Steppenwolf — Desperation
Album: SteppenwolfAvg rating:
Your rating:
Total ratings: 780
Length: 5:44
Plays (last 30 days): 0
share
tweet
When rain drops fall and you feel low
Ah, do you ever think it's useless
Do you feel like letting go
Do you ever sit and do you wonder
Will the world ever change
And just how long will it take
To have it all rearranged
Tell me why these things are still the same
Tell me why no one can seem to learn from mistakes
Take my hand if you don't know where your goin'
I'll understand, I've lost the way myself
Oh, don't take that old road it leads to nowhere
We must return before the clock strikes twelve
It's so easy to do nothin'
When you're busy night and day
Take a step in one direction
And take a step the other way
So don't stop tryin' when you stumble
Don't give up should you fall
Keep on searchin' for the passway
That will lead you through the wall
Don't look back or you'll be left behind
Don't look back or you will never find peace of mind
Ah, do you ever think it's useless
Do you feel like letting go
Do you ever sit and do you wonder
Will the world ever change
And just how long will it take
To have it all rearranged
Tell me why these things are still the same
Tell me why no one can seem to learn from mistakes
Take my hand if you don't know where your goin'
I'll understand, I've lost the way myself
Oh, don't take that old road it leads to nowhere
We must return before the clock strikes twelve
It's so easy to do nothin'
When you're busy night and day
Take a step in one direction
And take a step the other way
So don't stop tryin' when you stumble
Don't give up should you fall
Keep on searchin' for the passway
That will lead you through the wall
Don't look back or you'll be left behind
Don't look back or you will never find peace of mind
Comments (99)add comment
I've gotta say, 1968 had it goin' on as far as rock is concerned !
This is the first time I've heard Steppenwolf sing like this and I'm just simply blown away! For some reason I always thought this was a one hit wonder group and never pursued them any further. I give it an 8 right off the bat and hearing it again may give me pause to consider upping it.
Kuddos for playing this oldie. Can't recall the last time I heard this. This is a great tune and seemed a bit ahead of its time back in the day. I don't listen to the Wolf much anymore, but this tune you can play anytime. Thanks!!
Long time no hear. Great song, text still very current. So many clocks just before twelve...
Prius wrote:
I noticed the Wikipedia account omits law enforcement's role in interrupting Steppenwolf's success.
All the sudden I feel so incredibly young! I haven’t heard them since 40 years ago.
Great song!
I noticed the Wikipedia account omits law enforcement's role in interrupting Steppenwolf's success.
All the sudden I feel so incredibly young! I haven’t heard them since 40 years ago.
Great song!
Great song!
oh the lyrics, metaphor for current times, both sociatal and personal. Crushing desperation competing for the worse outcome. And yet there is hope 
Wow. I didn’t realize this was Steppenwolf. Assumed it was a much more current band! Now I wish I had gotten more into Steppenwolf back in the day!
Steppenwolf was always one of my favorites back in the day, so it's really nice to hear them on RP!
This song is more personally meaningful now to me than before as I have a close relation dealing with mental illness and this seems quite applicable.
This song is more personally meaningful now to me than before as I have a close relation dealing with mental illness and this seems quite applicable.
The Pusher is another great overlooked Steppenwolf song.
scrubbrush wrote:
Pusher was pretty "big" too
Snowblind Friend etc........
good song! It's nice to finally hear that Steppenwolf had a third song.
Pusher was pretty "big" too
Snowblind Friend etc........
Have always dug Jon Kay’s vocals, song writing and energy. So glad Mr Kay’s mom was able to escape Soviet Germany.
Genius, genius segue from Talk Talk's I Believe In You to this.
Never heard this song!
Another donation is coming your way RP - you work hard.
Never heard this song!
Another donation is coming your way RP - you work hard.
Humble Pie does a nice job with this song, probably the best thing I heard them do.
prophetic song
Hey Bill, nice dig with Jon Kay and the boys. For a great 'Plus 1', the country needs to hear Monster. Keep up the good work.
