T-Ride

This stylish and innovative trio formed in the mid-'80s when childhood friends Eric Valentine (drums) and Dan Arlie (bass) met guitarist Jeff Tyson and built a studio in Arlie's garage. Tyson studied guitar (at the same time as Testament's Alex Skolnick) from fabled guitar guru Joe Satriani while Valentine honed his producing chops on Arlie's vocals for the demo that won T-Ride a Hollywood contract. The label pushed for big-name producers, including Eddie Kramer, who told T-Ride to stick with their resident expert, Valentine. Their brilliant, self-titled debut showcased sterling songcraft with traditionalist metal tendencies and advanced technological renderings. But T-Ride, one of the greatest hair metal records ever, with incredible tracks like "Luxury Cruiser" (also on the Encino Man soundtrack) and "You and Your Friend," disappeared upon release. Valentine naturally became a very active producer, working with Smash Mouth, Counting Crows, Third Eye Blind, the Dwarves, and many others.
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