Friday
Apr112014
Has Steel Panther Jumped The Shark?
Friday, April 11, 2014 at 12:01AM Steel Panther just released a video for their song "Gloryhole" from the album All You Can Eat. Not much offends me, but this clip is pretty over-the-top, even for Steel Panther. It's definitely not safe for work. Watch at your own peril.
Reader Comments (28)
I think this is pretty much just an example of finally having more money to spend translating their lyrics into videos. If previous lyrics didn't shock you, then it suggests--and I mean no offense to anyone who chose to watch it with the warnings and still was offended--that the visual aspect of it is what is problematic for you. Therein lies the rub (first pun).
This video, made by a band that mocks and celebrates a style of music a lot of people love, is fairly even in its distribution of bad taste (pun two). Nothing is exempt from the ridicule, whether it be men, or women, gay or straight, or religion, or the music, or the musicians themselves. And that is often in keeping with the essence of satire: if you recoil in fear you are going to offend, you are a poser for even considering offending in the first place. Steel Panther doesn't seem, previously or now, to care much about who they offend. They take on all comers (third and final pun). It isn't really a brave or daring stance (I save that for people like Lenny Bruce). But it is consistent. Only different? This is music set to visuals, a form of translation some people have a lot of trouble with even when it is simply that, a translation.
This isn't going to win them any new fans, and it might even lose them a few. But it is what they are all about. You don't ask Clinton for marriage advice. You don't talk philosophy with your Walmart greeter. So why would you ask Steel Panther to tone it down a bit? Because you like them, but not _that_ much? Then you probably weren't in on the joke, really in on the joke, from the get-go. That is why I can understand why they split opinions so clearly. You like it and get or you don't like it and don't get it. To be clear, that doesn't make fans any more or less "right" than detractors. It just means that Steel Panther are good at dividing people into camps. Much better than eliciting a "meh" reaction. And it pays their bills.
A final note: not sure this is "jumping the shark" either. They don't seem to have run out of things to skewer (one of the things positive reviews have noted) on this latest album. And they haven't stopped demonstrating more than capable musicianship either. If they can keep both in balance, they have it made. I said "if" though. Satire, musical or otherwise, usually has a shelf-life directly corresponding to the audience's tolerance for the gag (okay, one last pun, I promise). History is littered with examples--Andrew Dice Clay, Dane Cook, Gallagher, etc.-- of satirists (and those are all satirists of a sort) who suffered declines because they did "jump the shark." The fact that I can't recall another parody band of this sort speaks to how unique Steel Panther is in terms of their approach. So like almost anything, I hope they enjoy it while it lasts. Me? I still find it interesting.
It could have been funnier if we're a bit more subtle. I love their humor, musicianship, and passion. It's amazing how successful they are. They prob make more money today than most real 80s bands do today.
I know, great musicians etc.
They are a caricature of music we love. I was never appreciative of the satire.
The video ? Basically $1000 budget for lotion and a couple of very hot chix!
Jump off a major label to something a bit more minor league,YES.
I guess the Republic/Universal deal was not renewed. This album is on "Open E Records"... Say what?
P.S. "You're Beautiful When You Don't Talk" is a great song.
And I don't think they've jumped the shark as this is right in line with what they've always done. For them to jump the shark they would need to do something that turns on their fans, such as release a "serious" song/video in an attempt to go mainstream. But here's hoping they never do that - they fill a niche and are terrific at what they do.
One interesting thing to me about Steel Panther's music is how polarizing it is. There are a lot of people (like Kixchix) who are turned off because of the comedy aspect of what they do, which is cool, of course - everyone likes what they like. It's similar in that respect to how people will automatically dismiss Stryper because they are a Christian rock band. There are also lots of people who don't get the joke and are pretty much offended by everything they do, which I find hilarious.
By the way, great post HIM.
p.s. HIM! This is one of your greatest comments ever! Thank You!
