Iggy Pop--Beat Em Up
Well folks, in case you didn't already know, this is the best album of 2001. On Beat Em Up, Iggy returns to his vicious rocking ways, making this his best outing since the great American Ceasar. This album has a very metallic edge that will appeal to people who were into Instinct-era Iggy but it also has a Stoogey edge which is more effective here than what came out on his Naughty Little Doggy album. Plus, these are some of the best songs Iggy has ever written--standouts include "L.O.S.T.", "Howl", the title track, and a secret unlisted track "Sterility". This is an absolutely manditory addition to your music collection. Iggy is still the king.
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W.A.S.P.--Unholy Terror
What you've got here is a classic W.A.S.P. album. Musically, this would be best described as a cross between the Headless Chiildren album, for the fact it's a solid concept album, and either The Last Command or Inside The Electric Circus, for the memorable songwriting. The standout track is a real shocker--"Euphoria" is like W.A.S.P.'s answer to "Planet Caravan" by Black Sabbath and is absolutely beautiful. This is about the only time Unholy Terror gives you a breath--otherwise, Blackie and crew are out to pummel you silly with vicious metallic rock. One of the best albums W.A.S.P. has ever done. You need this one.
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Dee Snider--Never Let The Bastards Wear You Down
Wow--amazing solo effort from the Twisted Sister frontman. Most of these tracks are leftovers from all the various projects Dee has been involved with over the years--from Twisted Sister, to Widowmaker, to Desperado, and beyond. This is all very similar sounding to Twisted Sister but the guitar playing is more technically sound and complex here. Predictably, the best tracks are those left over from the Stay Hungry days, though all these songs are solid. A really terriffic album that is worth hunting down.
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V/A--The Singles (1997-1999) Loverly Music
Mindblowing, overwhelming 2CD compitation of Loverly released singles, 1997-1999. Loverly's output may get overshadowed by the Shangri-La backcatalog (especially the pre-Sub Pop Grifters releases) in terms of quality Memphis indie, but it's just as essential. The songs on these CDs run the gamut style-wise--from country-tinged to flat-out rocking. That being said, it's important to point out that every song and artist on this compilation is great. Highlights include Lorette Velvette's dark and sultry tracks from disc one, Lucynell Crater's amazing pair of songs which kick off disc two, as well as the synth-driven beauty of Mouserocket, also from disc two. All in all, an absolutely essential collection which further proves a great deal of the best music being made in this world originates from Memphis, Tennessee.
Score this 2CD for $2 (!!!) from CONTAMINATED
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