CD Reviews
The Hollywood Vampires – Bad As I Am (review)
The Hollywood Vampires – Bad As I Am
By Alexa Linger
In the 1970’s, rock legend Alice Cooper formed a celebrity “drinking club” at the Rainbow Bar and Grill in Los Angeles called The Hollywood Vampires. Its primary members were Cooper, Keith Moon, Ringo Starr, Mickey Dolenz, and Harry Nilsson, though John Lennon, John Belushi, Joe Walsh, and others would join when they were in West Hollywood and able. In 2015, to honor the music of his friends and the rock stars who died of excessive alcohol or drug use, Cooper formed a group aptly called The Hollywood Vampires in, along with actor Johnny Depp (guitar, keyboard, and backing vocals). The Vampires’ self-titled album features guest artists such as Slash, Dave Grohl, Brian Johnson, and Paul McCartney.
The Hollywood Vampires album is a collection of cover songs that pay homage to music from the 70’s, with a few original songs peppered throughout it. It opens with Christopher Lee reading an excerpt from Bram Stoker’s Dracula and then Cooper and Depp take classics, such as “Five to One/Break On Through (To the Other Side)” by The Doors, and breathe new life into them. The album is fun and catchy, with mash-ups by some of the era’s best bands, such as “One/Jump into the Fire” by Harry Nilsson and (my personal favorite) “School’s Out/Another Brick in the Wall Part 2.” Additionally, the album includes songs by Led Zeppelin, The Who, Peter Townsend, and many others.
What I believe most listeners will appreciate about the songs are that they are reminiscent of the originals – so much so that you feel like you’re meeting up with an old friend. Even the original songs follow suite and are classic Alice Cooper. So, whether you like The Hollywood Vampires or not, it’s difficult to say that it’s not a cool concept with even cooler band members. Overall, the album is worth checking out because it’s a fitting tribute to musicians that died too young and should be remembered for what they are: rock stars.
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CD Reviews
BUSH 30th ANNIVERSARY OF “SIXTEEN STONE” VINYL
I remember when this album came out in 1994 . I was 15 and really discovering all types of music. As being a typical teenage boy I seen the band name “Bush” and thought hmm I love bush, let’s check it out. It was such an amazing album from beginning to end.
The new released vinyl that just came out on November 17th is such a testament to this album being as great then as it is now. Listening to the vinyl just brought back so many memories of being an angst teenager that just wanted to heard. The vinyl package is amazing with lots of photos of the band throughout the years and the sound of the vinyl is so pristine.
I got my hands on the opaque red vinyl and just looks awesome spinning on the player. It’s crazy to think that this album has so many hits and no filler songs, even the songs that didn’t become hits are just as good as the hits.
With the hits being “Glycerine”, “Everything Zen” , “Comedown” “Little Things” and “Machinehead” but some of my favorite songs are not the hits songs like “Swim”, “Bomb” and “Alien” which is probably my favorite song on the album. If you’re a fan of Bush or this album or just want to dive into the mid 90s Grunge/Post Grunge era this is a key album to have in your collection.
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CD Reviews
ALICE IN CHAINS “BLACK GIVES WAY TO BLUE” VINYL REVIEW
Alice In Chains have Re-Released the 2009 album on vinyl. This album was the first Alice In Chains in 14 years and the first album with guitarist/singer Willam DuVall after Layne Staley passed away in 2002.
I was a huge Alice In Chains fan and was a big fan of both Layne and Jerry. When this album first came out I remember sorta pushing it the side only cause of sadness about Layne but after hearing “Check My Brain” I gave it a chance and was so glad that I did. This album is amazing and really put Alice In Chains back into the mainstream.
The vinyl not only looks super awesome but sounds amazing. If you’re a fan of Alice In Chains and into collecting Vinyl, this album is a must in your collection. It’s a great packed vinyl with 2 vinyls included.
Side A: All Secrets Known, Check My Brain and Last of My Kind. Side B: Your Decision, A Looking in View. Side C: When The Sun Rose Again, Acid Bubble, Lesson Learned. Side D: Take Her Out, Private Hell, Black Gives Away To Blue
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VENDED: Album Review
9/20/24 sees the independent release of the full-length, self-titled debut album from Des Moines, Iowa natives Vended. Featuring vocalist Griffin Taylor, Simon Crahan on drums, Jeremiah Pugh on bass, Cole Espland on lead guitar, and Connor Grodzicki on rhythm guitar.
On this album they have taken more abrasive elements of nu metal as seen in the late 90s from bands like Slipknot and Soulfly and utilized elements of metalcore to slap a fresh coat of paint on the style. There are elements that remind me of the more modern and spastic styles of nu metal, similar to a band like Tallah.
Griffin’s vocal styling showcases mid-range screams as the main driving force bending the vocals. True to the nu metal elements, the rage and anger perceived from the screams are offset by the occasional catchy riff or fast talking, almost rapping stylized lyrics.
Crahan shows an impressive command of rhythm with his double bass drum. Driving each track forward with a machine gun-like purpose, which makes the more groove-oriented parts hit much harder. Crahan, in addition to the rest of the rhythm section (Espland and Pugh), all really work together well to keep the momentum moving forward while not sacrificing said groove.
While I wouldn’t call it album of the year or anything. It’s definitely worth checking out. Standout tracks: “Nihilism” and “The Far Side”.
Vended can be found on the usual socials. And the album is available on all streaming platforms. And physical copies can be purchased though https://www.officialvended.com
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