My Top 10 List for TESLA

It was Friday night January 23, 1987, almost a month before I turned 22, Danny, his bride and I take the long drive to Uniondale NY (Nassau Coliseum) from Sunset Park Brooklyn to attend the second leg of David L Roth’s first solo tour for the “Eat ‘Em & Smile” album which was recorded without his former bandmates, Van Halen. The weather was bone chilling as we walked from the parking lot to the arena where there was a real chance of frost bite if any skin was uncovered for more than 10 minutes. After purchasing some food and drinks at the concession stand, we head to our seats, the lights go out while these young dudes take the stage as the opener. Acknowledging that we were there to see Diamond Dave with no expectations from the unit that was asked to be the cocktail hour before the main course. After their first song, I glance over at Danny, but he is concentrating on his food. They play the second tune and now Danny looks up at me, while we both give a nod like “these guys rock!” By the time their set is finished, I was knocked out like when the Cat woman sprays her infamous poisonous perfume into Batman’s face. The next day I run to “The Record Factory” in Bay Ridge Brooklyn to purchase their debut “Mechanical Resonance.” My love affair with Tesla (the Band!) began that night, grew in stature as time went on and I saw them this past Sunday night at one of their favorite spots, Irving Plaza, nearly 35 years later. My deep affection for this Sacramento unit runs so deep, that people who know me are probably stunned that I went to a small club during this continuing pandemic on a Sunday night. That should tell you, the reader, what this band means to me.

That summer, I began my professional career as an analyst, but it was actually my second year playing for the Standard & Poor’s Men’s softball team (I worked in the mailroom from July- August 1986) and each game we would all wait outside the back entrance of 25 Broadway to head up to Central Park via the #1 subway train. I had my CD player with the big goofy ear pods and as each member of the team would come off the elevator, I was there waiting there to beg them to listen to “Comin’ Atcha Live” (which is what they opened with this past Sunday night) because I wanted to spread the joy of this totally underrated band. If they made a face, I would skip to track #3- “Getting’ Better” as most of them enjoyed the acoustic, calm beginning as Jeff Keith (this gentleman is an incredible human being as far as I can tell through his passion and loving nature for humankind) sweetly sings the opening lyrics and then when the powerful drums, spearheaded by Troy Luccketta (who has decided to stay home with his family during this “Keep It Real” tour as he recommended one of his friends-Steve Brown- to take over- who was very energetic Sunday night) at the 1:09 mark but as usual, most handed my headphones back to me while making a face like they just bit into an onion. So, I sat in the corner seat of the train getting myself pumped up for the game by obsessively listening to their debut album, over and over again.

As I would head out to centerfield for all the games in that summer of 1987, the song that I would always sing was “Modern Day Cowboy” (arguably their biggest song ever, sans “Signs,” which is a cover). The guitar duo at that time was Frankie Hannon and Tommy Skeoch, their sound was powerful and dynamic. The pulsating bass is still being played by Mr. Brian Wheat, who appears to enjoy being part of the background, but his bandmates recognize his major influence on their lives. Of course, they were “labeled” as a glam “hair-band,” much to my dismay, as well as the band members’ at the time but after a while, I gave up with that battle because if that is what it took to garner more attention to this band, then so be it.

It took three years but when “The Great Radio Controversy” was released in February 1989, it changed my life forever (see my post from Aug. 23, 2020) as I was bursting with pride that they were receiving extensive airplay on MTV’s “Headbanger’s Ball,” which at the time was the hippest avenue to capture the best headbanging music on the planet (obviously my opinion). About eight months before I married my beautiful bride and moved to Ringwood N.J., I took her to see them on their acoustic tour at the Ritz club on east 11^th street in NYC (which is now known as Webster Hall) on Wed. June 27, 1990, as it was broadcast live on WNEW-FM. She had no idea who they were, but I promised her she would have a great time, despite no seating arrangements. (No, she did not attend this past Sunday as the days of her standing for a show are long gone, I went solo). The show was spectacular as they premiered “Signs” (Five Man Electrical Band) on this tour which eventually was released in November 1990 as part of their first live album “Five Man Acoustical Jam” which was officially recorded in Philadelphia just five days after the New York show.  

Seven months after I was married in Feb. 1991, the band releases what they collectively agree as a unit and by many of the brethren as their best body of work, “Psychotic Supper.” I would have no argument as it is hard to say this is not their greatest achievement (by the way, they have never put out a bad album) as evidenced by such classics as “Edison’s Medicine,” “Song & Emotion,” “Stir it Up,” and “What You Give.” In 1994, they release “Bust a Nut” which has the radio friendly “A Lot to Lose” as well as one of my all-time favorites, not sure it will make the top ten, but “Solution” will always have a soft spot in my heart because it was a staple that I used for the MBIA boot camp class from 2003-2005. I loved to see the other faces as this crushing tune awoke the entire class, when I left in 2005, everyone knew the chorus- “If we’re going to make it through tomorrow… the solution… is to make a change today… oh yeah!!”

After the release of “Bust a Nut,” Tommy leaves the band to deal with substance issues which caused the band to go off in various directions and every thing went cold until 2000 when they reunited but did not record a new studio album until 2004. So nearly a decade later, the band is resurrected and when “Into the Now” was put out to the public in March 2004, it was like a lightning bolt for me as it was apparent that they still had “it!” This is an album that I cannot live without from the opening note of the title track to the stunning “Only You.” When one listens to the lyrics of “Look @ Me” it depicts a fall from grace for Jeff, as he admits that he was probably at his lowest point spinning discs with the users and the crucified. But look at him now, still knocking it out of the ballpark with the rest of his bandmates. Unfortunately, for Mr. Skeoch, it was not to be as the band parted ways with him while introducing Mr. Dave Rude in 2006. With 15 years under his belt now, Dave is engrained in the Tesla family as well as the brethren as he is a fantastic guitarist.

I do not remember which Christmas Eve it was during the 2000 decade, but my cousin informs me that her parents had something to talk about and she wanted me to ask my aunt and uncle who they sat next to on a flight from Newark to Las Vegas. My aunt proceeds to tell me that they were surrounded by “guys that looked like they played in a rock band.” As Troy is trying to explain to her who they were and even asks her if she had ever heard their most popular song, “Signs,” my aunt sat there with a blank face as she apologized but told them they had never heard of them. (I now get that in 2021 as no one under the age of 35 seems to know this song) But she was quick to point out- “I bet you my nephew knows who you are!” Folks, my aunt and uncle were on a five-and-a-half-hour flight with the members of Tesla! I think my heart and brain stopped at that moment as I was convinced if it were me on that flight, they would have hired me as a publicist (or anything in the cheer leading department) by the time the plane landed in Vegas. That would have been a dream come true for me.

Tesla is a very talented band with their own songs, with Frankie Hannon taking part in writing many of their tunes as well as being an incredible guitarist. They are also recognized as a band that has created some of the best adaptations of classics written by other artists, as evidenced by “Signs,” which arguably ended up being way more popular than the initial version. In 2007, they release a double album of covers (“Real to Reel”) of some of the most astonishing tunes ever recorded while treating it with the respect it deserves but adding their own touch where in some cases, their version, dare I say, is better than the original. I can recall being at the Ritz in 1990 when I was stunned that they had the moxie to cover The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. This past Sunday, they broke out a beautiful rendition of “Thank You” by the Mighty Led Zeppelin. (Brian was wearing the infamous “ZoSo” tee shirt).

When “Forever More” was released in 2008, I was amazed at the consistency of their craft as this album consists of some of their best work ever? (See “Breaking Free,” “Pvt. Ledbetter” “Just in Case,” and “In a Hole Again.”) I will jump ahead to 2019 when “Shock” produced by Def Leppard guitarist, Phil Collen, debuted in March of that year and despite all the complaints, this is a solid album with great songs. It may not have the “crunch” or “heaviness” that is apparent on all their other albums but the creation of songs like “You Won’t Take Me Alive, “Taste Like,” and “Love is a Fire” are too enjoyable to be ignored.

