Hard Rock Music Time Machine – 11/9/17

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.

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)

URIAH HEEP – “Stealin'” (1973)

There are only a handful of bands that have enjoyed the longevity of Uriah Heep.  It’s hard to think of another band whose career has spanned almost five decades, has released 25 studio albums, and still flies under the radar of many hard rock fans.  Despite their expansive catalog and lengthy career, Uriah Heep only has two songs that have gotten regular airplay in the U.S.

After releasing two albums in 1972, Uriah Heep followed it up with their sixth studio release (Sweet Freedom) in 1973.  The album’s biggest hit (by far) was “Stealin’.”

The atmospheric keyboard playing of Ken Hensley combined with the dramatic pulse of Gary Thain’s bass sets the tone for David Byron bring the storyline to life with his emotive vocals.  Like the Rolling Stones, Uriah Heep uses the beauty of female backing vocals to add another layer of depth to the song.  Mick Box’s bluesy guitar riffs and Lee Kerslake’s driving beat rounds out one of classic rock’s all-time great songs.
 

 
UFO – “Doctor Doctor” (1974)

Perhaps starting your band name with the letter “U” in the late ‘60s in London wasn’t the best idea for commercial success.  It’s probably just coincidence, but UFO’s career arc is similar to that of Uriah Heep.  The difference between the two, in terms of recognition, is that UFO had a handful of songs that receive airplay to this day in the United States.  That, and there is one household name to have emerged from the band in guitarist Michael Schenker.  Other than that, UFO is woefully underrated, despite a career that also spans nearly five decades, with 22 studio albums and 14 live albums under their belt.

“Doctor Doctor” is one of two singles to have become staples of classic rock radio from the band’s 1974 release, Phenomenon.  Interestingly, the song never even charted in England when it was released.  It wasn’t until five years later when the band released their highly acclaimed live album, Strangers In The Night, that the song actually became UFO’s first hit.

Not only did they cover “Doctor Doctor,” but Iron Maiden uses the original version over the PA system to cue that they are about to take the stage.  It’s easy to see why.  “Doctor Doctor” has a dramatic, uplifting vibe that gets your blood pumping.  Like many Maiden songs, this song has a galloping bass line that helps drive the pace of this classic.
 

KEVIN GRAYSON – HRD Music Scout

FURYON – “Disappear Again” (2010)

Furyon (from Brighton, UK) is a band that I to tell people about every time that I get a chance.  They’re not really known that well in the states.  With influences that range from Alter Bridge to Soundgarden to Dream Theater, these guys just plain rock!  In my opinion, they should be getting radio airplay, and should be popularr as a band like Shinedown. “Disappear Again” is off of their debut album, Gravitas.  The band has released two albums to date; both are the kind of albums that you will play over and over again.
 

 
SPIRALARMS – “Dropping Like Flies” (2013)

Spiralarms (from East Bay, California) is a band formed by two friends that have known each other since the age of 15…guitarist Craig Locicero (from the Thrash metal band Forbidden), and vocalist Tim Narducci (from the hard rock band Systematic).  Together, they are making some really catchy tunes with a gritty and groovy sound.  At times Narducci sounds similar to Jeff Keith of Tesla.  The band’s overall sound reminds me of Clutch. “Dropping Like Flies” is from Spiralarms’ Freedom album.