Tag: Dave Grohl

How Bad Brains Influenced The Foo Fighters

Join Darren Scott, Scott Coates, Alain Dupuis, and Scott Gregory on the Sonic Collective, a podcast where each month they dive deep into a different album or musical concept. This episode kicks off with a Canada Day celebration and takes you on a fascinating journey into how Bad Brains’ 1983 album “Rock for Light” influenced Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters. Darren introduces the concept of exploring albums that have shaped other artists, revealing why Grohl cites Bad Brains as a major influence. Scott Gregory discovers the unique blend of hardcore punk and reggae in “Rock for Light,” appreciating the band’s raw energy and impact. Scott Coates was surprised by the varying songs and sounds from Bad Brains, and questioned if he was listening to the same album. Alain reflects on the Foo Fighters’ debut, noting its raw sound and Grohl’s incredible musicianship, recorded solo in just a week. The episode concludes with a discussion on Bad Brains’ legacy, breaking racial stereotypes, and enriching the listeners’ understanding of musical evolution and influence. Tune in for personal insights and a new appreciation for some of the greatest music of all time.

This Album Influenced That Album – Bad Brains Influenced Foo Fighters

The Foo Fighters’ self-titled debut album, released in 1995, bears noticeable influences from Bad Brains’ “Rock for Light,” a seminal hardcore punk album released in 1983. Dave Grohl, the driving force behind the Foo Fighters and former drummer of Nirvana, has often cited Bad Brains as one of his major musical inspirations. The raw energy, aggressive sound, and punk ethos of Bad Brains significantly shaped Grohl’s approach to the Foo Fighters’ early music.

Alain DuPuis album reviews Album selection Bad Brains Darren Scott Dave Grohl Foo Fighters Influential Albums Rock For Light scott coates Scott Gregory selection the sonic collective This Month's Pick

Pixies: Doolittle

I consider myself pretty well versed and rounded when it comes to music. Especially with material produced between 1975-2000. While I enjoy a broad variety of genres on a regular basis, good old Rock is my go-to favorite. Gritty guitars, captivating rhythms, roughish vocals, and occasionally questionable lyrical content satisfy my soul.
I’ve known of Pixies for a couple decades, was familiar with their song Here Comes Your Man, over the years had read of them being an influence to a host of bands I like a lot, but somehow had never listened to one of their albums. The time has come.
While searching ‘Best Pixies Album’ online, it seemed there isn’t definitively one. Most websites that rank such things decry that all five of their full-length LPs are pretty solid, but one stood out just a bit more than the others – Doolittle – my pick for The Sonic Collective. It’s Pixies’ second album, was released in 1989, and has gained considerable clout since its release.
NME along with a host of other music magazines regularly rate this their top Pixies album, and a 2003 poll of NME writers ranked Doolittle as the second-greatest album of all time. Add to that Rolling Stone, ranking it 226 on their “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” and this seems like a solid pick.
While watching Dave Grohl’s brilliant Sound City documentary, he was surprised when asking various musicians what their first band was, to which Pixies co-founder Francis Black answered, “Pixies”. Talk about nailing it on the first try!
So put Doolittle on, then again, wait a bit, have another go, and see how it sits. Enjoy my pick.
Scott Coates
Click here to read our reviews of Doolittle.
Links
Buy it on iTunes
Pixies Wikipedia Page
Doolittle Wikipedia Page
Pixies Website
Black Francis talks with Rolling Stone about Doolittle turning 20
NME Ranks Pixies Albums
Check Out the Sound City Movie

Dave Grohl Doolittle NME Pixies rolling stone Sound City