Nothing’s free, pay for it all, can’t you see...
In the case of Anvil, truer lyrics have never been written. Who would have thought, 30 years after getting together, that they would finally find a measure of success? The recent documentary Anvil! The Story Of Anvil has received wide-spread critical acclaim, and I think that its pending DVD release will be huge.
But what about the music? Way back in 1982, I was a huge New Wave Of British Heavy Metal fan. I bought Anvil’s Metal On Metal based on the cover alone, and was not disappointed. Even though these guys were Canadian rather than British, it hardly mattered. The music fit right in with the Saxon, Raven, and Tygers Of Pan Tang records I was listening to.
This Is Thirteen is their latest. It was originally released in 2007, available only via the band’s website. In conjunction with the film, the newly formed VH1 Classic Records has just reissued This Is Thirteen with a bonus track.
And you know what? They still rock. I had completely forgotten about Anvil, until the documentary came out. So when the opening power chords of the title song kicked in, it was a genuine surprise to hear how good they still are.
Of course you have to wonder. How strong can a record by guys in their fifties be? Cut for cut, I’ll stack This Is Thirteen up against just about any metal record I have heard this year.
“Burning Bridges” contains the first of many shredding guitar solos by founding member Steve “Lips” Kudlow. Robb Reiner, who has been drumming with Lips since they were kids in 1973, is a powerhouse. His playing is exceptional throughout, especially on “Room #9,” and “Axe To Grind.”
The bonus track, “Thumb Hang” is a showcase for (relative) newcomer Glenn Five’s rhythm guitar. It is kind of a riffology seminar, and notably good. I’m a little surprised they left this song off the original This Is Thirteen release.
Article comments
1 - El Bicho
I haven't heard the name Fast Eddie Clark in ages. I should look into getting Fastway on CD
2 - Greg Barbrick
Wasn't he great? You know, I had kind of forgotten about that Fastway record too, might have to look into it as well.
3 - GROSSY KNOWS
As soon as thirteen was released by the band via a small table set up outside the bar they were at I slipped the disk into my car and was totally blown away! Why ddid this CD not get picked up by a major label it was just as relevent or better than alot of the self indulgent shite thats is out there. Great CD Fab movie could it see an Oscar node this year? I think so!!!!!!
4 - Greg Barbrick
Grossy,
I agree, this is an excellent record.
5 - Tony Gallo
"Thumb Hang" was not included on the on the original THIS IS THIRTEEN because it wasn't recorded until 2009. It was a song written when Lips was in high school. People asked for the song after hearing him talk about it in the movie...which of course came out after the first release of THIS IS THIRTEEN.
6 - Greg Barbrick
Tony,
I should have mentioned that, oops. It is a great song.