Monthly Archives: October 2009
ANVIL – This Is Thirteen
Anvil – This Is Thirteen (2009, VH1 Classic Records)
Original Release: 2007, self-released
1. “This Is Thirteen” … 6:40
2. “Bombs Away” … 3:28
3. “Burning Bridges” … 5:52
4. “Ready to Fight” … 4:14
5. “Flying Blind” … 3:11
6. “Room #9″ … 3:50
7. “Axe to Grind” … 4:33
8. “Feed the Greed” … 3:52
9. “Big Business” .. 3:26
10. “Should’a Would’a Could’a” … 3:06
11. “Worry” … 3:15
12. “Game Over” … 2:58
13. “American Refugee” … 2:36
BONUS TRACK
14. Thumb Hang … 5:59
Band:
Steve “Lips” Kudlow – Vocals, Lead Guitar
Glenn Five – Bass
Robb Reiner – Drums
Producer: Chris Tsangarides
Thanks to the popularity and acclaim of the documentary Anvil! The Story of Anvil, VH1 Classic decided to go into business with the band and give us a re-release of this 2007 album. In addition to that, VH1 Classic also premiered the movie on television and will be sponsoring an “Anvil experience” tour that features a showing of the movie and then the band taking the stage to play. As if that wasn’t enough, the success of the documentary got them a few gigs playing stadium shows opening for AC/DC! Let me tell you, “the story of Anvil” is nothing short of amazing and inspiring, but I’ll leave that to the documentary to display.
Anvil is a band I’ve wanted to check out for YEARS, way before there was ever any word about the documentary. The early albums had been on my wish list for a long time, but I never picked them up because they were usually high priced. I’ll admit that the movie gave me the final push to check out this album and their debut Hard ‘N’ Heavy.
This album is a great throwback to the bands early albums. I don’t know how the band sounded in recent years, but this album is a stripped down pure old school heavy metal album that’s rooted in thrash and NWOBHM. Part of this is probably attributed to the great Chris Tsangarides, who worked with the band in ’85 on their half previously unreleased/half compilation album Backwaxed. Chris has produced classic albums for Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Thin Lizzy, Gary Moore, Yngwie Malmsteen and Y&T.
The album retains its heaviness all the way though, but I think the album is a bit slow and plodding at times. It doesn’t matter though because even if things fell apart tomorrow and Anvil never made another album, they could at least go out with their heads held high. This Is Thirteen is a real treat for old school metal heads, you don’t hear many albums like this anymore and from what I’ve heard longtime Anvil fans say — this album is a worthy successor to the early Anvil classics.
“Thumb Hang”, an old but never before recorded Anvil song, was finally recorded as a bonus track for this VH1 Classic reissue.
Highlights: “This Is Thirteen”, “Bombs Away”, “Burning Bridges”, “Ready to Fight”, “Axe to Grind”, “Worry”
SAVATAGE – Power of the Night
Savatage – Power of the Night (1985, Atlantic Records)
1. “Power of the Night” … 5:12
2. “Unusual” … 4:23
3. “Warriors” … 4:00
4. “Necrophilia” … 3:35
5. “Washed Out” … 2:13
6. “Hard for Love” … 3:57
7. “Fountain of Youth” … 4:28
8. “Skull Session” … 3:18
9. “Stuck on You” … 3:06
10. “In the Dream” … 4:10
Band:
Jon Oliva – Vocals, Keyboards
Criss Oliva – Guitars
Keith Collins – Bass
Steve Wacholz – Drums
Producer: Max Norman
This was the band’s third release and it really signaled the changes to come over the band’s next two releases. I can definitely hear similarities here to what I believe is their best effort — 1987′s Hall of the Mountain King.
Also, “Hard for Love” is a fairly commercial effort, giving another taste of the future when the band would follow this release up the very next year with the mainstream hard rock sounds of Fight for the Rock. Not that I’m complaining though, it’s a darn catchy piece of almost hair metal. The rest of the album does not follow that format, it’s power metal through and through.