We don't hear much from these guys, but this is great. Thanks, RP.
I love that this is not "Majic Carpet Ride"......
Bought this album when it came out and I've always thought this song was the best cut.
buddy wrote:
BUMP AGAIN!!
Brilliant that you played this, Bill! Such a killer band in their day!
I wish you could one day play the suite from side 2 of Steppenwolf the Second staring with "Disappointment Number (Unknown)" through "Reflections". Classic.
I wish you could one day play the suite from side 2 of Steppenwolf the Second staring with "Disappointment Number (Unknown)" through "Reflections". Classic.
BUMP AGAIN!!
baylees wrote:
"clink" Cheers baylees!!!
please play g-damn the pusher man.
Long time ago in a military barracks. A bunk mate 3 down and one across starts singing this while doing the routine cleaning B.S. I walked over shook his hand. From then on we were cool. But silently, secretly so.
Everyone in the barrack was equal. You had no past no individual identity. You were to be trained. Some of had some " fun "before we joined. After weeks of crap it was nice to see someones true self. 60 days later we shipped out.
I may date myself but I had a car with an 8 track.
OT John Mooney if your still out there, best wishes.
Long time ago in a military barracks. A bunk mate 3 down and one across starts singing this while doing the routine cleaning B.S. I walked over shook his hand. From then on we were cool. But silently, secretly so.
Everyone in the barrack was equal. You had no past no individual identity. You were to be trained. Some of had some " fun "before we joined. After weeks of crap it was nice to see someones true self. 60 days later we shipped out.
I may date myself but I had a car with an 8 track.
OT John Mooney if your still out there, best wishes.
"clink" Cheers baylees!!!
buddy wrote:
*bump*
Brilliant that you played this, Bill! Such a killer band in their day!
I wish you could one day play the suite from side 2 of Steppenwolf the Second staring with "Disappointment Number (Unknown)" through "Reflections". Classic.
I wish you could one day play the suite from side 2 of Steppenwolf the Second staring with "Disappointment Number (Unknown)" through "Reflections". Classic.
*bump*
this works real well after Live,
They were badass
please play g-damn the pusher man.
Long time ago in a military barracks. A bunk mate 3 down and one across starts singing this while doing the routine cleaning B.S. I walked over shook his hand. From then on we were cool. But silently, secretly so.
Everyone in the barrack was equal. You had no past no individual identity. You were to be trained. Some of had some " fun "before we joined. After weeks of crap it was nice to see someones true self. 60 days later we shipped out.
I may date myself but I had a car with an 8 track.
OT John Mooney if your still out there, best wishes.
Long time ago in a military barracks. A bunk mate 3 down and one across starts singing this while doing the routine cleaning B.S. I walked over shook his hand. From then on we were cool. But silently, secretly so.
Everyone in the barrack was equal. You had no past no individual identity. You were to be trained. Some of had some " fun "before we joined. After weeks of crap it was nice to see someones true self. 60 days later we shipped out.
I may date myself but I had a car with an 8 track.
OT John Mooney if your still out there, best wishes.
Steppenwolf sold over 25 million records worldwide, releasing eight gold albums and twelve Billboard Hot 100 singles, of which six were Top 40 hits, including three Top 10 successes: "Born to Be Wild", written by Dennis Edmonton, "Magic Carpet Ride", and "Rock Me."
Quoted from the Wiki page.
Quoted from the Wiki page.
willmcnaught wrote:
lol Not sure what your drinking or smoking in Wyoming, lol but your not EVEN close on the one hit snide-ass comment. One hit wonder lmao
True, they had three Top-Ten hits. They were around for a while though, and radio hits aren't everything anyhow.
lol Not sure what your drinking or smoking in Wyoming, lol but your not EVEN close on the one hit snide-ass comment. One hit wonder lmao
True, they had three Top-Ten hits. They were around for a while though, and radio hits aren't everything anyhow.
willmcnaught wrote:
lol Not sure what your drinking or smoking in Wyoming, lol but your not EVEN close on the one hit snide-ass comment. One hit wonder lmao
True, they had two hits. They were around for a while though, and radio hits aren't everything anyhow.
lol Not sure what your drinking or smoking in Wyoming, lol but your not EVEN close on the one hit snide-ass comment. One hit wonder lmao
True, they had two hits. They were around for a while though, and radio hits aren't everything anyhow.
