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The Decline of the Western Civilization PT 69 The Porn Years.
XXX Movie on Sex-Z pictures
What could be sleazier than Hollywood style glam metal??? Well, how about Hollywood style hard core porn. That is exactly what we get with The Decline of the Western Civilization PT 69. This film is a steamy XXX film made by one of the biggest adult movie companies in the world SEX-Z pictures. The flick has a similar format to the original Penelope Spheeris “Decline…” movies.
This film focuses on former Dee Dee Ramone’s guitarist Kurt Lockwood and his quest to throw a benefit concert for a health care aids testing/detox center for porn stars. Lockwood explains during the film that he got into porn when his boss Dee Dee Ramone died of an overdose and he had no work.
The concert that Lockwood throws comes off…(bad pun) great, Lockwood actually has some pretty catchy songs with decent riffs. He kind of takes the Ramones thing a little too far, however with his Ramones tee and stage back drop. (Dude, you played with Dee Dee, not the Ramones.) But Lockwood makes up for it with a hilarious interpretation of the infamous Chris Holmes pool and vodka scene from the Decline –Metal Years.
I know this is a porn movie and that’s what you want to read about... OK. Lockwood and his entourage, which consists of some smoking hot and very talented female stars including Monica Mayhem, Charlie Lane and Naudia Nyce, indulge in some nasty activities during breaks from rehearsal and before and after the show. But, for the most part it’s your usual and typical porn, nothing super special, not that I’m really an expert. In addition, some of the interviews of the stars during this movie are pretty hilarious. One chick talks about how great it is to be in porn and then ends up quitting and going back to school a few weeks later. Man, I’ll never get why people do this kind of thing. But in L.A. now, there is a rabidly emerging porn scene. It has kind of replaced the music scene.
Anyways, if you are looking for a porno with a bit of a story line and a little bit rock music, this would be a good one to add to your collection.
More info can be found at sexzpictures.com pictures, google it dude.
Kittie
Funeral for Yesterday
Band Members- Morgan Lander-vocals/guitar, Mercedes Lander-drums, Tara McLeon-guitar, Trish Doan-bass
Stand out tracks-“Funeral For Yesterday” “Breathe” “Sweet Destruction Interlude” “Around Your Heart”
After almost breaking up a few years back, Kittie, the female metal band led by sisters Morgan and Mercedes Lander, has re-emerged with two new band members, Tara McLeon-guitar and Trish Doan-bass. Kittie has roared back with the best CD of their ten year career on 'Funeral for Yesterday.' On this CD, they prove that they are no longer a band solely reliant on the ruse of being the little girlie nu-metal band with the satanic growls. Although that element remains on a little less than half of this CD, it’s the other more melodic songs on this disc that show that Kittie is more than just a novelty band.
While for the die-hards, the most impressive/appealing aspect of Kittie is still the sweet to evil fluctuating vocals of Morgan Lander and the hard metal riffs. However, many more fans will be won over with the more radio ready songs such as “Funeral For Yesterday” “Breathe” and “Sweet Destruction Interlude.” These tracks have the potential to break this band big on a mainstream level. Morgan’s angelic vocals coupled with the infectious and heavy melodic riffs make the band sound closer to Evanescence than they do of Cannibal Corpse.
‘Funeral for Yesterday’ is a bold leap of maturity for Kittie. This is certainly a band in transition. And while for some bands this can be the kiss of death, for Kittie this “funeral” is the first step in their resurrection.
Review by Thomas S. Orwat, Jr.
Rating out of 10: 8
Bandsite www.myspace.com/officialkittie
Jorn Lande
The Gathering
Unlocking the Past
Band Members: Jorn Lande: vocals, Tore Moren: Lead Guitar, Jorn “Viggio” Lofstad: Rhythm Guitar, Sid Ringsby: Bass Guitar and Willy Bendikson: drums.
Stand Out Tracks on “The Gathering”: “Gate of Tears,” “Worldchanger,” “Tunger Kniver” and “Hourglass”.
