Great Rock/Metal Albums of 1987: Beastie Boys- Licensed to Ill

Aerosmith’s collaboration with rap group Run DMC on “Walk This Way” not only helped to rejuvenate Aerosmith’s career but it opened a path for rap music to be accepted by white American listeners. Before this, rap had a bad rap in middle class white suburbia on two counts. First, the religious groups cited the highly sexualized lyrics in some rap song but on top of that, many racists pushed the myth that rap music was all about encouraging black people to rise up and murder all white people. If the “Walk This Way” collaboration didn’t dispel this myth, then the debut album, “Licensed to Ill,” from the Beastie Boys definitely did.

Even before the album came out, I remember seeing a brief interview with the Beasties Boys who made the claim that they were the ‘white boys of rap.’ At the time, I found that statement amusing. However, it was when they played the first big hit, “Fight For Your Right” at the local Friday night metal spot, where I discovered them in true form. That song was groundbreaking in a lot of ways, especially remembering how metalheads all got into the song. It was the same with the second single, “No Sleep till Brooklyn,” which the band claim is a parody of Motorhead’s “No Sleep to Hammersmith.” Both of the songs put the genre we now call ‘rap metal’ on the heavy metal map. The fact that Kerry King of Slayer played guitar on both tracks might have had something to do with it as well.

“Licensed to Ill” is nothing short of one big rap metal party. The Beastie Boys have a unique rap style which sets them apart, even after all these years. The lyrics in the songs don’t take themselves seriously. One track, which I wasn’t sure of at first, “Slow Ride,” is a classic example. Lyrics seem to be about about forgetting the hassles of school and work and just getting down and partying. I like how they throw in lyrics from other famous tunes in. On this particular track, they swipe a line from Steve Miller Band’s hit, “Take the Money and Run,” where they “get high and watch the tube.” Furthermore, on the track, “Posse in Effect,” they sing they’re smoking in the boys room. Gee, I wonder where they got that from.

As always the case with me, I have discovered hidden gems. The two which really stick out are “She’s Crafty” and “Girls.” I can’t explain why but I really like them. Maybe with “She’s Crafty,” it’s about being with a woman who’s manipulative but you don’t want to end the relationship with her. I was with someone like that many many years ago. Another song, which was released as a single, is “Paul Revere.” Warning, this is not a historical tribute to the man who rode through Massachusetts in 1775 shouting, “The British are coming!” It’s about a guy travelling around looking for a place to drink beer. That and the other tracks are simply the sense of humour that is the Beastie Boys.

Track Listing:

1. Rhymin’ and Stealin’
2. The New Style
3. She’s Crafty
4. Posse in Effect
5. Slow Ride
6. Girls
7. Fight For Your Right
8. No Sleep till Brooklyn
9. Paul Revere
10. Hold It Now, Hit It
11. Brass Monkey
12. Slow and Low
13. Time to Get Ill

Beastie Boys

Mike D- vocals, drums

MCA- vocals, bass

Ad-Rock- vocals, guitar

Additional Musicians

Kerry King- guitar on tracks 7 and 8

Nelson Kreene Carse- trombone

Danny Lipman- trumpet

Tony Orbach- tenor saxophone

“License to Kill” had a huge impact on the metal world. For one, it meant that even rednecks could listen to rap music and enjoy it. As for the rest of the world, metal or not, it was just a fantastic album all could get into.

Next post: The Cult- Electric

To buy Rock and Roll Children, email me at: tobychainsaw@hotmail.com

Rest in Peace Joey Jordison, Mike Howe and Dusty Hill

Joey Jordison

Mike Howe

Upon my return from my trip to Cleethorpes, I was saddened to discover the passing of not one but two great metal icons. First was Slipnot drummer and founding member Joey Jordison who passed away at only 46. The cause of death has not been released at this time. Second is the passing of former Metal Church singer Mike Howe, he was 55. Like Joey, the cause of his death has not been announced. Still, this plus the death of Helix’s Don Simmons and now I’ve discovered that ZZTop legend Dusty Hill has also passed away, I think we can all say that this week totally sucks!

Dusty Hill

Rest in peace Joey, Mike and Dusty.

In attempt to not let things be a total bummer, I will continue the circle of life. Here’s some photos of my granddaughter Juliana who was born last week.