Wow!!! Think I had there hit collection on 8 Track but don't remember this one - good tune.
God Damn The Pusher Man
but this is nice too
but this is nice too
buddy wrote:
*bump*
Get with it, people.
Brilliant that you played this, Bill! Such a killer band in their day!
I wish you could one day play the suite from side 2 of Steppenwolf the Second staring with "Disappointment Number (Unknown)" through "Reflections". Classic.
I wish you could one day play the suite from side 2 of Steppenwolf the Second staring with "Disappointment Number (Unknown)" through "Reflections". Classic.
*bump*
Get with it, people.
sounds like a description of the mirror . Stingray wrote:
Sounds old and boring!
Did not survive by any standards!
PS
Born to be wild....! Haaaaaa!!!!!
Edit: "Born to retire" in their case!
Did not survive by any standards!
PS
Born to be wild....! Haaaaaa!!!!!
Edit: "Born to retire" in their case!
ScottFromWyoming wrote:
lol Not sure what your drinking or smoking in Wyoming, lol but your not EVEN close on the one hit snide-ass comment. One hit wonder lmao
One hit wonders: play the one hit.
lol Not sure what your drinking or smoking in Wyoming, lol but your not EVEN close on the one hit snide-ass comment. One hit wonder lmao
Misterfixit wrote:
Amen
Keep searching for the best way to see you through the war ....
Another classic played via a 3" reel to reel tape from back home in the World over the Battalion Radio Net as the colonel frothed at the mouth trying to get "them to stop that!". Visions of I Corps, 1968, part Do ... the VietVets here will get what I'm saying ...
Another classic played via a 3" reel to reel tape from back home in the World over the Battalion Radio Net as the colonel frothed at the mouth trying to get "them to stop that!". Visions of I Corps, 1968, part Do ... the VietVets here will get what I'm saying ...
Amen
What a distinctive voice John Kay has. Can tell from many years ago who he is.........rockin still! 
One of my small LP Collection! very good album!
Brilliant that you played this, Bill! Such a killer band in their day!
I wish you could one day play the suite from side 2 of Steppenwolf the Second staring with "Disappointment Number (Unknown)" through "Reflections". Classic.
I wish you could one day play the suite from side 2 of Steppenwolf the Second staring with "Disappointment Number (Unknown)" through "Reflections". Classic.
That lead guitar really hurts my lugholes :( - TFFPSD
Always loved this album, I missed a chance to go see them with my mum, my school wouldn't let me have the weekend away.
unclehud wrote:
As you perhaps haven't realized, the rabid right-wingnuts are all about "I love my country and hate my government." As in, "You ain't telling me what to do, it's a free country and I own guns."
That sounds like anti-authority to me.
Good thing the corporations that own and control the gubmint they hate don't get the hate instead, hmm? That's fascism as FDR said but you can't get the half-wits in fly-over country to understand that today.
Yeup, those tough guy, gun-totin' anti-gubmint types are really going to do something when push comes to shove, eh? Like they didn't do after Katrina and the gubmint of Shrub (funded in part by the NRA) knocked on doors and confiscated legal, licenced weapons from everyone they could. The excuse was "looters". Did the 2nd Amenders stand up to it? Did Shrub's troopies have to pry any guns from their cold, dead fingers? Nope...they forked over their guns like the obedient, cowardly sheep that they are.
Then you had the illegal lockdown/martial law that was imposed on Boston after the bombing. Same result - they all caved like a house of cards. Most of them see anything in a uniform and they either salute like robots or run the other way.
Talk is cheap. Blowhards is what they are, just living in a Hollywood movie hoping they'll get a chance someday to "go ahead...make my day"...blast a bad guy and get away with it.