Stand out Tracks on “Unlocking the Past,” “On and On,” “Kill the King,” “Naked City”
Jorn Lande, a Norwegian native, is a prevalent musician who has recorded five solo albums in Norway on Frontier records (Starfire, Worldchanger, Out to Every Nation, The Duke, and Millennium). Jorn recently released two CD’s, one being like a greatest hits CD(even though it’s not called that) titled “The Gathering” and CD of covers called “Unlocking the Past” on January 26, 2007. These CD’s finally made their way to GlamMetal and what a treat we were introduced to. All of the above mentioned CD’s are very collectible in the EBay trade world as they are only released in Europe. These two in particular have that traditional album artwork that the 35+ year-old crowd can appreciate and might even recall walking into their local record store and purchasing an album based just on that itself!
“Unlocking the Past” has 16 tracks and spans across all of Jorn’s solo CD material. Some of the songs were either remixed or given a “facelift.” The songs were digitally re-mastered by Tommy Hansen. “Gate of Tears” is probably the most complete song on the CD. This cut has it all; very heavy guitars, great vocals, and topped off with strong bass lines and percussion. “Hourglass” is the best vocal performance showing Jorn’s wide range and style. This ballad has some keys towards the end of the track. Tore Moren, who may be the hidden gem of the band, shines on “Sunset Station.” His guitar work throughout this album is astounding! Willy Bendikson’s talent is evident on the track “Worldchanger,” with great drumming parts perfectly blended in.
If I was given this CD without any listings on it and not knowing who it was, I could have swore it was David Coverdale singing on “Where the Wind Blows.” This track sounds like an old Whitesnake tune of off “Slide It In.” In comparison, the song “Tunger Driver” definitely has a John Sykes/Blue Murder kind of feel to it. I agree with our Asst. Editor, Tracey, when it comes to giving a number rating on any CD, it’s very hard to pinpoint, however, I would give it 9 out of 10.
The second CD, “The Gathering,” includes 10 tracks. The bands chosen to cover are some of the bands that heavily influenced Jorn and his bandmates. Jorn’s cover of Michael Schenker Group’s “On and On” is the best of the bunch. This is a great selection and does justice to the original. Thin Lizzy’s “Cold Sweat” is also covered here. Tore Moren’s performance on this song is really shows what a great guitar player he really is! “Kill the King” originally done by Rainbow, is probably the best performance by the entire band. They all sound very tight here. “Feel Like Making Love” by Bad Company starts off acoustically then shows more force at the end of the track. A great twist to an old classic. Any band that digs deep down into the Kiss catalog and covers the rare gem “Naked City” gets my thumbs up approval! Very cool cover and great vocals done here. This one gets a solid of 8 out of 10.
This band obviously has the makings to become a huge rock act here in North America as they are already in Europe. Jorn’s voice has that “classic rock” sound that you won’t find in any of todays over produced music scene (Yeah YOU… Fall Out Boy and All American Rejects)! If you like David Coverdale, Ian Gillian or Ronnie James Dio, than you will love either of these CD’s (If you can get your hands on them!!!)
Review By David "Gus" Griesinger
Bandsite: www.jornlande.com
Johnny Smoke
For a Dollar
Band members- Joe Szembrot-drums, Anthony Carbone-guitar, Garrett Crumb-vocals, Scott Dasson-bass.
Stand out tracks – Real Love, Don’t, Walk Away.
Johnny Smoke is a hard rockin’ band comprised of veteran musicians from the Rochester/WNY region. The group was formed in 1994 and has undergone a few line-up changes since then. Over time, Johnny Smoke has developed a reputation as a great cover band. They have masters all of the little nuances of the great classic rock bands such as Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, Bad Company and many more. However, not content on being just a cover, Johnny Smoke has managed to sneak in a few originals over the years. In 2000, they released their debut CD “Crime Don’t Pay.” And on April 4 of this year, Johnny Smoke will be releasing a new CD entitled “For a Dollar.” This ten track, 35 minute long CD proves that this band has material that can stand on its own.
Johnny Smoke’s sound is derivative of a mix of classic 70’s rock with hints of 80’s Hollywood glam, but with lyrics that are a bit more profound. This CD was produced by band members Anthony Carbone (guitar) and Joe Szembrot (Drums). This sonic duo does a great job of capturing the band’s raw, dark, street smart edge. Carbone is also a very competent guitarist who comes up with hard driving riffs and dirty leads, check out the second track “Walk Away” to hear this. Carbone also rips it up with some slow burning leads on the mid-tempo “Gun Shoot.”
