Great piece! I lived through this era in real time, and I vividly remember what seemed like an eternity between 'Pyromania' and 'Hysteria,' as we all followed the news about Rick Allen's and Mutt's accidents in Circus, Hit Parader, and on MTV News. Thinking about Elliott and co. working with Steinman is still hilarious to me.
I've been wanting to write about the Mutt factor for years now. He was unquestionably the sound of '80s pop/rock and much of mid-'90s country. When bored, I've often amused myself imagining interchanging his clients and their hit songs. Consider, say, Def Leppard tearing through Shania Twain's "Any Man of Mine" or "You Win My Love." Imagine Shania singing The Cars' "Magic," Lep's "Animal," or AC/DC's "Rock and Roll Ain't Noise Pollution." How about Bryan Adams tackling "Juke Box Hero" while Foreigner gives us "Everything I Do (I Do It For You)?" They all work!
The possibilities are endlessly fascinating (to me, at least).
Another great one Matt! Some awesome, if not rather hazy, memories associated with this album and that era. Regardless of what genre labels we attach, this was a great album
You captured Hysteria’s heart: slick, emotional, and surprisingly enduring. “Love Bites” still gives me goosebumps. I lived through this growing up and am still living in Sheffield, where the band are from. Joe Elliot's house was the stuff of legends.
Great piece! I lived through this era in real time, and I vividly remember what seemed like an eternity between 'Pyromania' and 'Hysteria,' as we all followed the news about Rick Allen's and Mutt's accidents in Circus, Hit Parader, and on MTV News. Thinking about Elliott and co. working with Steinman is still hilarious to me.
I've been wanting to write about the Mutt factor for years now. He was unquestionably the sound of '80s pop/rock and much of mid-'90s country. When bored, I've often amused myself imagining interchanging his clients and their hit songs. Consider, say, Def Leppard tearing through Shania Twain's "Any Man of Mine" or "You Win My Love." Imagine Shania singing The Cars' "Magic," Lep's "Animal," or AC/DC's "Rock and Roll Ain't Noise Pollution." How about Bryan Adams tackling "Juke Box Hero" while Foreigner gives us "Everything I Do (I Do It For You)?" They all work!
The possibilities are endlessly fascinating (to me, at least).
I would legit love to hear some of those song swap versions. Amazing comment, cheers!
There are some amazing mashup folks on YouTube that should tackle these “new” blends.
Another great one Matt! Some awesome, if not rather hazy, memories associated with this album and that era. Regardless of what genre labels we attach, this was a great album
Absolutely! The more I write about music, the more I’m convinced that genre labels are more limiters than anything else. Thanks for reading! 🙏
Fave definitely Love Bites.
Thanks for reading!
You captured Hysteria’s heart: slick, emotional, and surprisingly enduring. “Love Bites” still gives me goosebumps. I lived through this growing up and am still living in Sheffield, where the band are from. Joe Elliot's house was the stuff of legends.