Tom Araya of Slayer

Slayer vocalist and bassist Tom Araya gives ARTISTdirect.com an exclusive look at what he’s spinning…

A Taste:

Elvis

“I’ve been listening to Elvis,” laughs Slayer vocalist and bassist Tom Araya.

It’s no surprise that the mouthpiece for the kings of thrash metal cops to being a fan of the king of rock n’ roll. They’re both music royalty in their own right! What better way to unwind during the Mayhem Tour than a little Elvis?

There’s always music playing in the Araya home too. Tom explains, “My kids listen to new music all the time. They’re hip to MTV, VH1 and all that crazy stuff. They go through phases though. My daughter liked The Jonas Brothers, but I don’t think she does anymore. They liked My Chemical Romance at one time and Fall Out Boy at another time. They like one or two songs from each and that’s about it.”

He continues, “It’s sad because I always ask them, ‘Aren’t the other songs on these records any good? You should listen to the record as opposed to just one or two songs.’ They honestly admit that the other songs aren’t great. I tell them, ‘If you really enjoy music, you should enjoy the entire record instead of listening to one song and discarding the rest.’ That’s the joy of iTunes though, right? You haven’t wasted fourteen dollars; you’ve only burnt two. It’s a whole new world from trading tapes to iTunes [Laughs].”

Check out Tom’s playlist below and be sure to pick up Slayer’s next epic, World Painted Blood when it drops this fall.

Tom Araya’s Playlist:

1. Elvis — “Suspicious Minds”

I have been listening to Elvis. My wife loves Elvis. There are so many songs she likes, and I’m just fiddling with them on the acoustic guitar—trying to learn them. I love “Suspicious Minds” and “Always On My Mind.”

2. Elvis — “Always On My Mind”

3. Elvis — “Love Me Tender”

Of course, there’s always “Love Me Tender” too [Laughs].

—Rick Florino
08.24.09

Tags: Elvis, Tom Araya of Slayer