I like to spread joy, especially to the “young ‘ins” as I am now of the professorial age, so in the summer of 2018 I took my forever friends to the Huntington Bank Pavilion in Chicago IL to see them open the Styx tour. The ticket stub said 7:00 p.m. sharp and I informed everyone that we would all be there by 6:45 so as to not miss this legendary band. Literally, seconds after 7:00 p.m. there was Jeff, Frankie, Brian, Dave and Troy opening up with the blazing “I Wanna Live” from “Forever More.” My friends knew because they had seen me at other shows, that I was now in my own world, as I did the “metal horns” from the opening lick. (When I left S&P, my family as I now refer them to, surprised me with a photo album and on the cover was me with the metal horns saluting Tesla. That photo album is something I will treasure for the rest of my life).  As I air-guitared while singing along to every song, the folks around me were staring like I was possessed, which I was and could not believe that I knew these songs. No, you should also know these tunes. Later that year, in Rocktober, I went with a good friend, John, who has since moved half-way around the world to the west coast, to the Bergen Performing Arts Center in N.J. when it was just themselves and they tore it up. I love to see Tesla when they are headlining but if there is a right billing, I will attend when they are the openers.

Oh, I forgot to mention, I attended a show at the Blender Theater in Gramercy N.Y. (think it is now permanently closed) sometime during the 21^st Century where I was able to be at the front of the stage and during the show, Jeff Keith, kneeled down and slapped my hand five. Needless to say, I thought I was in heaven and no I did not wash that hand for a few days as I was trying to figure out how to save or document one of the most memorable moments of my life. Mr. Keith is someone that has made a huge impact on me through his lyrics, performances and the love he displays for the human race. And at every show, he appears to be having the time of his life, as he seems so content being on stage with seemingly effortless ability to sing his heart out while enjoying his brother’s musicianship as he constantly is standing next to his buddies, drifting off at their mastery.

Folks, I know I am like a broken record, but this has been exceedingly difficult to isolate just ten songs from this legendary but often overlooked unit (and now unknown by the younger generation). I will always carry the flag for this band for the rest of my time on this earth while trying to spread the word. By the way, this past Sunday I met three people before the show that I may never see again but for that night, we were best friends. I rocked out with two of them as one of them was taking his brother-in-law to his very first Tesla show. Their enthusiasm provided the eternal hope I crave while injecting the playful exuberance into my soul to take me to another level. Somehow, I hope they read this.

So now the difficult task, here are the ten songs that I am taking with me to Gilligan’s Island on this very day in 2021, knowing full well that it could change tomorrow or next year. I bow to this Sacramento, CA unit. Remember, give the opening artist a chance! (Enjoy)

10— “Love is a Fire” —Tesla and Def Leppard go way back as it seems they have toured seemingly every other year so it makes sense that a song by Phil Collen as well as Frankie Hannon would make my list as I am a fan of both bands. Jeff sounds as if he is 21 years old again as the familiar “sing-along-chorus” with an infectious groove that usually accompanies a Leppard song is included for the entire three minutes and thirty seconds. In my dreams, I envision the entire universe with every race hugging forming a human chain while singing the addictive chorus- “… Love is a fire, gotta keep it burning…to the sky and higher… an eternal flame… so light up the candle, keep that yearnin’…” The acoustic guitar solo that begins at the 2:24 mark flows so smoothly with the vibe of this track that it makes me shake my head in disbelief on how talented this unit remains. Call it sappy or gooey but you should know by now that I love taffy, especially the ones made with more sugar and love. I can listen to this tune all day long.  

9— “Heaven Nine Eleven”— A few weeks ago marked the 20^th anniversary of the most tragic day in our country’s history as the pain still resonates with all of us like it was yesterday. I will never forget the first time I heard this song; I was frozen. Despite, the loud guitars and heaviness, there is a beauty to this tune that appears to send hope, especially with the following lines- “… teach the children what it means to love… show them why that we can never give enough… lets work together we can rise above… and change the ways, change the ways, change the ways of the world…” I can remember attending one of their shows in the mid-to-late 2000’s with my buddy, Sal, at Irving Plaza and when they played this, I was so awestruck as the passion was bleeding through their speakers. Later that night, Sal asked me about the song, and I told him to purchase “Into the Now” so as to let it soak into his bloodstream. I know he loved the performance of this tune and the guitar solo that starts off at the 3:05 mark and takes it to another level at 3:15 will leave you gasping for more. By the time this song ended that night at Irving Plaza, I was saturated, saddened to the point where I did not want to cry in front of Sal, but the release of the emotion was needed with the hope that we never experience that pain again.

8— “Changes”— Side two, track two of their debut album of which I tirelessly listen to during the late 1980’s starts off with a nice piano introduction as the familiar guitar riffs take over at the 38 second mark while lifting you off of your feet. Jeff’s vocal prowess on the original recording is mesmerizing, especially when he starts to sing the last two sentences before the chorus- “… Oh, can’t you see, it’s changing you and me… times makin’ changes, times makin’ changes in my life… times rearranging, changing you and me…” These lyrics hit home now that I am on the back nine and for those of you out there who are younger, make sure that you are living life to the fullest. Love your partner, career, family, place of residence and your friends. Enjoy each and every ride through various life changes. Folks, this tune is from their debut album, the musicianship is clicking on all cylinders. They played this on Sunday night and those two dudes from N.J. were out of their minds as we all air-guitared while singing like there was no tomorrow. This is what music is supposed to do, food for the soul.

7— “Paradise”- From top to bottom, “Great Radio,” is a brilliant body of work that ends with some of their best and maybe most popular songs of their illustrious career, including this one. That said, my favorite version of this tune appears on “Five Man.” I will never forget being at the Ritz with my bride as the entire audience were singing “lock & key” in step with Mr. Keith and being present with the community of Tesla fans was awe inspiring. It felt the same way this past Sunday night as there was only love in the air, despite the reality of people filling up on lots of alcohol (which is usually the start of most confrontations). The beauty of this tune is stunning and once again I am on my own cloud lying down taking it all in, how this band flies under the radar is most baffling. “… Hold me close, now hold me tight… don’t let go of me tonight… you’re all I want, you’re all I need… hold me close now hold me tight… and don’t let go of me tonight… sweet paradise…”

6—” Song & Emotion”- As mentioned, Tesla and Def Leppard go way back and when Mr. Steve Clarke passed away in January 1991, the band paid tribute to him with this song which appears on “Psychotic Supper” which was issued in September of the same year. This gut-wrenching tune sets the stage of a young man who is really only comfortable when he was playing his guitar. The line that just floors me is – “… life at the top ain’t always what it seems…” as much of the population assumes that being the lead guitarist for a band that was skyrocketing to fame would be the pinnacle of success and happiness. Unfortunately, it seems Steve did not or could not handle the “instant fame” (in my observation) and indulged in excess, which ultimately led to his unfortunate departure from this earth. His legacy lives on in our ears and hearts. This dedication to his life has to be considered one of the momentous efforts as the pain and passion in both the musicianship, along with the vocals will bring a tear to the eye. I do not know if it is Frankie or Tommy (maybe both) but the guitar solos are masterful and makes one picture Mr. Steve Clarke playing his guitar. Thank you, Tesla, for crafting this genius of a song. Steve, you are missed every day.

5— “In a Hole Again”— Wow talk about a deep song? I believe this can apply to every person on the planet as the lyrics are so personal right from the start- “… Don’t want anyone to know… who I really am so they’ll never see… all the things I hide behind these precious walls… I built just for me…” I can recall the first time I heard this track; I was immediately polarized and knew right then and there that this will always end up in my top ten for Tesla. So many favorite parts- I’ll start with the crunching flow of the guitars, along with Troy’s drumming, at the 2:10 mark that make it feel like one is falling down the stairs. “… All these years I’ve lived in fear, that you would find out… just exactly what I’m made of… Or what I’m really all about…” Or how about the “demonic” tone of the background vocals that seem to crystalize at the 2:40 point of the song? The isolation of the guitar at 3:05 as the solo takes off at the 3:18 while hitting the sky at the 3:45 time frame is complete mastery of their craft. Folks, this is evidence that they belong in the rock and roll hall of fame!

4— “Modern Day Cowboy”— Ahh to be 22 again, boy do I wish I could visit myself at that age with what I know now. I can remember turning over to side two and this is the first song, what a landmark tune, no? So many memories of this tune as the band will usually play it at the very beginning of their shows or towards the end, with many ending with this tune, especially if they are openers for a bigger (did not say better) bands. I immediately am taken to Northerly Island in Chicago, IL on that perfect summer night at the Pavilion as I thought I was going to jump out of my skin in front of Linda and Emily as there was no doubt that this song put them on the map. And no matter how many times they performed it, there was a little bit of extra mustard that night so as to send a message to Ms. Jett- “Top that??!!” The next moment I will always remember from now on was this past Sunday as this exploded into our ears as the second offering of the set as the boys from New Jersey were jumping into the air like when kids run down the stairs to open gifts on Christmas morning. As I scour the earth seeking Tesla fans, these two gentlemen appeared out of nowhere and displayed the same fanatical tenacity as me. I was in my glory, even for one night, but it will remain in my memory forever. Thank you, Tesla, for creating such happiness, I bow to your existence!  

