The Paxton Configuration: The Best of Jeff Hanneman (and, thus, Slayer)

Hey everyone ... a legend died today. Jeff Hanneman was one of the founding members of Slayer, one of the Big Four metal groups (consisting of Metallica, Anthrax, and Megadeth), and probably one of the most beloved and important groups to bless the genre.

At the soul of the legendary group is the legendary guitarist Hanneman who often gets overshadowed by the more imposing figure of Kerry King. Hanneman wrote a lot of Slayer's stuff and while I am not a Slayer expert by any means, I am familiar enough with the work and have seen the man (and the band) live in his/its prime.

Here are some of my favorite Slayer songs Hanneman had all or most of the involvement in, from writing to composing to playing. Some of it might not be the best Slayer stuff (I can see the Slayer purists frothing at some of my selections) but they are my favorites to jam to and this is a time for healing, not judging.

You'll live on forever in our ears and hearts good sir. R.I.P.

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"Angel of Death" from Reign in Blood (music and lyrics by Hanneman)

"Jesus Saves" from Reign in Blood (lyrics by Kerry King, music by Hanneman/King)

"Raining Blood" from Reign in Blood (lyrics by Hanneman/King, music by Hanneman)

*um .... duh

"South of Heaven" from South of Heaven (lyrics by Tom Araya, music by Hanneman)

"Behind the Crooked Cross" from South of Heaven (lyrics and music by Hanneman)

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Seasons in the Abyss is my favorite Slayer album but Hanneman only played on most of my favorite songs on that album. However, the album's title track was composed by Hanneman with lyrics by Araya.

"Seasons in the Abyss" from "Seasons in the Abyss (lyrics by Araya, music by Hanneman)

"213" from Divine Intervention (lyrics by Araya, music by Hanneman)

"Death's Head" from Diabolus in Musica (lyrics and music by Hanneman)

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*I came into Slayer late and God Hates Us All was the first album of Slayer's I bought and listened to and the tour for God Hates Us All was the first (and only) time I saw Slayer live. So though it isn't a classic, it is probably up there with Seasons in the Abyss for me.

"Disciple" from God Hates Us All (lyrics by King, music by Hanneman)