Juliana Elisabeth Kendra LeFevre

Great Rock/Metal Albums of 1987: Aerosmith- Permanent Vacation

It has been said that “Permanent Vacation” was Aerosmith’s true comeback album. I agree. “Done With Mirrors” let the world know that Aerosmith had not gone away and their 1986 collaboration with RunDMC on their classic song, “Walk This Way,” gained them access to a new generation of listeners, but it was this 1987 album where people could truly say, “Aerosmith were back!”

It is the quality of this album is what truly made Aerosmith’s return to the limelight possible. They remembered that swagger which brought them so much success in the 1970s and brought it to “Permanent Vacation.” It can also be noted that this was the first album where song writers outside the band contributed, although only for the first three songs. Still, having the likes of Desmond Child, Holly Knight and Jim Vallance can’t hurt as all of them were respected song writers.

“Permanent Vacation” also gave Aerosmith three singles in the form of “Rag Doll,” “Dude Looks Like a Lady” and “Angel.” Not one to judge an album by the singles, I have to admit that all three of these songs are brilliant. Though I only remember “Dude Looks Like a Lady” being played when I saw them at Download in 2017. Still, “Rag Doll” is still full of swagger and pizazz, something the band had lacked for many years. You can’t help moving your head along to it. “Angel,” the power ballad on the album, is also good. My first thought was that this might have been a good closer song but it’s okay where it is.

Download 2017, Aerosmith rocks!

So, that brings me to the obvious question: What about the rest of the album? There are many candidates for hidden gem on this album but the award goes to “Simoriah.” That song has the swagger but is still the heaviest song on the album and Joe Perry does nail one great guitar solo on it. However, it did have some stiff competition from “Magic Touch” and “St. John.” Both are great songs and “Hangman Jury,” with its rockabilly feel, is also a great song. But while there are so many great songs on the album, I do have one criticism. I might have been tempted to end the album with the title track. The last two songs, “I’m Down,” which is a Beatles cover and “The Movie” don’t really need to be on the album. They’re not bad songs but they don’t measure up, in my opinion, to the rest of the songs on the album. On the plus side, however, they in no way spoil my enjoyment of this album.

Track Listing:

1. Heart’s Done Time
2. Magic Touch
3. Rag Doll
4. Simoriah
5. Dude Looks Like a Lady
6. St. John
7. Hangman Jury
8. Girl Keeps Coming Apart
9. Angel
10. Permanent Vacation
11. I’m Down
12. The Movie

Aeormith

Steve Tyler- vocals

Joe Perry- lead guitar

Brad Whitford- rhythm guitar, lead guitar on track 8, 10 and 12

Thomas Hamilton- bass

Joey Kramer- drums

No arguments from me, with “Permanent Vacation,” Aerosmith were well and truly back. The songs on this album are just so good. With the album title in mind, I will be going on my own vacation. Mrs 80smetalman and I are off to Cleethorpes for the week to look after her two granddaughters. There will be no postings for at least one week.

Also, late news in, I’m a grandfather again! My daughter in law, Ela, my son Will’s wife gave birth to a baby girl. So please join me in welcoming to the world, Juliana Elisabeth Kendra LeFevre. Photos to follow.

Next post: Beastie Boys- License to Ill

To buy Rock and Roll Children, email me at: tobychainsaw@hotmail.com

Great Soundtracks of 1987: The Secret of My Success

According to recent jargon, Mrs. 80smetalman and I have been ‘pinged.’ Three days ago, we had notification that we had been in contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid. As a result, we both have to self-isolate for a week. While, they won’t make the location of this contact known, we speculate it was at our local Starbucks as that’s the only place in recent days we went to together and used our Track and Trace apps. Fortunately, I will still get basic pay from work but I will lose out on the payments for “sleep ins’ nor will be able to undertake substitute teaching early next week. It’s a bit of a bummer, although it has given me time to make the front yard look tidy and post this a day early.

If it wasn’t for Night Ranger and their “Big Life” album, I wouldn’t have posted any soundtracks for 1987. However, the song from that album, which bears the same name of the film, prompted me to look at the soundtrack and seeing some of the songs on it, I thought I would give it a go. Now that I’ve heard the soundtrack to “The Secret of My Success,” I can now post about it and I can say that this is simply a typical 1980s film soundtrack. The Night Ranger sung title track leads it off and is a good way to open the album. It’s not the best song on the soundtrack but decent enough. However, the second song is a bit of a disappointment as someone who loved Pat Benatar in the early 1980s. When I heard “Sometimes the Good Guys Finish First,” I had to check again to make sure it was Pat who was actually singing. It’s an 80s synth pop song and I keep asking, “Pat, how could you sing something like this?”

