Music of the Day, 10 July 2024
changing you and me
Something or someone reminded me last night that today is the anniversary of eccentric genius Nikola Tesla’s birth (in the Gregorian calendar1). That pointed me in the direction of today’s MotD, but it took me a bit of hunting to find the right song.
While I’ve long liked the band Tesla’s music, I never did follow them closely. Their first album came out while I was in my second year of grad school, and I just didn’t have enough attention left over to focus on all the great hard rock and metal coming out. I simply listened to the radio when I could, enjoyed what I heard, and put my head back down to work on my master’s thesis.
So I may be wrong about this—and please do correct me if I am!—but it seems to me Tesla doesn’t get the respect they deserve. There’s a lot of deep talent in both their songwriting and performing. I offer one of my favorite songs from Tesla’s 1986 debut album, Mechanical Resonance, as Exhibit A:
Pretty ballsy of a hard rock/metal band to open a song with a brooding piano melody that builds to an angsty, edgy guitar motif. “Changes” deftly varies nearly every element to masterfully build and release tension throughout the song. It was cowritten by all five band members—Frank Hannon on guitars, keyboards, and backing vocals; lead vocalist Jeff Keith; percussionist Troy Luccketta; Tommy Skeoch on guitars and backing vocals; and Brian Wheat on bass guitar and backing vocals—and to my ear is a masterpiece.
It’s been far too long since I’ve listened to either Tesla disc in my library: Mechanical Resonance and the 1991 album Psychotic Supper. I’m gonna try to correct that today.
June 28 in the Julian calendar
Wow, I had never heard this band and this track is amazing! It really reminded me of the Triumph song Tears in the Rain and that piano opening gave me Elton John/Billy Joel vibes. I definitely want to hear more!
Agree, brilliant song. Looking at their live videos, they seem to have an avid fan base of both guys and gals, and they're still touring and recording since they got back together. They also seem to have high regard as a hair metal band. But I can't say I know much outside of their hits. Would like to explore more myself.