Fucking imbeciles.
As you perhaps haven't realized, the rabid right-wingnuts are all about "I love my country and hate my government." As in, "You ain't telling me what to do, it's a free country and I own guns."
That sounds like anti-authority to me.
Good thing the corporations that own and control the gubmint they hate don't get the hate instead, hmm? That's fascism as FDR said but you can't get the half-wits in fly-over country to understand that today.
Yeup, those tough guy, gun-totin' anti-gubmint types are really going to do something when push comes to shove, eh? Like they didn't do after Katrina and the gubmint of Shrub (funded in part by the NRA) knocked on doors and confiscated legal, licenced weapons from everyone they could. The excuse was "looters". Did the 2nd Amenders stand up to it? Did Shrub's troopies have to pry any guns from their cold, dead fingers? Nope...they forked over their guns like the obedient, cowardly sheep that they are.
Then you had the illegal lockdown/martial law that was imposed on Boston after the bombing. Same result - they all caved like a house of cards. Most of them see anything in a uniform and they either salute like robots or run the other way.
Talk is cheap. Blowhards is what they are, just living in a Hollywood movie hoping they'll get a chance someday to "go ahead...make my day"...blast a bad guy and get away with it.
Fucking imbeciles.
At first I thaught it was "Sad Song" by Lou Reed (which came out 5 years later). Same start, but with an organ.
unclehud wrote:
As you perhaps haven't realized, the rabid right-wingnuts are all about "I love my country and hate my government." As in, "You ain't telling me what to do, it's a free country and I own guns."
That sounds like anti-authority to me.
this music isn't great, imo. I also admire the attitude of Jesus and Mahatma Gandhi to that of simple-minded gun toting dickheads
As you perhaps haven't realized, the rabid right-wingnuts are all about "I love my country and hate my government." As in, "You ain't telling me what to do, it's a free country and I own guns."
That sounds like anti-authority to me.
this music isn't great, imo. I also admire the attitude of Jesus and Mahatma Gandhi to that of simple-minded gun toting dickheads
So bad I had to look up from what I was doing and see who it was.
great song, great album!
Keep searching for the best way to see you through the war ....
Another classic played via a 3" reel to reel tape from back home in the World over the Battalion Radio Net as the colonel frothed at the mouth trying to get "them to stop that!". Visions of I Corps, 1968, part Do ... the VietVets here will get what I'm saying ...
Another classic played via a 3" reel to reel tape from back home in the World over the Battalion Radio Net as the colonel frothed at the mouth trying to get "them to stop that!". Visions of I Corps, 1968, part Do ... the VietVets here will get what I'm saying ...
Ashamed to admit I've never heard anything off this album but the hits. Thanks for the introduction to a "deeper" cut Bill!
- Oshyan
- Oshyan
unclehud wrote:
They were one of my favorite bands as a teenager in the Deep South, an opinion shared by a lot of my buddies, too. Personally, I think it was all about the rebellious characteristics Southern males have exhibited for 150 years. Steppenwolf's music and culture perfectly reflected our anti-authority attitudes.
...
Well there's that—but the last time I saw Steppenwolf it was on one of the stages at a county fair. John Kay was the only recognizable face left and he was into saving the whales or something.
Oh well, life moves along. Since I didn't pay to see the show I bought a new CD and t-shirt out of courtesy. Still have the t-shirt.
BTW—I too liked them in my teens for similar reasons (and it's still good to hear them now).
They were one of my favorite bands as a teenager in the Deep South, an opinion shared by a lot of my buddies, too. Personally, I think it was all about the rebellious characteristics Southern males have exhibited for 150 years. Steppenwolf's music and culture perfectly reflected our anti-authority attitudes.
...
Well there's that—but the last time I saw Steppenwolf it was on one of the stages at a county fair. John Kay was the only recognizable face left and he was into saving the whales or something.
Oh well, life moves along. Since I didn't pay to see the show I bought a new CD and t-shirt out of courtesy. Still have the t-shirt.BTW—I too liked them in my teens for similar reasons (and it's still good to hear them now).