On the subject of 80s soundtracks, there is nothing more indicative of it here than on the power ballad “Don’t Ask the Reason” by Restless Heart. When I heard the opening notes, I expected Peter Cetera of Chicago fame to start singing. Saying that, it’s not a bad song, an okay ballad to say the least. However, there is a hidden gem and one semi-hidden gem. I’ll start with the semi one, which is “The Price of Love” by Roger Daltrey. Most people will agree that Roger’s voice is legendary and he lends that voice to the song. It is also helped by the fact that this is not an 80s synth pop song, especially with the horn arrangement which is done very well. The real hidden gem comes in the form of the closer, “Heaven and Heartaches,” by little known UK heavy metal band Taxxi. This song is a complete rocker and if I had known about it back in the day, I would have explored the band more.

As for the rest of the soundtrack, there is another ballad by Danny Peck and Nancy Shanks, whoever they are, but that doesn’t really do anything for me. There is also one from Bananarama, which isn’t bad, it’s far better than their chart song from that time, “Love in the First Degree” and has a cool guitar solo but it doesn’t make me want to check out their archives. There is also some instrumentals from producer David Foster on it which act as a good bridge between the songs. My verdict: “The Secret of My Success” has some good songs on it but overall, I wouldn’t call it bad but it’s nothing to get excited about.

Track Listing:

1. Night Ranger- The Secret of My Success

Pat Benatar

2. Pat Benatar- Sometimes the Good Guys Finish First

3, Danny Peck and Nancy Shanks- I burn for you

4. Bananarama- Risking a Romance

5. David Foster- Gazebo

Roger Daltrey

6. Roger Daltrey- The Price of Love

7. David Foster- Water Fountain

8. Restless Heart- Don’t Ask the Reason Why

9. David Foster- 3 Themes

Taxxi- Heaven and Heartache

10. Taxxi- Heaven and Heartaches

To this day, it still amuses me how soundtracks in the 80s tried to bring on songs from many genres of rock in order to incorporate interest. That formula is never more clearer than the soundtrack to “The Secret of My Success.” It has at least one song that most people will like.

Now to further prove my insanity, I have an idea for a horror film:

Chucky

Versus

Anabelle

Yes, it’s “Chucky vs. Anabelle!” What do people think, a box office sensation?

Next post: Aerosmith- Permanent Vacation

To buy Rock and Roll Children, email me at: tobychainsaw@hotmail.com

Rest in Peace Jeff LaBar

Jeff LaBar

Again, more sad news with another metal passing. I have learned that Cinderella guitarist Jeff LaBar has passed away at the age of 58. Cause of death is still undetermined. With Cinderella being from Philadelphia, I was especially into them and was even more glad when they played Donnington 1987 and gained a huge following of metalheads in the UK. Fellow band members and guitarists have been paying their tributes to him.

FFI: https://www.metalsucks.net/2021/07/15/cinderella-members-famous-metal-and-hard-rock-musicians-react-to-the-death-of-jeff-labar/

Cinderella

Rest in peace Jeff.

More Songs From 1987

Starship

To be perfectly blunt, I never liked the song. I’m talking about “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” by Starship. It was their only number one single, at least in the UK. When it was shown on “Top of the Pops” in the Spring of 1987, a friend of mine who was with me in the college bar stated, “They’ve come a long way down from Woodstock.” I had to agree with him, especially since two years prior, they ceased to be my favourite band after the departure of Paul Kantner, who took the Jefferson name with him. However, this song does have meaning in my life. When my then fiance and I announced to the world we were getting married, we did get quite a bit of opposition from parents on both sides. As a result, my fiance adopted it as our theme song because we were determined to be married and did so and remained married for 13 years. I did try to get a local radio station to play it for our 8th anniversary but the station said they didn’t do phone requests. So, while I don’t really like the song, it still has significance in my life.

