"I Want to Announce My Presence With Authority."

First of all, I want to start off by thanking the Founding Fathers for bringing me along. I'm looking forward to stirring and simmering our individual interests, talents and points-of-view into a hearty stew of awesomeness.

There's no better way for me to kick-off my stint with the S&S team than with some serious rock. Below is a favorite track from some of rock's most iconic figures of late, Slash and Dave Grohl. Both Slash and Grohl have built massive careers by emerging from the shadows of two insanely popular rock 'n roll figureheads.

Beginning in 1985, Slash's signature wailing, soaring guitar sound played "second-fiddle" to the mega-ego of bandanna aficionado Axl Rose. Rose would eventually destroy G 'n R in the late 2000's, but luckily for Slash it seems unlikely that rock fans of the future will be playing "air frontman" to their laundry list of hits. Slash went on to co-found Velvet Revolver with Duff McKagan (also of Guns 'n Roses, and featured on bass in today's sample track). He has also launched a successful solo career and was named #2 on Time Magazine's list of "10 Best Electric Guitar Players of All-time" in 2009.

Dave Grohl was just the long-haired kid behind the drum kit when he joined Nirvana in 1990. In reality, he was probably just a nameless face when taking the stage behind teen angst savior Kurt Cobain. Quick - somebody name Nirvana's bassist. Unless you're a true rock-head, you probably can't (Krist Novoselic has become more well-known for his political activism than his time on the four-string). When Cobain took his own life in 1994, Dave Grohl carried on the musical legacy, creating Foo Fighters in 1995. Since then, Grohl has been involved with Them Crooked Vultures, Queens of the Stone Age and over 30 other bands in one capacity or another.

On "Watch This" Slash does what he does best, grabbing the reins and steering the song into rock glory over the fueled rhythm of Grohl drumming. If you listen closely you can still hear the kicking and screaming of everything that was once good about American heavy rock: a percusive beat demanding you to bang your head and mesmerizing guitar scooping you up to carry you away. Crank it up and put the pedal down.

Song Of The Day - July 17, 2008

Today's selection is brought to you in part by the guitar gods. With so many greats (Jimi Hendrix, Joe Satriani, Slash, Jimmy Page, Eddie Van Halen, Kirk Hammet, Eric Clapton, Yngwie Malmsteen, John Petrucci, etc.) it is difficult to choose just one as the all-time greatest. The fact of the matter is that there are a multitude of guitarists worthy of mention in conversations of the greatest ever. It is not our intent to debate the issue, rather add another name to the list. Michael Angelo Batio is not as well known as some of the names listed above but make no mistake about it...he belongs in the same breath as the greats. He played in three different bands (Holland, Michael Angelo Band, and Nitro) early on in his career and has since produced solo works. Batio is ambidextrous, allowing him to perform incredible feats with his famous double-guitar. The only name associated with this song is "Michael Angelo Batio Double Guitar Solo." Even if you don't like his style of music you will be amazed by his abilities as a showman and virtuoso guitarist. Rock.



Fun fact: Batio taught Tom Morello while in college.