Album of the Day

On this day in 1981, the HEAVY METAL movie was released in its native Canada; inspired by the sci-fi/fantasy magazine of the same name, the animated cult favorite features voice talent from the famed Second City troupe. It also features a killer soundtrack, with most songs exclusive to the double album. Assembled with the help of uber-manager Irving Azoff, the collection includes tracks by Black Sabbath and Sammy Hagar but the music ranges well beyond hard rock - contributions by Journey (“Open Arms”), Devo (“Working in the Coal Mine”) and Cheap Trick (“Reach Out”) fit the film perfectly. As entertaining as it is eclectic, the HEAVY METAL soundtrack reached #12 on the Billboard chart and was certified Platinum.