Joe Satriani
Joe Satriani was one of the best, most influential rock guitarists of the late '80s. Before Satriani became a recording star, however, he taught guitar is San Francisco. Some of his students are: Metallica's Kirk Hammett, Steve Vai, and Larry LaLonde of Primus


Not of this Earth Joe Satriani-Not of this Earth (Relativity)

1. "Not of This Earth" (3:55)
2. "Snake" (4:40)
3. "Rubina" (5:50)
4. "Memories" (4:00)
5. "Brother John" (2:07)
6. "Enigmatic" (3:25)
7. "Driving at Night" (3:30)
8. "Hordes of Locusts" (4:55)
9. "New Day" (3:56)
10. "Headless Horseman" (1:50)

Joe's first full length studio release is simply phenomenal. I bought this as a new release when I was in college. It was the disc that we usually rocked late at night when we wanted to chill. This disc is more atmospheric than anything Joe would do from here on out. Most importantly, Satriani knows how to write songs, not just drum beats with solos on top making this disc one that appeals to more than just musicians. Not a bad song on this one. "Not of this Earth "was released with two different cover, this one is the original, the other featured a photo of Joe and was changed after his popularity exploded.


Srfing with the Alien Joe Satriani-Surfing With The Alien (Relativity)

1. "Surfing with the Alien" (4:20)
2. "Ice Nine" (4:08)
3. "Crushing Day" (5:16)
4. "Always with Me, Always with You" (3:20)
5. "Satch Boogie" (3:10)
6. "Hill of the Skull (1:46)
7. "Circles" (3:27)
8. "Lords of Karma" (4:46)
9. "Midnight" (1:42)
10. "Echo" (5:38)

This was Joe's breakthrough disc. Satriani's sound was more biting and the musicianship stunning. "Surfing with the Alien," was released in 1987 and was the first rock instrumental album in years to chart in the Top 30 on Billboard's Top 200 Albums. But what really broke the album, was the single "Satch Boogie" that is a staple for rock radio even today. However, other tracks like the twisted "Ice 9" or the melancholy, soulful "Always with Me, Always with You," make the entire album a good listen. Cool cover art as well featuring the Silver Surfer.

The Extremist Joe Satriani-The Extremist (Relativity)

1. "Friends" (3:27)
2. "Extremist" (3:42)
3. "War" (5:46)
4. "Cryin'" (5:42)
5. "Rubina's Blue Sky Happiness" (6:10)
6. "Summer Song" (4:52)
7. "Tears in the Rain" (1:16)
8. "Why" (4:45)
9. "Motorcycle Driver" (4:56)
10. "New Blues" (6:55)

Satriani continues to explore new musical territory, this time getting a little more aggressive and heavier. "The Extremist" is another fine instrumental album that certainly lives up to its name. One coincidence about this one is that Lanny Cordolla released an instrumental album called "Of Riffs & Symphonies" about this same time with very similar cover art (smokey, tan color) and some of the same studio musicians (Greg & Matt Bissonette).

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