Saints of Los Angeles: The Bring Back Glam! Album Review

Motley Crue are back with their first album featuring all the original members in over a decade. Saints of Los Angeles (Motley/Eleven Seven Records)  features 13 tracks loosely aligned to the 2001 band autobiography The Dirt and tells the story of Motley's rise (and fall) in the L.A. Glam scene. Track list:

L.A.M.F.
Face Down in the Dirt
What's It Gonna Take
Down at the Whisky
Saints of Los Angeles
Muther Fucker of the Year
The Animal in Me
Welcome to the Machine
Just Another Psycho
Chicks = Trouble
This Ain't a Love Song
White Trash Circus
Goin' Out Swingin'

Saints of Los Angeles (henceforth SOLA) is a mixed bag, but overall the hits outweigh the misses.

The album opens with "L.A.M.F.," a spoken word dialogue courtesy Vince Neil in the same vein as "In the Beginning" from Shout at the Devil. Here the introduction is less than effective and actually falls in the annoying category. Deleting this track would probably make the album stronger.

The first half of the album is fairly strong, chronicling the band's struggle to rise from gutter trash to multi millionaires.  "Face Down in the Dirt" is  decent and "Saints of Los Angeles" is fabulous.  Quite frankly, "Saints of Los Angeles" is in an entirely different league when compared to the rest of the songs the new album. There's something sonically different about this track. The sound is so rich, so strong and so Motley. The guitar work coupled with superior lyrics make "Saints of Los Angeles" one of the best songs in Motley's deep catalog.

"What's It Gonna Take" and  "Down at the Whisky" are fairly weak compared to some of the other songs on SOLA. Next to "Saints of Los Angeles" my favorite new track is "Muther Fucker of the Year." I can't quite explain why I love this song so much, but it probably has something to do with the repetitive chorus or Vince's nasally whine. Whatever the case, I listened to this song about 17 times on repeat. It's true, I can't get enough! I also really dig "Welcome to the Machine,"  "Just Another Psycho" and "This Ain't a Love Song."

While SOLA has some damn strong tracks, there are plenty of stinkers. "Chicks = Trouble" is pretty bad. In fact, it's my least favorite track on SOLA. I listened to the album from start to finish three times before making any real judgements, but after that time I found myself skipping "Chicks = Trouble." The lyrics make me cringe and the actual music is pretty bad too. Also a downer is "White Trash Circus." The lyrics are not as heinous as "Chicks = Trouble" but the track lacks anything special. If there's nothing special about the song, there's no reason to listen.

There's no true ballad here and I think that's a wise move. "The Animal in Me" has a slower tempo and thus provides a natural thematic break between songs.

Is SOLA Motley Crue's best effort? No, but it does have a certain sound quality that is reminiscent of the Dr. Feelgood era. Some of the lyrics on SOLA are just a little strained and that comes out pretty clear. The difference is that this time, Nikki Sixx and company are looking back on history instead of writing in the moment. History and memories change our perception. Struggling financially at the time is pretty tough but can seem a little romantic after a certain level of success is achieved. I suspect Nikki looked back on his early Sunset Strip days with a hazy fondness and wrote what came to his mind which of course is sex, drugs and rock n' roll.

The downlow? Buy this album. Even with a couple bad tracks, it's a strong effort from a classic Glam band.

The Cost of Free Downloads

Downloading (or file sharing or whatever) is a hot topic among music fans these days. I know a lot of people that use Torrents to grab tracks and even whole albums, but I am just really against illegal downloads.

I won't lie: the thought of downloading leaked tracks for free and before an official release is downright intoxicating. I didn't illegally download Motley Crue's Saints of Los Angeles even though it's been on the Internet for about a month. I think there is something truly special about waiting until the day of a big release, going to the store, buying the physical album and then letting the music blast all the way home. I know many of you can attest to my honesty here: a lot of you have sent me download links or asked my opinion of the album and my response was always "wait until the day of the release." I'll review Motley Crue's new one right here tomorrow, after listening to my advance copy (and yeah, I pre-ordered a copy too, so Motley got my money).

I know kids like to download because 1) it's free and 2) it's quick. The problem is, Torrents and the like are basically stealing. No, you're not throwing a brick through a big glass window at the bank and robbing the safe, but you're still hurting the artist and everyone else who worked on producing an album.

