Excel - Metallica : Startling Similar Songs

When it comes to music, there have been many bands and specific songs that get labeled as sounding too close to existing material. Here I'm highlighting that possibility between "Tapping into the Emotional Void" by Excel as it relates to a song released a few years later to much wider audiences - Metallica's "Enter Sandman".

It's true that Excel's track does cop a small bit from Rush's "YYZ" but the acoustic guitar driven hook in "Tapping into the Emotional Void" sure sounds an awful lot like "Enter Sandman". Since Excel came from Venice, California and were tight with hardcore/metal stalwarts Suicidal Tendencies (often performing live on bills with ST and appearing on the Welcome to Venice compilation) I find it hard to believe that Metallica had no idea of the band or the song. But please check out the two songs and decide for yourself.


"Tapping into the Emotional Void" Excel
released in 1989


"Enter Sandman" Metallica
released in 1991

C.B. Hustlers (1976)

Aside from the noteworthy and plentiful charms of Uschi Digard (billed here as Elke Vann), 1976s C.B. Hustlers is a competent, but not entirely spectacular, mid-70s dose of sexploitation cinema. The plot concerns hookers with hearts of gold, plying their trade over cbs with big rig truckers in shagtastic vans and 18 wheelers, versus the morally uptight lawman. For the curious and genre fans, it's presented below.

Hirax demo tape (1984)

Here's some very early stuff from the mighty Hirax. Their sound on this release is full on heavy metal with little of the thrash that would characterize later records. Katon DePena's distinct vocals take center stage sonically, as do the fast and heavy guitar solos.

Born In the Streets


Battle Cry


Stand and Be Counted


Believe in the King

New Bomb Turks - 2006 - Somerville, MA

The New Bomb Turks are/were a shining example of Ohio's galloping punk rawk and here's a lil clip of them showcasing "Tattooed Apathetic Boys" in Somerville, Massachusetts at their 18 August 2006 beer soaked reunion gig at the late, lamented Abbey Lounge.
Hey, I was there!





plus...

1993 Peel Sessions 'I Hate People' (Anti-Nowhere League)

Diane Arbus - Masters of Photography (1972)

"I never have taken a picture I've intended.
They're always better or worse."
- Diane Arbus -