If you deny the power of the Loaf on Bat Out of Hell you can kiss my ass.
That sweaty round bastard, Jim Steinman, Todd Rundgren and a chunk of the Boss’ E Street band made the best rock opera, musical or whatever you want to call it ever made. When you listen to the Loaf’s deliver he’s feeling it and the band matches his every mood.
Growing up near Cleveland in the 70’s it was impossible not to be subjected to a massive dose of Bat. Released on the Cleveland International label (based in Willoughby, Ohio) and heavily supported by local radio it all I can remember hearing in 1978. My mom had the 8 track and with my sister they wore the shit out of it. I have a clear memory of including “2 Out of 3 Ain’t Bad” in a dig directed at my cousin during a family camping trip. The Loaf was everywhere. I’ve owned and disowned the 8 track, tape, LP and CD countless times in my life but like a post-nuclear cockroach it always finds a way to wriggle it’s way into the stereo. Right now I have a CD burn but I find myself digging around for it so often I might as well enshrine it in the collection where it can be displayed.
Loaf, you son of a bitch. I want you, I need you but there ain’t no way I’m ever going to love you.
