1981 - August: (various artists) "Heavy Metal" Soundtrack

In 1977 Leonard Mogel began publishing a dark, illustrated, steampunk, and somewhat erotic science fiction and fantasy magazine called Heavy Metal, and in 1981 an adult animated sci-fi fantasy film by the same name was produced by Mogel and Ivan Reitman.  The film would become a mainstay of the midnight movie circuit (along with “the Rocky Horror Picture Show”) throughout the 1980's, and would also lead to a hit album which would peak at number 12 on the Billboard 200 chart.
The movie mirrors a comic book, in that it strings together a number of shorter vignettes into an entire animated movie.  The shorts are loosely held together by the frame of the Loc Nar, an orb that is the ultimate evil.
Filled with terrific rock tracks, the soundtrack would become mired with legal issues, causing the CD to not be released until 1995.  If you wanted to hear it before that, you needed to buy the LP.
We're only giving you a taste of this album, folks.  You really should download and listen to it in its entirety.  
Friend of the show Andy Burt stands in for Bruce in this one way ticket to midnight.
 
Heavy Metal (Takin' a Ride) by Don Felder
This is the title track by once and future Eagles alumnus Don Felder.  Fellow Eagles alumni Don Henley and Timothy B. Schmit also contribute backing vocals. The track would be the only Felder solo effort to chart, appearing at number 43.  The music is associated with the film episode entitled B-17. 
Veteran of the Psychic Wars by Blue Oyster Cult
Penned by Eric Bloom and British author Michael Moorcock, this song appears in the story entitled Harry Canyon.  John Candy voices the Sergeant in this segment. The song itself reflects a futuristic soldier exhibiting PTSD.    
Heavy Metal by Sammy Hagar
“Headbangers in leather!”  This song was written for the movie.  “It's a one-way ticket to midnight!  Cal it - Heavy Metal.”  This iconic track is played in the segment called So Beautiful & So Dangerous.
The Mob Rules by Black Sabbath
The short entitled Taarna contains this track.  Ronnie James Dio is the front man for this iteration of Black Sabbath.  "If you listen to fools, the mob rules."  This is the concluding vignette from the film.
“Reach  Out” by Cheap Trick
Wayne  doubles up with his out-of-order staff pick, from the Heavy Metal Soundtrack.  This track also takes place in the Taarna vignette.
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK
“Bad Moon Rising” by Credence Clearwater Revival
"An American Werewolf in London" was on the big screen at this time, with some amazing special effects in this day.  CCR contributed this song as the theme of the film.
 
STAFF PICKS:
“Gemini Dream” by The Moody Blues
Brian's staff pick comes from a synthesizer heavy hit from prog rock superstars The Moody Blues.  It hit number 12 on the charts, and comes from their album "Long Distance Voyager."   Justin Hayward and John Lodge co-wrote this song. 
“Really Wanna Know You” by Gary Wright
Rob brings us another synth-heavy hit from the artist best known for "Dreamweaver."  Wright worked closely with ex-Beatle George Harrison, and developed an affinity for eastern religion which permeates his music.
“Hold on Tight” by E.L.O.
Guest Andy finishes off our staff picks with this somewhat Rockabilly boogie number 2 charting track from the Electric Light Orchestra.  It is off their sci-fi themed album “Time.”  At the time, it was the most expensive video produced.  Interestingly, it only hit number 24 in France despite the fact that it has french lyrics in the song.
 
COMEDY/INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
“Birdy Song” by The Tweets
Bruce gets blamed for this comedy song choice to finish off an otherwise awesome podcast.