Artist: Poison Title: “Greatest Video Hits” Label: Capitol Records Release Date: 6/5/2001 Genre: Glam Rock Rating: 8/10
When it comes down to the depiction of the Hard Rock scene of the eighties Poison is one of the first who comes to mind when you think of “HAIR METAL”. Whether you loved the band and found them brilliant or hated everything that they stood for and called them posers there was to be no denying that they made an impact on the music scene of the time. The band was an immediate hit on MTV and frequently held the highest positions in their top ten video countdowns; mind you this was a regular occurrence because back then MTV actually showed videos and the Hard Rock scene of the 80’s was one of the things that fostered this networks growth as a pending super power. During their heyday, this band was not on my list of favorites but even though this was the case I thought that their videos were always a lot of fun. They were young, playing hard rock music and every scenario showcased a lot of fun antics going on. They all looked like they were having a good time and they always seemed to land the best-looking girls in all of these films. These factors led to a large part of the bands appeal for it seemed like they were all living the Rock and Roll dream of stardom and success. What teenager did not long for a life like that when it came down to it. Looking back on these videos, some which I have not seen in many years made me realize the band in a different light. In today’s world the music of Poison is considered “Classic Hard Rock” and along with artists like Cinderella, and Ratt (all who still tour in some fashion) formed the larger part of the “Hair Metal” genre. The title is somewhat unfair because even though the hair was big and loaded with spray the bands could perform and always would give the audience a time they would not forget. The 17 videos featured on this DVD will bring you back in time when you begin watching. If you were one of those who grew up along with MTV and voted in those countdowns then most of these videos will be as clear as a bell to your memory and probably bring back other recollections from the time. Continue reading “Greatest Video Hits” by Poison→
Artist: Poison Title: “Seven Days Live” Label: Music Video Distributors Release Date: 3/14/2006 Genre: Glam Rock Rating: 7/10
Warning to all diehard Poison fans: This DVD does NOT feature guitarist C.C. DeVille. Yes, for a few years the group carried on without him and recorded as well as toured and to some fans the music that was created during this period was some of the bands best music ever. It was still Rock and Roll but instead of focusing on the quick and easy formula of their past the band now showed a more mature level of songwriting. Joining Brett, Rikki, and Bobby would be Richie Kotzen who really brought a tasty and bluesy style to the material the band was doing. The album that featured Richie’s debut was “Native Tongue” and the DVD film showcases six songs from this record in the set. These highly musical and interesting tracks are surrounded by the Poison classics that everyone who follows the group expects to hear in a live setting. Filmed during the “Native Tongue” tour the show is from The Hammersmith Apollo recorded on April 23rd 1993. The concert itself is pretty good and the band who are a few years into their career show a strong command of the stage and how to give their audience the very best. Brett is a very talented front man and he knows what the crowd reacts to most. It was interesting to see how tight the playing was with new guitarist Kotzen also and even more interesting to see his take on the C.C. DeVille material. To be honest he is simply a better guitar player but half of C.C.’s appeal was his showmanship and antics, Richie does not do any of that stuff and simply plays his heart out. There is also a short drum solo from Rikki Rocket that his fans will enjoy as well. Production wise the DVD is fine, but there are no bonus features to enjoy. The live concert shoot is all you get but it is at least presented in it’s entirety with no breaks to band commentary. I hate when bands do that as it ruins the performance vibe. Continue reading “Seven Days Live” (DVD) by Poison→
Artist: Poison Title: “The Best Of: 20 Years Of Rock” Label: Capitol/EMI Music Release Date: 4/6/2006 Genre: Glam Rock Rating: 8/10
20 years ago Poison made the Metal heads cringe with their lipstick and hairspray filled brand of Rock and Roll. The dividing lines were officially drawn and it was Headbanger versus Poser from then on and with this CD the band celebrates their history with an 18 song hits package. The band was an instant MTV hit with their fun-filled videos and cartoon character antics. Lead singer Brett Michaels became the girls favorite but drummer Rikki Rocket also was someone who they favored. The guitar work of C.C. DeVille was fun and never overly technical while Bobby Dall held it together on bass. Looking back on it there was more fun and catchiness to these songs than I would have expected back when they first hit the scene. During their popularity peak, I was one of the Headbangers and not the bands biggest fan. However when one looks back on this brand of Rock and Roll you can’t help but find yourself remembering the choruses or videos from these songs as they play since they had been given so much radio and television presence. Continue reading “The Best Of: 20 Years Of Rock” by Poison→
Artist: KISS Venue: PNC Bank Arts Center (Holmdel, NJ) Opener: Poison and ZO2 Label: Sanctuary Records Date: 07-20-2004
KISS Returns once again!!! The “Farewell Tour” has ended and so has the “World Domination Tour”. Now KISS has come back with the “Rock The Nation” tour and the first stop in the Tri-State area was New Jersey’s PNC Arts Center. KISS’ return this time around would be without two of its founding members. Sadly, Lead Guitarist Ace Frehley has been gone for a few years, replaced by Black N Blue’s Tommy Thayer. Most recently, Drummer Peter Criss has been replaced by Eric Singer who fans remember well from a couple of KISS albums in the 90’s (“Revenge” and “Carnival Of Souls”). These guys are decked out in the full costumes and makeup of the founders which I admit bothered me at first since I grew up with this band. However, seeing Tommy play his part as Ace and knowing full well the abilities of Eric Singer I looked past it, and decided to go. Continue reading KISS @ PNC Bank Arts Center (7/20/2004)→