3— “Love Song”— Here is another tune that should automatically walk them into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, are you kidding me? Folks, this is a life changing moment whenever they play this song in concert as the lovefest between all the people in the audience is infectious as the entire congregation hugs and sings in unison to every word. I will never forget during the five -acoustic concert that night at the Ritz in 1990, when all of a sudden Frankie appears with a double neck electric guitar and does his unbelievable solo, I thought the ceiling was going to be blown off as the excitement sticks with me to this day. Towards the end of the show this past Sunday night when both Frankie and Dave started to play their guitars, the crowd knew what was coming as groups started to break out with arms around each other swaying back and forth to help Jeff- “… so you think that it’s over… thinking love has finally reached the end… any time you call, not a day… I’ll be right there for you… if you need a friend…” The boys from N.J. were taking a selfie as they were singing word-for-word as there truly was “love all around” us. The five-man acoustic album has a nearly 10-minute version and by the end you all will be singing along with Jeff- “I know… I know… I know…sha-doo-be…sha-doo-be…sha-doo-be…oh yeah!!!”

2— “What You Give”— As soon as the acoustic guitar starts, I am left speechless. This could be Jeff Keith’s best vocal performance ever as he puts his heart and soul into this classic that all the members of the brethren love- there is no doubt in my mind that this tune makes every die-hard’s top ten list, it may not be where I am placing it, but I would bet money that since this track was released in 1991, it has to rank up near the top of the number of times Tesla has played this live in concert. “Who’s the one who makes you happy… who’s the one who is always on your mind?” The crowd at the Chicago Pavilion started to notice the Tesla fans spread all around the floor seats as we all sang this tune and hopefully introduced the beauty of this gem to the folks who were unfamiliar with this awesome song. Of course, the Irving Plaza die hard fans were smiling and singing along to forget the troubles of the day, even the folks up top with the tables were on their feet reaping in the moment. “It’s only what you give… it’s only what you give… it’s not what you got… it’s only what you give…” Words to live by.

1— “Only You”—My apologies for bumming everyone out with this tune and especially for those who have recently lost a loved one as this is a very difficult song to digest because of the sadness but there is a spectacular beauty that I feel may just support those who are in pain. There is no one but Jeff Keith that should sing this song as he is absolutely majestic and the acoustic guitar solo at the 2:30 mark is so soothing to the soul. I do not know how to explain why I love such sad songs and I know I crushed the vibe of all the songs listed before this one, but I cannot help it. I sit in complete silence while marveling at the absolute splendor. I want to thank the members of Tesla because my life would be empty without your musical contributions.

My Top 10 List for FOREIGNER

“Open up the door… won’t you open up the door? … yeah… it feels like the first time.” Words written by Mick Jones and sung by Louis Grammatico, otherwise known as Lou Gramm. I was 12 years old when a band who became known as Foreigner, instead of Trigger, released their debut album in March 1977. My uncle bought me the album, my very first, and my life was forever changed. Three members were from England: Mick, the lead guitarist and founder, Ian McDonald, a multi-talented gentleman who played guitar, keyboards, saxophone and flute and Dennis Elliott, the incredible drummer on all of their massive hits. The other three were from America: Ed Gagliardi, the bass guitarist who sadly passed away in May 2014 after a long battle with cancer. Legend has it that Ed was a “righty” but idolized Paul McCartney intensely that he learned to play left-handed. Al Greenwood held the main responsibility of playing the keyboards and of course, one of the greatest singers that has ever graced this planet, Mr. Lou Gramm.

By now you all must know that besides my father, Lou is my idol. Since the time I was an early teenager, my mantra was and still remains to this day as well as the afterlife: “I want to be Lou Gramm.” When my boys were younger, before they were able to eat dinner, they had to name the four members of the Mighty Led Zeppelin (and they could not begin with either Robert or Jimmy) and the second question was- “Who does daddy want to be?” Folks, we all have our favorites, I am talking about the artists’ who you know every word of each song they ever recorded by heart so much so that even more than 40 years later whenever I hear a track by Foreigner, the words just flow out of my mouth like it is 1979 all over again. Ask my brother about my obsession with Lou as he heard the six albums from 1977 through 1987 despite the fact my parent’s bedroom was adjacent to mine. My passion for this band grew exponentially when I heard “Hot Blooded” on the radio during the summer of 1978, as I thought this was the coolest rock song, I had ever heard with a mind-blowing guitar solo as the six members were a well-oiled machine by its sophomoric effort- “Double Vision.” (For those of you of age, do you remember the Burger King commercials using “Double Vision” as one of its sales pitches?) I loved every member of the band but make no mistake it was Lou who I identified as the focal point.  “Take Me to Your Leader” which did not land on their debut but was one of the first songs that Lou played with Mick and Ian before the band was fulfilled by the original members. If one were to ask me, I would introduce you to Lou because he was the leader in my mind.

Folks, when Foreigner entered the fray during the 1970’s there were some of the greatest rock singers in their prime, including but not limited to, Brad Delp, Steve Walsh, Freddie Mercury and Paul Rodgers. With no apologies, Lou has to be considered in the upper echelon when the category or conversation of the ultimate rock singers arises. And to those people who are responsible for nominating their peers into the hall of fame, it is a grave fallacy to not even acknowledge a band who crafted one of the most astounding songs in the history of music which Mariah Carey brought to life again to a whole new generation. (Yes, I know a rose with a lot of thorns but make no mistake there is no denying the brilliance of “I Want to Know What Love Is”).

For those who know me, one of my characteristics is being fanatical and after the sophomoric effort “Double Vision” I kept my ear to the ground for any chatter about Foreigner because I was wearing out the album sleeves on their first two bodies of work. I scowled the earth seeking information on their next album release and in August 1979, I hear “Dirty White Boy” on WNEW FM radio station. My reaction was that of having gold coins shoot out of the ground like a fire hydrant while salivating for “Head Games” to appear so that I could inhale the newest 10 songs from my heroes. I still ignore all the abhorrent comments that this effort was subpar, similar to the reaction about The Cars third album, “Panorama,” because if a baseball player bats “three hundred” they are considered great; hence, in this vein, “Head Games” has to be considered a classic. (On a side note, our family went to Atlantic City about six years ago and we participated in the karaoke bar. When I went up, I picked “Dirty White Boy” figuring the entire audience would sing along with me. I had never seen so many blank stares back at me as the only other person who knew the song was my brother. I give my bride instructions to nod in agreement or say “yes, I absolutely know that song” because… well you know).

I was picking up dissension in the lineup as 1980 came and went without an album. The summer of 1981, I hear “Urgent” on the radio and was blown away by the saxophone solo. I knew that Ian played sax, but this solo was something that had never appeared on the first three. When “4” is released in July 1981, I noticed the cover had the old TV “number” notices, sort of like a countdown for when the news came on the tube. Then it hit me, Foreigner now only has four members. I was absolutely stunned and felt cheated as Ian, Al and Ed had departed what felt like a family but would learn later on that tensions in the band were escalating to the point where it boiled over. At this point, I convinced myself to still love this band because of Mr. Gramm. I knew Mick and Dennis were still there but knew that the drummer would be dispensable at some point while realizing what could potentially happen if Lou and Mick were to have any disagreements. Shaking off the bad news, I dove headfirst into “4” and again this body of work batted “three hundred” with two gigantic tunes that kept them clearly in the game. However, the “soft” side was brought to the forefront with “Waiting for a Girl Like You.”

I have never been opposed to the mellow side of the street because variety has always been on my menu. It was obvious that there was dissension in the ranks and my assumption was that it was taking on a life of its own as their next album was not distributed until the end of 1984. Being on a steady diet, I started reaching for the other treats that were available and ended up with a belly load of hard rock. Foreigner started to become foreign to many of the brethren and the usual anticipation for new material began to fizzle.

