Hard Rock Music Time Machine – 10/13/16
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)
SAMMY HAGAR – “Red” (1977)
Sammy Hagar (“The Red Rocker”) celebrates his 69th birthday today. Amazingly, Hagar still seems to be as energetic as he was in his younger days. His vocals have remained stellar throughout his nearly 45-year recording career. As much success as he’s had with music, he’s an even more successful entrepreneur. Hagar is more than a rock star; he’s a role model.
A handful of artists are associated with a color (Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, etc.), but none more than Hagar, whose name is synonymous with the color red. If you’re wondering how Hagar came to be known as “The Red Rocker,” it goes back to 1977 when he released his first solo anthem, aptly titled – “Red.” The song is featured on an untitled album that (like Metallica’s Black Album) is often referred to as The Red Album. Check out the album cover to see why.
Hagar is a man of passion. From his lyrics to his business to his love of life and partying, Hagar’s passion comes through in everything that he does. He’s the type of person that makes you passionate about his passion because you get swept up in his enthusiasm. As I listened to “Red” again for the first time in several years, I found myself being drawn in to the mystique of the color (as seen through Hagar’s eyes). If you’re a Hagar fan, you’ll want to check out “Red,” (for the first time or for nostalgic reasons).
HSAS – “Missing You” (1984)
I admit that I’m biased, but to me, any group that has Sammy Hagar at the helm is a “supergroup” of sorts. Long before his most recent supergroup (Chickenfoot), Hagar collaborated with Neal Schon (Journey), Kenny Aaronson and Michael Shrieve to form HSAS. The project lasted for only one album, but it was a memorable one. The entire album was impressive, but the track that left the most lasting impact all these years later is “Missing You.”
The song begins with a big, arena-style riff, which sets the tone for Hagar’s distinctly emotive vocals. It’s a little too powerful to be called a “power ballad,” but the song has many of the same qualities. Hagar soars to the top of his range in the chorus, but what sets this song apart from many others is the way that he infuses bittersweet melodies into this tale of lost love.
For as long as I can remember, Sammy Hagar’s music has been a part of my life. If you feel the same way about this living legend turning 69 years young today, hoist a shot of Cabo Wabo Tequila or Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum to celebrate!
ANDY CHEUNG – HRD Music Scout
SLIPKNOT –“People = Shit” (2001)
In the realm of metal, Slipknot has always been a controversial band, not only because of their lyrical content, but also in the divide between fans. Some fans of the genre condemn the band for being “nu-metal” and not a true metal band, while other fans claim them to be one of the best metal bands in the past 20 years. Regardless of which side of the fence you sit on, there is no denying that Slipknot is capable of writing one hell of a song that can make you move. “People = Shit” comes off of their sophomore release, Iowa (one of their most angry and heavy albums to date). The drumming of former drummer Joey Jordison and current drummer Jay Weinberg has solidified the band as a force to contend with in the musicianship category. Corey Taylor screams and growls like a death metal veteran, and the rest of the band contributes to the chaos and noise that is Slipknot. Guaranteed, you’ll be screaming the chorus to this song in no time.
MUNICIPAL WASTE – “Sadistic Magician” (2007)
This great thrash metal band came out with The Art of Partying in 2007, a time when metal just wasn’t that exciting. Municipal Waste is the epitome of everything great about thrash metal. They are heavy and fast with elements of hardcore punk, and have never taken themselves too seriously (as seen in the video). Even with their tongue-in-cheek humor, there was always an underlying sociopolitical message in their music.
ROB DELL’AQUILA – HRD Music Scout
THE POODLES – “Metal Will Stand Tall” (2006)
This call to arms for the metal world, from their debut album by the same name, was my introduction to The Poodles. Formed by singer Jakob Samuel, this glam metal band from Sweden enters this hit on a funky riff before building to thrilling choruses layered with harmony. They have gone on to release five more studio albums since, each packed with great material.
SONATA ARCTICA – “Full Moon” (1999)
From their 1999 debut album, Ecliptica, Sonata Arctica took the power metal world by storm with this hit song. Founder Tony Kakko shines on vocals, and the rest of the band rollicks through the piece with power and grace. The entire debut album was re-recorded a couple years ago in celebration of the band’s fifteenth anniversary. Ecliptica – Revisited boasts the same track listing (with one bonus song).
CHRIS HERZEGOVITCH – HRD Music Scout
APOCALYPTICA (Feat. Corey Taylor) – “I’m Not Jesus” (2007)
Apocalyptica is a metal band who achieves their guitar sound though it’s classical equivalent – the cello. Precise, hard-driving rhythms abound to set the brooding theme. Bristling, powerful vocals drive the resentful message home courtesy of guest vocalist Corey Taylor (Slipknot, Stone Sour). This track comes from their 2007 release, Worlds Collide.
CHRIS MAHONEY PROJECT – “Rebirth” (2005)
I received a preview/demo disc with “Rebirth” on it while attending a NYC show with Joe Satriani and Eric Johnson in 2005. What a great surprise to hear such a (then-new) high quality talent, especially coming from that show. Mahoney’s guitar sings a great melody with a fresh style that captures the essence of Satriani and Steve Vai. Mahoney, who hails from Poughkeepsie, NY, has shared the stage with Vai, Al DiMiola, Gov’t Mule, Stryper and Blue Oyster Cult (among others). Check out his other work as well.
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