Though respected, this album generally doesn’t seem to rank amongst the best of the Savatage albums. I’m not sure why. There’s some filler here but “Power of the Night”, “”Warriors”, “Unusual” and “Necrophilia” are classic Savatage tracks.
Highlights: “Power of the Night”, “Unusual”, “Warriors”, “Necrophilia”, “Hard for Love”, “In the Dream”
KISS – Sonic Boom
KISS – Sonic Boom (2009, KISS Records)
Sonic Boom
1. “Modern Day Delilah” … 3:37
2. “Russian Roulette” … 4:33
3. “Never Enough” … 3:27
4. “Yes I Know (Nobody’s Perfect)” … 3:02
5. “Stand” … 4:51
6. “Hot And Cold” … 3:36
7. “All For The Glory” … 3:50
8. “Danger Us” … 4:22
9. “I’m An Animal” … 3:48
10. “When Lightning Strikes” … 3:45
11. “Say Yeah” … 4:27
BONUS CD: KISS Klassics
1. “Deuce” … 3:08
2. “Detroit Rock City” … 3:57
3. “Shout It Out Loud” … 2:54
4. “Hotter Than Hell” … 3:10
5. “Calling Dr. Love” … 3:26
6. “Love Gun” … 3:14
7. “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” … 4:42
8. “Heaven’s On Fire” … 3:24
9. “Lick It Up” … 3:56
10. “I Love It Loud” … 4:09
11. “Forever” … 3:53
12. “Christine Sixteen” … 2:59
13. “Do You Love Me” … 3:39
14. “Black Diamond” … 4:20
15. “Rock And Roll All Nite” … 2:49
BONUS DVD: Live in Buenos Aires DVD
1. “Deuce”
2. “Hotter Than Hell”
3. “C’mon And Love Me”
4. “Watchin’ You”
5. “100,000 Years”
6. “Rock And Roll All Nite”
Band:
Paul Stanley – Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals
Gene Simmons – Lead Vocals, Bass, Backing Vocals
Tommy Thayer – Lead Guitar, Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals
Eric Singer – Drums, Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals
Producer: Paul Stanley & Greg Collins (Sonic Boom) and Paul Stanley & Gene Simmons (KISS Klassics)
Fantastic bang (boom?) for your buck! Following the template of Journey’s Revelation, we get: ONE brand new KISS album, ONE album featuring recently re-recorded KISS standards, and ONE DVD featuring excerpts from a Buenos Aires concert. All for $12. Not too bad.
KISS has finally returned with a brand new original studio album after 11 years of creative silence. How fitting that this larger than life band would choose to release this album exclusively in the United States with a larger than life retail store — Walmart. Hooking up with large retailers for exclusive releases is an incredibly wise move for veterans acts and AC/DC proved that in spades about this time last year with their own Walmart exclusive Black Ice.
This is a long review, but before I get into Sonic Boom, let’s discuss the bonus discs:
The first bonus disc is a CD called KISS Klassics, which features re-recorded versions of classic KISS songs by the current band members. The album was originally released on its own in Japan in 2008 under the title of Jigoku-Retsuden. It is also known as KISSology (and is not to be confused with the band’s retrospective live performance DVD series of the same name). You can’t argue with the songs here, it is what it is — a “greatest hits” compilation essentially, but I’m not a fan of the idea of a band re-recording their own material (I briefly considered ordering this as an import last year, but decided against it… I guess that worked out well!).
Basically, as was the case with Journey re-recording their own songs, this album really serves no purpose other than licensing. Gene & Paul can license these re-recorded versions out instead of the original versions (licensees won’t know/care as long as it still sounds like the originals), therefore, they don’t have to worry about splitting a large chunk of money with Ace, Peter or anyone else. Still, it’s a nice addition to the whole Sonic Boom package and it is kinda nice to hear these songs with an updated production.
