Ever since I can remember, I have been able to determine if I like a song within the first 7 seconds. It is something I pride myself on. The song, “Love Song” by Tesla had my heart by second 4, the first time I heard it. It still remains to be one of my all time favorite songs. If you know me, this is a big deal...I have new favorite song(s) each week.
Tesla is a multi-platinum-selling rock band from Northern California known for their melodic songs and down to earth appeal. Thanks to their die-hard, loyal fan base and their younger generation offspring, Tesla continues to tour to sold-out crowds around the world. Tesla’s 2009 FOREVER MORE tour in support of the album of the same name, gave their audience a 25-year musical journey that keeps the loyal fans coming back and has newcomers realizing, “WOW, I didn’t know they did that song! ” Tesla’s album, Forever More contains the first single “I Wanna Live,” along with “Breakin’ Free” and the self-titled track that opened the show nightly.
In 1989, "Love Song" hit the pop Top Ten and made the band stars, pushing The Great Radio Controversy into the Top 20 and double-platinum sales figures; the follow-up single, "The Way It Is," was also a hit. “Paradise” from the same album is an amazing power ballad and remains high up there on my list of perfect songs.
In keeping with their unpretentious, blue-collar roots, Tesla responded to stardom not by the glam theatrics of their tour mates and peers of the era, but by stripping things down. The idea behind 1990's, Five Man Acoustical Jam was virtually unheard of...a pop-metal band playing loose, informal acoustic versions of their best-known songs in concert, plus a few favorite covers.
Tesla's music was sturdy enough to hold up when its roots were exposed, and one of the covers, "Signs," became another Top Ten hit, as well as the band's highest-charting single. Not only did Five Man Acoustical Jam reach the Top 20 and go Platinum, it helped directly inspire MTV's "Unplugged" series, both with its relaxed vibe and its reminder that acoustic music could sound vital and energetic. This album is credited for starting the whole “Unplugged” craze of the ‘90s which included artist like Eric Clapton, Nirvana, and many others following suit with acoustic live albums.
Five Man Acoustical Jam wass the album that introduced me to Tesla. They have since recorded numerous albums, gone on a hiatus and came back for the ultimate reunion tour. Now they are back yet again and selling out shows. Tesla is hitting up Bogart's on Wednesday August 20th. It's going to be a night to remember.