I'm just glad they didn't make a video for Gang Bang at the Old Folks Home. I don't think I want to see that.
I agree with Bryon, and said as much, re: how polarizing they are with metal fans (and also appreciated your take on what it would mean for them to "jump the shark").
Case in point: Kixchix feelings are clearly passionate. I wonder: is it that the satire trades in misogyny? I only ask because quite a bit of metal (pick your sub-genre) traffics in that sort of content. And I am curious because I so clearly don't feel the same about Steel Panther. I mean no offense, Kixchix.
The overall effect is stupid, whereas Cheap Trick, at their height, with their first three albums, the eponymous first album, "In Color" and "Heaven Tonight", traded on between the lines, double entendre humor. Listen to "Southern Girls" from "In Color". On it's surface, it sounds like Pop Metalized homage to The Beach Boys' love of girls, when, in reality, it's actually about a chicken hawk (pimp), turning out innocent teenage girls into prostitution.
Other examples of truly great songwriting with double entendre, between the lines humor is pretty much the entire "Heaven Tonight" album, especially the lead track off "Heaven Tonight", "On Top Of The World" as well as "High Roller", "Stiff Competition" and, of course, the classic "Surrender".
Slightly more subtle than Steel Panther is Spinal Tap's stuff, which they blatently ape, albeit with all the trappings of 80's Hair Metal not just in the quality of their wigs but also in their impeccable sound (Remember, it was Ace who revealed to us the band's pedigree in 80's/early 90's L.A. Glam Metal bands), as opposed to Spinal Tap's more Classic Rock approach.
Still, there's no denying, Steel Panther is better than ever at what they do but to HIM's point it's gonna wear out. The way to prevent it is to go with better songwriting (between the lines) but I don't think they have it in them as lyricists or possess the guts to mess with their formula.
BTW, I'll be seeing Steel Panther at The House of Blues in Orlando, shortly. But it's not just to take in the show, which I am actually looking forward to, but also to scan the audience for Donnie Purnell, who was the ex-bassist and original brains behind KIX. I'm playing the lottery so in case I win I can make a documentary chronicalling the band's history culminating in a reunion. NOW that's something worthwhile and doesn't require any wigs!
p.s. Very funny comment, Rita, as usual!
Not sure if you've heard that song yet but if you give the lyrics a read or listen, I am pretty sure you would agree! Nasty stuff but pretty hysterical.
Keep in mind I say this as somebody who hates Steel Panther and everything they represent but compared to cheap trick it is no contest. cheap trick are an abomination. cheap trick give wuss rock a bad name.
Stop hating on Cheap Trick when it's really me you've got the problem with for some strange reason.
Why don"t you just skedaddle on back to Blabbermouth or whatever shite Metaloid website you came from.
I've never heard of Blabbermouth. I'm gonna go check it out.
I won't wade into the Cheap Trick thicket. But I will say: Spinal Tap is a great dose of satire. Even their later spoofs/soundscapes were funny. "The Majesty of Rock" still makes me laugh when I hear it. Clearly the more cerebral of the two, Spinal Tap benefit--and I would rarely give this fellow a nod, but here, he deserves it--from Rob Reiner's influence and direction.
Which leads to an interesting thought puzzle: what would Steel Panther do with the chance to film themselves in the manner of TIST? I'd at least be curious. But I doubt it would rise to the level of TIST.
PS: Doug (if you weren't be sarcastic, because it is sometimes hard to read tone in print), Blabbermouth is the "press release" cousin to Rachelle's "snarky" Metal Sludge. They both serve a purpose and are both interesting in their own ways.
But, hands down, Allyson's site draws in the most interesting and respectful group of posters that I have found when it comes to sites dedicated to metal. People pick fights and battles. Still, it is an amazingly rare place in this age of trolling and anonymous bravado. I really can't thank her enough . . . and I will keep thanking her for putting the effort into keeping this site going.