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Wildstreet – Easy Does It
Wildstreet – Easy Does It (2012, self-released)
1. “Easy Does It” … 3:25
Band:
Eric Jayk – Lead Vocals, Guitar
Ian MacPherson – Lead Guitar, Vocals
Aaron Joos – Guitar, Vocals
Ali Hassan – Bass, Vocals
Brian Beck – Drums
“Easy Does It” is the new single from modern glam/sleaze rock ‘n’ rollers Wildstreet (set to be released through iTunes on January 24th). Though a Wildstreet III album is a ways off, the band wanted to give the people a taste of what’s in store once that third release does arrive.
I came across this band years ago while browsing Retrospective Records’ site and ordered the debut from there and loved it. The first album was very much inspired by the slick glam metal and Def Leppard sounds. The Wildstreet II E.P. was a bit of a departure that went for a more sleazy & raw sound that was influenced by AC/DC and High ‘n’ Dry.
“Easy Does It” continues Wildstreet’s path down the road of straight up no-frills rock ‘n’ roll. It’s easier to compare the song to Wildstreet II but as much as I liked that E.P., I think “Easy Does It” is even better and it gets me excited for the third release as the band continues to find their own rock ‘n’ roll identity.
If you’ve missed out on this band, track down their first two releases. You won’t be disappointed. Then, make your way to iTunes on 1/24/12 and purchase “Easy Does It” and watch out for the “Easy Does It” music video that will be premiering on January 30th.
www.wildstreetmusic.com
www.facebook.com/pages/Wildstreet/8342603261
www.youtube.com/wildstreet
The Last Vegas – The Other Side E.P.
The Last Vegas – The Other Side E.P. (2011, Electric City Entertainment)
1. “It Ain’t Easy” … 4:08
2. “Other Side” … 3:05
3. “Evil Eyes” … 4:16
Band:
Chad Cherry – Vocals
Adam Arling – Guitar
Johnny Wator – Guitar
Danny Smash – Bass
Nathan Arling – Drums
Producer: Johnny K
In preparation for The Other Side, a full-length album coming in early 2012, The Last Vegas have released The Other Side E.P., which is free to download from thelastvegas.com.
If you’re familiar with The Last Vegas and like them then this E.P. is for you. All three songs still have that garage meets glam meets sleaze sound The Last Vegas have always had. There’s nothing here with the urgency of “I’m Bad” (“Other Side” is the single) but I like all three songs so I’m positive once The Other Side LP is released it will be another solid album from these Chicago rockers. I’m still waiting for a Last Vegas album to really knock my socks off but in the meantime their albums have been FUN and that’s what really counts, right? I’ll bet they’re a great live band.
For those of you that want/need a little something more than just 3 MP3 files, you can head on over to CMDistro.com and order yourself the E.P. bundle which includes: the E.P. on CD, a t-shirt & poster all for $20. Cool deal and it’s pretty cool of the band to put out this EP for free in digital format too. Hopefully it’ll build a buzz for the band before the proper album comes out because they really are a good band and deserve the recognition.
Unfortunately, it appears the guys are no longer on the Eleven Seven label (home of Motley Crue, Sixx:AM, Buckcherry and Papa Roach). Which is sad because I was hoping label president Nikki Sixx would continue to flex his muscles to get these guys on some good tours and it’s to my understanding that the “I’m Bad” single did very well on iTunes. I think Eleven Seven dropped the ball on this one.
At least they have a successful producer working with them on this new album. Johnny K most recently produced Megadeth’s Thirteen but has also produced for Disturbed, Staind, 3 Doors Down, Black Tide, Sevendust and Bad City’s excellent Welcome to the Wasteland.
So there ya go. New music from The Last Vegas – check it out for free or spend $20 to get some cool merch as well.
http://www.thelastvegas.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Last-Vegas/277828629131
Vamp Le Stat – Bloodline
Vamp Le Stat – Bloodline [Limited Edition] (2010, XXX Records America)
Original Release: 1993
1. “Madame Blue”
2. “Swing Child”
3. “Bitch”
4. “She’s Not In Love Anymore”
5. “Guns 4 Hire”
6. “Chain Around My Heart”
7. “Madame Blue” [Studio reference mix]
8. “Swing Child” [Studio reference mix]
9. “She’s Not In Love Anymore” [Studio reference mix]
10. “Guns 4 Hire” [Studio reference mix]
11. “Chain Around My Heart” [Studio reference mix]
Band:
Jimmy Tuttle – Lead Vocals, Guitar
Jeff Jones – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Brian Boozer – Bass, Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Bret Blackburn – Drums
Producer: Jeff Jones
Vamp Le Stat is a L.A. glam band that got their start in the early ’90s. In 1992, Jeff Jones (you can read my review of his RockHard ’86-’96 compilation here) joined the band and that is when they recorded and released the extremely limited pressing of 2,000 copies for Bloodline. According to XXX’s website, the full title of this album is Bloodline: Rites of Passage but I don’t see the subtitle anywhere on the CD or the packaging. Apparently, there is a loose concept to this album as it deals with a vampire stripper named Suzie. The story continued in 1994′s Bloodline 2: Thrill Of the Kill which I have not heard yet and was just finally released to the public in 2010.
