Blackie turns Neon
Published April 28, 2004
The Neon God: part 1- The Rise
W.A.S.P.
(Noise)
Blackie Lawless has finally succumbed totally to his The Who fixation and released a concept album, which he clearly means to be his band's Tommy. Having previously covered 'The Real Me', Blackie and the boys go whole hog on this one. Alas, Blackie does not have the voice to match Daltrey's and when he tries to be earnest it does not really work. After repeated listens there does not seem to be anything on here that stands out (the problem of many a concept album). One does hope that part 2 might be a bit better than this outting. It's a shame but NG just does not work as an album. Still this gives W.A.S.P. an excuse to tour, which is fun for the punters. A big disappointment, one for avid W.A.S.P. fans only. If you want to hear Blackie do concept, the Crimson Idol is a much better bet.
Rating: 2/5
Marty's band, Growing Old Disgracefully, can be found at: Disgraceful Music. His Cthulhu tales can be found at Temple of Dagon. 
- Blackie turns Neon
- Published: April 28, 2004
- Type:
- Section: Music
- Filed Under: Music: News
- Writer: Marty Dodge
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Wow, I have to disagree with ya on this one, Marty. The sound quality and Blackie's production on Neon God is not good, but there are some good songs in the mix.
Also, the story behind this concept album is compelling and different and not standard 80's band W.A.S.P fare and that stands for something (at least 3/5 LOL).
This review is too brief and doesn't address the scope of the project, the supporting websites, the story of Jesse Slane, etc. Unlike so many other W.A.S.P offerings, this one actually tries to do something and tell a detailed story. Comparing it to Tommy isn't accurate or fair. The Who wasn't a heavy metal band. I think if you listen to it on a track by track basis and use that as a means of reviwing it, you'll come out not appreciating it as much as if you review the overall project.
I have a much longer and detailed review that I posted elsewhere, which I'll update and try and get it posted here in the next couple days.