Fri. Mar 29th, 2024

February 4 marks the seventy fifth birthday of one of many biggest performers to grace the stage, the legendary Alice Cooper. With a profession spanning 5 many years, the godfather of shock rock has left an indelible mark on the music trade. His vaudevillian theatrics and eccentric stage performances helped affect numerous musicians, and can undoubtedly proceed to take action sooner or later. To paraphrase Wayne’s World, “we’re not worthy” to rely Alice as one of many residents within the House of SiriusXM, however we’re very fortunate to take action!

Be a part of SiriusXM as we rejoice Alice Cooper’s birthday by trying again at a few of his biggest and most influential hits. So, feed your Frankensteins and lay down on a “Mattress of Nails” as we dive into the bizarre world of Alice Cooper.

If you wish to hear extra from the godfather of rock, tune in to Ozzy’s Boneyard (Ch. 38), and take a look at his interview with Eddie Trunk on Trunk Nation under.


“I’m Eighteen” (1971)

The place higher to start than with the observe that began all of it? The primary commercially profitable single launched by Alice Cooper (the band), approach again in 1970, “I’m Eighteen” was their first high 40 hit. The anthem served because the proof of idea for Warner Bros. to offer them a full album launch — the band’s third after releasing two beneath Frank Zappa’s Straight Information label. It’s a powerhouse observe that highlights the band and the singer’s long-reaching affect. Johnny Rotten auditioned for the Intercourse Pistols with it and Joey Ramone famously wrote his first track utilizing its chord sample.

 

“Faculty’s Out” (1972)

How may we not embrace what’s arguably Cooper’s greatest track? The singer claimed to have meant to seize the enjoyment of the varsity 12 months ending in simply three minutes, and he completely did that with this glam-rock traditional. Whether or not it’s the immediately recognizable riff, iconic refrain, or the kids’s choir echoing his phrases, the track is pure teenage rebelliousness. Derided upon launch, with mother and father and lecturers calling for it to be banned, the track definitely outlived that preliminary handwringing. “Faculty’s Out” reached quantity 7 on the Billboard Sizzling 100, marking a profession spotlight for Cooper, one which was solely matched by the discharge of the legendary “Poison” 17 years later.

 

“No Extra Mr. Good Man” (1973)

There’s been no scarcity of controversy with regards to Cooper’s musical persona, as our earlier decide demonstrates. Written in response to the best way his mom’s church group reacted to his reside performances, “No Extra Mr. Good Man” was a rejection of their norms. The gloves had been off with this one as Cooper calls out those that derided him as a result of media’s notion of him. It’s a extra musically understated track than others in his repertoire, but it surely’s no much less nice.

 

“Poison” (1989)

“Faculty’s Out” is iconic, however “Poison” is on one other degree. Additionally peaking at quantity 7 on the Billboard Sizzling 100, and reaching quantity 2 on the UK Singles Chart, that is Cooper at his finest. It’s a pure ‘80s energy ballad however in one of the simplest ways potential. There’s one thing inherently sleazy in regards to the track that makes it so nice, oozing depth due to the raspy vocals. Mixed with a roaring guitar riff that takes the observe to a different dimension, it’s not possible to not have “Poison” caught in your head for days.

 

“Feed My Frankenstein” (1992)

If you need proof of Cooper’s star energy, look no additional than his 1992 cowl of Zodiac Mindwarp and the Love Response’s “Feed My Frankenstein.” Placing his personal twist on the track, Cooper actually made it a stand-out within the course of. The track additionally options appearances from a number of different legends, together with Joe Satriani and Steve Vai on guitar, Mötley Crüe’s Nikki Sixx on bass, and spoken phrase courtesy of Elvira, Mistress of the Darkish herself. You’ll be able to’t assist however love each minute of it!


Hear extra from Alice Cooper and plenty of extra on Ozzy’s Boneyard (Ch. 38).

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