Not much to say about the DVD other than it is another solid live performance from the band that is heightened by the cool visual of them playing to a HUGE crowd at River Plate Stadium in Bueno Aires, Argentina. It was recorded on April 5, 2009.
Two discs down, now onto the one that really matters… SONIC BOOM!
With KISS being my favorite band, this album was one of this decade’s most anticipated releases for me. I’ve been hoping for a long time that Gene & Paul would get up off their butts and play something NEW, but just two or three years ago both had stated they had no interest in doing that, so things seemed bleak. Thankfully, though Paul led the charge producing the album, and he made sure everyone played their instruments and the band used no outside songwriters!
Early sneak peek reviews of this album got me incredibly hyped with many of those reviews stating this was easily their best since Rock And Roll Over from 1976. I won’t take it to that extreme, but I could probably go back to 1983′s Lick It Up before I finding any album of theirs that would rival this one (Revenge is a contender, but I’ve always felt that album was overrated). Paul and Gene touted this album was a return to the “classic KISS” sound but it’s really a collection of their ’70s, ’80s and Revenge sound. At least it’s not the disappointing Psycho Circus (which was pretty much KISS singing about KISS!).
Track by track:
“Modern Day Delilah” – Great ’70s hard rock sound (though not necessarily a ’70s KISS sound), though it took me a few listens to get into it once KISS posted it online in August. One of my favorite songs from this album and check out Paul hitting those notes!
“Russian Roulette” – If I’m not mistaken, this has been a song and title that Gene has tried working onto a KISS album dating back to the 1980s. Makes sense because the song has an ’80s feel to it, maybe something from Asylum. It is another grower, I like it more than I did when I first heard it, but it barely rises above being classified as filler.
“Never Enough” – A bit generic sounding, and it is apparent that Paul’s voice has weakened a bit since his 2006 solo album Live to Win. It’s a bit more gravelly when he really lets loose, but he still sounds good.
“Yes I Know (Nobody’s Perfect)” – Another Gene song. Now this song sounds like ’70s KISS. That’s why I hate to say this, but… it’s filler to me.
“Stand” – The album’s big anthem and it features both Gene and Paul on lead vocals. Sounds like it could be on Revenge. Would be pretty cool for them to play this one live.
“Hot And Cold” – More ’70s KISS with this Gene song with a very Ace-like solo from Tommy. I’m noticing a trend, Gene is doing ’70s KISS, Paul is doing ’80s KISS. Simple and catchy.
“All For The Glory” – Eric Singer takes over lead vocals for this one and he does a great job. I noticed this at the concert from 9/25, and I’m not sure whether this is on purpose or not, but he’s got that same kind of raspy, soulful voice that Peter has. One of the best moments on the album. Nice Tommy solo.
“Danger Us” – Great Paul song. Sounds like a mash-up of Revenge and ’70s. Such a fun chorus: “Danger you, danger me, danger us!”
“I’m An Animal” – This was the first song that really punched me in the face! This is a classic Gene stomper, showing him in all his arrogance, swagger and glory and it should be a concert staple for years to come. I would LOVE to hear this live. I’ve probably played this song more than any other.
“When Lightning Strikes” – Longtime coming, but Tommy buddy– you finally get to sing lead on a KISS album! Even better, it’s a good song.
“Say Yeah” – ’80s KISS closes out the album with another Paul song, but the chorus kind of reminds me of this decade’s Bon Jovi releases. I like it though and it ends the album on a good note.
So, the album isn’t what most of the hype led me to believe it would be, but I’m still really pleased with it and I love the fact that it is 2009 and there’s new KISS to listen to. Undoubtedly, this is one of the year’s best releases.
