Not being one for gratuitous nostalgia—involving ANY topic—doesn't mean I'm not into History...especially Oral History. 
The '80s were certainly a decade of change for Pop Music; as it was feeding off all of the changes from the '70s, and setting it's future course with that—and earlier decades—in mind. 
It went in a number of different directions, from the “next-level hedonism” of Glam Metal and EDM, to the “thrift-store” social consciousness of the Post-Punk movement (in it's many forms). 
As you might have guessed, Traditional Rock 'n Roll was getting “lost in the shuffle”.
That's where the tune I'm featuring here came in...and still resonates.
It was 1980 when Queen released “The Game” album; which was quite a departure from what they were doing in the '70s: Stripped-down tunes with hooky Basslines and danceable beats...and Synthesizers, no less!
Oddly—in terms of what became the “hits” from this Album—I found the Roger Taylor (Drums) tune “Rock It (Prime Jive)” one of the most compelling songs on it. It draws heavily on '50s Rock 'n Roll influences in terms of structure, but the lyrics and instrumentation seemed to speak to what lay in the future. (Taylor would continue to explore this in tunes such as “Radio Gaga”; of which I have my instrumental take posted on the “Howard Thrust SIDE 1” soundcloud page) 
It seems ironic that more time has passed since “Rock It” was released, than had passed from the '50s up until then!
In the period from then to now, it seems that the once-popular optimism about music maybe changing the World and bringing people together kind of “had its run” and fizzled out...and society is the worse for it.
I'm trying to convey that optimism in my interpretation of “Rock It”; while still representing things realistically—hence the “S.O.S. Meme”. – Thrust

Rock It (Prime Instrumental Jive) S.O.S. Version - MMountain Offensive inspired by QUEEN

Originally, the music for this work was the first half of a composition I played and recorded a while back, called "3rd Stone: Demolition and Reconstruction". It worked out well as the background music for a reading of Apocalypse (Revelation) chapter Sixteen. I thought that an "otherworldly" sound of the voice for the reading would fit the context appropriately.
It took a little more production-type work to get the mix I wanted, but--as with the Bukowski piece--the process seemed artistic enough, and was well worth the effort. I hope you agree.

3rd Stone (from the Sun): Apocalypse 16 - Thrust-O-Logue (Hendrix inspired)

The one advantage of adding words to music is that it can give needed focus and immediacy to a work. That said, in this instance I don't really need to explain much in these introductory comments--save for the fact that I've been in both positions over the years (i.e. the overbearing guitarist AND the underappreciating listener).
I figured: Why not state both positions simultaneously in the same piece? The opportunity to express ironic parody was too good to pass up.
Thanks to the Bowie / Alomar duo for inspiration along musical lines, as well as the obvious honest madness of C. Bukowski for the story! I have to thank (the late) Joe Frank for the inspiration in helping me to conceive this whole thing to begin with. (He's got some classic postings right here on soundcloud!)
This work took some editing chops to pull off, as I was mixing and blending a number of different sections and sounds. It is truly a solo work. - Thrust

Guitars (story by Charles Bukowski; arranged / performed by H. Thrust) - Thrust-O-Logue

At least a few famous (and some less so) people have said that “free speech” is truly only granted to “the dead”. With that thought in mind, it seems that if someone who is still alive wishes to protest injustice—or other acts of oppression—through some “literate medium”, it might be to advantage to quote a credible—but long deceased—source.
I don't know of a more time-honored and credible source than The Bible; and while all humans that were involved in it's writing are many generations removed, the Author continues alive—and truly untouchable.
Therefore, in this posted work, I've chosen to feature a soliloquy from the Bible book of Psalms; wherein the writer Asaph (a MUSICIAN, no less) ponders the seemingly “untouchable” nature of wicked people (no shortage of them in our time, either), and the difficulties they cause to good people.
I've provided appropriate background music for this reading, and formatted it in a style developed and popularized by non other than Joe Frank (his extensive work is DEFINITELY worth investigating, and can be found here on soundcloud). The music is inspired by a song from the English rock band “The Who”, wherein modern hedonism is exposed as a sham.
So really, it's all been said already...just not quite like this! Consider me the “conduit” for moving it forward. - Thrust

Psalm 73:  Striking Back at The Eminence Front (Joe Frank Tribute Version) - Thrust-O-Logue

