sing a long

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Starz was a late 70’s hard rock band with an interesting history. I discovered them maybe 10 or 12 years later through an older friend with an extensive music collection. Their sound was way ahead of its time and “Violation” is one of my favorite albums. I “re-discovered” them while doing research for my story that was set in 1978. Truly I am surprised they were not more popular. The late 70’s and early 80’s ushered in the Disco and “New Wave” eras so maybe they just got lost in the mix. That’s too bad.

The song “Cherry Baby” was arguably their biggest hit and the song that most people recognize. My first girlfriend Stephanie loved the song and we used to play it in the car when we were dating (over 20 years after it was released). Hearing it again brings back some good memories.

“Subway Terror” is of course my favorite song from the album and has surprisingly violent lyrics especially considering the band’s origins. Remember this was back in 1977. Unlike most of the stuff I grew up with in the 90’s and 2000’s, there is no profanity or use of the “F” word. Yet “Subway Terror” hits very hard and describes a scenario as brutal as anything I’ve heard. They also make reference to “ludes.” At the time I didn’t know what those were. Of course I was always careful not to play it when my parents were around…

The members of Starz are all extremely talented musicians but after listening to the album recently their Bass player Peter Sweval (1948-1990) clearly stands out from the others and his playing drives the songs. I’m sure many of the bands I listened to years later were heavily influenced by these guys.

So where did they come from? If you don’t know already you will never believe it. Most of them were members of “Looking Glass” who are best known for “Brandy, You’re a Fine Girl” which was a #1 hit in 1972. Somewhere along the way they added a new singer, drummer and I believe guitar player. As far as I know Pete was one of the original members and played on “Brandy.” Pretty awesome.

[a9127]

Had forgotten about this one... Another singer and band way ahead of their time. Was introduced to the Plasmatics by an older friend that had played guitar in a Punk band in the early 80's. Used to have this album. Getting ready to go workout. This is a good one for that.

Wendy O. Williams (1949-1998)

[a9127]

Released February 10, 1978. This album still fucking rocks. It achieved Gold status in May 1978, then went to Platinum status in October 1978. The album sold more than one million copies in the US alone in under a year. On August 7, 1996, the album went to Diamond status (ten million copies) as certified by the RIAA.

In 2017, students of the Los Rios School in San Juan Capistrano, California, re-recorded the full album with the help of the Produce Like a Pro team. The session was recorded in the same studio that Van Halen originally recorded in, using the same recording equipment that Van Halen used. The album continues to inspire young musicians 40 later.

[a9127]

Thought this was so fucking awesome in 1999. Went to see them live at Ozzfest, June 12, 2001 at the Verizon Wireless Music Center. Not too far from where I live today.

They are still playing as far as I know. If I would go see them again in 2018 would their audience be my age (30's) or teens?

Best YouTube comment:

"Who needs pre-workout powder for the gym when you got Slipknot!"

[a9127]

Ann ("The Voice") and Nancy Wilson (Acoustic Guitar). From 1976.

Nancy would come into her own in the 80's. She was one of my first crushes, then I discovered Ann...

[a9127]

One of my favorites from 2003.

Best YouTube comment:

"fucking brutal but good for the mind"

[a9127]

Well, what did you expect?

Best YouTube comments:

“My chicken listened to this song. Now he's a T-Rex.”

“Men and women will be forgotten. But monsters and gods will always be remembered.”

“I’m happy there's still this kind of music on the internet in my class there're only 2 people who like heavy metal: me and a good friend of mine. I think this music helps you with your anger or when you're a bit down.”

“I played this to my guinea pigs. Now I have to live in their enclosure.”