Highlights: “Modern Day Delilah”, “All For The Glory”, “Danger Us”, “I’m An Animal”, “When Lightning Strikes”, “Say Yeah”
www.kissonline.com
www.myspace.com/kiss
LITA FORD – Wicked Wonderland
Lita Ford – Wicked Wonderland (2009, JLRG Entertainment)
1. “Crave” … 3:46
2. “Piece (Hell Yeah)” … 3:42
3. “Patriotic SOB” … 4:33
4. “Scream 4 Me” … 3:58
5. “Inside” … 4:13
6. “Wicked Wonderland” … 3:50
7. “Indulge” … 4:43
8. “Love” … 5:31
9. “Sacred” … 3:58
10. “Betrayal” … 4:34
11. “Truth” … 3:56
12. “Everything” … 3:36
13. “Bed” … 6:51
BONUS TRACKS
14. “Garden” … 4:06
15. Push” … 4:17
Musicians:
Lita Ford – Vocals, Lead Guitar
Jim Gillette – Vocals
Greg Hampton – Bass, Synth, Rhythm Guitar
Stet Howland – Drums (Tracks 2-10, 12-15)
Chris Collier – Drums (Tracks 1 & 11)
Produced by: Greg Hampton, Jim Gillette and Lita Ford
Okay, let’s get this out of the way — musically, this isn’t “Kiss Me Deadly” Lita Ford. If that’s what you were expecting and wanting, sorry, it’s not here. Pop-Metal Queen Lita is gone and has been replaced by a Lita Ford that owes more to Rob Zombie than Motley Crue (don’t worry, she’s still hot).
15 years ago, Lita walked away from the music industry to concentrate on her family life and she has returned with a sex-charged album that is heavier than anything she’s done before and many songs are in the industrial metal vibe. Her voice is still in top form, as is Jim Gillette’s voice (husband & former Nitro front man). Jim makes an appearance on all of the tracks either sharing co-vocals with Lita or providing backing vocals.
Once this album was announced, I was happily waiting for it. Then “Crave” was released online and to be honest, I didn’t care for it. I could not get Rob Zombie out of my head and it was not what I was expecting from her at all. After a few more listens, the song started to grow on me though. That’s basically what this whole album is — a grower.
I can understand where it would be hard for any die hard Lita/glam fan to immediately dive into this album with arms wide open. Speaking personally, after giving this album a few listens, I’ve been able to pick it apart and my “favorites” list of songs from this album is beginning to build. There’s some really good moments here and some nice guitar playing from Lita. The album does have three songs that immediately grabbed me though: “Piece (Hell Yeah)”, “Scream 4 Me” and the trippy ballad “Sacred”.
Even if this isn’t the sound people are expecting from Lita, you have to give her credit for staying true to herself and doing what feels right to her instead of half-heartedly trying to ride the nostalgia train in an attempt to give us the “classic sound”. My final verdict is that Wicked Wonderland is an unforeseen yet enjoyable journey into new terrain for the Metal Queen.
As a side note — I have to say I really love the artwork and the photos of Lita. It’s dark, it’s edgy, it’s rock ‘n’ roll and when you toss Lita into the mix, she gives the whole theme just the right amount of soft ‘n’ sexy.
Highlights: “Piece (Hell Yeah)”, “Scream 4 Me”, “Inside”, “Indulge”, “Love”, “Sacred”, “Bed”
www.litaxx.tv
www.myspace.com/litaford
BLACK SABBATH – Headless Cross
Black Sabbath – Headless Cross [Mini LP Edition; Japanese Import] (2010, Universal International)
Original Release: 1989, IRS Records
1. “The Gates of Hell” … 1:05
2. “Headless Cross” … 6:32
3. “Devil & Daughter” … 4:45
4. “When Death Calls” … 7:00
5. “Kill in the Spirit World” … 5:13
6. “Call of the Wild” … 5:21
7. “Black Moon” … 4:08
8. “Nightwing” … 6:43
BONUS TRACK
9. “Cloak & Dagger” … 4:36
Band:
Tony Martin – Vocals
Tony Iommi – Guitar
Cozy Powell – Drums
Geoff Nicholls – Keyboards
Additional Musicians:
Brian May – Guitar solo on “When Death Calls”
Laurence Cottle – Bass
Producer: Tony Iommi and Cozy Powell
This is one of my favorite albums of all time and I’ve been trying to track down a copy of this out of print album down on CD for quite some time, but the prices are just too high for even a used copy ($30-40). I’ll have to wait until some miracle arrives and in the meantime, I’ll settle for this CD-R copy.
