Feeling very Steppenwolf today

[toomanycats]

One of the greatest rock bands of all time, in my humble opinion. I know that this has been said of so many bands that it has become tiresome, but it truly is criminal that Steppenwolf is not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Anyways, for anyone not familiar with "Monster/Suicide/America", give it a listen. I think it's one of the most audaciously conceived rock songs of all time. Perhaps not successful in achieving it's full intent, but still a bold, powerful piece of art that has the lasting power to provoke reflection and stir the emotions. Somehow I compare it to Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, though it's subject matter is actually broader in scope, encompassing two and a half centuries of social, cultural, and political evolvement of this little Enlightenment experiment we call America.

This song was released the year I was born, 1969. Laying in my cradle, the tumult expressed in this song was going on all around me. I now realize that the perceived peace and tranquility of my childhood world was merely an illusion.

Let's not get political here. Just appreciate the tune for what it is, which is great rhythm, beautiful guitar tones, meaningful lyrics, a stupendous piece of art.

[fatjack]

It's one of my favorite Steppenwolf songs. One you never hear much of because of the length. As a cultural historical lookback perhaps only an outsider like Kay could have pulled it off in song form. It still stands true today.

[Houblues]

Thanks for bringing that up, haven't heard it since the days of underground radio. I agree on Steppenwolf being underrecognized. Up there, in my mind, with The Doors, Vanilla Fudge, Velvet Underground.

When I first heard the intro to The Pusher it blew my mind open to the infinite possibilities of musical experience. I still have the same experience with that song.

I'm sorry you weren't there for the sixties. It was an interesting time....