Although Jimmy Tuttle is not the best vocalist his voice suits the sound of the band. Speaking of that sound, I don’t want anyone thinking they are a slick glam act like Poison or anything. There’s a bit more street cred to their sound. Vamp Le Stat comes across as a really solid rock band you might expect to hear playing in a bar or strip club. It’s a trashy bluesy glam sound, something a bit more raw than the popular commercial glam acts of the day and the only band that comes to mind for comparison is Babylon A.D.
All of the studio mixes are bonus tracks and were not a part of the original issue. I don’t have the best trained ear when it comes to telling the difference between certain mixes and with remastered albums There are some differences I’ve been able to pick up and have found myself enjoying the studio mix of “Swing Child” better than the original version. Still, it’s always nice to have some additional tracks whenever possible.
Cutting the album down to its core, there are six songs here. 5 of which stick out in their own way (“Guns 4 Hire” is a fast paced rocker but doesn’t really work for me). “Madame Blue” starts off with a bit of atmosphere and keyboards setting up the album’s concept before the guitars kick in and set forth with a trashed up bar band stomp. “Swing Child” is another good bar room rocker. “Bitch” is the song with the most groove and how can you not want to sing along to “baby, you’re a biiiiiiiiitch”? Next up is the ballad “She’s Not In Love Anymore”. It’s a good ballad but this is where Tuttle seems to suffer a bit on the vocals. I just don’t think ballads are his strong suit, he’s better off singing trashy rockers. “Guns 4 Hire” features some impressive guitar work from Jeff Jones but as a song it’s just kinda there. “Chain Around My Heart” closes out the original album is again starts off with some atmospheric keyboard work and transitions well into a dirty rocker.
Hardcore glam fans will dig checking out this obscure release.
Highlights: “Madame Blue”, “Bitch”, “She’s Not In Love Anymore”, “Chain Around My Heart”, “Swing Child” [studio reference mix]
www.xxxrecords.com
www.facebook.com/pages/XXX-Records-America/195247653847340
Crashdiet – Generation Wild
Crashdiet – Generation Wild (2011, Frontiers Records)
Original Release: 2010, Universal Music/Gain Records)
1. “442″ … 0:54
2. “Armageddon” … 4:06
3. “So Alive” … 4:13
4. “Generation Wild” … 4:05
5. “Rebel” … 3:23
6. “Save Her” … 3:26
7. “Down With the Dust” … 2:47
8. “Native Nature” … 4:39
9. “Chemical” … 4:17
10. “Bound to Fall” … 4:16
11. “Beautiful Pain” … 4:42
Band:
Simon Cruz – Vocals
Martin Sweet – Guitar
Peter London – Bass
Eric Young – Drums
Producer: Johan Ramström and Patrik Magnusson
Crashdiet (or Crashdïet, if you prefer) are yet another glam/sleaze act from the country seems to have an unlimited supply of them — Sweden. Seriously, I bet you can’t drive down the road in that country without running over of these bands. I’ve heard and liked number of Crashdiet’s previous songs like “Riot In Everyone” and “It’s A Miracle” but for some reason I never got around to picking up an album. I’m sure high import prices are what kept my curiosity at bay. Generation Wild is their third release and also debuts their third vocalist — Simon Cruz. Cruz replaced Olli Herman (who left Crashdiet in 2008 to devote more time to Reckless Love) who replaced Dave Lepard (who commited suicide in 2006).
Well, what we have here is a reissue of the band’s 2010 album that was originally issued by Universal/Gain Records. They have since signed with Frontiers Records and this re-release looks to consummate the new deal. Though there are some international pressings of the original release with extra tracks, from what I can tell the only addition on the Frontiers version is the “442″ intro (Maybe a change in album art too?), so this reissue really is of no interest to anyone who already has the 2010 release, BUT… with Frontiers’ wider distribution, this album should be easier to come by for North American listeners and should most definitely be picked up.
