Producer Cliff was trying to get me to pull out some Stryper for the Hairball today. He thinks it would be appropriate for those whom observe Lent. I chose to stay non-denominational. I grabbed a great track from the one-time band project from Steve Vai. Cleverly called "VAI," the band featured the legendary Terry Bozzio on drums and TM Stevens on bass. But, it was the "discovery" of a literally insane young frontman-vocalist named Devin Townsend that really made the record. Devin...is a mad genius. If you're into extreme metal, you know his name well. He produces Opeth, and has done stuff for Stuck Mojo. Not to mention his own bands Strapping Young Lad, and the Devin Townsend Band. He teeters on the brink of literal insanity. There was a time when he was heavily medicated for his own safety. That being said...He has one of the most versatile and amazing voices you'll ever hear. On "Sex & Religion," the only record that the band VAI were able to release, He goes from the melodic capabilities of someone like Bono, to almost a Roger Daltrey-like delivery, and then into these ear-piercing notes. Truly an amazing singer. He's also a more-than-capable guitarist.
This version of the song, I included for no other reason than I hate the Tonight Show. The fact that Jay *had* to be squirming during this entire performance, makes it worthy of inclusion. The idea that Steve Vai's band would go over on the show, was at least an attempt at relevance for the time. It didn't work.
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