Axe Attack Compilation Albums by K-Tel:
Two compilations that rocked school kids in the 80s!
In the pantheon of compilation albums, K-Tel's "Axe Attack" series stands out as a significant collection for heavy metal enthusiasts. Released in the early 1980s, these albums captured the burgeoning heavy metal scene, curating tracks from both established and emerging bands of the era. K-Tel, known for their budget-friendly compilations, created a product that offered fans a gateway into the intense and electrifying world of heavy metal. This essay delves into the details of the "Axe Attack" vinyl releases and provides a comprehensive list of the songs featured on these iconic albums.
Overview of the two Releases
The "Axe Attack" series was released primarily on vinyl, a format that was the standard for music consumption during the early 1980s. The compilation series included two main albums: "Axe Attack" and "Axe Attack 2," each encapsulating the raw energy and diversity of the heavy metal genre.
Axe Attack (1980)
The first album in the series, released in 1980, set the stage with a collection of tracks that featured a mix of hard rock and heavy metal. It was a snapshot of the transition period where hard rock was evolving into a more intense and aggressive form known as heavy metal.
Check out these tracks!
1. Iron Maiden - "Running Free"
2. Sammy Hagar - "Bad Motor Scooter"
3. Blue Öyster Cult - "Don't Fear the Reaper"
4. Pat Travers - "Boom Boom (Out Go the Lights)"
5. Girlschool - "Demolition Boys"
6. Angel Witch - "Angel Witch"
7. April Wine - "I Like to Rock"
8. UFO - "Doctor Doctor"
9. Thin Lizzy - "Waiting for an Alibi"
10. Judas Priest - "Living After Midnight"
11. Motörhead - "Ace of Spades"
12. Rose Tattoo - "Rock 'n' Roll Outlaw"
13. The Michael Schenker Group - "Armed and Ready"
14. Nazareth - "Razamanaz"
15. Whitesnake - "Fool for Your Loving"
16. Status Quo - "Caroline"
Axe Attack 2 (1981)
The second installment, released in 1981, continued the tradition with a fresh batch of heavy hitters and deep cuts. This album solidified the series' reputation for delivering high-octane rock anthems.
Another corker of a track list!
1. AC/DC - "Whole Lotta Rosie"
2. Judas Priest - "Breaking the Law"
3. Scorpions - "The Zoo"
4. Rainbow - "All Night Long"
5. Motörhead - "Bomber"
6. Gary Moore - "Run to Your Mama"
7. Samson - "Vice Versa"
8. Gillan - "Mutually Assured Destruction"
9. Whitesnake - "Ain't No Love in the Heart of the City"
10. Saxon - "Wheels of Steel"
11. Thin Lizzy - "Chinatown"
12. Iron Maiden - "Phantom of the Opera"
13. Ted Nugent - "Cat Scratch Fever"
14. Rose Tattoo - "Nice Boys"
15. Black Sabbath - "Paranoid"
16. Budgie - "Breadfan"
Rockin’ the schools: Significance and Impact
The "Axe Attack" compilations played a crucial role in the dissemination of heavy metal music during a time when the genre was still carving out its identity. For many fans, these albums were an introduction to bands that would later become legends in the heavy metal pantheon. The selection of tracks showcased the genre's diversity, from the bluesy hard rock of Whitesnake to the relentless speed of Motörhead.
K-Tel's approach to compilation albums made "Axe Attack" accessible to a broad audience. The label's focus on affordability and widespread distribution meant that these albums could reach listeners who might not have had the means to purchase full-length albums from each of the featured bands. This democratization of music access helped to cultivate a generation of metal fans and contributed to the genre's rising popularity in the early 1980s.
The "Axe Attack" series also captured the zeitgeist of an era where heavy metal was becoming a significant cultural force. The inclusion of iconic tracks like Iron Maiden's "Running Free" and AC/DC's "Whole Lotta Rosie" provided listeners with a snapshot of the genre's evolution. These compilations were more than just collections of songs; they were curated experiences that encapsulated the raw energy and rebellious spirit of heavy metal.
The Legacy of Axe Attack and fond memories
Today, the "Axe Attack" compilations are remembered fondly by collectors and music historians alike. The albums serve as time capsules, preserving the sound and spirit of early 1980s heavy metal. Vinyl enthusiasts continue to seek out these records, not only for their nostalgic value but also for their role in the history of the genre.
K-Tel's "Axe Attack" compilation albums were more than mere collections of tracks; they were instrumental in shaping the heavy metal landscape of the early 1980s. By offering a curated selection of some of the best and most influential songs of the time, these albums introduced countless listeners to the power and intensity of heavy metal music. The legacy of "Axe Attack" endures, reminding us of a time when vinyl ruled and heavy metal was on the rise.
https://www.discogs.com/release/1252466-Various-Axe-Attack
https://www.discogs.com/release/2766878-Various-Axe-Attack-Vol-II
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