One song I forgot to mention from my “One Hit Wonders of 1987” was “Barcelona,” which was a collaboration between Freddie Mercury, whom you all know from Queen and Spanish operatic soprano Monserrat Cabelle. I didn’t realize that the two had put out an entire album but the song was very good and showed that Freddie could stretch his voice to do some amazing things.

Geno White

While I was in England, my sister sent me a sample from a local New Jersey guitarist by the name of Geno White. Geno has played around the world and has appeared on stage with the likes of Carmine Appice and I can say that he’s a bitchin’ guitarist. Actually, my sister said it but I have to agree with her. You can have a look at his website here. If you look at his photos, you might be impressed with some of the people he has met:

https://genowhite.com/the-music

Next post: Soundtrack- The Secret of My Success

To buy Rock and Roll Children, email me at: tobychainsaw@hotmail.com

1987: Triumphs and Near Tragedies

First, let’s start with the near tragedy which occurred in 1987. Those who have been following me for awhile might remember when I made a similar post for 1986, criminal charges were brought against Dead Kennedys lead singer, Jello Biafra, for distributing harmful material to minors on account of a photo on the inner sleeve of the “Frankenchrist” album. Even today, I still believe in Kerrang’s (the mag didn’t suck back then) assertion that the US legal system was prosecuting Biafra because they believed that since his record company was such a small one, they wouldn’t have the resources to fight. Then, after securing a conviction on him, they would have a legal precedent in order to go after bands like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Twisted Sister and of course, arch nemesis, Ozzy. Fortunately, seven members of the jury didn’t play ball and after a 7-5 deadlock in favour of Biafra, a mistrial was declared and charges were dropped.

Dead Kennedys

While Jello Biafra escaped prison, the legal costs had an adverse effect resulting in the Dead Kennedys disbanding later in the year. As a result of the trial, Jello Biafra has become a spoken word artists and an active campaigner for First Amendment rights in America. He was nominated for president by the New York state Green Party in 2000 but only received ten delegates at the party’s national convention. Imagine how history would have been different if he had been elected president!

Now onto to the triumph.

It was said that every year at Donnington was better than all of the previous years. For, me in 1987, I can definitely say this was the case. Dio and Anthrax on the same bill was reason enough for me to go. The addition of Metallica, WASP and Cinderella were just added bonuses. True, Bon Jovi was the headliner and they did a decent job but they weren’t the band I was there to see. Although I did think it was great that they brought Dee Snider, Paul Stanley and Bruce Dickinson out to sing with them on covers of CCR’s “Travelling Band” and the Grand Funk Railroad classic, “We’re an American Band.” Dio and Anthrax were the best bands on the day but I would probably say that. Cinderella played well as an opening act and I was quite pleasantly surprised by WASP. I hate to say this but Metallica failed to live up to my expectation on the day. It could have been because they didn’t open with “Battery” However, it was a great day!

Unfortunately, the Tubes of You aren’t featuring any individual songs from any of the bands on the day but full performances are available. They are worth checking out. I did find one song from Dio.

Next post: A few other songs

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Great One Hit Wonders of 1987 and Other Significant Songs

They say you learn something new every day and in my case, every post. After reading the responses from my last post on T’Pau’s “Bridge of Spies” album, I have come to the following conclusion: That T’Pau were to North America what The Hooters were to the UK. Both bands enjoyed some major success in their own countries with albums and charting singles but in regards to the other country, both were just one hit wonders. The Hooters had some great albums in the mid to late 1980s but will only be known in the UK for their single, “Satellite.” Likewise, T’Pau will only be known in the US for “Heart and Soul.” Their biggest single, “China in Your Hand,” went to number one in the UK and several European countries and did hit number 20 in Canada but failed to even chart in the US. That is why I’m kicking things off with T’Pau and “China In Your Hand.”

T’Pau

The Hooters

I think the first one hit wonder is truly a one hit wonder. I remember hearing the song, “Sonic Boom Boy,” from Westworld in the student union bar quite a bit in the early year. I thought it was an amusing rock tune but because it wasn’t metal, I didn’t pursue further at the time. I haven’t heard anything from them since.

This next one could be considered a naff song but it was so amusing then and now that I thought I had to include it here. The song is “Star Trekkin'” by The Firm. No, not the band with Paul Rodgers and Jimmy Page! It’s simply a good laugh and enjoyable if not taken seriously.

