This album was released on CD for the first time 1988 and was re-issued numerous times in different covers and labels. In 2008, Epic Records releseased with Joe Satriani Original Album Classics box set; And this still a good album all of the time. The Relativity Records version is now out of print.
Not of This Earth is the first full album by instrumental rock solo artist Joe Satriani. Numerous tracks off this album are still played live by Satriani.
The original artwork used for the first pressing of this album has been lost, and has since been replaced with the artwork shown. Also noteworthy, the guitar Joe is pictured with on the cover (an Ibanez 540P), was never actually used by Joe, and rather was "a promo shot that got too much press" according to Satriani
Anyone listening at the time will now be aware of Satriani's virtuosic skill; even for a debut his impressive guitar work was complimented with radio-friendly melodies and heavy riffs. It seems like a promising start, The Snake plays a funk-style bass-line with jazz percussion. On the first listen, it seems strange to think that there would be any solo, let a lone shred on this track, although it is pulled off well despite the already tiresome synthesisers on the album.
A few features distinguish this album from his others. Electronic drums are used throughout, instead of Satriani's usual acoustic drums. The first track "Not of This Earth" utilizes an unusual compositional technique he titles "Pitch Axis Theory", which consists of shifting modes underneath a pedal tone. "The Headless Horseman" is a piece performed entirely by left and right-handed finger tapping.
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