Hard Rock Music Time Machine – 7/14/16

Hard Rock Music Time Machine – 7/14/16

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)

ANTHRAX / PUBLIC ENEMY – “Bring The Noise” (1994)

“Bring The Noise” has been released in a variety of ways.  The first time was in 1987, when Public Enemy’s song appeared on the soundtrack for Less Than Zero.  The song was also included on Public Enemy’s 1988 album, It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back.  The Anthrax version (which featured Chuck D of Public Enemy), was released on the band’s 1994 release, Attack Of The Killer B’s.

This collaboration came about as a result of the shout out that Anthrax gets in the lyrics, which was spurred on by Scott Ian’s affinity for Public Enemy, often times wearing their shirt on stage.  The mutual admiration between the two groups led to them touring together, bringing two very diverse audiences under one roof.  It is said that the finale of each show, which featured both bands playing together, brought the house down on a nightly basis.

In light of everything that has happened over the past week or so, it felt like the right time to share this collaboration for a few reasons.  First of all, the lyrics show that the problems that existed nearly 20 years ago still exist today.  But more importantly, this collaboration shows that different worlds can unite as one when there is a desire to do so.
 

 
AEROSMITH / RUN-D.M.C. – “Walk This Way”  (1986)

Aside from the mutual admiration between Chuck D and Scott Ian, one of the other main factors in the collaboration between Anthrax and Public Enemy was the inspiration of seeing Aerosmith and Run-D.M.C.’s stellar interpretation of “Walk This Way” in 1986.  Unlike “Bring The Noise,” this collaboration did not occur at the band level, but rather from the mind of producer Rick Rubin.  Neither Joseph Simmons nor Darryl McDaniels liked the idea initially, although Jam Master Jay was open to it.  This version of the song is often times credited with helping hip-hop cross over into mainstream pop (reaching the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100).  It is also credited with helping to inspire the rap-rock genre.

It’s been a while since these collaborations took place.  The world can use more of this right now, and Hard Rock Daddy is working making that happen.  Stay tuned for more details…
 

 

 

 ANDY CHEUNG – HRD Music Scout

PANTERA – “I’m Broken” (1994)

One of the best metal songs ever written has to be Pantera’s “I’m Broken,” from their 1994 album, Vulgar Display of Power.  Living in Texas during that time, this band was HUGE and such an influence in every aspect of music; the simple (yet heavy) memorable riff, the pounding drumming and the angry vocals.  Anyone who is a fan of metal understands the importance of this band in the groove metal genre.  My fondest memory of Pantera was seeing them in San Antonio, Texas, when they decided to play a string of small club shows under the name “Cowboys from Hell.”  From the first note of the band, and the first scream from Phil Anselmo, the packed crowd of 200 people erupted into a frenzy as the entire floor transformed into the largest pit that I have ever seen in my life.  The power that this band exhibited was unlike any band I have ever witnessed.  It was a sad day when the group disbanded, and an even sadder day when Dimebag Darrell died in 2004.  Thankfully, I will always have the memory of that show in San Antonio, Texas.

 

RAMMSTEIN – “Engel” (1997)

Bridging the international world of metal are industrial metal giants, Rammstein.  “Engel,” from the band’s second album, Sehnsucht, is the epitome of the style of music that the band excels at writing.  The guitar riffs are heavy and distinct, and the songwriting is simple, yet effective, in portraying the tone and mood of the song.  Even though all of their songs are sung in German, you will easily sing along to the catchy choruses in “Engel” (as well as other Rammstein tunes).  These masters of pyrotechnics always put on one hell of a concert for those that were lucky to have seen them.  Their songs are theatrical, and their use of flamethrowers, rockets, and explosions always make for a great time.  Let’s hope they come back to the United States soon.
 

 

 

ROB DELL’AQUILA – HRD Music Scout

RIOT – “Altar Of The King” (1981)

Founded in New York City in the ’70s, heavy metal band Riot went through many great vocalists over the years.  However, they always boasted the top-notch guitar work of founder Mark Reale–at least until his death in 2012 (after which the band was renamed Riot V).  Reale shines on this number from their 1981 album Fire Down Under, together with the band’s second singer, Guy Speranza,

 

RIOT – “Immortal Soul” (2011)

By 2011, guitarist Mark Reale was the only original member left in the band, yet the musicians on the band’s fourteenth album were largely a reunion of their late-’80s lineup.  It would be Reale’s final album, though, due to his untimely death the following year.  The album is a fitting tribute to the amazing career of a very talented man, and the title track is a personal favorite.
 

 

 

   CHRIS HERZEGOVITCH – HRD Music Scout

DISTURBED – “Believe” (2002)

Abrupt staccato marks the overtone of this song, resolving to heavy, drawn-out chords in the choruses. David Draiman’s visceral vocals are a powerful force of declaration in this song about the dark side of belief.  A muscular rhythm line fortifies the song, with excellent bass work from John Moyer.  The title track of their 2002 release is yet another exceptional tune from that year (the album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart).  Some critics felt that the album’s sound marked a move away from the band’s ‘nu-metal’ genre towards more traditional hard/heavy metal.

 

THE BLACK ANGELS – “The First Vietnamese War” (2006)

There’s a heavy Zeppelin influence in all aspects of “The First Vietnamese War,” from the Black Angels – a hard, psychedelic rock band from Austin, TX whose name comes from the Velvet Underground song, “The Black Angel’s Death Song.”  The murky, low-tech sound, song structure, dreamy effects and execution are all reminiscent of that era.  It’s done so well that you’ll wonder if you missed a group from the ’70s.  This track comes from their debut album, Passover.  Check it out; it will truly take you back in time.