Vocalist Garrett Crumbs is straight forward, no bullshit frontman, (who sounds a bit like Paul Black of LA GUNS). His rapsy voice is the perfect companion to Carbone’s nasty guitar style. The kick off track “Don’t” and “Real Love” are a great example of this chemistry.
Johnny Smoke is a band that deserves your attention. All the tools are in place. The musicianship is top notch, they have catchy well written songs and they are a great live band. This year if anything goes to plan, Johnny Smoke will go from playing bars to becoming rock stars.
Review by Thomas S. Orwat, Jr.
Rating out of 10: 7.5
Band site www.johnnysmokerocks.com
One Nine Hundred
09H
Band Line-Up: J.D. Ekstrom-vocals/guitar; Mike Sweeney-guitar; Joe Veltri-bass; Harvey J. Warren-drums
Stand-Out Tracks: The 1, All in the Way, Standing Still, Way Past Sorry, Safe for Now
Useless Trivia: Drummer, H.J. Warren is the guy who sat in for Tommy Lee, suffering from a bit of tendonitis, during a stop near the bands hometown of Alberta, Canada during the Crue’s Carnival of Sins Tour. Tommy sat on the drum riser through the whole show egging him on.
What has American Idol taught us? You either have it or you don’t. Well, One Nine Hundred has it, no doubt about it. In my humble opinion, they are next band to break into the mainstream, in a big way. Okay, so they are not Glam, but this site supports ALL good music, Glam or otherwise, cool?
What immediately caught my attention after one listen to this CD, besides the quality production, was the song entitled “The 1” Why this is one of 2 bonus tracks and not part of the collection of 12 main tunes is a mystery to me. Maybe because it’s performed acoustically, or doesn’t have all the “finishing touches” just yet, but I feel that’s what gives this song such prominence (at least to my ears). The chorus is fantastic. It is a top ten radio hit just waiting to take off, combined with (at minimum) at least 4 other tunes that could easily make the top 20 rock music charts. So, yes, I’ll admit the band is extremely commercially friendly, which for some, is the whole reason for making music, to please the most amount of people, get radio airplay and bank a boatload of cash. There’s certainly no crime being committed, unless your faking it, however I can assure you this band certainly is not faking it. Having producers Joey Moi (Nickelback, Theory of a Deadman, Default) and Brian Howes (Hinder) in their corner, I see no way they can fail.
Singer, J.D. Ekstrom has the gift of vocal versatility. He can go from sounding a bit like Wayne from Static-X on “Way Past Sorry” to Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger on “Blame Manson.” In fact, “Safe For Now” picks up where Nickelback has temporarily left off (considering their last few singles have been a bit on the softer side). The last track “Take It” shows the more aggressive edge to the band.
Melodic aggression is seldom achieved; Stained and Saliva do it well, and One Nine Hundred proves they are more then equipped to reach equal success.
In the past, I have admitted to being partial to Canadian bands, and the reason why is plain old consistency. They take their time; they do it right and pay close attention to detail BEFORE releasing it to the public, the importance of which is something many other bands overlook. So I was not surprised when I discovered this band hails from Calgary. All I can say is expect big things baby, big things from these dudes.
One Nine Hundred will play at the CMW (Canadian Music Week) Showcase this Friday March 9 in Toronto, Canada.
Check out there website for details: www.one900band.com
Rating out of 10: 9
Review by Tracey L.
Shaw-Blades
Influence
Band members – Tommy Shaw-vocals/guitar, Jack Blades-vocals/guitars.
Stand out tracks- Your Move, I Am a Rock, The Sound of Silence, For What it’s Worth, Dance with Me.
After 12 years, two of the most successful musicians in rock, and former Damn Yankee members, Tommy Shaw and Jack Blades have re-united and released their sophomore recording. This twelve track cover CD consists of some of the greatest songs of the 60’s and 70’s. It’s interesting that two very talented songwriters decided to release a CD of just covers. Perhaps Shaw and Blades wanted to save all the writing for their full time bands, Styx and Night Ranger respectively. But regardless, this is a fun CD to own. If you’re a fan of Vintage Rock you will most certain love it to death. Their renditions are top notch with lush vocals, mind blowing harmonies and stellar musicianship.