Of course, I was first in line when “Agent Provocateur” appeared as an early Christmas present that year because as soon as I put the needle down on side one, the rocking “Tooth and Nail” brought all the juices back as the hard driving sound was amplified by Lou’s powerhouse vocals. As I laid on the wooden floor, the tempo slowed a bit with the undeniable “That Was Yesterday” as Lou again proved that he could sing any type of song. But then as track three begins, I am frozen as I could not believe my ears and I knew from that instant that “I Want to Know what Love is” would become their most popular song ever. I listened in awe as Lou took it to another level as I could not wait for the entire world to become as familiar to his brilliance as I had been accustomed to since 1977. Yes, I know what all of you are thinking- I dropped The Police on a moment’s notice when “Every Breath” was released but it was acceptable for Foreigner to be heard on Z-100? I really have no defense and the only reason I can come up with is that Mr. Gramm’s performance is so breath-taking that I wanted the whole world to hear my idol. With no offense to Ms. Carey or anyone else who has covered this track but there is no other version to listen to than the one that appears on “Agent.”

It took another three years for their sixth and unfortunately for me, the last album that I purchased by the band, “Inside Information.” I knew that “What Love Is” was going to be a double-edged sword because it put them on the map as a global entity with a ballad, but the brethren were hooked in by their energetic engine that crafted some of the best rock arena songs in the history of that category.  I knew there would be pressure by the record company executives to line their pockets and of course there was another attempt to trap lightning in a bottle with- “I Don’t Want to Live Without You.” Now, in my opinion, they were successful because the moment I heard this tune, I knew it was going to be my wedding song. Only thing left was to find a bride and my wife gladly accepted my wish for this to be our song as we were officially introduced as a couple through the GJOA club doors.

Until I read Lou’s autobiography, I assumed it was him who wanted these types of songs because whenever I would hear Mick’s guitar (see “Stranger in My Own House”) there was no way he coveted the power ballad. But how wrong I was, it was Mr. Jones who wrote both of those tunes (as well as countless others) and maybe he was pressured by the suits. It did not matter to me as my menu will always contain diverse selections. I was deflated to read that Lou actually hated our wedding song, but it does not matter because whenever I listen, I am taken back to that beautiful moment when I sung word for word into my bride’s left ear as we circled and the only person, I can recall watching us was my mother.

“Inside” was not a great album, in my opinion, and by that time I had been feasting on other rock bands but when Lou released his first solo album- “Ready or Not”- I was elated because I assumed there would be numerous releases. But it seemed apparent that Lou needed Mick and vice-versa, hence my journey with Foreigner ended by 1988 but never in my heart as I revere their catalog to fall back on at a moment’s notice.

I can recall when I had read about Lou’s brain tumor years after he had an unbelievable surgery that was hours long to save his life in April 1997. As a result, his singing voice was negatively impacted by the tumor and operation, but he was still alive; that was all that mattered to me because I could not fathom a world without Mr. Grammatico.

On Thursday August 5, 2004, I took my bride to see my idol at BB King Blues Club in midtown Manhattan and had tears in my eyes as we were the closest, I had ever been in my life to seeing this national treasure. It was a dream come true and lifted my spirits because my mother had passed in May of that year.

For those of you reading this who are not as familiar to this band as I am, this will not be the “greatest hits” release that contain the endless stream of classic rock radio anthems- yes, of course I love them all, as you have read above. This has been as tough a task as it was for me to compile my top 10 for Metallica and the Mighty Led Zeppelin, which totally drained me. I know I have done this on the blog years ago but like everything else, time changes as well as your favorites.

Okay, I will speak about the “elephant in the room”- I acknowledge that Foreigner is still touring, and I have nothing against Mick for carrying the torch with new members. I was very pleased to see him invite Lou, Al, Dennis and Ian back for guest appearances over the past three years. I have no disdain towards Kelly Hansen, the lead singer now for more than a decade. Some will point to one of my other favorite bands, Kansas, and state that I attend their concerts with their new singer, Ronnie Platt. My resistance up until this point has been because of my deep passion towards the original members, especially Lou. I have felt that I would be betraying my loyalty towards him, and it is something that I can not seem to hurdle at this point. This may or might never change, although the ladder maybe true because a few weeks ago they were in my backyard in Connecticut, even at an outdoor facility but I could not get myself to attend. Who knows what will happen in the future but for now I am content with listening to all the original recordings?

So, without further ado, here are the ten songs that I am taking with me to that deserted island, at this moment in time! (Enjoy)

10— “Starrider” —Talk about a harmonious beginning? These six gentlemen began their journey together without really even knowing each other that well and seemingly worked together to create a majestic tune as “Starrider” which I am fairly certain would appear on most of the brethren’s top ten list. I have been hammering home that Lou is a great singer, and he will always be the face of the band as far as I am concerned but Mick sung on many tracks over the years. Mick does a brilliant job vocally and this could be his best effort ever and when Lou bursts in at the 2:13 mark, he takes the tune to another level. Folks, the musicianship is astounding for a first album release as the hunger and grit to make a name for themselves is evident in this absolute masterpiece.

9— “Urgent”— As mentioned, it was the saxophone solo that was the hook for me as I was blown away and consider it one of the best solos ever. I grew up playing the alto through middle school and loved playing it but let it go as I went to high school. My dream was always to be up on stage performing a sax solo and I wish I could have been Junior Walker performing this amazing selection. As Lou writes in his memoir, the legend Mr. Walker (forever known with the classic song “Shotgun”) was playing at a club in the village (NY) so Mick and a few others went to see him perform. After the show, Mick approached his son, who was drumming that night, and asked if Mr. Walker would be willing to play with Foreigner for a song that needed something more. Junior, unfamiliar with Foreigner, went with them that night to the studio and at three in the morning played like four takes. As he was packing up his saxophone, he was asked if he could play another adaptation. “I think you got what you need” as he exited and the world, along with Foreigner, was gifted with one of the most memorable saxophone parts in rock history. The groove in this song is off the charts and what else can I say about Lou? No one can sing this song like he can, nothing more to be said.

8— “Women”— Maybe it was the album cover? That is the only thing that I can think of because even Lou points out in his book that the band knew that if they put out another effort like their third album, “Head Games,” it would be the end of the road for them as the record label was going to drop them. They had Roy Thomas Baker (who produced so many cool acts, like Queen) as producer and despite firing Mr. Gagliardi, my opinion is that this album is stellar that contains some of my most favorite songs by this unit. Now I do not want to offend any woman out there reading this because I recognize that the lyrics of this tune might be offensive, and I will make no excuses because I absolutely enjoy this song. I can remember lying on the floor and asking myself- “Is this Lou singing?”- I knew that it was not Mick (and this would be the last album where he sang lead- “The Modern Day”) but starting out it was not the usual Lou sound. Remember my gym rat days at MBIA? I had this track on one of my playlists for Dave’s bootcamp class and despite more than half the class being women, we all rocked out at each individual station with same fervor as when Lou exclaims- “…women who fall in love… women who need a shove… women who can’t be beat…” at the 1:58 mark and there were no complaints. I will not write the rest of those lyrics, but the hard rocking groove is what makes me fall over. Classic tune.

7— “Blue Morning, Blue Day”- I think I spent a majority of 1979 indoors on my bedroom floor listening to the “Double Vision” album, which is also one that I cannot survive without. Selecting tracks from this body of work that you, the reader, would assume stands out above the rest is an insult to the band. However, this is the bed which I am making so I will have to make sure that the quarter will bounce high once the bed is made, like in the military, and this classic tune receives a nod for being one of their greatest recordings ever. I wanted to be Lou singing this track because I know every nook and cranny, along with every lyric (still to this day) and my favorite line is- “… three cups of coffee but I can’t clear my head… on what went down last night… know we both have our own little ways… but somehow we keep it together.” This track will forever take me back to my childhood days growing up in the Sunset Park area of Brooklyn and it’s those days that I treasure while wishing I had a time machine to go back to all the fun times. There is no way anyone can object to this tune being included on this list, I will not even listen, so do not even try.

