On July 27, the Scorpions will make what is likely going to be their last appearance in Arizona. This is a huge bummer for me. They are the reason I started playing the guitar. Klaus Meine will always possess one of the most distinctive voices in rock, Rudi Schenker has written some incredible riffs and Matthis Jabs is a monster of a lead guitarist (in case the names didn’t give it away, most of the band members are from Germany). I love listening to these dudes. Always have, always will. Now, I present to you in reverse order by 7 Favorite Scorpions Tunes. I couldn’t decide on 5 or even 6. Get over it.
7. Arizona - I’m from Arizona, and I actually love this place despite its ludicrous politics and searing summer heat. So any tune about it by the band that inspired my music habit gets a spot.
6. Rhythm of Love - I’ve heard the Scorpions wound up not really liking the Savage Amusement album this appears on. Well, guys, if it makes you feel any better, listening to this disc was a huge influence on me. I still love it, and this song had a lot going for it. One of the more commercial tunes on the album, and I’m surprised it doesn’t get more radio airplay.
5. Bad Boys Running Wild - What a killer opening riff! It’s one of the darker tunes, and has a relatively menacing edge. Killer vocal phrasing from Klaus, and a very ballsy guitar tone.
4. Alien Nation - Again, I have to go to one of the band’s darker, heavier tunes. It’s also pretty modern and current, with a bit of de-tuning.
3. In Trance - An early one that features just a hint of reggae. There’s something about the live version of this on the Live Bites disc that’s far better than the studio original … the more modern production value and guitar tone wakes it right the hell up.
2. Still Loving You - It’s a fact that power ballads get the chicks. And few power ballads sound better than this. The chorus crashes into you like a Maori rugby player. Here’s another thing - this tune is damned hard to play correctly. So it’s technically sound, sounds magnificent and in its day had the power to get the girls all gooey. Das is gud!
INTERLUDE: Before we get to my most favoritist ever in history Scorpions tunes, I’m going to give you a few I never need to hear again.
3. Winds of Change - It’s not a bad song, but there’s more to the Scorps than peace and love ballads.
2. No One Like You - Fantastic guitar work, but overplayed to the point of pain.
1. The Zoo - An alright song, but too slow and plodding for my taste. The live version on World Wide Live, though, is considerably better than the studio version.
Okay, we’re onto my most favoritist ever Scorps tune of all time. And the winner is …
1. Is There Anybody There? - The studio version is great. But the Live Bites version is perfection. It makes me feel like I’m kicking it in a sweltering tropical place and listening to some beautifully cranked guitars. What could be better? Not a helluva lot. Thanks for this one, guys. I never get tired of it!
Here, give a listen to this clip from a live show back in 1993:
