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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
Vains of Jenna – We Can Never Die Vol. 2
Vains of Jenna – We Can Never Die Vol. 2 (2011, RLS Records)
1. We Can Never Die … 3:39
2. Everybody Loves You When You’re Dead (2010 Mix) … 3:38
3. The Art Of Telling Lies (2010 Mix) … 5:24
4. Better Off Alone (2010 Mix) … 5:52
5. We Can Never Die [long play] … 5:06
6. Better Off Alone (2010 Mix) [radio edit] … 4:17
7. Josephine … 4:37
8. Hey Now … 5:21
9. Fuck You (Acoustic Version) … 3:18
10. She’s Not There (Acoustic Version) … 2:36
11. Jam Jam (Studio Outtakes) … 7:53
Band:
Jesse Forte – Vocals
Nicki Kin – Lead Guitar
JP White – Bass
Jacki Stone – Drums
This one totally escaped me in 2011. In 2010 the band released an six-song E.P. called We Can Never Die. That E.P. was meant to introduce fans to new vocalist Jesse Forte with a few re-recordings plus one new track (“We Can Never Die”). I remember that E.P. and remember not picking it up because I wasn’t really interested in re-recordings. In 2011, part two has arrived but instead of an E.P. it’s a full album featuring the We Can Never Die E.P. with five more tracks.
Preceding Reverse Tripped, “We Can Never Die” definitely shows a changed VOJ. It seems with Lizzy DeVine out of the picture, they’ve decided to drop the sleaze rock angle and are really going for more of a trippy/classic/alternative/modern rock mash-up. And I have to admit, it sounds good. Both versions of “We Can Never” sound very good. It’s a weird, trippy classic rock sounding kind of song with still retaining a modern touch.
I find it interesting that they didn’t re-record any of the songs from the Lit Up/Let Down debut but that album was pure sleaze and Forte doesn’t have the sleazy vocals that Lizzy did. According to a recent interview I read with Lizzy, he was the one in the band that was a fan of ’80s rock in the first place while the rest of the band was into ’90s alternative music, so it only makes sense that they are trying to expand their sound now that he’s gone. For the record, there’s nothing wrong with these newer versions, they just aren’t as sleazy and that all comes down to the vocals.
So that gets the original We Can Never Die E.P. out of the way and up next is “Josephine” & “Hey Now”, which are both new acoustic-based songs. Both are good songs that continue to show growth for the band and “Hey Now” reminds me of something Buckcherry might write. Then we have good acoustic versions of Cee Lo Green’s “Fuck You” and The Zombies’ “She’s Not There”. VOJ’s original cover versions of these two songs appeared on Reverse Tripped. Finally, the album wraps up with a collection of studio outtakes.
Not an essential album by any means but still a cool pick up for anyone who is a fan of Vains of Jenna. Despite their involvement with Bam Margera and Metal Sludge CEO/Tuff front man Stevie Rachelle, the band still seems to remain one of the unsung bands that is keeping that great classic rock vibe alive.
Hopefully in 2012 they’ll cease with the re-recordings and cover songs and give us a brand new studio album and they can pick up some of the buzz they originally had when the first hit the scene.
Highlights: “We Can Never Die”, “Everybody Loves You When You’re Dead (2010 Mix)”, “Better Off Alone (2010 Mix)”, “Hey Now”, “She’s Not There (Acoustic Version”
http://www.vainsofjenna.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/VAINS-OF-JENNA/77210915994
http://www.myspace.com/vainsofjenna
http://www.twitter.com/vainsofjenna
Sin 4 Sin – Arrest Me!
Sin 4 Sin – Arrest Me! (2011, self-released)
1. “Take It Off”
2. “I Quit Drinking (Again)”
3. “My Girlfriend Always Gets Arrested”
Band:
Brandon Hayden – Vocals
Chuck Stilletto – Lead Guitar
Billy Williams – Rhythm Guitar
Chain Saw – Bass
Dan T – Drums
Self-described as “party rock”, these Baltimore guys pretty much hit the nail on the head with that description. Sin 4 Sin sound pretty much like what you’d imagine given their name — equal parts sleaze and glam, they are good time rock ‘n’ roll.