There is no way in HELL that I would work without getting paid, so how can I rob someone else of their salary? Yes, bands like Motley Crue, Aerosmith, Guns n' Roses, Metallica, The Rolling Stones...are filthy rich, but that doesn't make file sharing acceptable. Producers, sound engineers, publicists, managers, writers, gear techs - not to mention distributors and and your local music store - all get a piece of the pie when a band records an album. When sales fall off - sometimes due to downloads or a million other reasons - everyone involved suffers. Problem is, that lost revenue comes right back to you and me. Promoters set ticket prices for tours, but with the sky high cost of just about everything, bands need a surefire way to guarantee money. It's a vicious cycle because kids think they'll download an album, then spend their money on the concert. The only problem is, if not enough people buy an album, it's kind of hard to generate hype and that can hurt shows, too.

The music industry is fatally flawed, there's no doubt about that. I'm also not judging people for downloading songs without payment, but I felt it was important for you to know my stance on the issue. I've always been "choosy" when it comes to purchasing albums. When I was in high school, I bought nearly all my own CDs, so I couldn't go to the mall and pick up five or ten discs at a time. My rule was one CD a week, so I made sure I really wanted the album before I plunked down my 15 bucks. Now, I have more money but I'm still the same way: I think about my music purchases and I buy used if I can meaning I can get more in one trip. I can't say what position I'd take on downloading if I was 16 again. Like I said, the thought of immediate, free music is very intoxicating.

What is your opinion on the matter?

Band Tattoos

Heather and I went to a local water park yesterday. She got too much sun and my eyes are still running from chlorine but it was all worthwhile. During one of the many trips around the lazy river we talked about tattoos. This is a normal conversation and we both want a tattoo...except we're afraid of the lifetime commitment. Or at least that's my problem.

I actually want two tattoos - (and right now, my mom is reading this and freaking out. Hi mom!) - one on my wrist and another somewhere else, but not on the small of my back and not one of my ankles. I don't want a tribal symbol or a rose or a heart or a unicorn. Nope, I want band logos specifically Motley Crue and Avenged Sevenfold.

I want the A7X deathbat on my wrist and some sort of Motley tattoo somewhere that makes sense. It all depends on the design. Anyway, as I was floating around the lazy river I got to thinking about band tattoos and wondered how many of my regular readers are branded  by Glam?

I think tattoos of a band name or logo is about as diehard as you can get. It's one thing to travel around the world to see a band perform ...but when you give a piece of your body to someone else's craft, that's adoration.

A lot of people had band tattoos on the Motley Cruise. Some of the body art was small and others had giant pieces that probably cost thousands and looked awfully  painful.

I know some people say "why would you tattoo someone else's band on your body?" but I say why not if that music has brought you a lifetime of happiness. The real quest is to design a completely original tattoo encompassing the band name or logo. Then you've got your creative side plus the music you love, all in one piece of art. As you can tell, I'm not close to making that commitment just yet. We'll say I'm stuck in the "dreaming" phase.

Do you have any band tattoos?

Motley Crue on Larry King Live

Last night, Motley Crue appeared on CNN's Larry King Live. Surprisingly, the appearance turned into 18 minutes of quality television. I say surprisingly because I find Motley and Larry King an odd fit, but they've done the dance before and this time around the interview was even better.

I was hoping for an entire hour dedicated to Motley, but we take what we can get when it comes to Glam. As expected, Larry asked about CrueFest and the band's history. The show was edited nicely, with a Motley billboard and banner and featured video clips going in and out of breaks.

Larry also asked Tommy about getting back together with Pam (again!) but he dodged the question.  

There were not many fan questions (via email, phone or video), but someone did ask about The Dirt movie. The stock answer: it will be released soon. Just yesterday, Motley Crue announced they were looking for new partners because Paramount wasn't getting the job done.

The biggest revelation was that Vince classified Motley Crue as a "pop" act to which Mick Mars immediately corrected him, saying "We're a rock band." I must admit, that answered floored me. This stunned me because Motley doesn't want anything to do with Glam, but I guess pop is O.K.

For me, the best part of the show was actually a CNN error. Lewis Black was on after Motley Crue and one of the video questions for Lewis was inserted in the Motley segment. So, the CNN viewer asks if gay marriage should be allowed all over the country. Nikki immediately says "That was a good question. It should be!" Good for you Nikki. I agree.

The entire Motley Crue interview is below, divided into three pieces.

Vince Neil Book Deal

My friend Scott over at Slushpile.net just sent me an email about Vince Neil. Apparently Vince just signed a book deal.   

Here's what Slushpile reports, via Publishers Marketplace:

Motley Crue frontman and lead singer Vince Neil's LEWD, CRUED, AND HEAVILY TATTOOED, telling the unfiltered story from the band's most controversial member, including the real reason for their initial breakup, the impact of his daughter's death, and changing band dynamics, in addition to all the insane stories of rock'n'roll excess, to Ben Greenberg at Grand Central, in a major deal, at auction, by Kirby Kim and David Vigliano at Vigliano Associates (World).