When I heard this album a few years ago, it was the one that made me stand up and pay attention to Black Sabbath. It wasn’t Ozzy, it wasn’t Dio, it was TONY MARTIN that made me a Sabbath fan. There’s been a lot of criticism over this era of Sabbath going in an AOR/eighties hard rock direction, but it doesn’t bother me in the least because it’s quality music. This album does such a great job in carrying on the dark and “evil” vibe that Sabbath was stereotyped for, yet uses a more commercial form of hard rock. The first two Tony Martin albums were so good that I truly do believe if Iommi was able to release these records under his own name or give this group an entirely different band name the story would’ve been much different and these albums would’ve been successful.
For the sake of doing something different, let’s go song by song:
“The Gates of Hell” – I’ve really enjoyed the instrumentals put on the Sabbath albums in the ’80s. They’re usually pretty creepy and evil sounding and the intro track “The Gates of Hell”, as short as it is, is no different.
“Headless Cross” – Along with “The Shining” from The Eternal Idol, this is one of the signature songs from the Martin era and it also stands out of a great Sabbath song, period. Fantastic mid-tempo number with great vocals by Martin.
“Devil & Daughter” – The pace picks up for this song. Like “Digital Bitch” from Born Again, I’ve heard this was about Sharon Osbourne (and her father ex-Sabbath manager Don Arden) but who knows. It would have easily just been another random batch of evil lyrics. It was originally called “Devil’s Daughter”, but was changed because Ozzy had a song being released of the same name.
“When Death Calls” – Starts out slow and haunting, then builds in pace and peaks with an Iommi solo. Have I mentioned yet how great these songs are to sing along to?
“Kill in the Spirit World” – Very AORish at points, with touches of the continuing hauntedness. Initially, I didn’t appreciate this song much, but I’ve grown to love it. The idea behind it is interesting — what happens when the already dead do bad? Why, their spirits are killed, of course! Nice solo by Brian May of Queen!
“Call of the Wild” – I’ve never liked this title. C’mon, what, are they talking about going to the bathroom? This was originally called “Hero”, but was also changed because Ozzy beat them to the punch. I love the chorus and this is a great tune while working out in the gym!
“Black Moon” – Originally released (in a different key) as a B-Side to the single “Eternal Idol” from The Eternal Idol. Somewhats sounds like Ozzy Sabbath, but it just doesn’t work me. Not horrible, just average.
“Nightwing” – I once read a quote from Tony Martin somewhere that this song was about “things that fly… bats and stuff”. Good to see he put so much thought into it. I think he tried too hard with song lyrics sometimes, just writing what he thought he should write and not necessarily what he wanted to or had a passion for. Though I think this is the weakest song on the album, I’ve since changed my initials thoughts and enjoy this song very much.
So there you have it– the best Tony Martin Sabbath release and easily one of Sabbath’s best! Even though the band didn’t have a bassist at the time (hiring Laurence Cottle to play on the album but not to join the band), this is probably the best lineup of the Martin years. Ex-Rainbow drummer Cozy Powell and longtime keyboardist Geoff Nicholls made some great contributions to the group when they were in (more than they were ever given literal credit for).
UPDATE 7/23/10:
I finally got my hands on a legit copy of this album. Thanks to Manny for pointing me in the right direction on eBay! I bought a sealed copy of this Japanese reissue from someone in Russia! I’m becoming a fan of these mini LPs. This particular mini LP is pretty cool and very well done. There’s a cool band photo when you open up the album and then there’s the “slip” for the CD (which is made up to resemble the original vinyl release of this album) that has all the lyrics and then there’s also a mini-poster featuring the album cover and in Japanese there’s another booklet talking about the history of Black Sabbath. Wish I could read it!