Hannio wrote:
His voice grates on me in this one.
This one is best left forgotten.
His voice grates on me in this one. LowPhreak wrote:
As you perhaps haven't realized, the rabid right-wingnuts are all about "I love my country and hate my government." As in, "You ain't telling me what to do, it's a free country and I own guns."
That sounds like anti-authority to me.
Sure...that's why the majority of them support rabid right-wingnuts. Real "anti-authority" types, those Southern males. 
As you perhaps haven't realized, the rabid right-wingnuts are all about "I love my country and hate my government." As in, "You ain't telling me what to do, it's a free country and I own guns."
That sounds like anti-authority to me.
Wow...these guys liked our stuff,just as much as I liked them.
Yeah if all you listened to was AM radio!
On_The_Beach wrote:
2 hits actually; don't forget Magic Carpet Ride!
On_The_Beach wrote:
2 hits actually; don't forget Magic Carpet Ride!
huh!!!! This has been left alone even by classic rock stations.
This one is best left forgotten.
ScottFromWyoming wrote:
2 hits actually; don't forget Magic Carpet Ride!
One hit wonders: play the one hit.
2 hits actually; don't forget Magic Carpet Ride!
One hit wonders: play the one hit.
STEPPENWOLF!!!! The best band from the 60's. Cool song, too. Humple Pie covered this, not as well though.
Love the whole album!
unclehud wrote:
They were one of my favorite bands as a teenager in the Deep South, an opinion shared by a lot of my buddies, too. Personally, I think it was all about the rebellious characteristics Southern males have exhibited for 150 years. Their music and culture perfectly reflected our anti-authority attitudes.
Sure...that's why the majority of them support rabid right-wingnuts. Real "anti-authority" types, those Southern males.
They were one of my favorite bands as a teenager in the Deep South, an opinion shared by a lot of my buddies, too. Personally, I think it was all about the rebellious characteristics Southern males have exhibited for 150 years. Their music and culture perfectly reflected our anti-authority attitudes.
Sure...that's why the majority of them support rabid right-wingnuts. Real "anti-authority" types, those Southern males.
buddy wrote:
Side one of that album is pretty good, too. "28" is an all time favorite, "Spiritual Fantasy," and "None of Your Doing" are all quite good.
Saw them in a biker bar in Ft. Lauderdale, late '70's, early 80's. I lost my eardrums during "Sookie Sookie." Good memories.
Holy carp! Steppenwolf! My favorite band for about 2-3 years and still a fav today. A totally underrated band...John Kay has one of the most distinctive rock voices ever. Try this on for size....Side 2 of Steppenwolf the Second, right after Magic Carpet Ride....
Disappointment Number (Unknown)
Lost And Found By Trial And Error
Hodge, Podge, Strained Through A Leslie
Resurrection
Reflections
Side one of that album is pretty good, too. "28" is an all time favorite, "Spiritual Fantasy," and "None of Your Doing" are all quite good.
Saw them in a biker bar in Ft. Lauderdale, late '70's, early 80's. I lost my eardrums during "Sookie Sookie." Good memories.
Yes...it's Ho-Hum.
Tedious and lacking in any discernible melody. I can understand that people might have a liking for the band because of their counter-cultural significance to their period, but that was then and this is now, and in the present the tracks I want to listen to are ones that couple some sort of melodicism to whatever else they offer. Many bands of the period managed this and I love hearing their music, but by the sound of this, apart from Born to be Wild which is a bonafide classic by any standards, Steppenwolf didn't have much to offer..
nagsheadlocal wrote:
Steppenwolf was HUGE in the Southeastern US - I'm always puzzled when they are dismissed as a California-only sensation.
I did a DJ gig recently for an early-70s high school reunion and the song that brought the house down was Steppenwolf's "Screaming Night Hog." I was really surprised at the reaction. I'd say a lot of people fondly remember The 'Wolf.