The next one still is a dilemma for me after all these years. Back in 1987, it was social suicide for any metalhead to admit that he liked anything other than “Beat It” by Michael Jackson. However, I can boldly declare that I do like the song, “Dirty Diana.” It is a good rock song. My theory is that Michael was a shrewd music businessman. He saw how white rockers ate up that song up when they learned that Eddie Van Halen played the guitar solo on it. Therefore, he knew that if he made at least one song in this vein on an album, people would get it and it worked. I know that much controversy surrounds him still but in 1987, I liked this song.

Spagna

Don’t panic, I won’t post links to either of these songs but I must point out that there were not one but two naff songs in 1987. The most known was Tiffany with “I Think We’re Alone Now,” which went to number one in the US and UK. The other was “Call Me” by Italian singer, Spagna, which went to number two in the UK charts. Both of those songs are the type of annoying songs you want to forget but can’t. Anyway, these are the one hit wonders of 1987.

Next post: Music Happenings of 1987

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Great Rock Albums of 1987: T’Pau- Bridge of Spies

Admittedly, it was the singles which turned my attention to T’Pau and their debut album, “Bridge of Spies,” in 1987. The first single, to dispel one misbelief in history, was “Heart and Soul.” The track did do very well, not only reaching the number four in the charts but it also had me thinking, “This song’s pretty good, not metal but a good rock tune.” At first, the introduction might give the impression that it’s going to be an 80s pop song but once the guitars kick in, you are left with no doubt. It is good song and a good album opener.

No matter what was thought of the album, no one can deny that the colossal single, “China In Your Hand,” was what made T’Pau a household name in late 1987. The amusing thing was that the single version is shortened and when my then wife heard the full album cut, she was a little confused but like me, she grew to like the album version better. I simply love the power chords and the fact that as far as the UK charts was concerned, a good rock song not only made the top ten, it got to number one! The timing was perfect because KISS’s “Crazy Crazy Nights” was disappearing from the charts. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it, trendies!

Five of the first six songs on “Bridge of Spies” were singles, seven were released from the album, including the two mentioned. The other two are the power ballad, “I Will Be With You” and the rather amusingly titled, “Sex Talk.” Reading a little history, Carol Decker said she got the idea for the song on her first trip to New York and saw all the adverts for sex chat lines. She actually called one of the numbers although the details of that conversation aren’t recorded. Still, it shows that T’Pau could get down and dirty while rocking out.

While the first half of the album has the hits, this isn’t one where the second half of the album doesn’t deteriorate. Of course, there is a hidden gem and on this album, it happens to be “Monkey House.” The track is a total rock out but the main reason I like it is because it houses the best guitar solo on the entire album. I can’t find which to the two guitarists play the solo on it, but whoever does nails it. “Valentine,” which was also a single and a cool power ballad, provides the climax. The remaining tracks, while not filler, serve the purpose of taking the album out very nicely. Though I think tracks nine and ten should be the other way around as “Thank You for Goodbye” would be a better pre-closer but only just as “You Give Up” is quite energetic.

No matter which song on the album is mentioned, the factor no one can ignore is the voice of Carol Decker. At the time, she was called a ‘shorter Cyndi Lauper.’ You can have Cyndi, I’ll take Carol’s voice anytime. Hers is a very powerful but versatile voice which fits every song. Another source said she was no Annie Lennox. Of course not, I think she’s better.

Track Listing:

1. Heart and Soul
2. I Will Be With You
3. China In Your Hand
4. Friends Like These
5. Sex Talk
6. Bridge of Spies
7. Monkey House
8. Valentine
9. Thank You For Goodbye
10. You Give Up
11. China In Your Hand (Reprise)

T’Pau

Carol Decker- vocals

Ronnie Rogers- guitar

Taj Wyzgowski- guitar

Michael Chetwood- keyboards

Paul Jackson- bass

Gary Barnacle- tenor sax

Tim Burgess- drums, percussion

Recently, I saw an advert for a cruise where 80s pop acts were providing the entertainment. One of these acts was T’Pau. Yes, they were never a pop act in my opinion but when my daughter does marry her Norwegian fiance and decides to live in Norway, I might have to book a cruise when I would visit her. Hopefully, T’Pau will still be playing and I get to soak up the memories of this album.

Next post: One Hit Wonders of 1987

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