Joe Satriani - Not of this Earth (Relativity) 1986Joe Satriani
Joe Satriani
was one of the best, most influential rock guitarists of the late '80s. Before
Satriani became a recording star, however, he taught guitar is San Francisco.
Some of his students are: Metallica's
Kirk Hammett, Steve Vai, and Larry LaLonde of Primus.
Joe Satriani - Not of this Earth (Relativity) 1986
1. "Not of This Earth"
(3:55)
2. "Snake" (4:40)
3. "Rubina" (5:50)
4. "Memories" (4:00)
5. "Brother John" (2:07)
6. "Enigmatic" (3:25)
7. "Driving at Night" (3:30)
8. "Hordes of Locusts" (4:55)
9. "New Day" (3:56)
10. "Headless Horseman" (1:50)
Joe's first full length studio release is simply phenomenal. I bought this as a new release when I was in college. It was the disc that we usually rocked late at night when we wanted to chill. This disc is more atmospheric than anything Joe would do from here on out. Most importantly, Satriani knows how to write songs, not just drum beats with solos on top making this disc one that appeals to more than just musicians. Not a bad song on this one. "Not of this Earth "was released with two different cover, this one is the original, the other featured a photo of Joe and was changed after his popularity exploded.
Joe Satriani - Surfing With The Alien (Relativity) 1988
1. "Surfing with the
Alien" (4:20)
2. "Ice Nine" (4:08)
3. "Crushing Day" (5:16)
4. "Always with Me, Always with You" (3:20)
5. "Satch Boogie" (3:10)
6. "Hill of the Skull (1:46)
7. "Circles" (3:27)
8. "Lords of Karma" (4:46)
9. "Midnight" (1:42)
10. "Echo" (5:38)
This was Joe's breakthrough disc. Satriani's sound was more biting and the musicianship stunning. "Surfing with the Alien," was released in 1987 and was the first rock instrumental album in years to chart in the Top 30 on Billboard's Top 200 Albums. But what really broke the album, was the single "Satch Boogie" that is a staple for rock radio even today. However, other tracks like the twisted "Ice 9" or the melancholy, soulful "Always with Me, Always with You," make the entire album a good listen. Cool cover art as well featuring the Silver Surfer.
Joe Satriani - Dreaming #11 (Relativity) 1988
1. The Crush Of Love"
(4:20)
2. Ice Nine" [live] (3:58)
3. Memories" [live] (8:46)
4. Hordes Of Locusts" [live] (5:08)
Essentially "Dreaming #11" is a single for "The Crush of Love" backed by three live tracks. "Crush of Love" is the only studio track here, and is one of Satriani's most popular instrumentals. Actually, "Crush of Love" receives quite a bit of airplay in my hometown. I hear it regularly on local rock radio. The song isn't just an exercise for Joe to prove to the world what an amazing guitarist he is. Rather, it is a moody song that tells a story without the help of lyrics. The remaining tracks are all live featuring two from "Not of This Earth" and one from "Surfing With the Alien". All three are outstanding, however I particularly like the extended jam version of "Memories". The original track is a little over four minutes long, while this live version is nealy nine minutes long. All three live tracks were recorded at the California Theater, San Diego, CA on June 11, 1988. (On the album "Time Machine" there are additional tracks recorded at this concert.) The live tracks also featured Stuart Hamm on bass and Johathan Mover on drums.
Joe Satriani - The Extremist (Relativity) 1992
1. "Friends"
(3:27)
2. "Extremist" (3:42)
3. "War" (5:46)
4. "Cryin'" (5:42)
5. "Rubina's Blue Sky Happiness" (6:10)
6. "Summer Song" (4:52)
7. "Tears in the Rain" (1:16)
8. "Why" (4:45)
9. "Motorcycle Driver" (4:56)
10. "New Blues" (6:55)
Satriani continues to explore new musical territory, this time getting a little more aggressive and heavier. "The Extremist" is another fine instrumental album that certainly lives up to its name. One coincidence about this one is that Lanny Cordolla released an instrumental album called "Of Riffs & Symphonies" about this same time with very similar cover art (smokey, tan color) and some of the same studio musicians (Greg & Matt Bissonette).