Very few radio disc jockeys ever achieve much in the way of renown and circumstances beyond their local markets. sure, there is "King of all Media" Howard Stern, and support in the former years of rock `n` roll we had such characters as Murray The K and Alan Freed. But in price of family names, these are the exceptions that test the rule.
Through his stubborn promotion of hard metal and heavy rock through the years, Eddie Trunk has become one of the most respected non-musicians in the field. His steadfast allegiance to the form brought him out of the swamps of new Jersey radio and into the largest marketplace in the States, new York City. Despite his "perfect for radio" appearance (the guy is pretty chubby, as he readily admits), Trunk`s That Metal show on VH1 Classic has become one of the biggest hits the place has always had.
For all these reasons and more, Eddie Trunk holds a particular situation in metal fan`s and musician`s hearts. So often so in fact, that for his 25th anniversary in radio, Judas Priest played an invitation-only party for him at the Hard Rock Cafe in new York. In fact, Rob Halford even wrote the Preface to his new book, Eddie Trunk`s Essential Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. while there are tons of these types of collections on the market these days, Eddie brings something different to the task. Rather than merely offering short biographical sketches of the major bands in the genre, as most do, Trunk adds his personal reflections near the groups. it makes a big difference.
Most fans know the basics about groups like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, but reading stories of Eddie`s personal encounters with the artists adds a completely new dimension. This case of writing could have easily degenerated into name-dropping and starfucking, but he does not get off that way. as a fan, his reactions mirror that of what any of his listeners would probably feel. it is a fine tune to straddle, but Trunk makes it work.
The bible contains 35 entries, arranged alphabetically. these include Metallica, Aerosmith, Guns N` Roses, and Iron Maiden - just to make a few. But the ones that are obviously close to Eddie`s heart are the interesting choices. I don`t suppose I get always seen one of these books (especially one with only 35 artists) include Billy Squire as one of the essentials. But it Trunk`s his book after all.
As mentioned previously, it is the personal reflections that stimulate the word a cut above others. One of the unfortunate tendencies of those who regard themselves musical "experts" is the snob factor. most rock/metal fans of a certain age cite Ozzy-era Sabbath as one of the first groups they got into. Not Eddie though. His honesty in telling us that it was the 1980 Heaven and Hell album with Ronnie James Dio that first turned his mind is refreshing. he goes on to explain that just after hearing that one did he go backward and get the double-LP best of collection We Sold our Souls for Rock `n` Roll, to get intimate with the Ozzy years.
Dio`s passing in 2010 was keenly felt by his legions of fans, and Eddie Trunk was no exception. His many contributions to music are honored here with entries on Sabbath, Rainbow, and his own Dio band. In one of the sadder moments in the book, Trunk talks about hosting one of the memorial events for RJD. with a variety of pride in being chosen for this honor, and heavy sorrow at the occasion, he takes us there.
Besides recounting the basic facts of each performer, and his personal reminiscences, Trunk adds a pair of other intriguing elements to each chapter. One is "Eddie`s Playlist" in which he ranks his favorite tracks by each group. His choices may or may not mirror the reader`s, in most cases mine were all different. Comparing yours with his is actually a lot of fun. for example, who but Eddie Trunk would pick "Child In Time" as Deep Purple`s greatest song? Or "Hear about it Later" as Van Halen`s? my favorite has to be his number one option for UFO. Eddie goes for Strangers In The Night "whole album, top to bottom." I could not hold more with one of the most sadly overlooked double-live records ever.
Another cool bit is "Underground Classic" in which he singles one of a band`s (or a solo member`s) most obscure records for peculiar praise. Left-field selections here include Van Halen III with Eddie Cherone (formerly of Extreme), and Carnival of Souls by KISS. Finally there is a "Did you know?" section with little known facts about each act.
All in all, Eddie Trunk`s Essential Hard Rock and Heavy Metal is one of those rare guides to medicine that really has something new to say. it is a fresh change from the standard fare, and recommended.
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