Today in rock history: on this date in 1986, singer David Lee Roth released his first full length solo album, Eat 'Em and Smile. After his split from Van Halen, Roth embarked on a solo career and enlisted a band of highly accomplished musicians including guitar virtuoso Steve Vai. The result was an album that delighted Van Halen fans at a time when his former band, with its replacement lead singer Sammy Hagar, had released a synthesizer-heavy album that turned off many of the diehards. The album climbed as high as no.4 on the Billboard charts and produced several singles like "Yankee Rose" and "Goin' Crazy" among them. In an absolute comical yet impressive move, Roth released an all-Spanish counterpart to the album entitled Sonrisa Salvaje due to his rising popularity in Spanish-speaking countries. On it, Roth sings every song from the album entirely in Spanish; a move that showed he still had his humor and tenacity despite parting ways from the band that made him a star.
Released on this date in 1987, Paid In Full, the pivotal debut album by hip hop duo, Eric B. and Rakim. Considered one of the greatest releases of its genre, the album changed the face of hip hop with its production style, rhymes, sampling and its overall sound. Not hugely successful in terms of sales or initial impact, the album remained an essential stepping stone in the formation and the prominence of hip hop music. Celebrating its 30th anniversary today, Paid In Full has lost none of its relevance, finesse or power in retrospect. The album features the singles "Eric B. Is President," "I Ain't No Joke," "I Know You Got Soul," "Move the Crowd," and the title track. Essential listening.
Today in rock history: on this date in 1972, the soundtrack for the Jamaican film The Harder They Come was released. The music featured in the film (that would soon become garner a cult following in America and would be a regular feature at theaters that hosted midnight movies) was significant in that it was, for many, their introduction to reggae music. An absolutely stunning collection of well known Jamaican hit singles were collected in order to supply the bulk of this amazing album. The star of the film and essential reggae artist himself, Jimmy Cliff, recorded the film's title track specifically for the movie but his other contributions on the soundtrack were previously released songs. Selections by reggae greats like The Maytals, Desmond Dekker and The Melodians make this a truly essential album and easily one of the greatest film soundtracks of all time.
Today in rock history: on this date in 1970, Michigan-based rock and roll band The Stooges released its second album, Fun House. Although by no means a commercial success at the time of its release, the album is significant in its impact and its place in the eventual creation of what would become punk rock. Raw, ragged, improvised and powerful, this sophomore album by this integral band is one of the cornerstones of the music that would inspire bands like Ramones and The Sex Pistols years later. Iggy Pop, the front man who influenced so many after him, is in rare form on this sonic masterpiece, and his screams and howls help make listening to Fun House a truly exciting and unforgettable ride. An essential album that should be in everyone's collection, this is timeless stuff that will go on inspiring and influencing kids to form rock and roll bands for many years to come.
This article appears in Jul 6-13, 2017.