I'm fairly sure that anyone who knows me will appreciate my love for Meat Loaf or, as this blog has come to know him, Mr Loaf. Such a love affair spans back years since I first listened to the 'best of' album that was released way back when. I saw an advert for it on telly and, already knowing Bat out of Hell, decided to expand my knowledge of the artist and, evidently, was pleased with what I found.

Now, it has recently come to my attention that the entire Bat out of Hell trilogy might be one long concept album. ("I'm sure Meat Loaf would be happy for you to think that", replied Mitch.) Though my madness shall shortly be made manifest, indluge me for a while. Mr Loaf's album Welcome to the Neighbourhood is definitely a concept album, detailing a love story going from teenage lust (Where the rubber meets the road) through to a relationship (Original Sin and 45 seconds of ecstacy) to betrayal (Left in the dark), forgiveness (Amnesty is granted) and finally a happy ending many, many years later (Martha, Where Angels Sing). If you don't believe me I invite you to listen to the whole thing and try and visualise it as a soundtrack to a romantic comedy.

Now - Bat out of Hell. I've not managed to tie all three albums together completely yet, though there is a definite heaven and hell theme outside just titles. The trilogy starts with the eponymous track, whilst the second album ends with Back into Hell featuring a remix of the guitar solo from Good Girls go to Heaven (Bad Girls go everywhere). The third album then starts with The monster's loose and ends with Cry to heaven. So Mr Loaf escapes from hell, returns and escapes once more, this time for good? It's a thought.

Gaz out.