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Heart Rev Up the Rock for 'Red Velvet Car' -- Exclusive Video

Heart's Nancy and Ann WilsonCollin Erie for AOL

Heart's Ann and Nancy Wilson came to musical prominence in the '70s, a decade in which muscle cars like the Camaro and Trans-Am were rock stars in their own right. The iconic sisters' new album, 'Red Velvet Car' -- their first studio effort in six years -- and the track 'Wheels' brings to mind that era with a recurring automobile motif.

When the Wilson sisters visited AOL's L.A. studios for a video chat about the new album, guitarist Nancy explained the origins of the title track. "We started working on the song, 'Red Velvet Car,' and we went, 'Wow, this album is about travel,'" she said. "There's something about the modern psyche and the heart of the modern culture that is on its way through. The good old image of home and heart has really altered lately. Everything is fast and moving, everyone's on a plane and that's the lonelier aspect of the modern world. 'Red Velvet Car,' it's another travel song with a lonely center, looking for a rescue, which is what a red velvet car is: A friend who comes, no matter what, with a red velvet car to get you."

Since we were on the subject, we asked the sisters about their most memorable rides. "When I went to college, my parents gave me a car that was a 1967 red Chevrolet Impala. That was at the height of my psychedelic time as a young person, so I called it the Astroplane and painted it all up inside," Ann recalled. "I was at art school, so I used acrylic paint. In Seattle it rains quite a bit, and acrylic paint is water soluble, so I had to keep repainting it again and again -- you know, gotta have that peace word on it." "The car was living art in progress," Nancy added, laughing.

For more from Heart about cars, Lady Gaga, Lilith Fair and why these songs take them back to their 'Dreamboat Annie' days, check out the exclusive video interview and gallery below.




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Steve

Love Heart but new CD is nothing to get excited about.

September 12 2010 at 7:31 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
nadine

First of all whoever said they rocked out in the 80s has it a bit wrong. Their best time was the 70s. Although i had albums of the 80s too,nothing will beat crazy on you. And no they were not just some girl group. without them there would be no pat Benatar,paramor, or any of the girl rockers of today.And talking about the weight of anne is stupidity hope their new cd is great

September 12 2010 at 5:38 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Tom Cole

Ann Wilson has the best female singing voice, but man, she just can't stop eating.

September 12 2010 at 5:23 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Tom Cole's comment
Todd LeBaron

Are you kidding me? She looks great!!!

September 12 2010 at 5:25 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Sue

they are some rough looking women

September 12 2010 at 4:57 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
gym

music , that,s what matters

September 09 2010 at 11:48 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Neutron

My memorable car was a 1968 Barracuda, with a 340 that would walk away from 400 GTOs. I had a big old 8 track player, and loved to crank up Heart's first album, among others, while cruising around with 33 cent a gallon gas.

September 09 2010 at 9:51 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Mercedes

The album is soso! the only song I like is wheels! :o(

September 09 2010 at 9:03 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
wolfmankenny

I loved Heart in the 70's and the 80's.Ann is one of the great female vocalist of all time.And I think she still looks hot.

September 09 2010 at 7:25 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
JohnR75

My first car was a 67 chevy caprice loaded with everything factory. Wish I still had that car.

September 09 2010 at 6:00 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Hello Susie

I had a 1967 Olds 442 with a 454 Chevy engine in it, a 513 rear end, and Cragars all around it. It would come off the ground about 2 feet from the get go when I was racing it. Talk about a Honey.

September 09 2010 at 5:09 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Hello Susie's comment
Phil

Susie, My first car was a 66 Chevelle SS 396, but it had a L 88 427, 425 factory hp engine out of a 68 Vette'. Talk about a screamer. Phil

September 09 2010 at 7:58 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply