MEAT LOAF - Bat Out Of Hell - 12" Vinyl LP Album

"Bat Out of Hell," Meat Loaf's 1977 magnum opus, defied musical norms of its time. Produced by Todd Rundgren, it marked the iconic collaboration with composer Jim Steinman. This 12" vinyl LP showcased Meat Loaf's powerful vocals, Steinman's grandiose compositions, and a stellar lineup including Ellen Foley, Roy Bittan, Kasim Sultan, Edgar Winter, and Roger Powell. A timeless masterpiece, it transcends its era, leaving an indelible mark on rock history. This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.

 

large photo of the album front cover of: MEAT LOAF - Bat Out Of Hell

"Bat Out of Hell" Album Description:

In the realm of classic rock, few albums have left an indelible mark as profound as "Bat Out of Hell," the second studio album and major-label debut by the iconic American rock musician Meat Loaf. Released 1977, this opus stands as a testament to the creative fusion of Meat Loaf's powerful vocals and the masterful compositions of Jim Steinman. As we delve into the time period and production of this extraordinary 12" vinyl LP album, the collaboration and artistic brilliance that brought "Bat Out of Hell" to life take center stage.

Time Period (1977):

The late 1970s were marked by a musical landscape undergoing dynamic changes. It was a period characterized by the dominance of disco, the burgeoning punk movement, and the continued evolution of rock in various forms. Against this backdrop, "Bat Out of Hell" emerged as a unique and ambitious project that defied categorization.

Production and Collaborators:

At the helm of the production was the accomplished Todd Rundgren, whose diverse musical background and production expertise added layers of sophistication to the album. The collaboration between Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman, however, was the true alchemy that birthed the epic soundscapes of "Bat Out of Hell."

Jim Steinman, known for his theatrical and grandiose compositions, crafted a sonic tapestry that perfectly complemented Meat Loaf's operatic vocal style. The album's thematic elements, marked by romanticism, rebellion, and a cinematic quality, reflected Steinman's vision of creating a "Wagnerian rock" experience.

The Cast of Musical Virtuosos:

The lineup of talented musicians and performers on "Bat Out of Hell" contributed significantly to its sonic brilliance:

1. Meat Loaf - Vocals: The powerhouse behind the album, Meat Loaf's emotive and dramatic delivery became synonymous with the grandeur of the compositions.

2. Ellen Foley - Vocals: Foley's vocal contributions added depth and dynamic interplay to the album's narrative.

3. Roy Bittan - Piano, Keyboards: A key collaborator in the E Street Band, Bittan's keyboard artistry elevated the melodic richness of the album.

4. Kasim Sultan - Drums: Sultan's rhythmic precision provided the heartbeat that propelled the album's momentum.

5. Edgar Winter - Saxophone: Winter's saxophone added a soulful and bluesy touch, enhancing the album's musical diversity.

6. Jim Steinman, Roy Bittan - Keyboards: Steinman's dual role as a keyboardist alongside Bittan showcased the synergy between the composer and the band.

7. Roger Powell - Synthesizer: Powell's contributions with synthesizers added a futuristic and avant-garde dimension to the album.

Album Production Information:

Produced by Todd Rundgren

Todd Rundgren is a multi-talented American musician, singer, songwriter, producer, and visionary in the world of rock music. Born on 22 June 1948, in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, he has left an indelible mark on the music industry through his diverse skills and creative endeavors. Throughout his career, Rundgren has embraced various genres, experimenting with his sound and forging a reputation as an innovative and influential artist.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings:

Todd Harry Rundgren was raised in a middle-class family, and from an early age, he showed a keen interest in music. He began playing guitar as a teenager and quickly honed his skills, drawn to the burgeoning rock 'n' roll scene of the 1960s. He formed his first band, The Nazz, in 1967, which quickly gained a local following. The Nazz released three studio albums, showcasing Rundgren's early songwriting prowess.

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Solo Career and Commercial Success:

In 1970, Rundgren decided to pursue a solo career and released his debut album, "Runt". The album received critical acclaim, but it was his third solo effort, "Something/Anything?" (1972), that catapulted him to commercial success. This double album featured hit songs like "I Saw the Light", "Hello, It's Me", and "Couldn't I Just Tell You", showcasing his diverse musical talent and mastery of various instruments.

Following the success of "Something/Anything?", Rundgren continued to release a series of well-received albums throughout the 1970s, such as "A Wizard, a True Star" (1973), "Todd" (1974), and "Faithful" (1976). His music combined elements of rock, pop, soul, and psychedelia, making him a unique and innovative figure in the music world.

