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Well, I've been trying to figure out how to write a review on a group
based on only hearing one song. I've come to the conclusion that whatever
criteria I use will leave something to be desired, so I'm just gonna give some
comments on each song/group and then give a completely self-satisfying rating
to each group by attempting to classify them and assigning an arbitrary 1-10
rating (10 songs on the album). If you don't agree, great;tell me why.
SIDE ONE
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SAVATAGE - "Behind the Doors of the Dark"(from the Atlantic LP81775
"Hall of the Mountain King"). Gawd, what a screamer this guy is. Reminds me of
Udo at his wailing best, rough edge and all. All the other group members seem
average (with the possible exception of the drummer), and this song has a
typical fire-and-brimstone, hell-sent theme. Dark techno-metal;it gets 9th.
TESTAMENT - "Nobody's Fault"(from the Megaforce LP 81849 "The New
Order"). Another rough-edged singer, but this one seems to have good control
and less monotonous techniques than most. Drummer interesting, guitarist
unremarkable but adequate. Metallica-flavored, but nowhere near as tight or
inspired. Eighth on the album.
MANOWAR - "Violence and Bloodshed"(from the ATCO LP 90563 "Fighting
the World"). Lame, boring speed metal rap. Completely unimpressive. Drummer
typical, guitarist sounds like he could use a few pointers on just about
everything, bassist could play this song with only his right hand. Ho-hum.
This one should receive a 20 out of ten, but I'll have to give it the ten.
TED NUGENT - "Funlover"(from Atlantic LP 81812 "If You Can't Lick
'em...Lick 'em"). What to say - it's vintage Ted. The witty, hilarious lyrics
complement the excellent production and arrangement. Music is hooky, funky
and... fun. Fifth.
LEATHERWOLF - "Rise or Fall"(from the Island LP 90660 "Leatherwolf").
WOW. These guys kick. Drummer is great, guitarists are tight (including
bassist), singer can SING. Songwriting, arranging, lyrics a cut above;I'm a big
Queensryche/Maiden fan, and these guys seem that talented to me. The best on
the album. Look out!
SIDE TWO
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DIRTY LOOKS - "No Brains Child" (from the Atlantic LP 81836 "Cool from
the Wire"). OK, fair warning:I really like these guys. In fact, I already
bought the disc. A great party band - who has a good chance of making it big in
today's market, given the right publicity. They have their act together - they
bring to mind a cross between AC/DC and Guns-n-Roses. Second only to
Leatherwolf.
D'MOLLS - "Supersonic" (from the Atlantic LP 81791 "D'Molls").
Another great group I'd never heard of - I don't necessarily consider them
Heavy Metal, more like hard rock, but they are Coooool. This song is a real
upbeat rocker with tongue-in-cheek lyrics and busy music. Fourth.
KIX - "Ring Around Rosie" (from the Atlantic LP 81837 "Johnny
Be Good"). Well, in all honesty, if I didn't already have Johnny Be Good at
the time I was given this sampler tape, this song probably would be one or two.
Kix has been around, and this is classic (whatever that is...) naughty Kix with
a heavy backbeat, rockin' guitars, harmonicas(!) and unforgettable vocals. I
wish this were on a Kix album ... or is it? An easy third.
PROPHET - "Cycle of the Moon" (from the Megaforce LP 81822 "Cycle
of the Moon"). Once again, more technical hard-rock than all-out metal. These
guys are good, too. Guitarist has good feel and technique, drummer's good,
songwriting excellent and production very professional. Very strong sixth.
KING'S X - "Shot of Love" (from the Megaforce LP 81825 "Out of the
Silent Planet"). First of all, I don't understand what these guys are doing on
here;maybe most of their other material is more heavy. Not that this song is
bad;on the contrary, it's really cool, just the least heavy on the album. Lots
of harmony vocals, acoustic guitars, tambourine. Seventh.
Well, that's it. These ratings really aren't fair;I'd group the top
four together slightly above the middle four and substantially above the bottom
three. In fact, I'm planning on buying (or have bought)more material by all
of the top seven groups, and at least listening to more Testament and Savatage
(Manowar can go punt). Hope this review may get you to try some new music,
'cause in my opinion, that's what it's all about!!
John
P.S. - If anybody sees the Leatherwolf disc anywhere. please let me know!
John
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