They were one of my favorite bands as a teenager in the Deep South, an opinion shared by a lot of my buddies, too. Personally, I think it was all about the rebellious characteristics Southern males have exhibited for 150 years. Steppenwolf's music and culture perfectly reflected our anti-authority attitudes.
I always wondered if Steppenwolf would have been even more popular if they'd surfaced ten years later — during the nascent heavy-metal years.
Steppenwolf was HUGE in the Southeastern US - I'm always puzzled when they are dismissed as a California-only sensation.
I did a DJ gig recently for an early-70s high school reunion and the song that brought the house down was Steppenwolf's "Screaming Night Hog." I was really surprised at the reaction. I'd say a lot of people fondly remember The 'Wolf.
They were one of my favorite bands as a teenager in the Deep South, an opinion shared by a lot of my buddies, too. Personally, I think it was all about the rebellious characteristics Southern males have exhibited for 150 years. Steppenwolf's music and culture perfectly reflected our anti-authority attitudes.
I always wondered if Steppenwolf would have been even more popular if they'd surfaced ten years later — during the nascent heavy-metal years.
Sounds old and boring!
Did not survive by any standards!
PS
Born to be wild....! Haaaaaa!!!!!
Edit: "Born to retire" in their case!
Did not survive by any standards!
PS
Born to be wild....! Haaaaaa!!!!!
Edit: "Born to retire" in their case!
good song! It's nice to finally hear that Steppenwolf had a third song.
STEPPENWOLF had been the FIRST band being
paid 10.000 DM (ca. 3800$ today) for one show
in Cologne/Köln - 1967!
paid 10.000 DM (ca. 3800$ today) for one show
in Cologne/Köln - 1967!
Last seen by me at a bar in Misquamicut, RI on my 21st birthday. 1979? WOW.
Thanks so much for the memory. Heard this and couldn't place it for a while, then remembered listening to my older brother's eight-track (sorry) in a black Corvair Monza (declared unsafe at any speed by Ralph Nadar ). Anyway, great tune.
keller1 wrote:
Try Rock Me Baby, The Pusher, Monster, Sookie Sookie, even Straight Shooter —- these guys made a lot of great music.
A lot of people credit Sabbath for creating metal, but Born To Be Wild was earlier. And, yeah, now that someone has mentioned these guys influencing Pearl Jam, I hear it too.
Steppenwolf was HUGE in the Southeastern US - I'm always puzzled when they are dismissed as a Califonia-only sensation.
I did a DJ gig recently for an early-70s high school reunion and the song that brought the house down was Steppenwolf's "Screaming Night Hog." I was really surprised at the reaction. I'd say a lot of people fondly remember The 'Wolf.
Try Rock Me Baby, The Pusher, Monster, Sookie Sookie, even Straight Shooter —- these guys made a lot of great music.
A lot of people credit Sabbath for creating metal, but Born To Be Wild was earlier. And, yeah, now that someone has mentioned these guys influencing Pearl Jam, I hear it too.
Steppenwolf was HUGE in the Southeastern US - I'm always puzzled when they are dismissed as a Califonia-only sensation.
I did a DJ gig recently for an early-70s high school reunion and the song that brought the house down was Steppenwolf's "Screaming Night Hog." I was really surprised at the reaction. I'd say a lot of people fondly remember The 'Wolf.
Wow! Double Wow!
I'm back in high school, listening to this over at Mike's house after swiping a few beers from his Dad's fridge.
Man. I haven't heard this in ages.
I'm back in high school, listening to this over at Mike's house after swiping a few beers from his Dad's fridge.
Man. I haven't heard this in ages.
Awesome - Oh Canada!
. . . and don't forget the Ladies! "For Ladies Only" was a killer album and not to be overlooked !!!!
keller1 wrote:
Speaking of Monster, which, sadly, is not on the RP playlist, it could have been written today...not much has changed in 40 years:
Try Rock Me Baby, The Pusher, Monster, Sookie Sookie, even Straight Shooter —- these guys made a lot of great music.