This track debuted on my January 9, 2023 "Escape Velocity" episode (which will undoubtedly find its way--in its entirety--on this howardthrustradio page! AND HERE IT IS:  https://soundcloud.com/howard-thrust-radio/escape-velocity-with-howard-thrust-episode-12-theme-space-rock). You can find the link to these broadcasts in my "Profile" section. It served as the opening track, introducing the theme: "Space Rock".
I've always liked "massive sound", no matter where it's sourced from; and I've wanted to do a version of this piece when I got the arrangement and sound right. (I also have another--even MORE "radio friendly" version posted on my "Howard Thrust Side 1" page. You can check it out here:  https://soundcloud.com/howard-thrust/also-sprach-zarathustra-a-space-rock-odyssey-thrust-7-version-mmountain-offensive )
In any event, all versions are played on a Chapman Baritone Guitar(ML-1 V2). It turned out to be the "key" which unlocked the SpaceRock/GrooveMetal possibilities intrinsic in the original work.
As usual, I am responsible for all performance and production tasks associated with this work .

Enjoy the ride! - Thrust

Also Sprach Zarathustra... A Space Rock Odyssey (T-Minus 9 Version)- MMountain Offensive

Since “all things Space” continue to garner quite a lot of attention in The Media and elsewhere these days, I figured it was time to add another work under that theme.
This one is based on an iconic work by symphonic composer Richard Strauss; which was based on a literary work by none other than Friederich Nietzsche entitled “Also Sprach Zarathustra” (translated “Thus Spoke Zarathustra”...although many would recognize it as the main theme for the feature film “2001: A Space Odyssey”).
Seeing as how Mr. Z was a rather “heavy cat”, Strauss composed a suitably “heavy” orchestral work to properly introduce him. It was and is pure Magic!
It has also proven to be a FLEXIBLE work—lending itself to all kinds of adaptations and arrangements...like the solo “live loop jam” version I'm presenting here. 
I also have an extended version with a "Van Halen in Space" intro. Check it out here:  https://soundcloud.com/howard-thrust-radio/also-sprach-zarathustra-a-space-rock-odyssey-t-minus-9-version-mmountain-offensive
As per usual, I'm responsible for all the sounds you're hearing—including the performance, recording, engineering and related production duties necessary to make it all happen! - Thrust

Also Sprach Zarathustra... A Space Rock Odyssey (Thrust 7 Version) - MMountain Offensive

This is an all-original work addressing the problem of "progress without a sustainable goal".
One explanation for the title is the fact that the backing musical track alternates between 6/8, 7/8, 8/8 and 9/8 time signature. There are also other explanations. Let's see if you can figure some of those out...
I call it the "ESP Version 2.0" for at least a couple of reasons. One is that I used my 1987 ESP "the Mirage Deluxe" for all of the guitar sounds involved in its production...and this version is a subtly different Edit and Mix. Let's see if you can come up with some other reasons...
As always, I'm responsible for all of the performance, recording and production tasks involved with this work.
Thanks for listening! - Thrust

If Six And Seven Eight Nine (ESP Version 2.0) - Thrust-O-Logue (inspired by Joe Frank)

Having many great memories of a wide variety of “Musical Experiences” during my “Formative Years”, they often inform (sometimes unwittingly) the “statements” I make with my current work.
Listening to a lot of Pop AM Radio during the '60s, I was impacted (naturally) by the virtual “omnipresence” of the West Coast (U.S.) collective of studio musicians who became known as “The Wrecking Crew”...as well as what the Beatles were putting out at the time. A couple of (the many) standouts were Sonny and Cher's “The Beat Goes On” AND the Beatles “She's So Heavy” (more of an “album cut”, really; but I had access to LPs toward the end of the '60s!).
As far as our Modern World is concerned, many are having a harder and harder time observing all of the “Compounded Chaos” coming at us from all sides...and still rationally viewing it as “business as usual”.
So “The Beat” DOES go on—but at quite an accellerated and uncertain pace—while appearing to be morphing into some kind of “Dystopian Future”, at best.
I couldn't think of two better themes to incorporate in this piece in order to instrumentally expresss my reaction to the aforementioned Chaos.
It took some months of thought, trial and error before I came up with the work posted here.
Some notable highlights: I transposed both songs into the key of B (one Major and the other Minor—an octave down), and cross-faded the end of the first into the beginning of the second. The “white noise” that overwhelms the second part was recorded with a somewhat unorthodox—but very effective--”live looping method”. (As always, I'm responsible for all aspects of concept, performance and production involving this track!)

