Hard Rock Music Time Machine – 6/2/16

Hard Rock Music Time Machine – 6/2/16

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)

ROLLING STONES – “One Hit (To The Body)” (1986)

From 1986’s Dirty Work album, “One Hit (To The Body)” is the first Rolling Stones song to feature a Ronie Wood co-writing credit with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.  Why is this notable?  Because Wood joined the band in 1976; it took him a full decade (and nine albums) to get his first writing credit.  Of course, waiting a decade to get a Rolling Stones writing credit doesn’t seem like much of a wait when you consider that the 68-year old guitarist became a father to twin girls this week.

“One Hit (To The Body)” was the follow-up single to one of the more popular Stones’ songs of the ‘80s, a cover of 1963’s “Harlem Shuffle.”   The video for the song shows archival boxing footage and Jagger trading mock blows with Richards.  This song is notable not only for Wood’s writing credit, but also because it featured a guitar solo by Led Zeppelin legend, Jimmy Page.
 

 
FACES – “Stay With Me” (1971)

“Stay With Me” is the biggest hit that Faces ever recorded.  From the band’s second album of 1971, A Nod’s As Good As A Wink…To A Blind Horse, the song was co-written by Ronnie Wood and Rod Stewart.  Collaborating on this high-energy song (that features raspy vocals over gritty guitars) isn’t the only thing that this duo has in common.  As mentioned above, Wood became the father to twin girls this week (at the age of 68); Stewart’s youngest child was born when the legendary rocker was 66 (in 2011).
 

 

 

 ANDY CHEUNG – HRD Music Scout

THE MISFITS – “Dig Up Her Bones” (1997)

When most people talk about The Misfits, they usually talk about the (Glenn) Danzig days.  “Dig Up Her Bones” was a single off of their post-Danzig album, American Psycho.  This great song had all the feel and attitude of the original Misfits lineup; campy horror images, sing-a-long choruses and three-to-four chord musical compositions.  Although the lineup for this version of the band no longer exists, this was one of the great classic Misfits tunes ever recorded outside of the Danzig days.  I recently heard that the original lineup of the Misfits is back together.  I might have to find my old Misfits Fiend shirt in my closet, dust it off, and relive the ‘80s again for a couple hours.

 

D.R.I. – “Beneath The Wheel” (1989)

One of the best hardcore/thrash crossover bands of the ‘80s was D.R.I. from Houston, Texas.  By combining punk, hardcore and thrash metal, this band was influential to many because they created a sound and culture that is embraced by punks, skinheads and metalheads alike.  “Beneath the Wheel” was a great example of this combination.  Every D.R.I. song had a message, always rooting for the underdog, pointing out the injustices of the world and the weight of society on our shoulders.  Gone are the days of slam dancing in the pit whenever these guys came to town, but D.R.I. will always be one of my favorite bands of all-time.
 

 

 

ROB DELL’AQUILA – HRD Music Scout

TOTO – “Can’t Stand It Any Longer” (1986)

Toto’s 1986 album, Fahrenheit, is remembered mostly for its ballads, especially the Top 40 hits “I’ll Be Over You” and “Without Your Love.”  But this funkier, harder driving number remains a forgotten favorite.  Michael Joseph had taken over vocals on this album, and sings with style here, backed by Steve Lukather’s playful riffs.

 

VANDENBERG – “Burning Heart” (1982)

Vandenberg was a Dutch band named for their virtuoso guitarist and founder, Adrian Vandenberg. Although they released three albums full of quality hard rock in the early ‘80s, only this amazing ballad from their self-titled debut managed to chart.  For years, David Coverdale had been courting Adrian Vandenberg to join Whitesnake, and when he finally accepted in 1987, that effectively ended Vandenberg the band.  Adrian has since gone on to form the band MoonKings in 2013.
 

 

 

   CHRIS HERZEGOVITCH – HRD Music Scout

BLUE MURDER – “We All Fall Down” (1993)

After John Sykes first left Whitesnake, he formed one of the earlier supergroups – Blue Murder – with legends Tony Franklin and Carmine Appice.  The band had a relatively short run from 1988–1994.  Their second of two studio albums, Nothing But Trouble, saw Franklin and Appice contribute, but give way to Marco Mendoza and Tommy O’Steen.  “We All Fall Down” kicked off that album in a big way with fast and powerful riffs, excellent vocals and, of course, a great wailing John Sykes solo.

 

JOHN NORUM – “Nailed To The Cross” (2005)

John Norum’s solo career, alongside his tenure with Europe (as founder and lead guitarist), has produced seven studio albums over the years.  “Nailed To The Cross,” from 2005’s Optimus, is highlighted by a thick, sinister rhythm line and Norum’s usual, fantastic guitar work.