Speaking of Monster, which, sadly, is not on the RP playlist, it could have been written today...not much has changed in 40 years:
Once the religious, the hunted and weary
Chasing the promise of freedom and hope
Came to this country to build a new vision
Far from the reaches of kingdom and pope
Like good Christians, some would burn the witches
Later some got slaves to gather riches
Chasing the promise of freedom and hope
Came to this country to build a new vision
Far from the reaches of kingdom and pope
Like good Christians, some would burn the witches
Later some got slaves to gather riches
But still from near and far to seek America
They came by thousands to court the wild
And she just patiently smiled and bore a child
To be their spirit and guiding light
And once the ties with the crown had been broken
Westward in saddle and wagon it went
And 'til the railroad linked ocean to ocean
Many the lives which had come to an end
While we bullied, stole and bought our a homeland
We began the slaughter of the red man
But still from near and far to seek America
They came by thousands to court the wild
And she just patiently smiled and bore a child
To be their spirit and guiding light
The blue and grey they stomped it
They kicked it just like a dog
And when the war over
They stuffed it just like a hog
And though the past has it's share of injustice
Kind was the spirit in many a way
But it's protectors and friends have been sleeping
Now it's a monster and will not obey
(Suicide)
The spirit was freedom and justice
And it's keepers seem generous and kind
It's leaders were supposed to serve the country
But now they won't pay it no mind
'Cause the people grew fat and got lazy
And now their vote is a meaningless joke
They babble about law and order
But it's all just an echo of what they've been told
Yeah, there's a monster on the loose
It's got our heads into a noose
And it just sits there watchin'
Our cities have turned into jungles
And corruption is stranglin' the land
The police force is watching the people
And the people just can't understand
We don't know how to mind our own business
'Cause the whole worlds got to be just like us
Now we are fighting a war over there
No matter who's the winner
We can't pay the cost
'Cause there's a monster on the loose
It's got our heads into a noose
And it just sits there watching
(America)
America where are you now?
Don't you care about your sons and daughters?
Don't you know we need you now
We can't fight alone against the monster
Cool to hear this old Steppenwolf song. Guess it's been in rotation for some time but I've somehow missed it despite listening to RP extensively over the past 6 months. This song is not one of my favorites on this album (prefer "The Pusher", "Berry Rides Again", and "Sookie Sookie" and, of course, "Hootchie Koochie Man" and "Born To Be Wild") but it still brings back seminal memories from the early era of FM radio for me. I think of lying on the floor in the living room of my family home when I was 14 and hearing this and other songs from that album being pumped out of the basement studio that KPPC of Pasadena, CA used at the time. I recall the lighting of the late afternoons in that room as I did my geometry homework....
I was focused on something. It was just another blues tune. Then I recognized a young John Kay's voice. Man, this guy has some talent. If you ever want to really hear it, check out his album Forgotten Songs and Unsung Heros. It's a solo piece filled with rock, blues, and county tunes. I have it on vinyl. I'll have to upgrade and revisit. I saw him play, up close and personal, at the Bijou Theater in Georgetown DC, with some incarnation of Steppenwolf. Small bar / club. Very few people. All the old tunes. He really has more to offer than Steppenwolf.
It's my first time hearing this and it is excellent. I will have to buy it if available. Thanks Bill.
Imkirok wrote:
This. I believe this is the first time I have ever heard a Steppenwolf song that wasn't one of those two. Good stuff.
Try Rock Me Baby, The Pusher, Monster, Sookie Sookie, even Straight Shooter —- these guys made a lot of great music.
A lot of people credit Sabbath for creating metal, but Born To Be Wild was earlier. And, yeah, now that someone has mentioned these guys influencing Pearl Jam, I hear it too.
This. I believe this is the first time I have ever heard a Steppenwolf song that wasn't one of those two. Good stuff.
Try Rock Me Baby, The Pusher, Monster, Sookie Sookie, even Straight Shooter —- these guys made a lot of great music.
A lot of people credit Sabbath for creating metal, but Born To Be Wild was earlier. And, yeah, now that someone has mentioned these guys influencing Pearl Jam, I hear it too.
