Hard Rock Music Time Machine – 7/28/16
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.
July’s theme is “All About The Ladies,” featuring hard rock / metal songs with girl’s names in the title.
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)
L.A. GUNS – “The Ballad Of Jayne” (1989)
Listening to this somber power ballad by L.A. Guns, you would think that the song is about the loss of someone close, but it is actually about the death of actress, Jayne Mansfield, who died more than two decades before the song was released.
There is poetic beauty to this melancholic ode to a familiar stranger. In many ways, we never really know the person behind their celebrity persona, but it doesn’t stop us from feeling that there is a connection in some way, especially when we are moved by their talent.
July is always a bittersweet month for me. “The Ballad Of Jayne” perfectly captures the bittersweet emotions that I feel at the crossroads of a painful loss and a feeling of love that goes beyond words.
CRAAFT – “Jane” (1989)
For every Scorpions, Accept and Helloween, there are tons of German hard rock bands whose music goes undiscovered in America. Craaft is one of those bands. Though their sound was more aligned with American ‘80s hair metal bands, Craaft never made much of an impact outside of Germany, which is a shame. Had they gotten the exposure that other similar bands received, who knows how big they could have gotten. With “Jane,” the band showed that they could deliver a melodic power ballad as good as anyone else. Crank it up, and imagine yourself swaying from side to side in an arena lit up by lighters as you take a nostalgic journey back in time.
ANDY CHEUNG – HRD Music Scout
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE – “Rose Of Sharyn” (2004)
From their third studio album, The End of Heartache, “Rose of Sharyn” by Killswitch Engage is a heavy, hard-hitting, fast metalcore tune dripping with emotion. The melancholic screams of Howard Jones are accented by the rest of the band’s fast playing. Although the meaning of the song varies depending on the listener, the lyrical content is definitely one of loss and hope. This song is a perfect example of why Killswitch Engage is one of the best metalcore bands around.
IRON MAIDEN – “Charlotte The Harlot” (1980)
One of the best classic Iron Maiden songs is “Charlotte the Harlot,” from their 1980 self-titled, debut album. Written by Dave Murray, this song (and album) were performed by the original members of Iron Maiden: Dave Murray, Steve Harris, Dennis Stratton, Clive Burr, and Paul Di’Anno. Even though I am a huge fan of Bruce Dickinson, and the current incarnation of Iron Maiden, I have always been impressed with the vocals of Paul Di’Anno. “Charlotte The Harlot” – which is part of a saga of songs – is about a prostitute named Charlotte. It represents everything that Iron Maiden is known for…classic heavy metal at its finest!
ROB DELL’AQUILA – HRD Music Scout
QUEENSRYCHE – “Suite Sister Mary” (1988)
In 1988, Queensryche blew away the metal world with their third album, Operation Mindcrime, which continues to stand as one of the finest concept albums ever crafted. Telling a twisted tale of madness and manipulation, the album is highlighted by this ten-minute epic track. Named for Mary, a prostitute turned nun (played by the talented Pamela Moore), it features some sweeping but melodic writing, and operatic lead vocals.
VOLBEAT – “Lola Montez” (2013)
“Feel the fire where she walks.” Danish rockers Volbeat warned us of a femme fatale in this hit from their 2013 album, Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies.
CHRIS HERZEGOVITCH – HRD Music Scout
FALL OUT BOY – “Roxanne” (2003)
Fast and badass, this remake of the Police’s timeless “Roxanne” – from Fall Out Boy’s 2003 release, Take This To Your Grave – has a lot of added power and a killer edge. A metal/punk pace sets the tone, yet keeps the excellence of the original song intact.
SCORPIONS – “Loreli” (2010)
“Loreli” is a rueful, forlorn power ballad from the Scorpions off of their 2010 album, Sting In The Tail. Klause Meine’s amazing voice has a haunting vibe to it, as he weaves the story through moving refrains and choruses. This melodic track features the band’s classic sound, which has stood the test of time for more than 40 years.
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