6—” Juke Box Hero”- Lou loved baseball as a kid growing up in Rochester, loved the Mets and was able to meet Tom Seaver, one of his favorite players ever. I grew up loving those same NY Mets with Seaver, Koosman, Ryan, Grote and Harrelson (to name a few) while also cherishing playing centerfield on any available field, grass or concrete, it did not matter. Mr. Gramm was a huge fan of rock music including one of the most underrated bands ever, Humble Pie, which contained Steve Marriott who was a phenomenal singer. What am I getting at? The connection is the lyrics to this song, which I believe not only applies to myself and Lou but for millions of people out there where music was the only thing that mattered. This is the ultimate “rock” song because I believe we have all been there- just a few months ago I was on the outside looking in as The Foo Fighters played Madison Square Garden and despite my fruitless attempt for days and hours, I could not break down the totalitarian wall that Ticketmaster has on the universe. (Boy, do I wish Pearl Jam could have won). Obviously, the glaring difference is that Lou went on to be the gigantic rock star performing to sold out concerts at MSG while I went on to be an analyst.  This stadium anthem could arguably be their second biggest hit of their career and who does not air-guitar along with Mick at the 2:59 mark? The anticipation for skyrocketing into another stratosphere is unreal as I have to keep hitting the rewind button and wiping the sweat off my brow. Thank you, gentlemen, for this amazing song.

5— “Fool for You Anyway”— This is one of Lou’s best vocal performances on any of their albums and I assume it is Mick’s acoustic guitar solo that just flows so well with the feel of this wonderful track. This is a song of heartbreak which I believe everyone at some point in their lives have experienced and the passion displayed in his voice is what always sets them apart from the rest of the pack. And the background vocals throughout their career are also masterful. I would say if you have resumed a relationship with that someone special, grab them by the hand, clear the living room floor and dance cheek to cheek with this everlasting message. Listen to Lou and tell me that Foreigner does not belong in the hall of fame?    

4— “Seventeen”— Two funny stories about this song- the last time I published Foreigner’s top 10 list, this tune landed as number one and a friend of mine, Ed, said that I purposely place unknown tracks on my lists just “to be cool.” The second time was at BB Kings when the table we were sitting at had various folks and the conversation of what songs we all were hoping Lou would play that night. When it came to my turn, I said “Seventeen,” there were blank faces all around but there was one dude who said- “Oh man that is way too deep of a cut to ever make his setlist, no one would know that track.” Folks, I love what I love. This song will always be on my top ten list because as a teenager I probably listened to this track more than any other tune in my expanding album collection. What is not to like? Smashing drums, crushing guitar riffs along with the best rock singer of the day. I would lie on my hardwood floor for hours just listening to “Head Games” but always jumped up to play this tune at least three times in a row.  I was hooked as soon as Lou exclaims- “… late last night… I get a call from a so-called friend… he wouldn’t give his name… says he saw you with another man… feels like 17 years, it’s only 17 days.” Mr. Gramm could turn on the attitude with his vocals and you knew when he meant business. When Mick takes the song to its end beginning at the 3:35 mark with his second awesome guitar solo, I literally jump out of my skin like I am 15 years old again.

3— “I Need You”— Admittedly, part of my reason for writing a blog is to spread the knowledge of what I feel are prodigious songs, artists or bands. Hence, a selection like this one. Acknowledging that much of the general population may not be familiar with this song but as you are probably aware by now is that I do not always drive down main street. For the brethren that jumped in the back seat of the taxi on their first offering, they all know what I am talking about. The funkiness of the groove is stunning as well as the background vocals. All the boys are boiling at the same time and the dish that is served is the ultimate, you know the one you give as a response to the question- “If you had one last meal, what would it be?” As with all the tracks on this list, this could easily become my number one over the next few years or decades. Jones’s solo is earth shattering as they could almost be referred to as a “jam” band on this track because they let the instruments do the talking. Lou’s vocals are the icing on the dessert.  

2— “You’re All I Am”— When my kids were younger and getting an education from the local catholic school, I was teaching them the basics of rock and roll, along with various other genres. And just like many of us out there, one learns by watching. So, whenever this song would come on, I would extend my hand to my beautiful bride and dance like we were on a cloud while our boys sat there mesmerized as much as we were to this life altering tune. I hope I laid the foundation on their journey to exploring music with tracks like this as well as depicting an unconditional love of that special person as well as a family unit. This song brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it as I look into my wife’s. This is Lou’s second-best vocal performance of all-time.  “You are my life, you’re all I am.”

1— “I Want to Know What Love Is”—For all the die-hards out there who are totally disagreeing with this pick, my response is that there can be no denial that this is absolutely the utmost achievement of their storied career. As mentioned above, no one can sing it like Lou in his heyday. I completely understand that it opened the door to the masses but just like when the Pigeon lady helped Kevin escape the grips of Harry and Marv in the holiday classic “Home Alone 2” after she hurled a massive amount of bird seed, at some point, the majority of the pigeons left the area. Unfortunately, what was left behind for the band was ultimately the beginning of the end because when a “once in a life-time” song comes along, the expectations or direction become magnified. Moving on to the majestic aspect, I believe by adding the New Jersey Mass Choir was a stroke of genius as it added the exquisiteness that leaves us all breathless. When I first saw the video to this tune, I watched in awe as I did not think the track could not get any better but when you see (and hear) the unbelievable melodies flowing out of their lungs, it made me fall to my knees. I will say it again, if Bill Mazeroski can obtain passage into the baseball hall of fame on one spectacular home run, then Foreigner needs to be ushered into the rock and roll hall of fame. All of the “experts” can also ask for forgiveness on this massive oversight. I have often said that I want to be cognizant for the New York Jets winning a Superbowl as well as for Foreigner entering their deserved place in rock and roll history. Thank you, to all the members of Foreigner, for changing my life forever as I still say- “I want to be Lou Gramm!”

My Top 10 List for THE POLICE

The Police, a band the conjures up mixed emotions for me in a variety of ways. My initial reaction was of love as I had discovered a powerful three-piece unit in the vein of Rush and Grand Funk Railroad that commanded your attention because once this entity hit the scene, it was unlike anything that had been heard before. And to their credit in a short five-year time frame, they sky-rocketed to being the world’s biggest band which ultimately led to their quick demise. My other response is of disdain, due to my immaturity, which was two-fold: First, they made a “pop” album, in my opinion, with “Synchronicity” which I still do not own to this day (yes, still sounds like immaturity, I agree) and Second, despite dropping them like a hot potato once they were being played on Z-100 here in the New York area, I was so upset with Sting taking off for a solo career because I felt like he was abandoning his brothers. This discarding was the main reason why I never really followed Sting’s solo career and only have seen him live on the stage with Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers.

When “Outlandos de Amor” was released in November 1978, I was nearly 14 years old with a few years of almost shedding the title of novice when it came to identifying great rock music and with this body of work, rock was not the only ingredient, as their funkified grooves contained a Reggae component that clearly separated them from the rest of the pack. Another element, especially with their first two albums, that grabbed my attention was the ability to have no fear of putting out songs like “Be My Girl” which I thought were wildly weird but yet so addictive.

The first time I heard “Message in the Bottle” from their sophomoric effort- “Reggatta de Blanc”- I immediately knew that The Police were now my favorite band and was convinced that I held a treasure while residing into the ninth grade. As I headed off to Brooklyn Tech high school, they put out two albums in 1980 and 1981 which catapulted them to the top of the world while creating huge monster “hits.”

In 1982, I turned 17 and was no longer a novice as I would head back to the local school yard with my chest puffed out like I knew it all because I was a fan of The Police. My metal buddies just chuckled and told me to come back when I grew up. The movie “48 Hours” featured an up-and-coming actor, Eddie Murphy, who in a memorable scene solidified my notion that they were the biggest band as he is sitting in a jail cell with the old cassette headset bursting out “Roxanne” – which is arguably their greatest song ever- and I can recall telling my parents that was a tune that I listened to with beaming pride. That same year, I was at the beginning of my career of attending concerts, and while waiting to cross 34^th street there was this huge limousine trekking along slowly due to the insane traffic around Madison Square Garden. As I waited for the vehicle to pass by, the back window rolled down and there they were- Sting, Andy and Stewart in the back seat seemingly waving to me only as my jaw hit the floor. I was star-struck and could not move as the limo sped across heading towards the back entrance at 8^th avenue. Frustrated passersby’s’ walked around me (and cursing) as I was frozen in the same spot for about five minutes.

I can remember when my treasure chest was hammered into pieces as I heard “Every Breath You Take” on Z-100 as I felt the pain of an underhanded partner breaking a forever joyful union by creating a “pop” song. As we trolled the Coney Island boardwalk during the summer of 1983 headed to Nathans, every boom box or food stand seemingly had this song playing 24 hours a day. My world was shattered as now I had to share with the masses a band that I knew could easily sell out MSG, but I could not deal with them selling out to the entire universe. My heavy-metal buddies just smiled as I left the school yard dejected as I felt like I had finally gained entrance into an exclusive but now everyone was in on it, so I had to leave. Again, my immaturity.

