Steinman, you can’t help but to think of Meat Loaf.  This duo has done their best work together, but they have also had memorable moments on their own (see above).  “Nowhere Fast,” was featured in 1984’s Streets Of Fire, a movie that was billed as a “rock and roll fable.”  No one writes theatrical rock better than Steinman, and this song may very well have been the highlight of the movie.  Although it featured some big name actors, Streets Of Fire was widely panned by critics.  It is something of a cult classic, but not nearly as popular as Rocky Horror Picture Show, which still conjures up nostalgia to this day.  “Nowhere Fast” features Laurie Sargent delivering a powerful performance with her lead vocals.  This song easily could have fit in with the rest of Bat Out Of Hell.  Meat Loaf actually recorded a version of the song, but the movie version is the one that left the most lasting impression.
 

 

 

 ANDY CHEUNG – HRD Music Scout

BAD RELIGION – “American Jesus” (1993)

Bad Religion is a band that was way ahead of its time.  For a genre of music that preached anarchistic behavior, rebellion, anti-authority and basically a “don’t-give-a-shit attitude,” Bad Religion took all of those aspects of punk rock and wrote some of the most intelligent, sharp, and ingenious songs ever.  “American Jesus” – off of the band’s 1993 release, Recipe For Hate – is one of those.  Led by Dr. Greg Gaffin on vocals (yes, he is an actual Doctor; he obtained his PhD at Cornell Univeristy) and a vast array of past members, Bad Religion has released 16 albums to date.  This song is one of many that stood out due to its political messages regarding nationalism and religion.  Plus, it brings me back to my old school punk rock days of being in the pit.  Those days are long gone, but this song (and this band) remains one of my favorites.

 

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY – “Vote With A Bullet” (1991)

If you want to hear one of the heaviest intros to a song, look no further than Corrosion of Conformity’s “Vote with a Bullet” (from their 3rd studio album, Blind).  With our current state of politics being the way that it is, this song might mean a little more now than any other time in recent history.  This is the epitome of a well-written metal song.  The guitars are heavy and crunchy, bass lines and drums accent odd time signatures, and the screams of Pepper Keenan all give way to a head-banging, pissed-off take on the band’s political views.  Listen to the main riff.  I dare you not to bang your head when you hear this!

 

 

 

ROB DELL’AQUILA – HRD Music Scout

AXXIS – “I Hear You Cry” (2007)

This power metal band lays claim to the best-selling debut album in Germany’s hard rock history, with 1988’s Kingdom Of The Night.  This favorite, from 2007’s Doom Of Destiny, though nearly 20 years later, instantly reminded the world why the band is so loved among metal enthusiasts.  Vocalist Bernhard Weiss positively soars, playing off beautifully against returning guest vocalist Kerstin Bischof (a.k.a. Lakonia.).

 

HAMMERFALL – “Bloodbound” (2005)

Sweden’s Hammerfall has been producing top-quality power metal since they were founded by guitarist Oscar Dronjak in 1993.  This power ballad comes from their defiantly named fifth album, Chapter V: Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken.
 

 

 

   CHRIS HERZEGOVITCH – HRD Music Scout

WHITESNAKE – “Guity Of Love” (1983)

Whitesnake is fast-approaching 40 years together. “Guilty of Love” is a great track off of one of their best albums, 1984’s Slide It In.  Excellent vocals by David Coverdale, memorable lyrics and outstanding twin-guitar leads stand out the most.  This song was actually released a year ahead of the album as a promotional preview during 1983’s Monsters of Rock tour.

 

POWER GLOVE – “Storm Eagle”  (2012)

Power Glove is an American, all-instrumental band that is known for playing metal cover versions of classic video game themes.  “Storm Eagle” is a skillfully executed combination of a variety of metal styles.  Make no mistake, this is not your kid’s PacMan or Mario Brothers – it is true metal, also known as “TV-Game Metal” and “Nintendocore.”  This theme is from the game Mega Man X.