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The Hollywood Vampires – Bad As I Am (review)

Alexa Linger

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Hollywood Vampires Bad As I Am

The Hollywood Vampires – Bad As I Am

By Alexa Linger

Hollywood Vampires - Photo credit Ross Halfin

Hollywood Vampires – Photo credit Ross Halfin

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.

Hollywood VampiresThe 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

ALICE IN CHAINS “BLACK GIVES WAY TO BLUE” VINYL REVIEW

Ron

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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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CD Reviews

VENDED: Album Review

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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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CD Reviews

DevilSkin “Surfacing” EP 

Ron

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It’s been 4 years since Devilskin’s last album, “Red.” The New Zealand band has followed up with their new EP, “Surfacing.” 

This 6-song EP starts off with “Whale Song,” which just rocks and puts you right in the mood for what Devilskin is going to bring. I love Jennie Skulander’s voice; it works perfectly with the tone and grittiness of the album. 

The EP has two covers on it. “Barracuda,” which we reviewed before and is a great cover song. The band also takes a swing at Dio’s “Holy Diver.” I am pretty critical about anyone covering Dio. Most bands try too hard to sound like Ronnie, which doesn’t always work out. However, I like this cover because the band takes their own path when covering it and makes it their own. 

“Let Me Breathe,” “Insects,” and “Unborn” round up the rest of the EP. Which makes the EP a great listen from beginning to end. There has been a great resurgence of bands coming from New Zealand that kick ass. DevilSkin is on top of that list of bands. I hope that they make it over to the US soon so we can get a chance to check them out live. If you’re into a great rock EP and want to listen to something new and fresh, I recommend checking out this EP.

 THIS IS A SPONSORED REVIEW BROUGHT TO YOU BY TAG PUBLICITY   

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