Going back and re-reading what I wrote about Joe Satriani’s debut album, “Not of This Earth,” I now wished even more that I had listened to that album before his all time great classic, “Surfing With the Alien.” This is because I think that Joe takes what he did on the debut album and finely polishes it to make this blinder of an album. It is only since listening the albums in chronological order that I notice the natural progression from a very good album to a epic one.
What furthers my argument behind how great “Surfing With the Alien” is is the fact that the opening title track is my all time favourite instrumental song. I love how the guitar hook at the beginning just suckers you in and then keeps you focused with the sudden changes in tempo and guitar licks. If one could point to any song which establishes Joe as a guitar god, it would be this one in my not so humble opinion.
On both of the albums I have mentioned, while the attention is paid to Joe’s amazing ability to shred, he supports his shredding with some great bass and rhythm guitar lines. Note: “Satch Boogie” is the only track he had an actual drummer play on, the rest he used a drum machine. With that small point put aside, his bass and rhythm guitar support is definitely present on the second track, “Ice 9.” The thumping bass line lends good support to his shredding. Then he goes total metal on “Crushing Day.” For me, this is the hidden gem of the track because everything I have already mentioned is present on this track many fold. Oh, did I say that he really shreds on this one too?
Not that anyone needs me to site proof of this but Joe’s versatility and the fact that he’s not afraid to boldly go where no guitarist has gone before comes in the form of the slower, melancholy (in a good way) track “Always With You.” Repeating myself here but his shredding is phenomenal but what is even more interesting is how its supported by intricate acoustic guitar work. Then he goes totally metal on the single, “Satch Boogie.” What I didn’t know is that it was released as a single in the US and went to number 22 in the charts! Shame it didn’t do that in the UK, although I can say that Joe did have a legion of loyal fans in Britain. This is a great metal guitar boogie if there ever was one.
“Hill of the Skull” is a short, foreboding little number which would be great for a suspenseful scene in a movie. “Circles” is a lighter number which starts with some acoustic playing before going mad with a rip roaring guitar solo in the middle and then going back again at the end. “Lords of Kharma” is brought in with a suspenseful guitar hook and goes even more so with the Joes’ shredding. This track could have been used in a horror scene when the girl is just about to open the door to the psycho killer maniac and the ensuing chase scene. The end of the track can be when the maniac is eventually killed at the end of the movie. Steven King, are you reading this?
The short acoustic sounding piece, “Midnight,” opens the door to the closer, “Echo.” I love how the bass here stamps its authority while Joe shreds away on it. And the way he shreds makes it a great closer.
Track Listing:
- Surfing With the Alien
- Crushing Day
- Crushing Day
- Always With You
- Satch Boogie
- Hill of the Skull
- Circles
- Lords of Kharma
- Midnight
- Echo
Joe Satriani
Joe Satriani- guitars, bass, keyboards, drum programming, percussion
Jeff Campitelli- drums, percussion
No further convincing is needed, “Surfing With the Alien” established Joe Satriani as the guitar god he has become. I really can’t say much more.
On a personal note, back in January, I asked for your thoughts, prayers and vibes for my step granddaughter Paisley who had to go through several surgeries after being born with an unattached bowel. I am happy to say that the operations were all successful and as you can see from the photo below, Paisley is a healthy, happy four month old. Again, I thank you all for your support.
Next post: Anvil- Pound for Pound
To buy Rock and Roll Children, email me at: tobychainsaw@hotmail.com
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