To listen to the full-length "Album Version" click this link:   https://soundcloud.com/howard-thrust-2/the-beat-goes-onbut-its-gettin-heavytothe9s-version-rock-instrumental-by-mmountain-offensive
Thanks for listening - Thrust

The Beat Goes On...but Its gettin HEAVY (LongPlaySingle Version) Instrumental by MMountain Offensive

Once upon a time (as I was learning Guitar on my first Steel-String Acoustic) I was kinda into the "Modern Folk, Easy Listening, Soft Rock" Thing (America, Bread, The Carpenters, Cat Stevens, etc.).
As things progressed, I became more interested in "Spirited, High-Energy" Music (Jeff Beck, Bowie, Hendrix, Van Halen ...and of course Zeppelin, among others).
What DID stay with me from those "Mellow Years" were some of the enduringly well-written tunes!
Here for your consideration is a Rock Interpretive Instrumental take on a classic David Gates/ Bread number. As always, I am responsible for all elements of Arrangement, Performance, Recording and other Production Tasks!
While the Bread version WAS "edgy" in comparison with the rest of their output, it didn't really come close to where Electric Guitar-Oriented Music could - AND DID - go!...so I just HAD to go there, too! 

This one is dedicated to the memory of "Beatle" Bob Wagstaff - Thrust  

(Click on the link to hear my longer version posted on Howard Thrust SIDE 2)  https://soundcloud.com/howard-thrust-2/guitar-man-shredbread-version-rock-guitar-instrumental-by-ab-dicchus-gary-moore-evh

The Guitar Man (shredBread singleVersion) - Rock Guitar Instrumental by a.b. dicchus

Considering the multi-faceted problems facing humanity, I really didn't have any trouble coming up with yet another dystopian take on all of it - highlighting the RAPIDLY accelerating AI Technologies...especially as they relate to Music Composition and Performance.
I'm using one of my previously released Instrumental tracks as a foundation for this release - in which I've now incorporated a reading of a passage from George Orwell's "1984" at the appropriate time!
Additionally, I'm playing a riff based on the marching chant of the Winkie Guard (from "The Wizard of OZ") over a reversed chord progression for the verse section of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow", with a marching rhythm I coaxed (ok, more like "beaten") out of my Danelectro Hodad electric guitar (an "oddball" instrument, which has proven itself quite adept at performing in such roles) by raking a serrated metallic implement across the strings! I'm improvising in real-time over that "loop"--including the crazy special effects heard toward the end of the piece. 
As always, I'm responsible for ALL sounds and production tasks that went into this effort. THAT'S RIGHT:  NO "Versificators" were used in THIS production!  - Thrust

Meanwhile, Under The Rainbow... (Orwell Versificator Version) - Thrust-O-Logue

As with all of the postings on "Howard Thrust Radio" (see the link to these broadcasts in my "Profile" section), this show has previously aired on the radio; but is posted here purely for educational purposes.
I edit, mix and master ALL tracks, for maximum audio impact (some of them REALLY needed help!)
This particular show is a presentation of current Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Egregious Omissions and Inclusions, which I update every year with the production of a new show.
Thanks for listening! - Thrust

ESCAPE VELOCITY with Howard Thrust - EP 59 - THEME: Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Update/Roast '24

Howard is a guitarist, writer, arranger, multi-instrumentalist, live performer, producer, studio engineer and online/onairwaves radio host; emphasizing musical communication through instrumental interpretation in various forms--at times employing spoken word, storytelling, reading or other audio sources in complement or contrast.
His solo live performances feature real-time multi-instrumentalism employing live recording and synching of loops and subsequent improvising over them.

Check out "Howard Thrust - SIDE 1"  https://soundcloud.com/howard-thrust for an additional 31 tracks posted here on soundcloud. 
Check out "Howard Thrust - Musical Monologues"  https://soundcloud.com/howard-thrust-monologues/tracks for "story" with Music.
Check out "Howard Thrust Radio"  https://soundcloud.com/howard-thrust-radio/tracks for complete Music shows, also here on soundcloud!
Check out "Escape Velocity with Howard Thrust" on KRHV every other Monday from 9P - 10P @ www.mammothfm.com or @ KRHV 93.3 FM in the Owens Valley, CA.
Check out "Howard Thrust" on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpAfG_aFKB0dDyp5mNl35sQ/videos !

AND NOW (massive drum-roll, please): You can visit my WEBSITE by going to www.hthrust.com

Thanks for looking and listening!

Rock It (Prime Instrumental Jive) S.O.S. Version - MMountain Offensive inspired by QUEEN

Howard Thrust

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