By this time, most people should know what to expect from the glam acts of Sweden: parts Def Leppard, Motley, Guns, KISS, Skid Row, etc. Some acts are more polished and AORish than others, some acts are sleazier than others. I like both sides of the fence and apparently Crashdiet does as well because they are straddling said fence. The gang vocals and harmonies are very reminiscent of Def Leppard but songs like “Armageddon” and “Generation Wild” have just enough bite. In fact, the whole album has enough bite that you don’t feel like you’re listening to cheese that expired in the 1980s. Like most bands that play that modern glam, Crashdiet are exactly that: modern.
From all accounts, Crashdiet is a success in their home country if you define “success” as having your album debut at #3 on the album charts and then getting your music video for “Generation Wild” banned on your country’s version of MTV! It’s a shame there’s not a huge market for these bands in America. In the meantime, I’ll continue to enjoy the music Crashdiet creates. If you’re into Hardcore Superstar, Wildstreet, Vains of Jenna, Dirty Penny, Crazy Lixx, Reckless Love, Jettblack and so on, this is an album and band you should not miss out on.
Highlights: ”Armageddon”, “So Alive”, “Generation Wild”, “Save Her”, “Native Nature”, “Chemical”, “Beautiful Pain”
http://www.crashdiet.org
http://www.facebook.com/realcrashdiet
Jeff Jones – RockHard ’86-’96
Jeff Jones – RockHard ’86-’96 (2010, XXX Records America)
1. “Gonna Get Wild”
2. “Madame Blue”
3. “Mississippi Wine”
4. “Caught In the Heartbreak”
5. “Don’t Drop It”
6. “Powerdrive”
7. “Hot n’ Love”
8. “Bitch”
9. “Into The Night”
10. “Warning From The Sky”
11. “Chain Around My Heart”
12. “No Way Out”
13. “Breakin’ Out” [EMI demo version]
Jeff Jones is a songwriter/guitarist/producer that has been in a number bands over the years. He was a founding member of St. Elmo’s Fire (formed in 1978 in California) and played in the glam band Vamp Le Stat in the early ’90s. He also has worked a solo artist and has started up XXX Records America in order to reissue his previous works and to release new material as well. This album is a compilation that spotlights his work in St. Elmo’s Fire, Vamp Le Stat and solo material.
I’ll be honest with you, I am not familiar with Jeff Jones, St. Elmo’s Fire or Vamp Le Stat. In fact, I’d never heard of any of them so I wasn’t sure what to expect when I popped this disc in. I really didn’t know where this guy got off issuing a compilation when I’d never heard of him! Truth be told, I’m happy to have this disc in my collection. This is an album that takes you back to the glory days of the Sunset Strip! The album is chock full of enough glam and hair to make you wonder just why none of these bands caught a major break. I could understand Vamp Le Stat not making it in the early ’90s but it is the St. Elmo’s Fire material is strong enough that it should’ve built up a buzz for the band in the ’80s.
Hair metal junkies will definitely get their fix on this one. This isn’t polished pop-metal, it’s no frills hair METAL. RockHard is a good collection of raw Sunset Stripped rock ‘n’ roll and I’m interested in hearing the rest of XXX’s reissues. So yes, Jeff Jones has some nerve… and I’m glad he does!
Highlights: “Gonna Get Wild”, “Madame Blue”, “Caught In The Heartbreak”, “Powerdrive”, “Hot n’ Love”, “Bitch”, “Chain Around My Heart”
www.stelmosfire.net
www.myspace.com/stelmosfire2007
www.myspace.com/jeffjonesworld
www.xxxrecords.com
www.facebook.com/pages/XXX-Records-America/195247653847340
HARDCORE SUPERSTAR – Split Your Lip
Hardcore Superstar – Split Your Lip [UK Import] (2010, Nuclear Blast Records)
1. “Sadistic Girls” – 4:06
2. “Guestlist” – 4:02
3. “Last Call for Alcohol” – 3:24
4. “Split Your Lip” – 3:19
5. “Moonshine” – 3:57
6. “Here Comes That Sick Bitch” – 3:21
7. “What Did I Do” – 3:51
8. “Bully” – 3:28
9. “Won’t Go to Heaven” – 3:04
10. “Honeymoon” – 3:28
11. “Run to Your Mama” – 4:58
Band:
Jocke Berg- Vocals
Vic Zino – Guitar
Martin Sandvik – Bass, Backing Vocals
ADDE Andreason – Drums
Producer: Tobias Lindell
As is the case every year, I end up picking up a few albums from the previous year that I either didn’t know about or just never got around to picking up. I had honest intentions for purchasing Split Your Lip in 2010 but I think import prices were kinda high so I was price-watching for used copies on Amazon. The only album I was familiar with by Hardcore Superstar previous to this album was 2007′s Dreamin’ In A Casket, which I liked but didn’t knock my socks off. I almost picked up 2009′s Beg For It when that was released but feedback seemed to be so mixed I decided against it. Well, given that album cover to Split Your Lip was right up my alley, I HAD to have this CD reviews be damned.
