1. DANGER DANGER "Cockroach"

Recorded in 1993-1994.  Not officially released until 2001.  It would be easy for the Danger Danger fans to scream, "It's about time!", but those involved know this album was a hard fought battle won.  For those interested, drummer Steve West recalls the story in the liner notes.  The music here is what was to be the bands third album.  It is a slightly tougher sound than their first two records, mainly due to the absence of keyboards (for the most part).  Yet the production is very tight and these pop influenced hard rock songs are as good as it gets.  Highlights include the should've been hits, "Still Kickin'", "When She's Good She's Good", "Shot 'O Love", and "Don't Break My Heart Again".  Disc 2 features the original version with singer Ted Poley.  Ted's vocal delivery is a more girl-friendly, AOR-type voice.  If this had been the final version of the album, it would've been perfect.  But the band parted ways with Ted and replaced him with Paul Laine, who has a grittier, knock 'em dead singing style.  If this had been the final version of the album, it would've been perfect too!  The Ted Poley version has more of a good time feel, while the Paul Laine version sounds more serious, which is somewhat ironic considering they are singing to the same exact music tracks.  Just goes to show you how important the lead singer is to a bands identity.  It should be noted that six of the songs on "Cockroach" reappear in a re-recorded fashion on the Danger Danger albums with Paul Laine, "Four the Hard Way" (1998) and "The Return of the Great Gildersleeves" (2000).  However, you get all of the original versions with both singers here on this 2-CD set that remains an important piece of Danger Danger history.
 
 

2. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE E STREET BAND "Live in New York City"

First things first, this is Bruce Springsteen, Little Steven, Clarence Clemons and the rest of the reunited E Street band showing the kids how it's done.  Proving that amazing things come out of New York and New Jersey!
Next things next, "Born to Run" should never be reduced to being an unlisted bonus track as it is here.  An easier to follow track listing would've been nice too!
The album sounds great.  The band sounds alive and well, hitting as hard as ever on "Prove it All Night", "Badlands", "Out in the Street" and "Tenth Avenue Freeze Out", while being as dramatic as ever on the haunting new versions of "The River", "Youngstown" and "Atlantic City".  Although the E Street Band is certainly welcome back, one thing that is missing are the stories that Bruce used to introduce his songs with.  Also, it is a crime that "Thunder Road" and "Backstreets" did not make the final cut, while "Lost in the Flood", "Ramrod" and the slow version of "Born in the U.S.A." did.  Fortunately, the DVD version contains all of these songs and more.
 
 

3. HUEY LEWIS & THE NEWS "Plan B"

I've always had a soft spot for this band.  Their music always gives me a good feeling.  Like another one of my favorite bands, Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes, in their music you can hear R & B, pop, blues, soul, motown and rock n roll.  More so on this album then any of their others.  What makes "Plan B" even more meaningful is that is is pretty much their first record in 10 years! (In 1994, there was "Four Chords and Several Years Ago", an enjoyable oldies cover album, then there was the 1996 good, but incomplete "Best Of" record.)  Do your heart & soul a favor and add this album to your collection.  Songs like "We're Not Here for a Long Time", "My Other Woman", "I'm Not in Love Yet" and "Let Her Go and Start Over" will make everything better.
 
 

4. L.A. GUNS "Man in the Moon"

Forget the L.A. Guns history between "Vicious Circle" and this album.  Now read this review...

This is raw, fist in the air, in your face rock n roll.  L.A. Guns style.  The album carries the tough, bluesy vibe of their first two albums.  This is genuine hard rock music from a genuine hard rock band.  The title track kicks things off with a killer groove and cool harmonies.  "Beautiful" is a pop hit waiting to happen.  Other songs like "Spider's Web", "Don't Call Me Crazy" and of course the album closer "Scream" are definitive L.A. Guns.  A little bit of melody and production glossiness are missing from the album however but don't worry, if you wanna rock, look no further than "Man in the Moon"

5. MELODICA "Lovemetal"

This album has special meaning to me and Music and the City.  I actually won this autographed CD from a contest at www.thedarkesthours.com.  After listening to it, and loving it, I contacted lead singer Ted Poley and he agreed to be the first full length interview for this website.  I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Ted for the interview and thank Melodica for the music.