Much to my surprise, “Cloak & Dagger” was included as a bonus track. It’s not listed on the back of the album but is mentioned on the cover and on the Japanese booklet. It was the B-side to the “Headless Cross” single and previously had only been a part of the album on the picture disc version. I really like the song, it’s a bluesy number that sounds a bit like Whitesnake. Martin even seems to emulate Coverdale some on this song.
Highlights: Oh, who am I kidding? The whole thing is a classic!
www.blacksabbath.com
www.heavenandhelllive.com
www.myspace.com/heavenandhelllive
www.tonymartin.net
www.myspace.com/officialtonymartin
SIXX:A.M. – The Heroin Diaries Soundtrack
Sixx:A.M. – The Heroin Diaries Soundtrack (2007, Eleven Seven Music)
1. “X-Mas in Hell” … 2:10
2. “Van Nuys” … 3:52
3. “Life is Beautiful” … 3:35
4. “Pray for Me” … 4:14
5. “Tomorrow” … 4:05
6. “Accidents Can Happen” … 4:07
7. “Intermission” … 2:20
8. “Dead Man’s Ballet” … 5:25
9. “Heart Failure” … 4:58
10. “Girl With Golden Eyes” … 4:20
11. “Courtesy Call” … 4:41
12. “Permission” … 4:14
13. “Life After Death” … 3:02
Band:
James Michael – Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Keyboards, Drum Programming
DJ Ashba – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals
Nikki Sixx – Bass, Backing Vocals
Producer: Sixx:A.M.
I picked this one up the first day of its release just because it was Nikki Sixx and he’s been one of my favorite “rock stars” and song writers for a long time. Nikki has often dabbled in side projects (58, Brides of Destruction) so it was no surprise when it was announced that a “soundtrack” album would be coinciding with the release of his autobiography The Heroin Diaries: A Year in the Life of a Shattered Rock Star. Each song represents a chapter in the book, and the book (if you couldn’t tell already by the title) documents Nikki’s drug problems and focuses on his life from December ’86 to December ’87.
This album could’ve easily been released and forgotten, something that only Crue fans would even have a passing interest in, but something really cool happened — the lead single “Life is Beautiful” took off at rock radio and eventually hit #2 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock charts and album sales currently sit at 200,000+! It’s always feels good to see good music appreciated and I was really happy for Nikki over the success of this album. As soon as I heard “Life is Beautiful”, I knew that if it actually was able to get some support and onto radio, it would be a hit. It’s the album’s best song and James Michael’s vocals soar (he sounds just like this live as well).
All acknowledgment doesn’t fall to Nikki though. Even though this album was based on his life and book, it’s very much a band project. Nikki Sixx, DJ Ashba and James Michael (Sixx:A.M.) all worked together, co-producing and co-writing and the result is a modern hard rock album with touches of pop radio friendly songs (“Accidents Can Happen”). This is definitely NOT something similar to Crue, and that’s a good thing.
Some songs fall short with me, there’s kind of a twisted carnival sound to a few songs like “Intermission”, “Life After Death” and the opener “Xmas in Hell”. All feature Nikki Sixx narrating an entry from his diary and then it becomes like a demented version of Trans-Siberian Orchestra. So I don’t care much for those songs and then my other gripe is there too many ballads.
I was a little disappointed by this release because I think it tries to be too theatrical at times, but it is a decent enough modern rock release that shows a lot of promise for the follow up.
