"30 OF MY BIGGEST MUSICAL INFLUENCE'S Pt. II OF III"Aug 04 '01 Write an essay on this topic.The Bottom Line Pt. II of my biggest musical influences. Once again, I find myself needing to profess my love and devotion to those that have touched my heart and soul...all through the artistry of music. I hope you all enjoy. A Labor Of Love NO. 11-20 11. THIN LIZZY-"GENOCIDE(KILLING OF THE BUFFALO)"(taken from "Chinatown") The brilliance of a true genius is his ability to bare his soul and expose the demons that constantly torment him...Philip Parris Lynott was such a man. Bassist and lead vocalist for the legendary Thin Lizzy, lived, sacrificed and lost his life to rock n' roll. Formed in Ireland in 1970, Thin Lizzy embarked on an amazing career that would last 13 years and garner them a place in rock n' roll history. Most remembered for their biggest hit "The Boys Are Back In Town", Lizzy was more than a so called "one hit wonder"...they were hard, heavy, rough and mean. A bar brawling, street tough gang with a penchant for fast living, fueled their musical sound and established them as one of the best live hard rock acts of the 70's. Lynott's ability to write songs about the ups and downs of fame, separation from loved ones, sentimental musings of lost love and the inner struggles of his bouts with drug and alcohol abuse, helped Thin Lizzy to connect with their audience's on a personal level. Much success came their way...and so did the distractions that come along with fame. Lizzy began to deteriorate as a band, when Phil Lynott's heroin habit became more important than the music. Lizzy's music suffered...and their status as superstar's came into question. With the release of less than incredible material, lacking record sales and lingering drug problems, Lizzy sadly disbanded in 1983. Caught in the grips of his dependencies, Phil Lynott lost everything...his family, his money, his friends and his life. Philip Parris Lynott died on Jan. 4th, 1985...his body finally succumbed to his abusive lifestyle. 12. GWAR-"SEX COW"(taken from "Carnival Of Chaos") This spinning orb of excrement and festering human filth...is now home to a group of intergalactic mercenaries, known as GWAR. Gore, guts, the senseless slaughter of mankind, the ingestion of large quantities of drugs and through the guidance of Sleazy P. Martini...their f*ckin' manager, GWAR has literally annihilated their audiences with their outrageous stage shows and ferocious musical onslaughts of mayhem and debauchery. Now that that's been said, GWAR is actually a group of multi talented musicians that hail from Richmond Virginia. Their twisted, morbid and tasteless(depends on who you ask)form of entertainment is highly satirical and big on theatrics. GWAR took the theatrical spectacle that "KISS" and "Alice Cooper" created and mutated it into a full blown orgy of death and destruction. It all began in 1982...originally a punk trio named "Death Piggy", founding member Dave Brockie incorporated costumes and theatrical elements into the mix and renamed the band GWAR.. With ever changing line ups and added characters, GWAR became a big production that focused on attacking the right winged, political correct attitudes of the 80's with blistering harsh tunes and gruesome displays of sexual depravity, violent acts of decapitation, disembowelment and the spilling of bodily fluids...all in the name of good clean fun. Musically, GWAR exhibits a diverse spectrum of talent...they are capable of playing many styles of music...metal, country, punk, surf, thrash...and perform all of these styles like the seasoned veterans they are...with intensity, energy and raw aggression. Lyrically, they are offensive, foul, vulgar and pretty damn funny as well. GWAR mocks the depravity and sickness that exists in our society...and does so mercilessly. Nothing is sacred with GWAR...so let the bloodshed begin. 13. THE REPLACEMENTS-"I DON'T KNOW"(taken from "Pleased To Meet Me") In 1980, Minneapolis' greatest garage band was born. Fueled by an unbridled energy that was raw, sloppy and brilliant, The Replacements raucous and irreverent attitudes, made them local favorites. Their earlier recorded material was filled with the youthful angst and fast, rebellious ranting's against authority. As their career flourished, so did their talents...they became musically tighter and their lyrical skills became more defined and meaningful, on many levels. The Replacements were growing up and their reflections on their past youth and hell raising heydays, were sentimental and connected well with both critics and fans. Paul Westerberg's lyrical musings and observations, were insightful and profound. The band grew musically, but also grew apart. They have released 8 official studio recordings. Never getting enough of their favorite band, The Replacements diehard followers have circulated many live bootleg releases, as well. In 1990, The Replacements split and went their separate ways. Westerberg has released two solo albums and is working on his third. Drummer Chris Mars released one solo album, that I'm aware of. Bassist and vocalist Tommy Stinson, formed "Bash And Pop" and "Perfect". I highly recommend you get your hands on their high energy, back to basics material. 