The CD starts off with “Summer Breeze,” which comes across as smooth as a lazy day on the beach. Tommy Shaw really shines vocally on the Yes classic “Your Move” and Orleans “Dance with Me.” The duo’s rendition of Simon and Garfunkel’s “Sound of Silence” is stunning and as haunting as the original. The Vietnam protest song “For What It’s Worth” has a new modern relevance as a theme song for our catastrophic nightmare over in Iraq.
I’m not really sure what these classic rock heroes were trying to prove by putting out a covers CD, but if anything it was one helluva of trip down memory lane. Shaw and Blades are really quite amazing together. Let’s hope that they give us a CD soon of original material. They really have the potential to become a modern day Simon and Garfunkel.
Shaw-Blades will be kicking off a tour sponsored by VH1 Classics beginning on March 16.
Review by Thomas S. Orwat, Jr.
Rating out of 10: 7
www.shawblades.com
Cry Envy
Never Say Please
(9-song demo)
Band-Line up: Brian Roxxy-vocals; Linus Oliver-guitar; Ziggy-bass; Carlos-drums
Stand-Out Tracks: “She Leaves the Lights On” “A Love to Last All Time” “Never Say Please”
Straight out of Sacramento, California comes Cry Envy. Having opened for Faster Pussycat/ Bang Tango over the summer, the band is locked on “taking over the planet” according to their website. According to the demo, it may be a little while before that happens, but they are definitely tracking the scent of all things good and glam. Sexual and simplistic lyrics, repetitive but appealing guitar riffs, and the solid vocals of Brian Roxxy makes Cry Envy a band, that with a little more development, might ripen to be sweet enough to get plucked from the club circuit and offered a chance to work with a quality production team and take things to a higher level.
I’m a sucker for the ballad and although “A Love to Last All Time” is not all that much of a tear-jerker, the accompanying guitar work (especially the solo) and chorus deserve a noteworthy nod.
“Never Say Please” may have ‘Poison-ous’ roots, but goes a step further with a harder edged guitar-based core.
“She Leaves the Lights On” is my favorite track. It’s got a catchy beat and memorable chorus, as does “Tip of My Tongue.” Hey, do I detect a concept album here? Okay, well I’ll play along. CryEnvy appears to have laid a foundation on which to build and for the record, leaving the lights on is hot.
Rating out of 10: 6.5
Review by: Tracey L.
Check them out at www.cryenvy.com
Girl
Bootlegs-The Original Line-Up
Live in Tokyo-Japan 1980
Band-Line Up: Phil Lewis-vocals, Phil Collen-guitar, Gerry Laffy-guitar, Simon Laffy-bass, Bryson Graham-drums
(4 bonus tracks recorded at Hammersmith Odeon in 1982, feature Pete Barnacle on drums)
Stand-Out Tracks- “Old Dogs” “My Number” “Standard Romance”
I’m no Eddie Trunk, so I have no shame admitting that I never knew about a band called “Girl” that featured future LA Guns frontman Phil Lewis and another young lad, Phil Collen, who, as we all know, went on to multi-platinum success with Def Leppard.
Before you judge me, keep in mind that in 1980, with puberty still years away and Malibu Barbie impatiently waiting for me to style her hair, the seeds of my rock and roll roots had yet to be planted (unless you count Donny & Marie records, but I doubt it).
Okay, so I’ll assume I’m forgiven.
First off, the songs on this CD do not resemble anything close to L.A.Guns or Def Leppard, except for an early version of “Hollywood Tease” that shows up near the end of the set and has the audience clapping along throughout.
The majority of the record is mostly guitar-driven, blues influenced, stripped down rock ‘n roll, along the lines of UFO and/or MSG. Also, it is a live performance and the sound quality is pretty horrendous. You will feel like you are actually at this concert as you listen to it.
Had I not been told that it was Phil Lewis on vocals, I wouldn’t have ever believed it. Not that it’s bad in comparison to the Phil Lewis I am familiar with, but this was recorded very early in his career his voice comes across with a deeper tone and with far less of a jolly ‘ol English accent then he boasts currently (for whatever reason).
