Released in 1987 on Relativity Records, this instrumental album represents the core from which Joe Satriani’s formidable discography stemmed.

From the first sassy, howling, wah-laced note it is clear why Joe Satriani’s second release is essential shred listening. Surfing the silver strings on twenty-two frets of Ibanez, Joe introduces the listener to mind blowing legato, tapping, and stunningly fast execution of traditional blues-flavored licks. Throughout the album Joe also emphasizes one of his pioneered trademarks; a mastery of otherworldly harmonics coupled with expressive bar dives and feedback. Songs such as “Circles”, “Midnight” and “Always with Me, Always with You” demonstrate Joe’s vast theoretical knowledge as applied to rhythm playing. Beginning with some beautiful and unusual chord voicings, Joe’s playing on “Always” is laden with a restraint that enables him to build a basic melody up to an emotive solo that leaves the listener in awe.

Satriani possesses an uncanny ear for using space and dynamics. This use of space can be heard on tunes such as “Echo”, where it is created through the use of melodic but sparse backing parts for both the bass and rhythm guitars. This allows the lead and melody lines to rise over them. (The drums are sometimes a bit too sparse, due to a reliance on drum machines for most of the album.) The melodies themselves are often haunting, and frequently incorporate exotic modes and phrases that reflect Joe’s own diverse influences.

Surfing with the Alien plainly demonstrates that Joe Satriani is set apart from the rest of the shredding field by factors beyond his incredible chops. Essential Shred listening. Check it out.