The Metal Files

Yes, believe it or not, K-Tel did do more than just disco compilations. I still have my original vinyl copy of this. I used to have the tape as well. I remember riding around in my ’66 Nova with the “custom” cassette player and usually had this tape with me. everything on here is great except for the KISS, Rush and Van Halen. I always skipped those tracks. If I was in my bedroom spinning the vinyl, well, it was a little more difficult to skip them so I’d just suffer through it.

I’m putting YouTube links to each of these songs. Enjoy this trip through my memory lane. Watch out for the curbs and potholes.

Side One

Trashed – Black Sabbath: To this day this is one of my favorite Black Sabbath songs. Gillan did a great job on this album and it’s too bad he only lasted for one. This video version is the same as on the compilation, a slightly shortened version than on the actual album.
Mean Streak – Y&T: Y&T is a band that I liked the “hits” they made but never really got into their albums. Listen closely to this one. It sounds like he says “She’s got a meanstreech.” Great song.
Breakin’ The Chains – Dokken: Yea! Dokken is in my blog again already! This video is a comical, as most vids were at the time. Pilson had just joined the band like a day or so before the video shoot and didn’t know the song so he’s just playing nothing. In case you didn’t know, Juan Croucier from Ratt recorded the bass on this album. Love this song. I think Don Dokken was already in his 40s. That dude is old.
Who’s Behind the Door – Zebra: This is such a badass song. I first heard it on the radio in 83. Saw them in 87 at the Boathouse in Norfolk (RIP) with Rough Cutt and Alcatrazz (sans Yngwie/Vai) and they were awesome. No one was there. $5! I recommend this band to everyone. Sure, there’s some Zeppelinesque stuff to them but they are really great.
Rainbow in the Dark – Dio: I think the only description you can give to the DIO stuff from this era is AWESOME. Look out!
Screaming in the Night – Krokus: Sadly, I had the same hair as the singer in the 80s except mine was blonde. Tough times. Great song. If you’re ever to own any Krokus, get this album: Headhunter.
Lick It Up – Kiss: GAY. The only cool thing about this vid is that we kids finally got to see what KISS looked like without their makeup. I’d been a KISS fan since 1975 and back in those days the rock mags would show pics of KISS around town hiding their faces. oooooo…mysterious. RIP Eric Carr.

Side Two

Street of Dreams – Rainbow: From the bent Out of Shape album. I adore this song. I’m one of the few who preferred Joe Lynn Turner to Dio in Rainbow.
Run to the Hills – Iron Maiden: Classic Maiden. Perfection.
Tom Sawyer – Rush: Ugh. I’ve hated this song since it first came out.
A World of Fantasy – Triumph: Rik Emmett is a god. This song is badass.
You Can’t Stop Rock an Roll – Twister Sister: FUCK YES. My favorite songs by Twisted Sister. When I finally got to see them a few years ago in Richmond, I think I hurt a few people when this song came on. They were warned.
Dancing in the Street – Van Halen: GAY. Even more gay than the KISS song. At least VH didn’t actually do a video for this but I posted one to prove my point.