The songs are well constructed and although they definitely rock, they most likely only satisfy a small niche of late 70’s, early 80’s rockers, but hey, ya gotta start somewhere, right? From what these boys went on to accomplish, I’d say not only did they possess the talent, they also had vision.
Rating out of 10: 6.5
Review by Tracey L
Buckcherry
Buckcherry- Special Edition
Buckcherry’s self-titled debut record has been re-released as a CD/DVD combo that is a must have for any Buckcherry fan. The DVD contains the original production videos (I’d say “as seen on MTV” however, the chances that anyone caught one in between reality shows in unlikely) for “Lit Up”, “Check Your Head”, “Dead Again” and two different versions of “For the Movies.” The original clip features actress Tara Reid’s portrayal of a starlet who (surprise!) quickly discovers the glamour of Hollywood isn’t what it’s cracked up to be. Too bad Tara’s infamous red-carpet “nip-slip” happened after this video was released, it would’ve fit in perfectly! The second version is made up of live footage that alternates with some backstage scenes from the bands appearance at Woodstock ’99.
The remaining two video clips capture the eternally shirtless and sweat-soaked front man, Josh Todd and his band ripping it up live on stage inside LA’s Viper Room. Apparently shot using multiple camera angles, someone should’ve checked on the sobriety of the dude filming from what appears to be from about 10 feet below the front of the stage. The camera is all over the place and the bands heads are cut off in almost every shot. Once he gets everything steady and in focus, BAM! We switch to another scene or angle. It’s a little dizzying to watch. However, the charismatic swagger of Todd is undeniably what makes this band so captivating. Punk attitude, melodic songs, and riff upon riff of booty-shaking rock guitar are found in every nook and cranny of this bite-sized collection of videos.
Additionally offered are three audio tracks, a southern slide-guitar groove entitled “Late Nights in Voodoo” and a straight-forward rocker, “Fastback 69”, which appears on the Australian EP of “For the Movies.”
The last audio track is a fantastic live recording of “Lit Up” from Woodstock ‘99. Although I’ve found that most young bands taped during live performances usually end up sounding like a train wreck, this one maintains a full-steam ahead approach and stays right on track as it captures the band’s raw energy and Keith Nelson’s uncompromising guitar solos. The only disappointment was I could only hear it, not see it! Buckcherry is a band to be enjoyed by all 5 senses (except for maybe smell… no offense to the chicks who dig that sweat-induced natural male aroma.) The unfortunate decision to not include more live footage and/or backstage antics on the DVD kinda sucks. Also, a few b-sides might have been a nice enhancement as opposed to just doubling up on the hits, but if Buckcherry does it for you (as they do for me), then this compilation will deliver a good fix.
Rating out of 10: 8
Review by Tracey L.
www.buckcherry.com
Dave Constantino Band 
Bump in the Road
Band members- Dave Constantino – guitar/vocals, Ted Reinhardt-drums, Tom Reinhardt-bass
This CD marks the return to the record store shelves for ex-Talas guitarist Dave Constantino. This is his first studio release since the Talas record entitled ‘Sink You Teeth’ came out in 1982. And even though he wasn’t recording during this time period, Constantino was still very active in music. For many of these years, he played weekly gigs in local blues halls and nightclubs. He even got Talas back together for some very high profile local and international gigs. So the burning question is, was this CD worth the 24 year wait? Well, after one listen, it’s a resounding HELL YES. Since his time in Talas, Constantino has re-invented himself and has emerged as a truly amazing blues artist. And while so many rock guitarists who attempt to make a blues CD fail miserably, Constantino hits this one out of the park with nine barn burning tracks. Constantino soars on this one, proving without a doubt, that he is one of the most gifted and skilled guitarists out today.
The CD kicks off with “Bump in the Road,” which is a stomping and contagious track with a nasty, killer guitar riff, heavy groove and clever lyrics. (After hearing this track, the guitar geek in me is just dying to know how he got that astonishing tone.) The intensity doesn’t let up any time soon. “Nobody’s Cryin’” is a R&B flavored track that has a hint of Morris Day and the Time. “Fit to Be Tied” is a tough fist pumping track that starts off slow and works into a frenzy with some high pitched vocal wails towards the end. “Missing You” is a beautiful, acoustic ballad, which features some incredible Stevie Ray Vaughn inspired guitar work.
