“I wish I was in Tijuana, eating barbecued iguana,” sang the 80’s group Wall of Voodoo. And as you will learn in “Facts on Tracks,” the one hit wonder band did make it to Tijuana, to film their memorable music video. Greg Prato shares notes from his interviews with the band members and songwriters that delivered hit tunes for the likes of Rush, Judas Priest, The Police, The Eagles, Billy Joel, Alice Cooper, Kiss, and Metallica.
Did you know that the 1970 rock classic “American Woman” by The Guess Who is actually an anti-war song? The American Woman referred to in the song is the Statue of Liberty. You will learn how the song was conceived. Similarly, where did the lyrics for The Ramone’s “Blitzkrieg Pop” come from? A track that has become a favorite for arena rock fanatics. Was Toto’s “Roseanna” actually written for actress Rosanna Arquette?
In “Facts on Tracks,” you learn the backstories for classic hits such as Rick Springfield’s “Jessie’s Girl,” Europe’s “The Final Countdown,” another arena rock staple song, “I’m Alright” by Kenny Loggins for the hilarious “Caddyshack” movie, Asia’s “Heat of the Moment,” “Eye of the Tiger,” a song written by Survivor for Rocky III, “Maneater” by Daryl Hall and John Oates, and many more!
I appreciate the author wrapping notes around the music videos produced for many of the hit songs described in the book. Saga’s “On the Loose,” was filmed in Toronto, featuring the lead singer breaking out of the jail. Prato reveals the story of the behind Quiet Riot’s entertaining video for “Metal Health,” a favorite that aired regularly on MTV.
I recommend “Facts on Tracks,” as I promise you will learn interesting facts you didn’t already know about your favorite songs. Here is to hoping for another volumes!
By: Greg Prato
Narrated by: Greg Prato
Length: 5 hrs and 37 mins
Release date: 04-26-21
Publisher: Greg Prato Writer, Corp.