Wow. I don't remember this one at all, and I had that album. Better left forgotten.
This doesn't stand up over the 40 years since its debut.
Time stood still for a moment...
What a wonderful song.
I had no idea who this was. I had to stop and see Thanks, RP.
I had no idea who this was. I had to stop and see Thanks, RP.
Steppenwolf were a wonderful band but for some reason got a bad rap.
Monster (the Lp) was great.
We all had & have our favorites.
Listen to more Steppenwolf, they did some great stuff.
lathyris wrote:
Thank goodness! And I only had to suffer through a few seconds of this!
Whoah-ho! A Steppenwolf song that is not Born to Be Wild or Magic Carpet Ride! I didn't know they existed!
Thank goodness! And I only had to suffer through a few seconds of this!
lathyris wrote:
This. I believe this is the first time I have ever heard a Steppenwolf song that wasn't one of those two. Good stuff.
Whoah-ho! A Steppenwolf song that is not Born to Be Wild or Magic Carpet Ride! I didn't know they existed!
This. I believe this is the first time I have ever heard a Steppenwolf song that wasn't one of those two. Good stuff.
great recording.love the vocal.
lathyris wrote:
A plague on the radio stations of this land that made me believe exactly that! ^_^
Whoah-ho! A Steppenwolf song that is not Born to Be Wild or Magic Carpet Ride! I didn't know they existed!
A plague on the radio stations of this land that made me believe exactly that! ^_^
and man, i love this! forgot all about it. it still rocks. still has chops. i like.
shutter wrote:
Excellent call. Grunge wasn't really invented in the 90s, was it now?
Half paying attention I thought it was a Pearl Jam song (but slightly different). Hmmm.....
Excellent call. Grunge wasn't really invented in the 90s, was it now?
Da-yum. Haven't heard this in about 30 years.
Some interesting listener below rtrudeau I think it was said Behold the awesomeness that is RP!
and I wholeheartedly agree! Fire-builders of the great tribe of admirers, present yourselves! Let us make great smoke-rings of sacrifice in offering to RP!
and I wholeheartedly agree! Fire-builders of the great tribe of admirers, present yourselves! Let us make great smoke-rings of sacrifice in offering to RP!
Top stuff. Listening to Steppenwolf for the first time as a 14 year old was a life changing moment. Still love 'em. John Kay's solo albums are excellent too.
seesaw wrote:
Yeah, I loved that track also, a great song from their 'For the Ladies' album.
What a classic band!
More! I use to play "The Pusher" over and over when I was 13 and lived with my Granny and Grandpa! I loved Steppenwold and still do. They are still active I heard, at least a few years ago.
Yeah, I loved that track also, a great song from their 'For the Ladies' album.
What a classic band!
Half paying attention I thought it was a Pearl Jam song (but slightly different). Hmmm.....
More! I use to play "The Pusher" over and over when I was 13 and lived with my Granny and Grandpa! I loved Steppenwold and still do. They are still active I heard, at least a few years ago.
lathyris wrote:
It's amazing!!
But I'd love to hear Born to Be Wild or Magic Carpet Ride, too.
Whoah-ho! A Steppenwolf song that is not Born to Be Wild or Magic Carpet Ride! I didn't know they existed!
It's amazing!!
But I'd love to hear Born to Be Wild or Magic Carpet Ride, too.
lathyris wrote:
Behold the awesomeness that is RP.
Whoa-ho! A Steppenwolf song that is not Born to Be Wild or Magic Carpet Ride! I didn't know they existed!
Behold the awesomeness that is RP.
Haven't heard this in a LONG time.
Whoah-ho! A Steppenwolf song that is not Born to Be Wild or Magic Carpet Ride! I didn't know they existed!
I've gotta say, 1968 had it goin' on as far as rock is concerned !
So did 1967 and 1969. '66 was kinda good. '70 had chops. Mostly, it was a superb era. Listen up, folks, 'cause the snapshot of that decade is truly one of a kind, for the history books of culture zeitgeist.