Nighthawk's Traffic Jams of The Week

"Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager" (Nighthawkwill7) 03/02/2014 at 16:59 • Filed to: Nighthawk's Traffic jams of the week, traffic jams, dj oppo

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The last week, I was rummaging through my drawers and came upon a stash of damn good albums I had stored away for some reason. Anyhow, I decided to crank up the stereo in my Malibu for the first time in a while on my relatively short drives (15-45 minutes depending on traffic) to the university. Also, these aren't meant to be proper reviews as I have no pretensions of being a music critic, just my personal impressions of them as I drive.

First up we have Phenomenon (1974) by the band, UFO. This album was sitting unopened in it's CD case. I remember buying it on recommendation from someone on YouTube of all places lol. This album certainly sounds like a prototype of a style that would later be developed into heavy metal mixed with some ballads that sound reminiscent of The Eagles. Driving to this made me feel like Dean Winchester from the show Supernatural which is another thing we have in common besides our style of dress and the fact that we both drive Chevy's (Although my '97 Malibu ain't no '67 Impala). All in all, it is a very fun record to listen to while you drive and I really wonder why I hadn't opened it earlier. Certainly recommend it to my fellow Opponauts.

Next up, we have Powerslave (1984) by Iron Maiden (Up The Irons!!). This album certainly has a lot more energy than the UFO record (Bass player Steve Harris does cite UFO as an influence however), opening with the triumphant Aces High. That energy certainly helps one keep alert on those morning rush hour death races to my 8:30 AM Spanish class. For those unfamiliar with their sound (and have not, for some reason, listened to the link I provided), Maiden is characterized by their harmony guitar driven riffing couple with the vocal tour de force that is Bruce Dickinson. An excellent album to drive to, especially that final track, The Rime of The Ancient Mariner. I once left my university as it was starting and pulled into my driveway just as it ended. Definitely recommend it but that much goes without saying.

Last up, we have Soundgarden's 1991 release, Badmotorfinger. This one charges out of the gates with its first track, Rusty Cage. Soundgarden is my second favorite of the Seattle Sound "Grunge" bands, Alice in Chains being my preferred group of that scene. They offer a splendid blend of fast paced guitars and chugging riffs, this album certainly adds a tinge of attitude to your commute that will make you forget the suicidal schoolgirls applying make up while tailgating you in their Fiat 500's. Check it out if you haven't!

I have some albums I ordered from Amazon tomorrow so tune in next Sunday for another installment of Nighthawk's Traffic Jams of The Week. Feel free to share your own in the replies!