“Mystery Man” starts off with some slow fretboard work and then fluctuates between slow ‘n nice and hard ‘n nasty. “Gave you Back” and “Where You Hiding” are tight and raw with a funky back beat and rowdy Roadhouse pleasing solos. “Pain in My Heart” is finely crafted and stripped down, and Constantino sings his heart out on this one.
The CD ends with a rousing, fresh and innovative version of the Hendrix classic “Manic Depression,” which would get two thumbs up from any Hendrix die-hard.
In summary, ‘Bump in the Road’ is a straight forward, well written, all out blues assault that is jammed packed with tasteful solos, infectious hooks and soulful vocals. Constantino and his all-star rhythm section consisting of the brothers Tom and Tim Reinhardt, rip and burn throughout this release. This is a must have CD for any fan of the blues, rock, guitar and of course Talas.
If you happen to be in the Buffalo area, you can check out the intensity of the Dave Constantino Band every Wednesday at Caputi’s in Tonawanda. You can bet I’ll be there.
Review by Thomas S. Orwat, Jr.
Rating out of 10: 9
www.daveconstantino.com
Quiet Riot
Rehab
Band Line-up- Kevin DuBrow-vocals, Frankie Banali-drums, additional musicians featuring guitarist/engineer Neil Citron, bassist Tony Franklin, and vocalist/bassist Glenn Hughes.
Stand-out tracks: “Beggars and Thieves” “Old Habits Die Hard” “South of Heaven” “Evil Woman”
I must start by saying I have never been a big Quiet Riot fan, although I have respect and admiration for Banali and being stranded on a remote desert isle with Rudy Sarzo for a few days wouldn’t be the worst thing I could think of, I somehow never developed an ear for their music.
At any rate, the new record appears to have led the guys into new territory in regards to composing, recording and producing and the result is a solid record with a variety of styles.
Two songs in particular having been co-written by DuBrow and Michael Lardie (Great White) entitled, “South of Heaven” and “Beggars and Thieves” reflect the most musical progression of the band. Banali’s superior beats provide the backbone on “South” and the hooky chorus of “Beggars” is sandwiched between incredible blues riffing courtesy of guitarist Neil Citron. Although the song is close to 7 minutes long, it doesn’t fail to hold your interest. Along that same idea, “Old Habits Die Hard” is a real shocker. Not a song one would equate with Quiet Riot by any means, however, this smoke-filled bar room blues number even goes so far as to feature a chorus of female back-up singers for that full-bodied old school blues element.
Coming as no surprise is the ever-present cover tune. Which isn’t always a bad thing, when done right. “Evil Woman” (an early 70’s psychedelic blues tunes released by Spooky Tooth) is done as “right” as “right” gets. DuBrow duets with vocalist Glenn Hughes, a phenomenally flawless singer in his own right, combined with the stellar fretwork of Citron and a balls-out Banali blitz at the songs close makes for one chill-inducing piece of music. Well, damn, color me impressed! Buy this CD Here
Rating out of 10: 7.5
Review by Tracey L
Tarsha
Prophecies
Band-Line-up: Sheldon Tarsha- guitars, bass, drums, vocals, keys, the puking noises in the background... (well not really but maybe for the next one??!!)
Stand-Out Tracks- Ten Stars Away, Skeletons, Galilean Eyes
After the disbanding of Adler's Appetite up in Germany, vocalist Sheldon Tarsha returned to his native California with a mission to put his musical talents to good use. After securing an investor in his project, he was able to build a new, state-of-the-art recording studio, and after 10 months of hard work, he produced an album that defines “solo record,” in that Mr. Tarsha is the sole performer, writer and producer of all the material heard on “Prophecies,” which by all accounts is mighty impressive. Changing tempos, hook-filled choruses and intelligent lyrics, that appear to be mostly self-reflective, make this record worthy of a listen.
The emotion filled ballad “Ten Stars Away,” tenderly speaks of perhaps a love that has passed to the other side, and is followed by the powerful “My First Hit” that portrays the physical and mental effects of exactly that.
