Just over this past Winter, I believe it was sometime in January, I stopped by a “good” neighbors house for a visit. It was early evening, I forget the actual day of the week, however it was arctic cold outside. The visit to see my neighbors went well, good conversation, fine refreshments and an offer I just simply could not refuse. My neighbor friend offered me, a mint in-package, factory sealed, 8-track tape of The Doors “Alive She Cried”. This little gem was also for free too. So, I replied to my neighbor, upon being asked if I wanted this 8-track, “yes, yes, I would like to have it, thank you.” Once it was time to set forth on my journey home, (about a 30 second walk), I tucked this factory sealed 8-track into my leather jacket to protect it from the wind and cold.
Upon my return home, I was a tad bewildered with myself. Why? Why I asked myself. Why did I accept an 8-track tape knowing that there was no way on mother Earth that I could ever possibly play it and enjoy it? Did I accept it for it was free? Did I accept it for it was The Doors? Did I somehow go into some sort of cosmic and chaotic mind loop and think that maybe, just maybe, I was once again in 1981, with the ability to just “plop” the 8-track into my 8-track player waiting for me at home?
I believe the answer is simple. I get so darned crazy for my music I love, that I will jump for joy at the chance to accept any freebie that is Rock & Roll related. Even if the freebie is an item that could never be considered functional or of quality use, heck, if one of my favorite bands is remotely related to the object, I am all over it, thank you very much. Now, is this 8-track of The Doors “Alive She Cried” worth any money? I doubt it is worth much loot at all. My guess would be, say, 2 dollars? Maybe this item is worth, because it is still sealed in it’s original plastic wrapper, 3 dollars? I really do not care about the monetary value of this 8-track at all. It is the novelty of the item, a conversation piece if you will.
I do stare at this 8-track now and again, thinking about how I used to own not one, but two 8-track players when I was in High School. Back then, I was considered the cool “stereo wizard” on my block. Now, this “technology” is considered prehistoric, ancient, dark ages, take your pick. If you were to show an 8-track tape to 100 college seniors today, I bet 100 college seniors would not be able to identify the darn thing. I am satisfied that I did accept this 8-track tape from my neighbor, on that arctic cold night. It is mine now, for me to not be able to play it, only to gaze at it and be reminded of how I really do not miss the “hissing” and “cluncking” sound of the old 8-track players, back in the dark ages.
The late Phil Lynott, of Thin Lizzy, lives on again with the release of Still Dangerous – Live At The Tower Theatre Philadelphia 1977. 32 years later, this concert is still being enjoyed and revered by Metal, Hard Rock and Rock fans and any fan of great Classic Rock. It is obvious to me, that when VH1 Classic Records releases this genre of music now, it tells the world that Heavy Metal never ages. The vocals, song writing and bass playing of the late Phil Lynott will be handed down for generations through CD releases like this. Thin Lizzy, to me, represents the sound of 1970’s Heavy Metal, when this genre was just beginning to evolve and blossom into what it is today. The live music on Still Dangerous is such an essential listen for both young and veteran Metal, Hard Rock and Classic Rock fans around the globe.
Yes, we have a historic time of change in our nation’s history at the moment, it is always a great time to be an American. However, let us not forget, that it was not long ago, when the PMRC, wanted to abolish and strip Heavy Metal from its foundation. Censorship of any kind is very scary inside a democracy. So many bands were on their list, from Twisted Sister to Stryper! I will forever be grateful to Dee Snider, for sticking up for what is right, not backing down to the PMRC and the politicians (yes, Al Gore and his wife Tipper Gore), that wanted to ban and restrict Metal and musical lyrics.
Thunder and Lightning is a Thin Lizzy Hard Rockin’ and Heavy Hittin’ prize. Released in 1983, this is Old School Heavy Metal that is stupendous with every aspect of it’s music. John Sykes and Scott Gorham on guitars are both a sensational listen. The three songs of Cold Sweat, Someday She Is Going To Hit Back and Baby Please Don’t are abundantly impressive to my Rockin’ hungry ears. In my Metal opinion, the purchase of this album is worth it for these three songs alone. With that said, this entire album is vintage Heavy Metal that should be revisited and celebrated.
It is so refreshing, extremely comforting, to know that there are factually dozens of Heavy Metal and Hard Rock bands that MATTER, bashing out their new releases and touring, since the 1970’s and in some instances, the late 1960’s!! So much for critics who cite “shelf life” of Heavy Metal. There are so many legendary Heavy Metal bands out there that are in their 3rd or 4th decade of championing the flag of Metal for all of us Metalheads. I hereby SALUTE the following list of legendary and historical bands that were/still are instrumental in shaping and defining the world of METAL music – as we know it and enjoy it today. I say THANK YOU to these bands! It is my opinion, that these bands are still around today for they are masters of their musical craft. It is my METAL opinion, that each and every one of these bands belongs in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. (some bands on this list already are there). I may miss some bands that should be on this list, however feel free to comment on those bands who belong on this HEAVY METAL & HARD ROCK list and they shall be added. The criteria I am using is: The band is Heavy Metal or Hard Rock * The band has been around since the late 1960’s or 1970’s and still are performing as a band or members are doing solo careers and/or recording new material – the band is current. Here is the list (in no particular order), enjoy:
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