Good grief what absolute, unadulterated, knuckleheaded fun.
Anyone else like ‘em? Not sure how I got on this kick. A couple years ago I bought “Dr. Feelgood” on the strength of so many great reviews. You know, you see these thrashers being interviewed and they go on about how the Motleys were the enemy of “true metal” but when they heard Bob Rock’s production work on that album they were all blown away. I was familiar with the title track and really liked it, but I hated the rest of the album and gave it away.
A few weeks ago someone played a song called “Wildside” on a juke box. Man I really liked it. So I thought I’d give these knuckleheads another chance. I found the first 2 albums, and Girls,Girls,Girls, remastered and for cheap. Been enjoying the crap outta these albums.
I think the only “musician” in this band who’s worth a damn is Mick Mars/Bob Deal. The guy has an interesting history. He managed to reinvent himself later in life and made it big. Love his guitar playing. The crunch rhythm playing and his lead work is badass. IMO, he blows away a lot of thrash/metal guitarists.
Vince Neil: Awful singer. No range, no balls, but I like the attitude and snottiness. I guess for this band he’s the right fit.
Tommy Lee: What is the big deal about this guy? He’s just a run-of-the-mill rock drummer.
Nikki Sixx: He writes the songs, and he’s sort of the “leader” of this crew. All I’ve ever read or heard about this guy is that he can’t play bass worth a lick. So who’s playing bass on the albums? It’s gotta be a session cat because the bass sounds pretty good on the first album. I mean, I guess the guy must’ve learned enough bass to play live.
Of the 3 albums I got, my favorite is Shout At The Devil. What a killer, heavy metal album. According to Nikki Sixx he never wanted Motley Crue to be a heavy metal band. I guess they aren’t “metal” but this album kicks ass all over the place. To me it’s as snotty and obnoxious as “Kill ‘Em All.” Take a listen to “God Bless The Children Of The Beast.” It’s a creation by Mick Mars that rivals anything early Metallica was doing (imo). And their cover of “Helter Skelter” is nothing short of GREAT! Love it!
“Too Fast For Love” is raw, but that’s the charm. It’s a little punky, and power-poppy but I dig it on just the attitude more than anything. Favorite track is “Come On And Dance.”
“Girls, Girls, Girls:” You gotta have a sense of humor to enjoy this. Again, the guitar is what makes this album so cool, besides the whole sleazy, Sunset Strip attitude. Mick Mars comes up with some sick guitar riffs. It’s not metal, not quite “glam” but it’s Rock and Roll. C’mon, a little Motley Crue never hurt anyone…..
Bookmarks