Join us as we check out this “performance album,” from Meat Loaf, “Bat Out of Hell” from September of 1977 (Bat Out of Hell / Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad / Paradise by the Dashboard Light). ENTERTAINMENT TRACK: Theme from “CHiPs” STAFF PICKS: “In the City” by The Jam — Wayne. “Cat Scratch Fever” by Ted Nugent — Brian. “We Just Disagree” by Dave Mason — Rob. “Jungle Love” by Steve Miller Band — Bruce. INSTRUMENTAL/LAUGH TRACK: “Grandmother’s Song” by Steve Martin
Is it Opera? Is it Rock? Is it toxic masculinity - or maybe adolescent half-formed not-too-deep masculinity? From the beginning, Bat Out Of Hell has been hard to define, and it took a long time for Meat Loaf, composer Jim Steinman, and producer Todd Rundgren to get the concept album picked up. However, the staying power of this evergreen album is undeniable, with over 43 million sold to date, and 200,000 albums sold per year even today. If you found that overwhelming, well, you took the words right out of my mouth!
We hope you enjoy our journey into the depths of this so-uncool-its-cool debut studio album.
“Bat Out of Hell”
This opening title track comes in at an epic 9:52 run time, and it is not the only long track. This album is great to hear as a whole. Todd Rundgren does the “motorcycle guitar solo” you’ll hear. Meat Loaf certainly has a distinctive, almost operatic voice.
“Two Out of Three Ain't Bad”
Meat Loaf got his start in theater, and this pop hit single gives credence to his theatrical influence. Meat Loaf won a lot of fans for his role as Eddie in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Several tracks off this album were made into videos, which helped drive the popularity of the album.
“Paradise By the Dashboard Light”
This track is a cheeky take on parking make-out sessions. There is a Rocky Horror feel to this almost comedic multi-movement work. The song is filled with double entendres, plot twists, and a Phil Rizzuto baseball sequence.
“Theme from CHiPs”
This cop show debuting in 1977 launched Erik Estrada's career
“In the City” by The Jam
Wayne highlights a British punk band, reminiscent of the Kinks and the Who. While they made a big splash in the UK, they never took off in the States.
“Cat Scratch Fever” by Ted Nugent
Brian shares a pick from the Motor City Madman is easy to identify from the screaming guitar intro. Nugent often took the stage wearing only a loincloth back in the day.
“We Just Disagree” by Dave Mason
Rob's staff pick takes a more mellow direction with the second single released off Mason's album. Great harmonies and a 12-string guitar make this Traffic alum's hit memorable.
“Jungle Love” by the Steve Miller Band
This hit off the tenth studio release from Steve Miller only took only 30 minutes to complete on the last day of recording, says Bruce. "You treat me like I was your ocean - you swim in my blood when it's warm."
“Grandmother’s Song” by Steve Martin
Steve Martin's comedy takes us out on this week's podcast.