Iron Maiden - "Live at the Rainbow"

Today's post is something that I barely remember from back in the day and was only reminded of it when I recently stumbled across it while browsing online: Iron Maiden's 1981 "video LP", "Live at the Rainbow".  I can't remember if Robert had this in HS -- maybe I just saw it for sale in a record store (remember those?) or in a video rental store (remember those too?!).  Even the rectangular (i.e., "portrait") shape of the cover art reflects a VHS orientation.  

I've earlier proclaimed my love for Paul Di'Anno-era Iron Maiden, and since his tenure was brief, you have to appreciate the material you can find.  Recorded at London's historic Rainbow Theatre on December 21, 1980 (during the sessions for Killers), guitarist Adrian Smith had just recently joined the band, replacing Dennis Stratton.  While Stratton was instrumental in the creation of the classic Iron Maiden "harmony guitar" sound, it really became what we know today when Smith joined up with Dave Murray.  Murray and Smith are arguably the best, most influential, and also most recognizable metal guitar duo.  

It turns out that the videos for "Wrathchild" and "Iron Maiden" (I especially remember this one) that populated the early days of MTV were pulled from this concert.  

I've embedded the video as released (~30 min) above, but the full concert (~76 minutes) is also available.  

The only live Di'Anno-era Maiden I had back in HS was their excellent but far-too-short EP "Maiden in Japan", so it was quite the unexpected pleasant surprise to (re-)discover this on Youtube.  

Biz Markie - Make the Music With Your Mouth, Biz (forgotten song)

This July Marcel Theo Hall, aka Biz Markie, died.  He was probably best known for his one big single, 1989's "Just a Friend", which I covered long ago in my post about Freddie Scott and "(You) Got What I Need".   While I have unlimited love for "Just a Friend", Biz was so much more: once again demonstrating the difference between centrality and popularity.  While he came across as a carefree clown, he was a serious rapper and DJ, well known for his extensive record collection and respected by his peers.  Luminaries such as The Beastie Boys knew this, and included him on their records (e.g., cleverly transforming a Ted Nugent instrumental ("Home Bound") into a "real" song ("The Biz vs. The Nuge")).  He was also a guest on DJ Kool's 1996 party anthem "Let Me Clear My Throat" (video).  

I'm choosing to remember Biz with an earlier song of his, "Make the Music With Your Mouth, Biz", since it nicely features both his rapping and beatboxing.  It can be found on his self-titled 1986 EP as well as his 1988 debut LP "Goin' Off".

So don't feel guilty about enjoying "Just a Friend", but do take the time to explore some of his lesser-known canon.  He was a big part of the classic hip hop sound, and there's a good chance he's among your favorite rapper's favorite rappers.   

"Make the Music With Your Mouth, Biz"

Bonus links: Covid-era (2020-04-03) home DJ set: part 1, part 2.