There’s been a lot of comparisons to the Skid Row of old and it’s not hard to see why — vocalist Brandon Hayden sounds a lot like Sebastian Bach. This is especially true on “Take It Off” but on the excellent “I Quit Drinking (Again)” I think he also sounds a lot like Kevin DuBrow. Brandon’s voice still fits the snotty attitude & vibe of most guys that sing sleaze rock but there’s more range and power there than with most sleaze vocalists.
“Take It Off” is pure sleaze goodness and “My Girlfriend Always Gets Arrested” drives home the comparison to Skid Row even more as it displays the punky side that Skid Row occasionally had. This 3-song E.P.’s real highlight is the in-your-face “I Quit Drinking (Again)”.
FINALLY! A great, young sleaze/glam band that isn’t European! Sin 4 Sin are definitely a band worth watching out for. They’ve already shared the stage with similar acts like L.A. Guns, Faster Pussycat, Vains of Jenna, The Last Vegas and Charm City Devils but I think they’re ready to get hooked up with an opening slot for bands like Motley Crue, Buckcherry, KISS, Hinder and Guns N’ Roses.
http://www.sin4sin.com
http://www.facebook.com/sin4sin
http://www.myspace.com/sin4sinband
http://www.reverbnation.com/sin4sin
Juliet’s Vice – d.g.a.f.
Juliet’s Vice – d.g.a.f. (2011, self-released)
1. “Never Gonna Change” … 4:04
2. “So High, So Low” … 3:54
3. “Subliminal Seduction” … 3:26
4. “Lost Little Angel” … 3:24
5. “Good 4 Nothin’” … 5:11
6. “Concrete Jungle” … 2:45
7. “d.g.a.f.” … 3:28
8. “Live Like There’s No Tomorrow” … 3:54
Band:
Dan Parsels – Guitar, Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals
Damian Monte Carlo – Guitar, Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals
Joe Mal – Bass, Backing Vocals
Nicolino Maiellano – Drums, Backing Vocals
Producer: Juliet’s Vice
Formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 2008, Juliet’s Vice are a sleaze rock act that owes much to the likes of Guns N’ Roses, Ratt, L.A. Guns, early KISS and the New York Dolls. And when I say sleaze, I don’t mean sleaze like all of those modern European sleaze bands. Nothing wrong with those groups at all (I’m a big fan of quite a number of them) but Juliet’s Vice has a down-to-Earth, “see ya at the bar” American street-smart vibe that doesn’t go in for all that hairspray, spandex and make-up.
Certainly the production isn’t glossy and smoothed over like how so many of the European glam/sleaze albums. It’s refreshing to hear the guitars buzzing and drums crashing all about and this adds to the band’s down ‘n’ dirty style.
Speaking of down ‘n’ dirty, listening to “Concrete Jungle”, the Guns N’ Roses influence is readily apparent. Intentional or not, it reminds me of “Think About You”. The rest of the album is trashy and sleazy with a bit of punk flair. d.g.a.f. is an enjoyable, raw and tough rock ‘n’ roll ride and the title track ( (if you’re not sure what d.g.a.f. stands for, the band will clear things up for you in that song) perfectly sums up the attitude of the band.
Not sure how this compares to 2008′s Decadence and Romance (because I haven’t heard it!), but d.g.a.f. is a good sleazy listen and I’m sure the band continue to grow and get even better.
