Unlike other shred masters like Steve Vai (Satchs former student), Yngwie Malmsteen, Greg Howe, just to name a few, Satriani employs a more tradicional Verse chorus verse structure to his compositions.
That makes his music more immediate and comercialy viable than that of his peers.
This album was released at the perfect time in my life to enjoy it. After learning to play guitar and discover Eddie Van Halen, and before discovering marijuana and punk rock.
I loved SWTA from the beginning, and I never felt like the criticism of Satriani's music for being "too remote" or "too technical" was fair. I tend to see that more as a failing of the audience for not knowing how to engage with instrumental music.
If you consider his follow-up Flying In a Blue Dream, the weakest and least imaginative songs on the album were the ones with vocals. (Sorry, Joe, but you think so, too ) The title track is unbelievably nuanced, and my favorite song from his first several albums.
The Extremist is where he really found his footing and started telling stories with his songs.
(One of these days I plan to dive in on my own 'Stack and talk about this in more detail, but I think this will tide me over for now. Thanks!)
Unlike other shred masters like Steve Vai (Satchs former student), Yngwie Malmsteen, Greg Howe, just to name a few, Satriani employs a more tradicional Verse chorus verse structure to his compositions.
That makes his music more immediate and comercialy viable than that of his peers.
A similar styled player would be Paul Glber.
Great album. Still love Satch Boogie.
It’s got that VH swing!
I haven’t thought of this album in ages. Feel the need to listen. Thank you!🎸🤘👊
This album was released at the perfect time in my life to enjoy it. After learning to play guitar and discover Eddie Van Halen, and before discovering marijuana and punk rock.
I loved SWTA from the beginning, and I never felt like the criticism of Satriani's music for being "too remote" or "too technical" was fair. I tend to see that more as a failing of the audience for not knowing how to engage with instrumental music.
If you consider his follow-up Flying In a Blue Dream, the weakest and least imaginative songs on the album were the ones with vocals. (Sorry, Joe, but you think so, too ) The title track is unbelievably nuanced, and my favorite song from his first several albums.
The Extremist is where he really found his footing and started telling stories with his songs.
(One of these days I plan to dive in on my own 'Stack and talk about this in more detail, but I think this will tide me over for now. Thanks!)
I was a big fan of Flying in a Blue Dream but hadn’t listened to it in probably 20 years. I totally forgot there were vocals on it!