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CJ Kaplan's avatar

While I'm thrilled that FMAJ wandered onto Newbury St., had lunch at Stephanie's and made it into our imaginary hall of fame, I think there is far too much protesting about what is and what isn't hair metal and whether it's okay to like it. Here's a hot take, boys. Tesla and the Black Crowes would've made a great double bill in the early 90s. They would've sold out plenty of Worcester Centrums across the nation. And before you clutch your collective pearls, I'd like to point out that they both opened for Mötley Crüe. Sorry to hurt you like that, fellas.

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Mitch Blum's avatar

Nope. Hair metal requires spandex, self-indulgent guitar solos, and hedonistic yet celebratory lyrical themes. That was never the Crowes, hence, they're not not hair metal. Plus, every band in America has opened for Mötley Crüe at least once.

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CJ Kaplan's avatar

Never implied that the Crowes were hair metal. Just that Tesla wasn't. I also find it impressive that you can say "not self-indulgent and Rich Robinson" with a straight face.

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Kevin Alexander's avatar

In 1990, I was living in an entirely different music universe. The Venn diagram of Tesla fans and people that might throw me into a locker was a solid circle. I'm not sure I've ever heard this record other than "Signs," or anything by the band besides this and Little Susie (sp?).

What I can 110% relate to is being late to class 'cause I was sitting in my car waiting for a song to finish. That alone tells me this record is worth a spot in the hall. Kids today are missin' out.

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Dave Dugan's avatar

Please don’t ever stop doing Exile! I love the musical diversity and the albums you put up. I respect the hell out of the knowledge of you guys and the different musical backgrounds! I love everything about this and look forward to seeing this weekly

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Ken Warshaw's avatar

Thanks Dave. We really appreciate the love.

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CJ Kaplan's avatar

Thank you, Dave! We really enjoy doing this and its great to hear that you're enjoying it too.

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Khairul M. Yusuf's avatar

their take of Mother’s Little Helper is so good

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CJ Kaplan's avatar

I love it too! As I said in my pitch, I think "Dead Flowers" would have been amazing. Just the setting and the whole vibe of the show would've have made that particular Stones cover something special. "Sweet Virginia" would've been another good option.

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Khairul M. Yusuf's avatar

they did Street Fighting Man in their Reel to Reel…. Led Zep’s Thank You is also briliantly covered.

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CJ Kaplan's avatar

I forgot about those albums! Just listened again and, you're right, "Street Fighting Man" is excellent. "Thank You" was okay, but maybe a little ambitious. I think they were most successful in their cover of Aerosmith's "Seasons of Wither." Jeff's voice feels more suited to a Steven Tyler vocal than a Robert Plant track. (No surprise there given Jeff's ability to do a good Mick.) But, yeah, there are some great covers on those two discs.

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Vicki Friedman's avatar

I’m going to listen to this now. Thanks for the pitch

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