Highlights: ”Never Gonna Change”, “So High, So Low”, “Lost Little Angel”, “Good 4 Nothin’”, “d.g.a.f.”
www.facebook.com/julietsvice
www.reverbnation.com/julietsvice
www.myspace.com/julietsvice
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
Vains of Jenna – Reverse Tripped
Vains of Jenna – Reverse Tripped (2011, Deadline Music)
1. “Fuck You” (Cee Lo Green) … 3:05
2. “Electric Avenue (feat. Frukwan)” (Eddy Grant) … 3:03
3. “Get Back” (The Beatles) … 4:04
4. “Smoke On The Water” (Deep Purple) … 4:51
5. “She’s Not There” (The Zombies) … 2:25
6. “California Dreaming” (The Mamas & The Papas) … 2:34
7. “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” (Elton John) … 3:01
8. “Mississippi Queen” (Mountain) … 2:29
9. “The Letter” (Box Tops) … 2:35
10. “Blowin’ In The Wind” (Bob Dylan) … 5:10
11. “I’d Love To Change The World” (Ten Years After) … 4:08
12. “Hey Hey, My My” (Neil Young) … 4:06
13. “Wish You Were Here” (Pink Floyd) … 4:21
14. “The Sound Of Silence” (Simon and Garfunkel) … 4:37
15. “Forget You” (Cee Lo Green) … 3:04
Band:
Jesse Forte – Vocals
Nicki Kin – Guitar, Vocals (“Wish You Were Here”)
J.P. White – Bass
Jacki Stone – Drums
Additional Musicians:
Frukwan – Rap break (“Electric Avenue”)
Jimmy Wallace – Keyboards (“Get Back”)
Anton Sevholt – Guitar (“Get Back”)
Producer: Adam Hamilton
When I first read VoJ was going to do a covers album, I thought “yeah, okay that’s cool just give us some original music soon”. Luckily, that’s the plan for 2011 with a brand new studio album set to follow Reverse Tripped later in the year. Though I was looking forward to both albums, Reverse Tripped‘s release date somehow slipped by me and Amazon politely reminded me of its existence by recommending it to me.
I didn’t look at the track listing, I just saw the album and said “Yeah! New Vains of Jenna!” and ordered it. It was a nice surprise when I realized the album was the covers album and an even nicer surprise is just how much I love it. Lots of great tunes here that are making me appreciate the originals even more. I must have listened to this album 7 or 8 times since buying it. Just a great summer cruisin’ album much like I thought Def Leppard’s YEAH! covers collection was.
For a sleaze band from Sweden, I’m really surprised by the song choices. I would’ve thought they’d do more ’80s rock/metal with some classic rock thrown in but for the most part they cover ’60s/’70s folk/rockpop acts, which is a cool swerve. “Smoke On The Water” and “Mississippi Queen” are commonly covered but I really like the fact that VoJ made the Deep Purple classic their own… they slowed the song down and that guitar riff is missing. Yes, THAT guitar riff. Who wants to hear that song played straight for the millionth time anyway? Not me. Throwing another curve ball into the mix, the band takes time to cover Cee-Lo Green (in edited and unedited form) and “Electric Avenue”! I guess none of this should be too surprising since on their Facebook page they list their influences as “everything from Elton John to Slayer”.
It’s worth pointing out that this is vocalist Jesse Forte’s debut with the band. Lizzy DeVine left in 2010 and he had a great voice for sleaze but I can’t imagine him pulling off these songs as well as Jesse has. Maybe this album and Forte’s vocals will push the band into less sleazy areas and I’m completely fine with that.
All told, this is a really fun album to listen to. There’s much love and care given to these songs, most don’t stray too far from the originals but at the same time I felt the band made them their own. Well worth picking up especially if you’re already a Vains of Jenna fan.
Highlights: “Fuck You”, “She’s Not There”, “California Dreaming”, “The Letter”, “Blowin’ In the Wind”, “I’d Love to Change The World”, “The Sound Of Silence”
http://www.vainsofjenna.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/VAINS-OF-JENNA/77210915994
http://www.myspace.com/vainsofjenna