Slushpile also says the deal is worth at least $500,000.  

No word when the book will hit store shelves. Remember, Motley Crue will appear tonight on Larry King Live  (CNN).

I Think I Need a Sedative...

I spend a lot of time during the day thinking about future posts: bands I should interview, CDs that need reviewed, personal reflections. Somewhere between work and the glorious place I call my couch, I decided I would write about Iron Maiden today. More specifically, I was going to make the the case that Iron Maiden is probably the greatest Metal band of all time.

Then I saw Metal Sludge.

Somehow, perhaps on purpose, I missed a recent Yahoo! list of the day. Wouldn't you know our friend Rob O'Connor is back at it and just rated the top 25 Heavy Metal bands of all time. Here's the list:


01) Black Sabbath
02) Led Zeppelin
03) AC/DC
04) Van Halen
05) Jimi Hendrix Experience
06) Metallica
07) Judas Priest
08) Aerosmith
09) Motorhead
10) Iron Maiden
11) Slayer
12) Deep Purple
13) Spinal Tap
14) Rush
15) Robin Trower
16) Dio
17) KISS
18) Guns N' Roses
19) Kyuss
20) Thin Lizzy
21) Pantera
22) Uriah Heep
23) Alice in Chains
24) Mercyful Fate
25) Meshuggah

 
Ok, I seriously might need a sedative because I'm pretty sure I'm having a stroke. Seriously? Some of these choices make me shake my head. Aerosmith are my favorite band, but they are not Heavy Metal. Neither is Thin Lizzy, KISS, Rush, Robin Trower, Spinal Tap, Deep Purple, Jimi Hendrix or Van Halen.  Music historians have referred to Led Zeppelin as the "first Heavy Metal band" but I'd say that is deeply debatable. Yes, they had a very unique sound for their time, but I'm not so sure they were heavy.

I don't know a lot about Meshuggah or Kyuss, so I'll give O'Connor the benefit of the doubt here. I am absolutely amazed at the band placement - let alone selection. How, on Glam's green earth does Iron Maiden land in the tenth spot? Seriously? Like I said, I was about to make a case for them being the best Metal band of all time -- and here they are, tenth. I'll even spot O'Connor for putting Black Sabbath as number one. They truly did invent Metal music in its purest form...but come on. Van Halen's debut is a masterpiece - but I still think it's hard rock.

Now, to the other reason I need a sedative: I actually agree with O'Connor about Alice in Chains. Awhile back I posted an article examining the Glam roots of AIC. I said the band was Metal then and I stand by that now. Alice in Chains are not grunge, they are Metal.

Back to the basics. KISS are not Metal, but they are certainly Glam. AC/DC are awesome, but they are not Metal either. Nope, they are straight-up, working class hard rock. Thin Lizzy? Yes, "The Boys Are Back In Town" is a great song - but not Heavy Metal. In fact, I'd argue it's about as Heavy as anything Jennifer Lopez ever released.

So who is missing? Accept and Megadeth for starters, but there are a lot more. Maybe I'm way off base here, but something tells me there are serious issues with this list. Sure, such lists are opinion - so everyone is going to argue about the choices to an extent - but it just seems like O'Connor thought up some band names, scrambled them, and created his latest top 25. 

I wish I wrote for Yahoo! music.  

Kelly Keagy: The Bring Back Glam! Interview

Night Ranger are back and ready to release their first studio album in a decade. Hole in the Sun promises classic Night Ranger writing with a twist of modern guitar work. Drummer and vocalist Kelly Keagy recently spoke with Bring Back Glam! about Hole in the Sun, playing Rocklahoma with Triumph and about not being a "hair band." Transcription follows.  

Bring Back Glam!: Tell me about Night Ranger’s new album Hole in the Sun.

Kelly Keagy: About 2 years ago, we got a message from the Japanese record company King Records that they wanted us to do another Night Ranger record…we hadn’t done anything in ten years. We were just trying to settle in playing live. It’s really time consuming to make a record. A lot of times we’d shy away from it... You know, we always wanted to make another studio album and when this opportunity came up, we decided we’d take it on. We started during tour season, so it kind of took us awhile. We’d tour, then go back and work on it – we recorded in spurts. We kept getting excited. The songs were starting to come out. Everyone was writing; everyone contributed songs. This made the album go in a lot of different directions and that makes it more listenable I think. Not just one song after another that’s hard rock. We really got into it.

BBG!: Some of the reviews of Hole in the Sun say the album has a very modern sound. Were you mindful of that while recording?