So is the music just as awesome as the cover is cunning? YES. I’ve said it many times in the past but had I heard this album last year, I think it would have definitely made my Top 10 list. If you’re not familiar with Hardcore Superstar they are heavy metal, they are sleaze metal, they are glam metal and they drag it all into modern times. They aren’t a retro act, it’s modern sleaze metal but it still retains a heavy quality that could have the band opening comfortably for either Motley Crue or Avenged Sevenfold. I’ve even seen some sites list them as thrash metal, which gave me pause and after I thought about it, I guess some parts of their music can be thrashy (such as the opening moments of “Honeymoon”) but the thrash influence is just a drop in the sleaze bucket and I would have never thought to have categorized them as that myself.
They’ve been at it for over 10 years now and it’s a shame they haven’t found success that parallels what they have achieved in their home country of Sweden (#1 singles and Grammy awards over there. Even a cult following seems like it would be appropriate given the band’s looks and sound. Maybe something for the Hot Topic crowd? The anthemic “Sadistic Girls” and the ballad “Run To Your Mama” (which is just epic to me) seem tailor-made for the tattooed, pierced and pale. Meanwhile, “Here Comes That Sick Bitch” seems like a great single for U.S. radio. If I was a deejay I’d play it! But what do I know?
Split Your Lip is an album full of sleaze the way it should be played — with big choruses and big hooks. I’m definitely amongst the converted now and plan on going back and checking out the older material.
Highlights: “Sadistic Girls”, “Last Call for Alcohol”, “Split Your Lip”, “Moonshine”, “Here Comes That Sick Bitch”, “Honeymoon”, “Run to Your Mama”
http://www.hardcoresuperstar.com
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialHardcoreSuperstar
http://www.myspace.com/hardcoresuperstar
King Lizard – Viva La Decadence
King Lizard – Viva La Decadence (2010, Psycho Devito Records)
1. “Viva La Decadence” … 3:36
2. ”Rain On You” … 4:10
3. ”Rock N’ Roll Me” … 3:09
4. “Hell Yeah” … 3:43
5. “Video Lover” … 3:13
6. “Kan’t Kill Rock N’ Roll” … 3:25
7. ”Never Be Mine” … 6:06
8. “Not For Me” … 5:11
9. “Riot” … 5:20
10. “Taste The Hate” … 2:59
11. “Outrageous” … 3:11
12. “Late Nite Dynamite” … 3:54
Band:
Flash Roxx Sawyer – Lead Vocals, Piano
Niro Knox – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Alice Rain – Bass, Backing Vocals
Sky London – Drums, Backing Vocals
Producer: King Lizard, Andy Brook and Chris Tsangarides
The modern rival of glam and sleaze metal is still going strong and while Sweden usually is the top exporter of such bands these days, it’s good to see some British bands finally making a splash. London’s King Lizard has been around for a number of years but this is their full full-length album and the first I had heard of the band. When I was first contacted about this band I was immediately sold upon hearing “Viva La Decadence” and seeing the album art! And yes, there is an uncensored version of the album cover and it is spectacular. Easily the best album cover of 2010!
As for the music itself, the band delivers the kind of party rock I enjoy. If you’re not on board by the time the title track is done playing, then you’re not going to get the rest of the album either. “Rain On You” is a great middle-finger song about not letting anyone stop you. “Rock N’ Roll Me” and “Hell Yeah” are both dirty rockers. “Not For Me” is the album’s lone power ballad, it rocks as well just enough so that it doesn’t come off as sappy.
“Riot” I found to be a really good and interesting song on the album due to its unique piano intro. Reminds me of something that you might find on a SIXX A.M. or Avenged Sevenfold album. After the intro, a really cool bass line starts up and the song starts to rock and it’s one of the heavier songs on the album. “Outrageous” and “Late Nite Dynamite” close out the album in a good sleazy fashion.
With contemporary production values and an obvious love for all ’80s rock and metal, King Lizard’s Viva La Decadence is definitely an album worth seeking out.
Highlights: “Rain On You”, “Rock N’ Roll Me”, “Hell Yeah”, “Not For Me”, “Riot”, “Outrageous”, “Late Nite Dynamite”
http://www.kinglizard.co.uk
http://www.facebook.com/kinglizardmusic
http://www.myspace.com/kinglizardmusic
