After a bit of a drought of CDs to review; the order was restored when I received two packages for my reviewing pleasure. Things are as eclectic as they have been of late with a bit of cheesy easy listening tossed into the mix. The transition from louche lounge type material to sub-sleaze metal is an interesting one to be sure.
But first lets start off with a couple of cracking singles. One of which I have found myself playing several times a day with a requisite sing-a-long.
CD Singles
Fatal Smile: "Learn-Love-Hate"
This lot are from Stockholm and have all the attitude of Backyard Babies with the talent to match. The first single from their forthcoming Neo Natural Freaks is a straight ahead rocker with the catchiness and attitude needed for this sort of heavy rock. As a taster for the album I can't think of better single in a long time. This is a great slab of rock n' sleaze. The fact there is a great video of the track included just makes things all the sweeter. The band looks the part. This is what the Brides of Destruction should have been. I can't wait for the full album and hope these lads show up in the UK rather soon.
Crucified Barbara: "Play Me Hard"
Peddling the same sort of female grouch rock as Slunt does so well; CB have released yet another track that has all the subtlety of boot to the head. Seriously heavy hard rock with attitude and talent to match is on show here in droves. This lot certainly show young girl bands how to do it right. Suffrajets could do with taking a few cues from these girls. Its just great fun and leaves you so wanting to hear the ladies live. The track that backs the single (and video) is a little ditty called "My Heart is Black." The track retains the attitude despite the laid-back format. The track is almost an update to the Vixen track "Love is a Killer." Would it surprise you to know this lot are a bunch of Swedes as well?
CD Albums
James Warren — Jim's Easy Listening Album
Well the bloke out of the Korgis has recorded a 16 song collection of uber-cheesy songs. Groups like the Carpenters, Poco and Loggins & Messina just seep from this collection. From the '"he Leaving Time" through the demo of "Everybody's Got to Learn Sometime" (which was a huge hit worldwide for Warren) there is mellow vibe flowing through the CD. Warren, mainstay of such bands as the aforementioned Korgis and Stackridge certainly has a talent for this sort of thing. Mellow sax and that easy listening percussion pervade. This is exactly what you expect to hear from those MOR stations that you hear in doctor's office. Despite the fact this sort of music drives me 'round the bend there is no arguing with such talent.
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