KK: It just happened. You’ll hear the classic Night Ranger and you’ll also hear a more modern sound from the guitars. After 25 years of being a band, we’re going to be influenced of what is going on around us such as sounds and studio techniques. There were songs that we wanted to have a certain “sound” so we tuned down or layered the guitars. We kind of followed our instincts.

BBG!: Do you listen to a lot of modern bands?

KK: Not really. I don’t have a lot of new bands in my collection. I might have All American Rejects or The Killers…but I just felt like, you know, we started doing that about 10 years ago with Neverland in 1996 and in 1998, we did another record. Each time, we try to move toward what is going on, sound-wise.

BBG!: Night Ranger has never been image chasers. It seems like you ignored Motley Crue and Poison.

KK: We just made it up as we went along. I remember we just didn’t try to find a trend and copy them. It’s not like we set any trends, but we just followed our hearts. You know, we went with
“this feels right.” I feel we were a little ahead time-wise. We were already kind of doing our own thing. Later we got lumped in with the whole hair band thing which I think is funny. Our music is not hair band. There’s a certain style, musically, that was “hair band” style.

BBG!: Does the term hair band bother you?

KK: No, not at all. I know them all and we’re good friends. Guys like Mark Slaughter and we recently ran into the (Motley) Crue guys. I saw Vince (Neil) not long ago. I don’t think they’re a hair band. I just think everyone truly had big hair! I think everybody really had their own styles. A few copied each other, but I think bands were trying their best to be original.

BBG!: Rocklahoma is next month and Night Ranger is playing. Tell me about the set list.

KK: We’re playing with Triumph – our good old buddies! We played with Triumph back in the day…I think our first tour, we played a stadium show with them in Oregon. It’s going to be great.

BBG!: Did you know Triumph was on the bill when you signed your contract?

KK: We actually didn’t. They (Catch the Fever Festivals) kind of fill the gaps as they go. It was kind of like that. We’d call and check every week when they asked us to [play] six months ago or whatever.

BBG!: So, back to the Rocklahoma set list.

KK: Yeah, we have an hour. That’s hard to get in any new material, but we are going to play a new one. A song you’ll hear from me is a single we’ll release soon. Of course we’ll do all of our old radio hits, “When You Close Your Eyes,” “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me,” “(You Can Still) Rock in America” and some other AOR tracks like “Rumours in the Air.” Some older rock tracks like “Eddie’s Comin’ Out Tonight” and that’s the set list and of course, “Sister Christian.”

BBG!: Night Ranger is so unique because you have multiple singers. How does that work?

KK: We’re (Kelly and band mate Jack Blades) kind of influenced by similar styles. I have a rougher, harder voice so that works when it comes down to…I think the reason why it works is because it makes the albums less boring. It was an idea we had way back when was to have different vocal focuses. We experimented, and sometimes it would work and sometimes it wouldn’t. We listened back to see how it flowed from part to part with different singers. Jack’s (Blades, bass and vocals) been really gracious with songs that were big hits. He would just say “I think you might be good to sing this song.” I would put myself in the song and it would take me awhile to relate. We work at it. Sometimes it’s tough, like with “Goodbye.” Jack wrote that about his brother’s passing. He never got a chance to say goodbye and he wanted to sing it himself. At the same time, when he heard me sing it, it moved him to go “this is good enough.” He felt I could relay the message as good as him and that was really nice of him to let that happen. I was ready to go either way with that song; I knew it meant a lot to him.

BBG!: You’ve had some recent lineup changes, but it seems like Night Ranger is a tight-knit group.

KK: Jack and myself are the two singers and writers and Brad (Gillis, guitar) is becoming a great writer as well. He wrote some of the biggest hits with Jack. To keep the three of us together is the most important thing. When you lose a singer, you’ve lost the focus. I think the new players fit so well with us. Joel Hoekstra (guitar) is an old friend of mine as well as Christian Cullen (keyboard). I just knew these two guys were really special. They were able to cover songs really well. They are great people. The band has been playing – with this lineup- since the end of last year. I feel like we’ve come up a notch, with these players and with us and a new record. We’ve got new energy and we’re so excited to have a new record. It feels like it’s all fresh and new, even though we’ve been together 25 years.

BBG!: Do you think that excitement comes through during your stage show?

KK: I absolutely believe that. People say we seem to be three feet above the stage. At the shows, we’re having a great time. We’re all smiling, there’s interplay. Sometimes you can make it work and sometimes you can’t when the lineup isn’t original. I think we’ve been blessed and we’re lucky this is working.

Photo credit: Kelly Keagy via Myspace.