Highlights: “Life is Beautiful”, “Pray for Me”, “Tomorrow”, “Accidents Can Happen”, “Courtesy Call”
THE 69 EYES – Back in Blood
The 69 Eyes – Back in Blood (2009, The End Records)
1. “Back in Blood” … 4:30
2. “We Own The Night” … 4:03
3. “Dead N’ Gone” … 3:40
4. “The Good, the Bad, & the Undead” … 3:28
5. “Kiss Me Undead” … 3:58
6. “Lips of Blood” … 4:21
7. “Dead Girls Are Easy” … 3:55
8. “Night Watch” … 4:33
9. “Some Kind of Magick” … 3:43
10. “Hunger” … 4:34
11. “Suspiria Snow White” … 3:34
12. “Eternal” … 4:19
Band:
Jyrki69 – Vocals
Bazie – Lead Guitar
Timo-Timo – Guitar
Archzie – Bass
Jussi69 – Drums
Producer: Matt Hyde
The third 69 Eyes album I’ve heard very well may be my favorite! It’s not a concept album, but there is a loose theme of vampires throughout… Not surprising considering the bands refers to themselves as “Helsinki vampires”.
“Dead Girls Are Easy” was unleashed months ago online and it’s easily one of my favorite songs of the year, just so extremely catchy and rockin’. The lyrical content disturbed my woman, but it’s all in good fun to me! Nothing else comes close to matching the power of that song, but the rest of the album is still good.
The 69 Eyes’ self-proclaimed “goth ‘n’ roll” style of rock has a bit of a harder edge this time. Keyboards are mostly out and so is most of the poppy writing, now it’s just down to the guitars. All of this might have to do with Matt Hyde producing (he’s produced Slayer and Monster Magnet).
It’s a good direction for the band to get a bit heavier. I’m not sure how this will go over with longtime Eyes fans, but I’m enjoying it and this one of the top releases of 2009 for me.
Highlights: “Back in Blood”, “We Own The Night”, “Dead N’ Gone”, “The Good, the Bad, & the Undead”, “Kiss Me Undead”, “Dead Girls Are Easy”, “Hunger”
ALICE COOPER – Keepin’ Halloween Alive [iTunes single]
Alice Cooper – Keepin’ Halloween Alive [iTunes single] (2009, Shout! Factory/Nightmare Records)
1. “Keepin’ Halloween Alive” … 2:17
2. “Keepin’ Halloween Alive” (Cooperoke Mix) … 2:15
Musicians:
Alice Cooper – Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals
Dave Pino – Lead Guitar, Bass, Rhodes Piano, Theramin
Matt “Piggy D.” Montgomery – Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals
David Spreng – Drums, Percussion, Harpsichord
Producer: Alice Cooper & Matt “Piggy D.” Montgomery
Why did it take so long for Alice to give us a Halloween anthem? Sure, Alice Cooper has always gone hand in hand with Halloween like Jason Voorhees and a couple of camp counselors, but I don’t believe there’s ever been a direct ode to the October holiday by “the king of all things Halloween” (as the digital booklet credits him).
Alice is still up to his old/new garage rock antics with this one. The song is fun, punchy, yet criminally short. Even with the garage rock sound, I got a Rob Zombie vibe from it (DON’T WORRY, there’s no attempt at Brutal Planet here), which makes sense after finding out that Matt “Piggy D.” Montgomery (who co-wrote, co-produced and played on this track) is a member of Rob Zombie’s band. Also of note is Dave Pino plays in Powerman 5000 and David Spreng plays in The Bravery.
The “Cooperoke Mix” is a karaoke version with the vocals low in the mix. Scream your heart out!
I wonder if this is a sign of things for come with the next Cooper album (penciled in for a 2010 release). The song seems more like what you might hear on The Eyes of Alice Cooper or Dirty Diamonds than what was on Along Came A Spider (which I thought was slightly disappointing).
The artwork is really cool too. Yes, I said artwork. I didn’t realize iTunes did this, but included is a 4-page digital booklet featuring the cover, disc art, lyrics and credits. I hope Alice retains whoever designed this for the artwork for the next album because it’s exactly the kind of look Alice should be going for.
www.alicecooper.com
www.myspace.com/officialalicecooper
www.shoutfactory.com
