“Twenty Flight Rock” – Montrose’s High-Energy Take on a Rockabilly Classic
Montrose, known for their electrifying rock sound, brought their distinctive style to “Twenty Flight Rock,” a rollicking rockabilly number originally made famous by Eddie Cochran in the late 1950s. The band’s rendition infuses the track with raw energy and a hard-edged guitar-driven approach, transforming it into a high-octane anthem that showcases Montrose’s ability to breathe new life into rock ‘n’ roll classics.
The original version of “Twenty Flight Rock” is a cornerstone of rockabilly history, remembered for its infectious rhythm and Cochran’s smooth delivery. Montrose’s version, however, cranks up the volume and adds a sense of urgency that feels distinctly ’70s. Ronnie Montrose’s fiery guitar work takes center stage, delivering riffs that are both intricate and bursting with adrenaline. Paired with Sammy Hagar’s commanding vocals, the track becomes a celebration of rock’s rebellious spirit.
The lyrics, narrating the comical frustration of climbing twenty flights of stairs to meet a lover, remain intact, but Montrose injects them with a punchier attitude. The interplay between the driving rhythm section and searing guitar solos creates a sense of momentum that mirrors the physical effort described in the song. Each note seems to propel the listener higher, embodying the climb itself.
By covering “Twenty Flight Rock,” Montrose not only paid homage to one of rock’s foundational figures but also demonstrated the genre’s ability to evolve and adapt. Their high-energy interpretation stands as a bridge between the rockabilly roots of the ’50s and the arena rock power of the ’70s.
This version is a prime example of Montrose’s knack for taking something familiar and reshaping it into their own unique vision. It’s a track that captures the sheer fun of rock ‘n’ roll while highlighting the band’s technical prowess and infectious enthusiasm. For fans of both Eddie Cochran’s original and Montrose’s hard rock legacy, “Twenty Flight Rock” is a thrilling ride to the top.
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