Hopeful that Synchronicity was an anomaly, I would await their next release to see (hear) if things returned to normal. However, this would not come to be as The Police went on a gigantic world tour and would not return to the studio as Sting announced he was leaving to embark on a solo career. The Police went out on top of its game, the same way that James Brown walked away from his football career in the prime of his life.

As I matured, I realized that there are always three sides to every story and came around on my dissatisfaction with Sting. Of course, I went on to love “Every Breath” and the other pop songs on Synchronicity, as admission is freedom.

On Friday Aug. 3, 2007, I was excited as the reunion tour was making a stop at Madison Square Garden. I was kind of surprised that this was really happening because there seemed to be so much bad blood that reconnecting appeared out of reach but nearly 30 years after their debut album, there they were on the mecca stage in all of the world. The show began with “Message”, and I thought I was dreaming as this was really happening with the smash hits (referenced above) coming one after another. I did not mind that there was a “meshing” of parts of their best songs, almost like they were performing at half-time at the Superbowl. And then I thought I was going to jump out of my skin as the beginning riffs from “Truth Hits Everybody” as the original brethren released a roar that was memorable. But then instead of keeping it as close to the original recording with the hard driving punk beat, it slithered into a funk version. Of course, I immediately blamed Sting and was so deflated that all the others who I attended the show with kept asking me what was wrong. Of course, they did not know that song so how would they know what was bothering me. Yes, I stayed for the rest of the concert, but the thrill was somewhat watered down as I just could not understand why they were not playing the tunes as they were recorded. I know what you are thinking, I am fine with making adjustments to maybe add enhancements but when the original recipe is taken away, it is like when Grandma removes that certain ingredient from that holiday dinner with a replacement that just is not good enough as the innovative creation.

Since that time, I have learned to appreciate the astounding recordings that The Police have left behind for future generations to cherish as much as I did when I was a teenager. Folks, these three gentlemen are so musically talented, and I would put them up against any threesome in the history of music. Sting is a beast on bass guitar with arguably the most identifiable singing voice ever while Andy Summers is a phenomenal guitarist who always seems to fly under the radar. My oldest son showed me how hard it is to play “Every Breath You Take” on guitar, ironic isn’t it? Stewart Copeland has to be considered one of the greatest drummers this world has ever heard as he is still gifting us with his unbelievable talents which includes a show this Saturday night playing along side the Cleveland Orchestra. So, as I leave for that deserted island, here are the ten songs that I am taking with me. (Enjoy)

10— “Invisible Sun” —Back in the old days, bands would craft a new album at least once per year and by this time their fourth studio album – “Ghost in the Machine” – was released in Rocktober 1981, there was a tremendous pressure on the band to keep churning out “monster radio” tunes that contained the familiar sing-along chorus wrapped around the infectious melodies. So here I am lying on my bedroom hardwood floor with a pillow wrapped around my head to protect my ears, and as the third track begins, I had to sit up a bit because I was wondering if the record was skipping or somehow paused as I struggled to hear but there it was, a slow beat with someone counting in order to the number six. This was something totally different from what I was used to with The Police, and I was entranced with the sound. It quickly became one of my favorite tunes by this legendary trio and the lyrics are applicable in today’s world as we are seemingly in the same hole that the song paints. I do not know why but my favorite part of the song comes around the 1:40 mark where Sting sings- “… I face the day with my head caved in… looking like something that the cat brought in…” Yes, there was a huge battle of the tunes, but I could not turn away from this mysterious track, which ironically was a staple of the live shows, even the 2007 reunion.

9— “Canary in a Coalmine”— I know what you are thinking but this has always remained one of my preferences as the pulsating bass lines by Sting are addictive followed along with Stewart’s perfect drumming while Andy does what he does best, he puts the finishing touches unassumingly as the concoction creates perfection. This is a textbook song for your next spin class or if you are headed out for a run or walk as the bounce will keep the juices flowing. My only complaint is that it is under two-and-a half minutes.   

8— “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic”— I fell in love with this tune the first time I heard it and a smile always appears on my face because it reminds me of the “free” days before I started college and ultimately losing my freedom by working nearly every weekday since the summer of 1987. Remember when you could go to the school yard and play centerfield all day long? Or call up anyone in the neighborhood to play “double-wall” stick ball inside the Pershing well? Or how about playing manhunt on a sizzling hot summer night? Taking a walk to the local movie theater to see “Rocky II” or “Officer and a Gentleman?” Or just “hanging out” with your childhood buddies while thinking that those days would last forever and now yearning for those memories to be recreated. Anyone who complains about music from the 1980’s never listened to songs like this? Once this tune permeates, it will last the entire day and you will not be able to stop singing- “…magic, magic, magic!!” Miss those days.

7— “Voices Inside My Head”- Talk about an enticing groove? The band is thriving on all cylinders in this track as Sting’s bass playing is off the charts while Mr. Copeland effortless drumming makes it easy to slide your feet across the floor. Andy is flawless as his guitar adds the spice to this song as we all sing as if we are all alone on the dance floor- “… Voices…inside my head… echoes… things that you said…” When Stewart has those mini drum solos as the tune drifts off in the last 90 seconds or so, I am blown away on how seemingly simple this song is but recognize it is their special talents that make it appear so easy. Classic tune!

6—” Peanuts”- I can never get enough of this track as I would make my bedroom walls shake as a teenager as I would get off the floor and dance in a small rectangle between my bed and dresser like a horse that was left in the barn an entire weekend, while the door opens on that Monday morning. This is one of the best “air-guitar” songs ever created as Andy blows the doors off the hinges beginning at the 1:18 mark with arguably his greatest solo on any Police song. For the folks who doubt his skills, take a listen, then apologize out loud. For those of you out there who want to learn how to head-bang but do not want to jump right to AC/DC or Priest, take a listen to this tune and slowly build up but then let yourself fly, especially when Sting is screaming “Peanuts! … Peanuts!” by the end of the song. This is pure brilliance, on their debut album- are you kidding me?

5— “Truth Hits Everybody”— I dare all my metal buddies from my teenage years to say that this song is not fantastic? Okay it is not Sabbath, Maiden or Priest but the smashing and thrashing has to impress most anyone, no? This has to be on every Police fans’ top ten list, and this is exhibit A on why they became my favorite band when I was a teenager. Are you kidding me, when the house is empty, I fly around each and every room with a whiffle ball bat jamming to every crushing beat, wishing I could drum like Stewart? I have hit the rewind button at least four times as my head and neck bounce from north to south with such force as I try to write a review to this classic tune. Folks, if you do not know this track, please promise me you will search for it as soon as this sentence is finished.   

4— “The Bed’s Too Big Without You”— This song leaves me speechless. I do not know what other tune can take me to another world in a moment’s notice. I remember once as I had this blasting out of my bedroom, my mother was trying to get my attention to turn down the volume. As my head rolled back and forth with my eyes completely closed like I had fallen asleep, I thought I saw a shadow hovering over me. My mom has her hands over her ears as I jumped out of my skin and quickly turned it down. She did not mind the groove as she explained but it was too loud. I have to be careful whenever I put this on a walking setlist because I drift off and that is not safe because I travel on these narrow roads in Connecticut with nearly everyone driving too fast. Sting’s bass lines are incredible, Andy provides the flavor while Stewart proves he is one of the best drummers on the planet. As I wrote about last year, the album “Reggatta de Blanc” forever changed my life because each track is phenomenal.    

3— “No Time This Time”— I know I have written so many times on this page about this tune as again I will point to my metal buddies and ask if this does not blow it out of the park? I can picture Mr. Copeland playing like “Animal” from the Muppets as Sting and Andy turn everything in its path on their head as the blazing pace is even tiring just listening, I cannot even imagine playing to this frenetic speed. I can remember when I introduced the MBIA spin class to this track, knowing full well that our instructor Chris was not going to take his foot off the pedal despite his gracious demeanor when not teaching. Like myself, once the game began, he transformed into another person. My bike partners were staring at me in disgust because, they knew this song right from the opening bell, was not going to slow down at any point, while also realizing that Chris would stand right next to them watching for any letdown.  As the tune came to an end, we were all puffing while praying that there was a “climbing” song coming up so as to catch our breath. Folks, this is the Magnum Opus when it comes to an exercise song!