Click Here for "Ted Poley: The Voice of Melodica"
 

6. BON JOVI "One Wild Night Live 1985-2001"

With Bon Jovi being my favorite band, I have to say, I was disappointed in this release.  However, hearing "It's My Life", "Livin' on a Prayer", "Something for the Pain" and "Someday I'll Be Saturday Night" in any format would warrant a top ten record to me!  The problems we have here are that the songs don't sound as "big" as they usually do.  Jon's voice isn't in top shape here and there are no recordings from the "Slippery When Wet", "New Jersey" or "Keep the Faith" tours!  The majority of this record comes from the "Crush" world tour in 2000.  In fact, even the album cover looks like a "Crush" companion, which essentially is what this disc is.  Don't get me wrong.  This album is good, but any life long fan of the band will tell you it could've been better.
 
 

7. JOHN MELLENCAMP "Cuttin' Heads"

Skip the first song (the title track) and the remaining 9 songs on this record make for the best album John's released since 1987's "The Lonesome Jubilee".  His new deal with Columbia has definitely been a rebirth for him.  "Cuttin' Heads", his second record for the label, features the first single "Peaceful World" which is a perfect example of John's music today.  Low key, thoughtful verses followed by a catchy chorus.  Many emotions are tapped within the context of one song.  You'll notice the presence of female backing singers on this album that really make for a more melodic sound on songs like "Peaceful World", the hit-bound "Crazy Island" and "Just Like You".  There's even a country ballad, "Deep Blue Heart", sung as a harmonized duet with country star Trisha Yearwood.  There's the moody, sexual "The Same Way I Do".  The upbeat, humorous, yet honest "Women Seem" addressing John's appeal to women.  The remaining 3 songs, "Worn Out Nervous Condition", "Shy" and "In Our Lives" round out this solid album demonstrating John Mellencamp's appeal to not just women, but everyone.
 
 

8. BRITNEY SPEARS "Britney"

You can't escape Britney.  She's everywhere.  She's on the radio, television, in magazines and advertisements.  Not to mention her over the top HBO Live from Las Vegas Special.  Her sexy and sweet image and personality have found their way into millions of girls around the country.  And that's a good thing as far as I'm concerned.  Britney's third album includes the sexual groove of the first single, "I'm a Slave 4 U".  There is a pop gem in the very '70's sounding "Anticipating".  She gets a little more personal on this record, particularly on "Overprotected" and "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman", where she is trying hard to claim her independence.  Many of us can not imagine what it would be like growing up in the public eye as Britney has, but she is certainly handling it well.  As much as I like here personally, I do have to admit that there are a bit too many filler tracks on this album, but then again, I'm a rocker so I'm surprised I like any of this in the first place!
 
 

9. LILA McCANN "Complete"

Pop Country may not have been the flavor of the year in 2001, but this is Lila's 3rd album of wonderful, feel good music and everybody's gotta hear this young woman because trust me she can carry a tune from Nashville to the moon!  Her voice sings you the hook, her band keeps your heart beating with the music and they move along very nicely through these 10 perfectly crafted songs.  The album features such upbeat, love-themed songs as "Where It Used to Break", "Come a Little Closer", "Mighty Mighty Love" and "Lost in Your Love", as well as the pretty ballad, "Complete", which is worthy of being a love scene soundtrack.
 

 

10. JOURNEY "Arrival"

There were a lot of albums up for the #10 spot on this countdown.  I decided to give the honors to Journey because there is a very interesting story behind this album.  For starters, Journey broke up in the late '80's only to reunite for one album, "Trial By Fire" (1996).  Due to both medical problems and personal issues, world renowned vocalist Steve Perry left the band.  The remaining members decided to continue on under the Journey name with their new singer Steve Augeri.  Funny thing is, looking at the new line up, this could just as easily be considered a new Bad English album, being that 3 of these members were in that band.  (Bad English had one big hit in the early '90's, the Diane Warren penned power ballad, "When I See You Smile")  Another bit of irony is in the title, "Arrival", because Journey had an album in 1980 called "Departure".  Not to mention this album was released overseas in 2000, many months before its 2001 U.S. release.  With all of this in mind, there actually are songs on here that hold up to the great Journey hits.  Fans would be happy with "Higher Place", "All the Way", "Signs of Life" and "To Be Alive Again".  However, with Journey, Steve Perry was so identifiable.  I know many people will agree that he can not be replaced.  It should be interesting to see what the future will bring for Steve and the members of Journey.