Artist: The New York Dolls Title: “One Day It Will Please Us To Remember Even This” Label: Roadrunner Records Release Date: 7/25/2006 Genre: Glam Rock
Rating: 4/5
The New York Dolls were probably the most driving and influential force in what would become known as the Glam Rock movement because at the time of their inception there was no such thing. Without the music of the Dolls the world would have never seen the likes of KISS, Hanoi Rocks and even Poison. Their mix of Glitz and Sleeze along with Rock & Roll showed that all three could be mixed and work together very well. The songs back then focused on things like the N.Y. streets, drugs and women and thus were a genre started. Others would watch closely, use these influences and adapt them into their own styles – others who would also change the way Rock music was accepted as being able to be done. Originally formed by David Johansen, Johnny Thunders, Arthur Kane, Sylvain Sylvain and Billy Murcia, 2006 would find the band reunited with only Johansen and Sylvain left from the early days. Today the group is made up of those two originals along with Sami Yaffa (bass), Steve Conte (guitar), and Brian Delaney (drums). The question arises in the relevance of such a Reunion with so few originals remaining to make it work and the answer is that this does work on many different levels. The Rock of today needed a band like the Dolls to kick them in the tail pipe once again because it has gotten too lame and too boring. Those that fear the Metal side and want safer ground surely could use the Dolls as music that delivers what it promises to. Solid Rock and Roll with a healthy dose of attitude instead of powdery puffed hit makers directed at the youth by the likes of MTV. Continue reading “One Day It Will Please Us To Remember Even This” by The New York Dolls→
Artist: Poison Venue: PNC Bank Arts Center (Holmdel, NJ) Opener: Cinderella, Ever After Date: 8/6/2006 Label: Capitol Records
After almost two weeks of stifling heat in the immediate areas of New York & New Jersey there seemed to be a slight break coming until folks hit the PNC Bank Arts Center where they would quickly find out that it was going to get hotter than they had ever imagined. Yes, in celebration of their 20th Year as a band the one and only Poison would arrive and with special guest openers Cinderella. Poison had recently released a number of products on the public with the first being a career spanning best of entitled “20 Years Of Rock”. In addition, their first three albums in the back catalog received the remastering treatment while a DVD of a later performance finally saw the light of day. All of these things put together were a great example of how Poison did things and provided their fans with memorable music that has withstood the years. Kicking off the night would be the band Endeverafter who I did not manage to see and since I needed to be prepared to take Cinderella shots on top of the Poison ones I did not mind this at all. I heard they were pretty good from some folks who did check them out. Continue reading Poison & Cinderella @ PNC Bank Arts Center (8/6/2006)→
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: “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: New York Dolls Title: “All Dolled Up” Label: Music Video Distributors Release: December 6, 2005 Genre: Glam Rock Rating: 8/10
As you may or may not know, this DVD was put together by rock photographer Bob Gruen and his wife Nadya, who purchased a video camera and over a three year period recorded over 40 hours of footage, including live performances, backstage and interviews with the band. This allows you an intimate look at such a fascinating band. Videography was so rare at the time, this whole piece is a gem taking a look at the early career of the Dolls. A large portion of the DVD focuses on David Johansen (vocals), Arthur Kane (bass), Jerry Nolan (drums), Sylvain Sylvain (guitar) and Johnny Thunders (guitar) doing what they do best, performing, intermixed with some interview cuts and bonus features. Continue reading “All Dolled Up” by The New York Dolls→