Utopia and Collaborations:

During the mid-1970s, Rundgren formed the progressive rock band Utopia, which allowed him to explore more experimental and progressive sounds. Utopia released several albums, with Rundgren often taking a collaborative approach to songwriting and production. They gained a dedicated fanbase and became known for their electrifying live performances.

Apart from his solo and Utopia work, Rundgren earned acclaim for his collaborations as a producer and engineer. He worked with numerous prominent artists, including Meat Loaf ("Bat Out of Hell"), The Band ("Stage Fright"), XTC ("Skylarking"), and New York Dolls ("New York Dolls").

Innovation and Technological Contributions:

Rundgren's musical journey was accompanied by his fascination with technology. He was an early adopter of computer-based music production and video technology, experimenting with interactive concerts and virtual reality shows long before they became mainstream. He continued to push the boundaries of technology and music throughout his career.

Later Career and Legacy:

The 1980s saw Rundgren explore synth-pop and new wave elements in albums like "Hermit of Mink Hollow" (1982) and "A Cappella" (1985). While he may not have achieved the same commercial success as in the 1970s, his artistic integrity and influence remained strong.

In the following decades, Todd Rundgren maintained a consistent output of albums and continued to tour, attracting both loyal fans and new admirers. His live performances were known for their energy, musical proficiency, and willingness to revisit his classic hits alongside new material.

Rundgren's influence extended beyond music. His innovative spirit and artistic vision made him a pioneer in various creative fields. He received recognition from the music industry and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021, cementing his place as an essential figure in the history of rock music.

Music Genre:

 American Hard Rock

Packaging:

  This album includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs

Media Format:

  12" Vinyl LP Gramophone
Band Members and Musicians on: Meat Loaf Bat out of Hell
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Meat Loaf - vocals
  • Ellen Foley - vocals
  • Roy ittan - piano
  • Kasim Sultan - drums
  • Edgar Winter - Saxophone
  • Jim Steinman, Roy Bittan- keyboards
  • Roger Powell - synthesizer
Track Listing of: Meat Loaf Bat out of Hell

The Song/tracks on "Meat Loaf Bat out of Hell" are

  • Bat out of Hell
  • You took the words right out of my mouth (Hot SUmmer Night)
  • Heaven can wait
  • All Revved up with no place to go
  • Two out of three ain't bad
  • Paradise by the dashboard light
  • For Crying Out Loud
The Meat Loaf Vinyl Collection: Classic Rock Ballads and Theatrical Epics

The Meat Loaf vinyl collection features classic rock ballads and theatrical epics that have enthralled music lovers for over four decades.

Band Description:

  Meat Loaf is not just a classic comfort food, but also a legendary rock band. Led by the charismatic singer and actor Michael Lee Aday, known by his stage name Meat Loaf, the band has been entertaining audiences for over four decades with their theatrical performances and powerful rock ballads.

 History:

 Meat Loaf was formed in 1977 in Los Angeles, California, by Jim Steinman, a composer and producer, and Michael Lee Aday. Their debut album, "Bat Out of Hell," was released in 1977 and became an instant hit, selling over 43 million copies worldwide. The album featured some of their most popular songs, including "Paradise by the Dashboard Light," "Two Out of Three Ain't Bad," and the title track "Bat Out of Hell."

 The band's success continued with the release of their second album, "Dead Ringer," in 1981, and their third album, "Midnight at the Lost and Found," in 1983. However, their popularity waned in the mid-80s, and the band went on hiatus for several years.

 Meat Loaf made a comeback in the 90s with the release of "Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell," which featured the hit song "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)." The album sold over 14 million copies and earned the band a Grammy Award for Best Rock Vocal Performance. They went on to release several more albums over the years, including "Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose" in 2006 and "Braver Than We Are" in 2016.

 Music:

 Meat Loaf's music is known for its bombastic, operatic style and dramatic storytelling. Their songs often feature grandiose arrangements, soaring vocals, and epic guitar solos. Jim Steinman's songwriting style, which often incorporates elements of classical music and Broadway musicals, has been a major influence on the band's sound.

 Some of their most popular songs include "Paradise by the Dashboard Light," a duet with singer Ellen Foley that tells the story of a high school romance; "Two Out of Three Ain't Bad," a heart-wrenching ballad about a failed relationship; and "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)," a power ballad that features a soaring chorus and a spoken-word section.

 Impact:

 Meat Loaf's impact on the music industry cannot be overstated. Their bombastic sound and theatrical performances helped to redefine the rock genre in the 70s and 80s. Their influence can be heard in the music of many other bands, such as Queen, who were also known for their grandiose sound and theatrical performances.

 In addition to their musical legacy, Meat Loaf's impact can also be seen in popular culture. The band's music has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, including the classic movie "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," in which Meat Loaf played the role of Eddie.