Saturday, August 30, 2014

Saturday Shuffle: III, Hank Jr., Priest, ST, Godsmack


It's a shame I couldn't have had a Hank Sr. song come up to hit the Hank trifecta, but two out of three ain't bad. Things get a bit heavier after that ...


Hank III, “Thunderstorms and Neon Signs.” From the album Risin’ Outlaw (1999). One of several Wayne Hancock songs that III did in his early years, this tune, highly influenced by his grandfather, fits III’s wail perfectly. This version is great, but I think I still prefer the Hancock version which has a little more character.


Hank Jr., “If Heaven Ain’t a Lot Like Dixie.” From the album High Notes (1982). Remember when Hank Jr. wrote songs instead of grabbing his guitar and stepping up on a soapbox? Ah, those were the good old days. This is a song where I can wholeheartedly agree with him … well, maybe not about the Grand Ole Opry these days.


Judas Priest, “Prisoner of Your Eyes.” From the album Screaming for Vengeance (1982). I’ve always thought that Screaming for Vengeance was the album where Judas Priest went full-on metal. Certainly, there were elements before, but there was still a lot of ’70s rock left in there, too. Unfortunately, that transition also included the generic power ballad. This is the weak point of the album.


Suicidal Tendencies, “Feel Like Shit … Déjà vu.” From the album Feel Like Shit … Déjà vu (1989). This sort-of album, sort-of EP largely seems to get overlooked in discussions about Suicidal Tendencies, but I’ve always loved it. The title track is one of those great raging anthems that Mike Muir does so well.


Godsmack, “Asleep.” From the album The Other Side (2004). Godsmack’s acoustic album was surprisingly enjoyable, and this slow, sleepy take on the title track of their second album was one of the more dramatic transformations. Still recognizable, but very different.

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