2— “Message in a Bottle”— “I’ll send an S.O.S. to the world… I hope that someone gets my… I hope that someone gets my… message in a bottle…” Mesmerized from the moment I heard this song because of the extraordinary flow between the boys and this was the opening track to “Reggatta.” How many of us have slipped a note into an old glass coke bottle, when we were not supposed to litter, hoping that someone, somewhere half around the world would see it wash upon their shore with a message of hope or love? I always had to jump off the hard wood floor and put the needle back to the start after Sting sings 25 times- “Sendin’ out an S.O.S.”- yes that’s right I would count each one and get up on the 23^rd time to drop it back on this stupendous tune.   

1— “Can’t Stand Losing You”—I think this is the coolest song ever written and the title track is my answer to the question that is asked of many at a dinner party- “what song is it that you wish that you could have written?” From the opening drum notes and Andy’s cool guitar riff, I was hooked, while fascinated to the lyrics that Sting so brilliantly sings along to, as well as his undeniable talents on bass. “Your brother’s gonna kill me and he’s six feet ten” or “But I’m too full to swallow my pride” are just some of the lyrics that make me fall over. I believe this track epitomizes my feelings for The Police because I could not stand losing them to the popular culture or seeing Sting leave me with a broken heart but as I know all too well, things do not stay the same for a very long time, acknowledging that the world constantly changes while regretting my disdain towards him for my selfish reasoning. I would like to thank all three members of The Police, as I consider you all members of my childhood which shaped me into the person I am today. Could not have done it without your beautiful contributions.

My Top 10 List for LINKIN PARK

Now that I am on the back nine, I have experienced a number of drastic trends in what I would classify as “my own” music world as opposed to assuming that everyone else was on the same trip. As a pre-teen I was on the “rock” side of the gymnasium, remembering when dodge ball was allowed in gym class at P.S. 169 and I did my best to be the last person standing in my deference to this genre because during that time, “disco” was clearly the epicenter during the late 1970’s. (By the way, in the sixth grade it was usually Angel and me, as the last two standing during those epic showdowns. He frequently ended up the victor, but I do remember winning at least a few).   

Anyway, as the 1980’s kicked off there was a genre called “New Wave” that permeated into the airwaves with artists such as Blondie, The B-52’s and The Talking Heads. It took me a while but eventually I jumped on the bandwagon as it took some time to get used to these bands. Once I was positioned in the back of a pickup truck with like 20 others squeezed in, those artists either became too mainstream or too weird, so at the first red light I jumped off the vehicle looking for that familiar road. I jumped back into my safety net with Van Hagar and Motley Crue. As the late 1980’s approached, the “hair-band” era crept up slowly but with certainty as Warrant, Winger, along with Poison dominated the MTV airwaves. It was not a huge stretch for me to “let my hair down” with these bands because it was rock but also realizing that I was now adding a conditioner or maybe using shampoo to wash my hair, instead of just soap. It made my hair shiny, as I told myself there had to be some ingredients of soap in either of these two new products. (I still do not use a “conditioner,” just cannot do it).

As mentioned, many times, 1991 was a life-altering year as I married my beautiful bride, Metallica put out the “Black album” and what was that term? Oh yeah- “Grunge”- Nirvana, in one fell swoop, wiped out the “hair-band” genre in what seemed like seconds, not even minutes. “Smells like Teen Spirit” replaced any and every Poison, Warrant and Winger video while taking over the nation like the scene out of the 1958 classic movie- “The Blob”- where it seeped into the movie theater through every orifice, demanding all attention at once. About a year later, after complete domination, the beginnings of what some may call the “Nu-metal” genre, a band by the name of Rage Against the Machine (RATM), releases its debut album and talk about fury? This was a unit that created music like none other by seemingly being at the forefront of combining rap with heavy metal. I believe this is why I missed Pantera at the time because I veered off the road less traveled.

Obsessed with my new toy, I tried a few times to get tickets to their shows, but they were so in demand that I could not get through to purchase a seat. Finally, it happens, I now have a ticket and am going to see them at MSG but run into trouble as many of my friends, police my moves while guilting me into staying home. And just like the “watered” down versions (no offense), in walks Limp Bizkit in the late 1990’s that takes the foot off the fury a bit as more of the population is drawn to this new flavor of the month. Bizkit’s “five minutes” of fame lasts about a half a decade and when their flame seemed to fade, Linkin Park (LP) is there at the door to take the baton.

As the 21^st Century begins, the world is blown off its axis as the brilliant “Hybrid Theory” is released and the fury is back, maybe not so much as the message in the beginning as with RATM but the excitement of being able to be angry while screaming put new life back into the music scene. It took me a lot longer to join the “grunge” scene because a lot was so depressing, but the hard-hitting punch of LP allowed me to release all of that gloominess. At first, I was hesitant to jump in but my friend Eric at the time while working at MBIA said I needed to own the album. I waited a bit and when Meteora was issued in 2003, I took the bait and never looked back. Meteora, in my opinion, is an absolute masterpiece and something I cannot live without.  (Of course, I own “Hybrid”).

Remember the “trick” I use to do to colleagues or my kids where I would lock all my car doors and windows and put the volume up as high as it goes? Well in 2003, my oldest was 9 and my youngest six, I remember pulling in front of the garage door, locking the doors, had track #4 from Meteora, “Lying from You” waiting to blast off. The boys were in the back seat, looking like dogs trying to put their noses out the cracked window for air, pleading and gasping for empathy as they covered their ears. “The very worst part of you… IS ME!!!” Ahh, those were the days. (Yes, they are fine).

During 2003, while working at MBIA Insurance Company, I felt like I was working undercover because if one wore a red tie with a suit, you were considered a rebel. Imagine trying to decipher who listened to Metallica and Linkin Park? It was a covert operation as I would throw little pieces of bait and would be able to tell by a person’s face and would immediately change the conversation. Could I be the only one in this small but large enough company which is based in New York to like this kind of music? But then it happens, a friend by the name of Giri loves both bands who happened to be engaged in a “Summer Sanitarium” tour. It is a full day of metal and nu-metal beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday July 8, 2003. I believe it was four of us as Giri introduced me to the other non-conformists and we all took a vacation day while keeping it a secret from the rest of the company and world.

We actually had the stones to meet at the parking lot on King Street while jumping into my car as we gleefully raced towards New Jersey with Meteora blasting, with no complaints. It was a steamy hot summer day, but we all felt like we were at Disney world as five bands blew our chests away as the sweat streamed down our faces. Again, with no offense to Bizkit, for some reason despite LP being way more popular at that moment in 2003 is third on the party list. And I believe LP took it as a slight because when they took the stage in mid-to-late afternoon it was an explosion like I had never seen before. Folks, they played the first three songs to Meteora and I can remember all the high-fives we were exchanging as this was clearly the best way to enjoy a vacation day. The crowd at Giants Stadium was in a frenzy just like the Masters always did and I know if I was any member of Metallica, I knew I had to be at the top of their game to match LP. Limp Bizkit did not stand a chance as LP blew them off the stage along with Mudvane and Deftones, again, with no offense. When Metallica entered, they erased all the sand that may have started to form in people’s eyes during Bizkit’s set and matched the excitement and fury of LP. As we returned to MBIA’s country club setting at midnight, there was no one there to see us all get in our cars, getting ready to wear that blue tie and gray suit the next day.

Beginning in 2004, I decided to “join a gym” (MBIA’s) as I was starting to get long in the tooth and the weekend warrior thing was not going to cut it. I quickly discovered that I did not like working out by myself and instead of quitting, I saw that there were “boot camp” and “spin” classes where I was drawn in like peanut butter and jelly, largely because of my insane competitiveness. Over the next two years, those two classes beginning at 6:00 a.m. each weekday, gifted me with the blessing of some of my dearest friends (despite not seeing many since 2005). I grew tired of Dave’s “ZZ Top” greatest hits CD to get us through the 12 stations, so I inquired if I could bring my own setlist to the class. Just imagine on a sleepy Tuesday morning around 6:15 a.m. while my buddies are trying to get moving, “Faint” comes over the speakers and for some reason (as with many CD’s) the volume seemed to triple, without anyone touching the stereo. I am in my glory, jumping around, doing pushups or jumping jacks, head-banging like crazy and as I look around everyone else are just standing around and when Chester starts screaming to the top of his lungs at the 1:45 mark, they all put their hands over their ears demanding that Dave pull the plug. By the time I left MBIA in 2005, this had become one of their favorite workout songs.

