description Joe Satriani - Surfing with the Alien Overview
Surfing with the Alien is the second studio album by American guitarist Joe Satriani, released in October 1987 by Relativity Records. The album is entirely instrumental and reached number 29 on the Billboard 200, an exceptional placement for an instrumental guitar record, eventually achieving platinum certification. Produced by Satriani with John Cuniberti, it includes notable tracks such as the title track and 'Always with Me, Always with You.' Its cover artwork depicts Marvel Comics' Silver Surfer. The record is widely credited with helping establish instrumental rock guitar as a commercially viable genre.
help Joe Satriani - Surfing with the Alien FAQ
Did Joe Satriani sing on the album Surfing with the Alien?
No, the album is entirely instrumental, relying solely on Satriani's expressive guitar playing to carry the melodies. It is widely considered one of the greatest instrumental rock guitar albums of all time. The lack of vocals did not stop it from achieving massive mainstream success.
How high did Surfing with the Alien chart?
Released in October 1987 by Relativity Records, the album reached number 29 on the Billboard 200. This was an exceptional placement for an instrumental guitar record at the time. It proved that virtuosic guitar music could be commercially viable to a mainstream rock audience.
Who is on the cover of Joe Satriani's Surfing with the Alien?
The album cover famously features the Marvel Comics character the Silver Surfer. Satriani used the artwork without official permission from Marvel at first, but it was later officially licensed. The Silver Surfer's cosmic, fluid aesthetic perfectly matched the album's spacey, high-energy sound.
What techniques is Joe Satriani known for on this album?
Satriani showcases his masterful use of legato playing, two-handed tapping, and the pitch-shifting Digitech Whammy pedal. Tracks like "Satch Boogie" highlight his blues-rock foundation mixed with advanced shred techniques. His tone and phrasing on this record influenced an entire generation of guitarists.
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