14. DEAD BOYS-"3RD GENERATION NATION"(taken from "We Have Come For Your Children") The obnoxious, demented and perverse Dead Boys, formed in Cleveland in 1975, under the name "Frankenstein". After meeting up with Joey Ramone, they got an audition to play at New York's CBGB's and changed their name to the Dead Boys. They played regularly at CBGB's and quickly established a reputation as being outrageous, hyper active and dangerously unpredictable. Lead verbal abuser, Stiv Bators, would rile the audience and provoke them into a frenzy. His stage antics were reminiscent of Iggy Pop, but more brutal and self sacrificing. Stiv would nearly hang himself with the mic chord, more than once and crack his head open, to the delight of the fans. Backed up by guitarists Cheetah Chrome and Jimmy Zero and bassist Jeff Magnum and drummer Johnny Blitz, Stiv was free to go psycho. The stage became a playground for chaos and Stiv was the fiercest punk there was. The Dead Boys epitomized what punk rock was all about..."F*ck Art, Lets Rock" was their motto and the raw, frenetic energy they cranked out, was uncorrupted and pure. They meant what they said, because they lived what they sang about. With the release of their debut classic..."Young Loud And Snotty", the Dead Boys toured with the "Damned" and soon would record and release "We Have Come For Your Children". Always surrounded by controversy...their views on sex, drugs and violence were less than admired, but the one song that clearly caused them grief from the mainstream was "Son Of Sam". A song that described the madness of David Berkowitz and the terror he instilled in N.Y.C., it was in true Dead Boy flare...they wrote about what was relevant, not what was safe. After recording a live album, the band broke up and went their separate ways. Stiv formed "Lords Of the New Church" with ex-Damned guitarist Brian James. They released three studio albums to their credit. In 1990, Stiv Bators died, after being hit by a car in Paris. He is one of my biggest idol's and I am thankful for the music...he is legend, he is Stiv and he is gone. R.I.P. 15. ANTHRAX-"I AM THE LAW"(taken from "Among The Living") The kings of thrash, Anthrax formed in 1981 in Queens, N.Y. Hooking up with the grand exalted one of metal, Mr. Jon Zazula, he managed them and signed them to his record company...Megaforce Records. With their first release..."Fistful Of Metal", with original line up Neil Turbin, Dan Lilker, Scott Ian, Dan Spitz and Charlie Benante, they forged ahead, becoming one of the premier thrash/speed metal acts. Fellow labelmates...Metallica, would outshine Anthrax in popularity, but musically, Anthrax is more superior in attitude and energy. Creatively, Anthrax has contributed greatly to music...mixing differing musical genre's, to create a whole new one. Their rap infused satirical "I'm The Man", is a classic example of the beginnings of the now present rap/metal influx. Limp Bizkit and the like, owe their career's to Anthrax. Anthrax joined forces with N.Y. Rap master's Public Enemy and added some fire and blistering guitar work to P.E.'s classic "Bring The Noise". Anthrax broke down barrier's and united many factions of the music scene. Punk, rap, metal...even comic book character's moshed their way into the Anthrax vision. Long time vocalist Joey Belladonna was replaced by the great John Bush, formally from "Armored Saint", in 1992 and long time guitar wizard Dan Spitz departed their ranks in 1993. With several multi platinum selling releases to their credit, Anthrax are still going strong. 16. THE DAMNED-"THE GIRL GOES DOWN"(taken from "Anything") The first British punk band to sign a record deal and release a full length album, the Damned never pigeon holed themselves into one genre. Unlike their compatriot's of disillusionment, the Damned were musicians that could play their instruments...and play them well. The Damned was a band of eclectic individuals, that embraced the punk attitude, but not necessarily its scene...they were their own scene. Ex-gravedigger and lead vocalist, Dave Vanian resembled an eerie and malevolent vampire, who was ready to rip out your throat and draw blood. Their lovable and twisted bass player Captain Sensible, would perform dressed in women's garments, such as nurse's uniforms, or no uniform at all. Guitarist Brian James' insidious and intimidating presence, was only equaled by his loud, frenetic and blistering guitar playing. Rat Scabies' fondness for setting his drum kit on fire and gobbing(spitting) at the audience, only added to their madness. Throughout the years, the Damned's existence was always in question...with several break up's and reforming's, they still managed to record and release some very diverse and creative material, that drifted into the gothic realm. The Damned sound constantly evolved. With the use of keyboards, it became more melodic and moody, but their punk attitude was always prevalent. The Damned have completed their 9th official release..."Grave Disorder", due to hit stores in August. Check em out...or be Damned! 17. ALICE COOPER-"THE WORLD NEEDS GUTS"(taken from "Constrictor") You could lock him away in a mental asylum, electrocute him, hang him by the neck, or decapitate him...the baddest, meanest villain of rock n' roll would never die. Vincent Furnier's morbid alter ego, was unstoppable. He was rock n' roll's excessive and out of control lifestyle personified. Alice Cooper's theatrical exploits are legendary and some are just pure myth. Once accused of killing a chicken on stage...he threw one into the audience and they tore it to shreds, but this kind of misinterpreted publicity would last throughout his career and fuel his reputation as being the vilest and meanest man in rock. Alice's creative blend of the macabre, twisted black humor and intense heavy doses of rock n' roll overload, made him one of the biggest draws in music. To me, Alice is a genius. His lyrical talents are quite impressive...the subject matter he chooses to delve in and the manner in which he expresses himself is intelligent, satirical and believable. Murder, madness, sex, horror, debauchery...and loud rock n' roll. Alice took his sideshow of noise into middle America and met with much contention from religious organizations, to ban him from playing their towns. Controversial, horrific and one big joke that only his fan's could truly appreciate, Alice Cooper's career has lasted well over 30 years and he is still going strong. Alice opened up a sports bar named "Cooperstown", in downtown Phoenix and also host's his own annual golf tournament. Talking about surreal, the most feared man in music now wears plaid pants and swings a golf club, instead of a saber. Alice released 21 studio albums, 2 live recordings, a boxed set, a greatest hits release and in 2000, Alice released one of his most powerful offerings..."Brutal Planet". 18. JUDAS PRIEST-"DISSIDENT AGGRESSOR"(taken from "Sin After Sin") Hailing from Birmingham England, Judas Priest set out to conquer the world and did so in a very big way. In 1971, Priest was a fledgling 4 piece hard rock act, trying to find direction and purpose, but were not sure what it was. In 1974, guitarist K.K. Downing and bassist Ian Hill, replaced their original vocalist with Rob "The Scream" Halford and added second guitarist, Glen Tipton to the mix. Focused and determined to take on the world, Judas Priest created a unique and aggressive sound, that was fierce, loud and filled with energy and emotion. The twin guitar attacks of Tipton and Downing were musically diverse and complimentary to their sound. Halford's ear splitting, high decibel wails, ripped and roared with a power that is unequaled to this day. Black leather, spikes, chains and the roar of the Harley, Judas Priest led the way as one of the most influential bands of the metal scene. Their earlier material was more complex in structure and composition. "The Ripper", "Genocide", Hellbent For Leather", "Victim Of Changes" and "Beyond The Realms Of Death", focused on their musical genius and virtuosity. Metal was an art form that was gaining popularity within the mainstream and this is all due to Judas Priest's success. In later years, this popularity, tarnished their writing skills and they lost focus on what their true fans craved...the power and rage that is Judas Priest. Mainstream acceptance dictated their sound and direction..."Living After Midnight" and "Breaking the Law" were weak and candy coated attempts in gaining a wider audience and more radio exposure. I am still a big fan of Judas Priest and I over look this desperate time in their career. Rob Halford left the band to pursue a solo career and the mighty Priest still rocks and roars, with new singer Ripper Owens. Metal Rules Folks!!! 19. MISFITS-"HATEBREEDERS"(taken from "Walk Among Us") Lodi, New Jerseys own macabre punkster's, the Misfits incorporated their love for horror and sci-fi cheese movies with punk, creating raw, aggressive descents into blackness, that assault the ears and eyes. Led by Glenn Danzig, the Misfits encompassed all that was grim, dark and foreboding...and did so in less than 2 minutes. Fast, loud and abrasive, the Misfits became legends in their own time. A concept band of sorts, their image was all their own...brandishing leather, black eye make-up and greasing their hair forward, creating a pointed obstruction that hung down their face...the devilock, and skeleton gloves. They took the image of a 1946 movie serial character called "The Crimson Ghost" as their mascot and this added to their mystique and appeal. They were menacing and malevolent...in both sound and lyric. Themes that were sinister in nature and satanic in implication, the Misfits fell in a class all their own. Danzig called it a day and quit the band, to pursue a solo career, which has overshadowed his former band, but the Misfits continue their onslaught of horrific excursions into the black and dark places of the soul. They have Influenced countless bands that have taken their concept further than imagined, but there is still only one Misfits. They are currently looking for a new lead singer and drummer...but the Crimson Ghost will soon rear his ugly head once again. 20. TALKING HEADS-"ONCE IN A LIFETIME"(taken from "Stop Making Sense") More sedate in approach and sound, the Talking Heads had musical abilities that were far superior, to those that comprised the punk scene of the time. Playing support slots for the Ramones at CBGB's, their reputation as a vital musical force was established. Not to be classified as punk, they were avant garde, artsy fartsy rockers with attitude and a quirky groove... individualistic in idea and inventiveness. Focusing on tight tempo changes, odd guitar tunings and pulsing rhythm patterns, the Talking Heads infused jazz, rock, r& b and dramatic performance art together, creating the beginnings of the new wave movement. They scored several hits throughout their career..."Psycho Killer", "Burning Down The House", "Once In A Lifetime", "Take Me To The River", "Life During Wartime", "And She Was" and "Wild Wild Life". Each differed in style, to a degree, but one thing was forever constant...the impeccable and distinct voice of David Byrne. Byrne was the consummate showman and voice of the Heads...all eyes focused on him and him alone. Bassist and drummer Tina Weymouth and Chris Franz delved into the dance/hip-hop scene...calling themselves "Tom Tom Club". The Talking Heads recorded "Naked" in 1988 and soon drifted apart as a musical force. "Tom Tom Club's" newest release is "The Good, The Bad And The Funky". David Byrne has been quite busy since the break-up...he has recorded 11 solo albums, which includes the soundtrack to the film "The Last Emperor". Definitely one of a kind, Talking Heads kicked down the barriers and certainly contributed to creating an open mindedness, creative attitude and approach, to what music is all about...feeling and expression. This is part II...a long time waiting, but see how long part III takes. CHEERS YOU LOT!  |
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