Now I will confess that I am not a LP aficionado but maybe more than a novice as I fell off after “Minutes to Midnight” but touched upon “A Thousand Suns” and “The Hunting Party.” I want to thank Mike Shinoda, Rob Bourdon, Brad Delson, Dave Farrell, Joe Hahn and of course Chester Bennington for giving me a lifetime of energetic recordings that I will revere.  In May 2017, when Chris Cornell left us all in heartbreak, I never knew that he was a cherished friend of Chester and I believe a day after Chris had passed, LP releases its final album with Mr. Bennington called “One More Light.” Sadly, this album would be his last as he met up with his good friend, Mr. Cornell on July 20, 2017. I was stunned, along with his family, friends and millions of fans and the title track soon became a spine-chilling goodbye to Chester.

I have two friends who are chomping at the bit to see my top ten list and I have received the “if this song does not make your list, we are through” warnings, all in good fun (hopefully!). Folks, I know I say this often, but this has been amazingly hard to whittle down to ten songs as I could easily take the first two albums as well as “Minutes” to that deserted island, but this is what I signed up to produce. So, without further ado, on this day, at this moment, here are my top ten songs by Linkin Park. (Enjoy)

10— “A Line in the Sand” —Every time I tried to turn away from this track, it kept coming back and I believe this tune is a culmination of their incredible career. It is a mixture of what brought them instant fame with the crushing drums, guitar and yelling sandwiched by bookends of tranquility. By the time, this album was released they were already the biggest band in the world, and this was not just those three minutes thrust of energy, which clearly is not a bad thing, but it seems to tell a story. Like many of their songs, Mike takes the lead on vocals while Chester blends in perfectly with the backing vocals and the chorus. There is that energy along with the passionate pleas with the huge guitar riffs that keep your attention for the nearly seven-minute song. The crunching bass and drums will keep your head-banging just like that familiar feel and the beautiful ending with Mike eerily singing- “when they told us to go… we paid them no mind… what little did we know…”  will leave you thinking- “what is coming next?”

9— “No More Sorrow”— You cannot even imagine how my walls shake when no one is home as I slowly enjoy the calmness before the drums kick in at the 14 second mark as I start to walk around the living room, kicking things out of the way to make room for the wild party that is on for the next four minutes. At the 45 second mark I am climbing up the wall with my fake air-guitar as I bash my head furiously north to south- the drums kind of reminds me of Lars on St. Anger. The passion that the entire unit puts into every song is so appreciated. Talk about release? Many go towards the “Calm App”, but this is what relaxes me as I scream to the top of my lungs- “Thieves and hypocrites… thieves and hypocrites”- as the break in the song is too much to take. By the time the track ends, I am a ball of sweat.  

8— “Waiting for the End”— I think it was my youngest son that introduced me to this track and when I listened, I was immediately star struck. At that moment I knew that it would always remain one of my most favorite LP songs. I do not know the exact year, but I think it was at the Grammy’s when the upcoming moments was a duet between Sir Paul McCartney and Chester Bennington. I was nervous, perplexed and scared for Chester as I was wondering if he was setting himself up for disaster but of course I was wrong. His performance with Paul let the entire universe know that this man had the pipes to stand next to a legend while holding his own. The reason I bring it up is because when I listen to this track it is Chester’s magical vocal prowess that pulls me in like when Grandma creates that masterpiece Sunday dinner for the family. This could be one of his best vocal performances ever, especially when he takes on the chorus- “…I know what it takes to move on… I know how it feels to lie… all I wanna do is trade this life for something new… holding on to what I haven’t got…” And when Mike enters with his infamous “Yo,” I just fall over. Pure genius.

7— “Points of Authority”- Their first album is a classic, so trying to isolate songs (when I love to listen to them in the order they were created) is difficult. I think it is the “flow” of this track that lures me in and does not let go. The back and forth between Mike and Chester is undeniable, especially when Mr. Shinoda comes in at the 1:56 minute mark with “Forfeit the game before somebody else… takes you out of the frame… and puts your name to shame…” The last 24 seconds of the tune is so infectious, I just keep hitting the rewind button.

6—” Bleed It Out”- This could be the best exercise song ever created. After I left MBIA, I still kept in touch with Tricia to give her more songs for the boot camp class with Dave and when this song was released (along with “Given Up”- which I also recommended) I immediately called her to let her know that the gym rats would love it. By this time, I had conditioned them to all the heavy stuff I could get my hands on because the constant thrashing, in my opinion, gets the juices flowing more than any dance song- again just in an exercise class, I am not trying to sling arrows. She called me back after it was played, and the entire class loved it while telling her to inform me to keep them coming. Folks, for those of you out there that do not know this song, please heed my advice this tune is off the charts. Crank it up!!

5— “One More Light”— I do not mean to bring everyone down, but this song is too powerful to not be included on this list. The tune was written for a friend of Mike and suddenly a few months later it becomes an unnerving tribute to one of his own family members. The lyrics are so personal and there are probably people who we know that are suffering just like Chris and Chester where either signs are missed or tragically it just happens because it was all kept inside. “Who cares if one more light goes out?” We all do, and we all miss those special people in our lives that are abruptly taken from us. Chester, you are sorely missed every day.  

4— “In the End”— Tell me you were not hooked from the opening piano notes the first time you ever heard this tune? And now two decades later, it is so identifiable around the globe as I can picture the entire world “air-pianoing” (think this is the first time I have ever used piano in my “air” quotes) as we all get ready to sing- “… It starts with one… one thing I don’t know why… it doesn’t even matter how hard you try…” They performed this on that July night in 2003 and as I looked around Giants stadium viewing thousands of people all enjoying life while singing in ecstasy- “I tried so hard and got so far… but in the end, it doesn’t even matter… I had to fall… to lose it all… but in the end, it doesn’t even matter…”- as I thought to myself, “It doesn’t get any better than this.” Folks, this band ruled the world for a long period of time, and I will hear no arguments against this fact.  

3— “Don’t Stay”— This is really the song that introduced me to LP as I remember while working at MBIA, I slid the CD into my reliable Honda civic and after the “foreword” this amazing track hit my ears and my reaction was similar to that of a dog when it smells liver being cooked. Growing up, we had a dog named Heide, and whenever my mother took out liver to make for my dad’s dinner that night, she knew she would have to make another piece for her. I can remember her swirling in circles as she could not wait for my mom to deliver it to her bowl. Once I heard this tune, my excitement was just like Heide as I knew instantaneously, that the rest of the album was going to be great just because of this opener.  Back in 2003, I was younger and there was an underwriter that I used to think of on my rides home along 684, especially when Chester screams- “… sometimes I need you to STAY AWAY FROM ME!!” This was the opening tune when they played that night at Giants stadium.

2— “From the Inside”— They had me at “I don’t know who to trust, no surprise.” The beautiful melody is supplemented by the powerful riffs and of course the unreal thrusts by Chester that are captivating to the point where I am floating high above the ground while wishing I could create genius like LP. Folks, this is proof of hunger, determination and love of music that propelled this unit to the top of the world, which maybe they were not looking for, but it turned out too good to be ignored. Just imagine 60,000 people performing the “American Idol” sway with each other and then pushing away to air-guitar while destroying the airwaves in the throat so as to match Chester’s fervor? It was an unforgettable moment that is forever etched in my memory. I am performing the “Wayne’s World- We are not Worthy” bow.   

1— “One Step Closer”—That night in July 2003 ended with this masterpiece and talk about sending off a crowd into a full-out frenzy? The mosh-pit from our viewpoint was buzzing like a human tornado as I swear, I saw body parts flying above the pit along with the grass and dust. As the tune approaches the 1:48 mark, the anticipation is probably similar to when folks on the Cyclone rollercoaster at Coney Island hit the top of that first hill, as the entire congregation were kneeling close the ground like Chester waiting to growl- “… SHUT UP when I’m talking to you… SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP…” I love the chaos that follows, especially the “turntablism” that is utilized. Who ever thought the craft of scratching on the record would be used on a nu metal record? Thank you to all the members of Linkin Park as I am forever grateful that I followed you down the road less traveled because I landed in Oz.