When Flesh and Bone came out in 1990 I wrote it off pretty quickly. It seemed to me like a couple of hit singles thrown in with a lot of lousy filler material. I wondered if the band wasn’t falling back on its hit-making formula for a few numbers, then just throwing together any old crap to fill out the album.
Listening to it again, I can’t believe how wrong I was. This is a band at its most mature. They have grown as songwriters and musicians. The music here is more than just cock rock, it’s infused with the blues and incorporates a range of styles and musicianship.
I can see why I didn’t like it to begin with, for it is quite different from their previous outings. And different is no good to a 14-year-old boy who wants to rock.
Sure the cock does peek its head out to rock here and there and especially on the hit single “Unskinny Bop,” but they also play with odd experimentation, ("Strange Days of Uncle Jack"), bluesy acoustic instrumentals, ("Swamp Juice (Soul-O)"), and Eagles-esque harmonies ("Let It Play").
Together it makes for their best album to date and a movement away from the shallow depth of hair metal and into something, if not exactly deep. then a more mature musical entity.
The extra tracks include a blazing instrumental, “God Save the Queen” and an acoustic take of “Something To Believe In” with a few different lyrics.
With the re-release of their first three disks, Poison is giving their fans a better sound than they’ve ever had before, and those who've never heard of them before a pristine example of why they were the kings of hair metal.
Article comments
1 - LONO
Indeed, Poison remains valid today to me as well. I was admittedlyt into hair metal back then, and much of it doesn't stand the test. Cat Dragged in stands up. Though cheeky, the tunes stand up.. Another good thing up this tour is they have their main dudes. If Brett and CC weren't both involved, I wouldn't care. I can't stress enough to bands how bad an idea it is to jettison the dudes who got you famous. Journey is touring without Steve Perry. That is dumb, and should be illegal. If the promoter has enough since to sell $10 lawn seats, I'll see you there. Thing is, they won't. Then tickets don' sell and do 2 for 1 on show day. Sorry for the rambling content and bad spelling, I am in a hospital
2 - Connie Phillips
This article has been placed at the Advance.net websites, a site affiliated with about 12 newspapers.
One such site is here.
3 - DJRadiohead
Lono, while I agree with you that I would prefer bands remain together I have to correct you on something regarding Journey. They are currently touring on a co-headlining stint with Def Leppard and ticket sales have done very well. They sold out Starwood Amph. in Nashville (17,000+) and that is not the only stop on the tour that has sold out.
I would rather Perry have been there and there are a lot of examples where these "replacement" tours tank or play state fairs but Journey/Def Leppard has managed to put butts in seats.
4 - Mat Brewster
Lono, good to hear from you. Hospital?
I wouldn't take Journey with or without Steve Perry but I get your point. Some of these bands still touring off of their hits that are decades old is a little ridiculous. Although I must admit whenever the Grateful Dead, or whatever they're calling themselves, roll around I check them out even without Garcia.
DJ quit proving once again that you have no taste! And don't remind me that I mentioned my deep felt love for Journey's "Faithfully" or that I'd give my left pancreas to see Def Leppard.
Connie, thanks for boosting this up.
5 - DJRadiohead
Sir Brewster, I have fabulous taste. My shit is tight, dude.
I just wanted to use that phrase. It really applies to nothing.
I do have great taste, though.
6 - Mat Brewster
Just don't try to prove it with another Guster review.
7 - -E
Congrats! This article has been selected as one of this week’s Editors’ Picks.
8 - DJRadiohead
My Guster reviews are all the proof I need.
9 - Guppusmaximus
I would take Journey even with Gary Cherone at the mic over any Grateful Dead show...Period!
Anyways, screw this glam rock crap and go to an Iron Maiden show. Atleast they still write originals and their new album KICKS!!
10 - Mat Brewster
Journey over the Dead? Thems fighting words. Can't say I ever really got into the Maiden, other than on Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure that is.
11 - Guppusmaximus
"Huh...Oh Yeah, EXCELLENT!"
Dude, "Journey over the Dead" would be a cool tribute band. Or, we could use the name and start a Death Metal band... *Geerrrrooowwwll*
12 - Guppusmaximus
We could go from "Faithfully" right into "Touch of Grey"....LOL!!
13 - Mark Saleski
hey, guppus made a funny!
dang.
14 - Mat Brewster
How about a Wheel in the Sky->St Stephen->Drums?
That would be something.