“Skeletons” is the most radio ready and unique sounding tune of the bunch, and has one line that sticks in my mind, “As I face who I’ve become/ It’s strange how the one’s we blindly judge/ Are those we truly love.” Stop & think about that for a minute!
Changing the pace is “Galilean Eyes” that’s totally cool & creepy with a slow & spooky deadpan delivery, ala Marilyn Manson.
Now, in the old days records were made of vinyl and had two sides. Here’s where we’d flip that bitch to side “B” as Sheldon showcases a more aggressive side to his music and vocals mid-way through the record. At this point, whether intended or not, a concept of sorts begins to unfold that intertwines moral decay, religion, self-loathing and eventually the triumph of good over evil.
Most artists reinvent themselves from record to record, or even from decade to decade however, Tarsha accomplishes this with ease on first take.
Review by Tracey L.
Rating out of 10: (I hate rating records with numbers, this doesn’t mean squat, just listen to it and decide for yourself.) But to keep consistency I’ll say 7.
www.tarsharock.com
American Hair Metal
Author: Steven Blush
Review by Tracey L
If you’re looking for that perfect gift for the 80’s glam rock fan on your Christmas list, than check out American Hair Metal. Although it’s more a “gallery of glossy goodies” than an actual novel, it’s filled to the gills with juicy pictures of all your favorite bad boys (and girls) during their decade of glam glory.
As stated in the forward, the comments and quotes printed throughout the pages of the book are taken straight from that time period as it unfolded; there are no current quotes or nostalgic reflections from any veterans of the scene. However, after you read some of the more ridiculous ones, you’ll understand why many probably decided to keep their mouth shut and avoid hypocrisies or the embarrassment of owning up to some of the nonsense that was uttered to various journalists over the years. Although one must keep in mind that most of these bands were in their early 20’s at the time and coupled with the fact that the majority were either stoned or drunk off their collective asses, that one can only be forgiving, (or dare I say sympathetic) to these long-haired, over-sexed spandex pirates who were simply products of their environment. Success equaled excess, and the pictures that fill ‘American Hair Metals’ pages capture that philosophy in all the vibrant pinks, purples and cheetah prints that provocatively hug every god given body part of our glam rock golden boys.
Need a laugh? There are plenty of quotes to induce a chuckle or two:
“Yeah, the first rehab didn’t work.”- Nikki Sixx, 1990
“I don’t cope with things very easily” – Axl Rose, 1989 (Ya think?)
Then there’s my personal fave from the mouth of Sebastian Bach, filed under what the hell is wrong with this guy?
“Puking is the second best release to orgasm. I dig it. When I puke its totally righteous. It’s like an orgasm coming out of your mouth. It’s sexual” –Sebastian Bach, 1991
Okay, GROSS DUDE, I can’t even comment on that, where’s my Mr. Yuk sticker?
Author Steven Blush does present some interesting facts in the band listing section of the book, some of which I was not even aware. For example, LA Guns “Ballad of Jayne” was inspired by 1950’s Hollywood actress/pin-up girl Jane Mansfield and the video for the song was shot at the estate of Philippines dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
Aerosmith’s “Dude Looks Like a Lady” is about Vince Neil and Lita Ford’s full given name is Carmelita Rossana Ford.
The book also includes a few pages dedicated to fan mail and drawings submitted to various metal mags of the era like Circus, Rip, Creem and Hit Parader. You’ll find enough cheese here to keep a ‘ratt’ colony fat and happy for a year!
