Five Records That Changed My Life, Part 31: David Reece
American singer David Reece was the lead singer of German heavy metal band Accept in the late 1980s. He has also fronted acts such as Bonfire, Bangalore Choir, Gypsy Rose and Sainted Sinners and been working as a solo artist. Roppongi Rocks’ Stefan Nilsson talked with David about the albums that had a major impact on him.
George Jones “White Lighting and Other Favorites” (1959)
“My first choice would be actually George Jones and his music and voice. As a boy I grew up listening to country music daily and he had an amazing way of singing his lyrics about his failures about growing up. Such a great, great artist.”
Creedence Clearwater Revival “Bayou Country” (1969)
“Second, I’d have to say John Fogerty and Creedence Clearwater Revival. The voice of Fogerty can be heavy and yet soulful and melodic. They wrote so many classics, ‘Born on the Bayou’, ‘Lookin’ Out My Back Door’…so many to mention but I was heavily influenced by his vocals.”
Led Zeppelin “Physical Graffiti” (1975)
“Third, Led Zeppelin’s ‘Physical Graffiti’! I have so many fond memories of cruising around the lakes in Minneapolis in a Dodge Charger cranking the double album over and over again, actually on 8-track tape. The album really showed how diverse they were.”
Deep Purple “Deep Purple in Rock” (1970)
“Fourth, Deep Purple. Well, actually ‘In Rock’ with the great Ian Gillan and ‘Speed King’. Also, ‘Machine Head’ (1972). I was more influenced by songs like ‘Pictures of Home’ and the not so radio friendly songs from that record plus I love ‘Who Do We Think We Are’ (1973).”
Bad Company “Straight Shooter” (1975)
“Fifth, Bad Company because in my opinion Paul Rodgers is one of greats of our generation. As a singer I really found it difficult to emulate his natural delivery plus his lyrics on ‘Shooting Star’ are fabulous. They were criminally underrated in my opinion but to this day I can listen and smile.”
“One more honourable mention, if I may? Tom Petty’s “Wildflowers” (1994). That man could say more with three words than anyone and his vast catalogue of great, great songs still inspire me today.”
