80’s at 8 Rockturnal With Scotty B Friday 06-16-23
Tonight’s 80’s at 8 was all 80’s Metal Baby! The first track was “What You Don’t Know (Sure Can Hurt You)”. In the early 1980s, the music industry experienced a seismic shift with the emergence of heavy metal, a genre characterized by its thunderous sound and rebellious attitude. Among the prominent acts of the era, Twisted Sister stood out as a band unafraid to challenge societal norms and push boundaries. One of their early anthems, “What You Don’t Know Sure Can Hurt You,” became a rallying cry for the band and encapsulated their determination to make an impact. Released in 1982 as part of their album “Under the Blade,” the song served as a declaration of their unyielding spirit and set the stage for their storied career.
“Under the Blade” was Twisted Sister’s debut studio album, released on September 18, 1982, through the independent label Secret Records. The album showcased the band’s raw energy and featured nine tracks that combined elements of heavy metal and glam rock. In addition to “What You Don’t Know Sure Can Hurt You,” the album included fan favorites like “Under the Blade” and “Shoot ‘Em Down,” solidifying Twisted Sister’s distinctive sound.
While “Under the Blade” initially failed to gain significant commercial success, it served as a stepping stone for Twisted Sister’s future achievements. The album peaked at number 148 on the 200 album chart in the US and remained on the chart for twelve weeks. Although modest, the album’s reception laid the groundwork for the band’s breakthrough.
Written by Twisted Sister’s frontman, Dee Snider, “What You Don’t Know Sure Can Hurt You” is a powerful and dynamic track that cleverly plays with the popular phrase “what you don’t know won’t hurt you,” emphasizing the band’s intention to disrupt and challenge societal norms.
“What You Don’t Know Sure Can Hurt You” remains a definitive track in Twisted Sister’s discography, encapsulating their relentless pursuit of success and their commitment to pushing boundaries. As an early release from their debut album “Under the Blade,” the song played a crucial role in establishing their sound and attitude. Twisted Sister’s ability to confront controversy head-on and resonate with fans solidified their place in music history as one of the most influential and enduring metal bands of the ’80s.
Unfortunately a music video was not made for “What You Don’t Know(Sure Can Hurt You)” by Twisted Sister but, you can listen to it below:
The second track in tonight’s 80’s at 8 was “Anarchy In the UK” by Megadeth. In the realm of heavy metal, there are few songs as iconic and influential as “Anarchy in the UK.” Originally penned by punk rock pioneers the Sex Pistols, the track became an emblem of rebellion and defiance. In 1988, thrash metal titans Megadeth unleashed their own ferocious interpretation of the song, infusing it with their signature aggression. Featured on their album “So Far, So Good… So What!,” Megadeth’s rendition of “Anarchy in the UK” further solidified their status as one of the genre’s most innovative and boundary-pushing bands.
Released on January 19, 1988, “So Far, So Good… So What!” marked Megadeth’s third studio album. The album showcased their relentless energy and technical prowess, combining intricate guitar work, thunderous drumming, and politically charged lyrics. Alongside their original compositions, such as “In My Darkest Hour” and “Hook in Mouth,” the inclusion of “Anarchy in the UK” showcased Megadeth’s ability to take a punk rock classic and give it a thrash metal twist.
Upon its release, “So Far, So Good… So What!” quickly gained traction within the metal community. The album peaked at number 28 on the 200 album chart in the US, solidifying Megadeth’s growing popularity. It also attained gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for selling over 500,000 copies in the United States, further cementing the band’s commercial success.
While “Anarchy in the UK” was not released as a single, its inclusion on the album and the band’s energetic live performances helped solidify its status as a fan favorite. Megadeth’s interpretation of the iconic punk anthem injected it with their characteristic speed and aggression, appealing to both their existing fan base and admirers of the original Sex Pistols’ version.
The music video for “Anarchy In The UK ” by Megadeth did get significant air play on MTV’s Headbangers Ball. The music video features Megadeth performing the song on stage in front of a crowd and it cuts to some animation and has a story line to it as well. You can check it out below:
8 ’80s Metal Albums Everyone Should Own