It would be damn near impossible to include every band in this book who ever squeezed into a pair of spandex or coughed profusely when accidentally inhaling a spritz of AquaNet, but Blush does a good job at presenting a cross-sectioned time capsule of cross-dressing rockers who may not have changed the world, but for a brief time, made the music world a lot more freakin’ FUN! Purchase this book here
Bang Tango
From the Hip
Band Line-Up: Joe LeSte-vocals; Mark Simpson-guitar; Lance Eric-bass; Timmy Russell-drums
Stand-out tracks: "It's All Ok" "Carry Me Up" "Mother Mary"
This record starts off strong with riveting beats and the deep throaty vocals of original founder/frontman Joe Leste. Plus, the CD jacket's provocative cover art seems to promise excitement (and will most likely be banned by *Wal-Mart). I'm stoked! However, the last few BT offerings have paled in comparison to the bands early years. Nothing, in my opinion, will top or come close to matching the magic of their debut masterpiece Psycho Café. But I do give LeSte credit for sticking to his roots all these years, and at least putting forth the effort to continue to create rock records that have a bit of testosterone infused energy to offer. Although, I feel his other project, Beautiful Creatures, was more of the caliber I would expect from such a seasoned veteran of the 80's L.A. genre, I am a fan of both bands. In fact, "Mother Mary" sounds like it was meant to be included on the last Beautiful Creatures record. It's funny, a lot of LeSte's lyrics contain meaningless rhymes, but the strange thing is that many of his songs speak of love, and at first listen, a song that sounds like a mean, snarling dog is really delivering a positive message when you listen closer. Whether the deception is willfully intended or not, it's an interesting element nonetheless.
As stated, the opening track, "It's All Ok" has a definite Guns 'n Roses/Velvet Revolver groove to it. It's classic locomotive-paced speed coupled with scorching guitar solos made me anxious to take in the rest, however, the train heads off the track a little with "Get Used to It" and although I'm fond of the Faster Pussycat pulse of "I'm the One" this song, vocally speaking, should be sung by Taime Downe to be truly appreciated.
"Simple" is a drawn out tune that's quite flat and has no direction, just a lot of seemingly painful screaming, however you'll find the guitar solo kind of draws you in against your will. Things completely derail at the (now patterned) tragic ending...the sappy acoustic ballad. "Angel Devil" brings the record to a flaccid and unfortunate close. I still love these guys and it would take nothing short of collaboration with Britney Spears to drive me away but, my advice, go back to track one and hit replay.
Rating out of 10: 6
Review by Tracey L
*I realize Wal-Mart doesn't carry Bang Tango records, I was just trying to make a point!
Got it?
Paul Stanley 
Live to Win
Stand out tracks: Live to Win, Lift, All About You, Where Angels Dare
Since Kiss hasn’t been in any hurry to follow up their 1998 release “Psycho Circus,” frontman Paul Stanley decided that this was a good time to put out his first solo record in 28 years. The result is a 10 track, well written, finely crafted, melodic rock CD. This release proves that Stanley has an ear on the current music scene and still has a bit of commercial relevance left in him.
‘Live to Win’ was produced by Stanley and features guest appearances by guitarist John 5, Bruce Kulick and Goo Goo Dolls touring guitarist Brad Fernquist. Stanley also worked with commercially successful songwriters Desmond Child, Holly Knight, Andreas Carlsson and Marti Frederiksen. Stanley co-wrote nine of the ten tracks with at least one of the aforementioned songwriters.
This CD kicks off with the title track “Live to Win” which is a motivational, intense, power chord infested anthem. It’s Stanley’s motto and would be the perfect track for sporting events or an Anthony Robbins seminar. The follow up track, “Lift” is a bit spiritual and would have fit in nicely on the most recent Stryper CD. It has a modern, dark edge and hard driving guitar riffs. “Bullet Proof” is another hard rockin’ track and lyrically deals with the strength one finds in a good relationship.
“Everytime I See you Around” and “Second to None” are passionate, classic torch ballads that would have been big hits if they were released in the 80’s. “Wake Up Screaming” and “All about You” are energetic, hard drivin’ infectious gems with catchy choruses in which Stanley sings his heart out. The final track “Where Angels Dare” is a great closing song and was written by Stanley/Childs and John 5. It’s one of the more interesting tracks with it’s top notch guitar work.
‘Live to Win’ is a solid CD that has Stanley’s signature sound with a bit of a modern twist. Although Stanley may not make many new fans with this CD, the Kiss Army will most certainly find something worthwhile on here. Stanley really pushed himself on this one and should be very proud of the results. He most certainly didn’t make an “Asshole” CD like his demon tongue-bat winged, money obsessed band mate made a few years back. It’s refreshing that Stanley realizes that musical integrity sometimes means more than $$$.
Review by Thomas S. Orwat, Jr.
Rating out of 10: 9
www.paulstanley.com
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