This is a song that I first heard when I first watched Palo Alto.
Ever since then, it’s a song that has randomly popped into my head at certain times, usually whenever I’m possessed by the melancholy spirit that always seems to follow me around this time of year. It’s a song that always makes me feel better, despite what happened in Palo Alto.
Here’s a clip from 1977 of a young David Hasselhoff, singing for the first time on television.
Stay strong, Hoff, we’re all rooting for you.
Seriously, we are so lucky to have the Hoff.
Set the mood, Hoff!
It was two years ago today that my Dad went into hospice care. The song below helped me get through a lot, both when my mom passed and now, with my Dad.
This was filmed in 2016. Not only do we have Harry Dean Stanton, Kris Kristofferson, and Johnny Depp but David Lynch puts in an appearance early on in the video as well.
In today’s song of the day, Sam Neill sings a song from Randy Newman. He apologizes before he begins but no apology was necessary.
I’ve starting my summer job of writing about Big Brother at Reality TV Chat Blog. In honor of that, today’s song of the day is the little-remembered theme song from the first season of Big Brother!
After listening to this, you’ll understand why they’ve gone with an instrumental theme song from season two on.
Bonnie Tyler, RIP.
Okay, so you have to listen to Into the Storm by Blind Guardian. I know, I know, it’s easy to dismiss power metal as just another fantasy genre, but trust me on this one. This track is the perfect storm of aggression and melody, and it kicks off the Nightfall in Middle-Earth album with such incredible energy that you’ll be hooked from the first riff. It’s a furious, catchy, and surprisingly deep dive into the lore of The Silmarillion, capturing the raw desperation of Morgoth and Ungoliant squabbling over the Silmarils. But seriously, don’t let the subject matter intimidate you; just let the music do its thing and you’ll be chanting along to the chorus before you know it.
The track is a masterclass in how to build intensity, but the real reason I’m writing this is to talk about the guitar solo by André Olbrich. It is, without a doubt, one of the most underrated moments in their entire catalog. If you pull up the remastered version, the solo hits right at the 2:37 mark and doesn’t let up until about 3:07. It’s a short, sharp shock of pure melodic bliss. What makes it so special is that it completely eschews the typical speed-demon shredding you might expect. Instead, it’s a soaring, beautifully constructed lead that sounds like it’s carrying the entire weight of the song’s story on its shoulders. It perfectly mirrors Hansi Kürsch’s vocal style, acting as another voice in the track to carry you forward into the chaos.
André is often listed among the greatest metal guitarists for a reason, and this solo is a prime example of his genius. He’s not interested in showing off; he’s interested in serving the song and elevating the epic feel. During those 30 seconds, his guitar weeps and soars over the frantic rhythm section, creating this incredible feeling of hope and tragedy all at once. It’s a moment of pure clarity and emotion amidst the storm, and it’s the perfect payoff to the frantic energy that came before it. It’s a piece of music that gets stuck in your head for days, and it’s a big part of why this track is such a fan favorite.
So, if you consider yourself a fan of powerful, storytelling metal or just appreciate a killer guitar solo, do yourself a favor and cue up Into the Storm. Turn it up loud, wait for that solo to hit, and let yourself get swept away. It’s a gateway into one of the most epic albums ever written, and I promise you, that brief, beautiful guitar break will be the moment that makes you understand exactly what Blind Guardian is all about.
Into the Storm
Give it to me
I must have it
Precious treasure
I deserve it
Where can I run
How can I hide
The Silmarils
Gems of treelight
Their life belongs to me
Oh it’s sweet
how the Darkness is floating around
We are following
The will of the one
Through the dark age
And into the storm
And we are following
The will of the one
Through the dark age
And into the storm
Lord I’m mean
(guitar solo @2:37)
Blackheart show me
What you hold in hand
I still hunger for more
Release me
From my pain
Give it to me
How I need it
How I need it
How I need it
I did my part
Now it’s your turn
And remember
What you’ve promised
Great Guitar Solos Series
Today’s song of the day comes from David Bowie and it’s about Bowie’s fascination with Andy Warhol. Warhol himself apparently didn’t care for this song but Bowie meant it as a tribute.
This song came out in 1971. 25 years later, Bowie would play Andy Warhol in Basquiat.
Through the Shattered Lens 