Rock Report
Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the 2nd instalment of the hopefully long Glamnation series released on Hollywood’s very own 272 Records. Just like the first chapter the purpose of this here compilation is to make you acquainted with the many talented bands that are currently inhabiting the land of glam and sleaze rock. And that these fine combos come from various corners of the globe is proven right here cause we have representatives from the USA, Sweden, the UK, Australia, Canada, Norway, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and even Brazil!
I have to admit though that not all of the acts included can be filled under ‘glam pur sang” (some walk the fine line between glam and punk others serve up a mix of sleazy, balls out rock ’n roll) the end result is a collection of sweat drenched, sexually charged, energetic tunes. Some of the acts are signed while others are still waiting to sign on the dotted line of that elusive record deal, some tracks are taken from recent releases while others date back a couple of years (or even close to 2 decades in the case of Oney), production on the individual tracks varies from OK to excellent but none of this has spoiled the pleasure of listening to the disc.
Going over each of the tracks included would lead us too far so I will concentrate on the definite highlights. The disc opens up with the title track of the latest single released by Swedish glamsters Danger and this ’80’s styled, funfilled, cruisin’ with the top down tune immediately snaps up one of the highlight trophies. And guess what the next track does exactly the same! Fables Last Stand’s “Road Religion” is carved from the same stone as the 2 releases by UK’s Tokyo Dragons: a blast of “70’s influenced rawk ’n roll with definite Thinl Lizzy overtones. The party is continued in style with “Let’s Rock” by Kelly Fairchild (whose “Starland” disc got 2 thumbs up by yours truly on these pages) and “Tenielle” by Robot Army. The latter is a mix of pop rock and melodic rock, much like Signal meets Orphan complete with a gorgeous melody and chorus.
The title of “long lost gem” goes to “Rock Crazy brought to us by US outfit Oney. The track is taken from their 1989 6-track EP released through 4Play Records. The guys obviously loved the sound of the first TigerTailz album and knowing that said album is one of my all time favourite platters, it’s needless to say I LOVE this cut. Hopefully one of the many re-issue labels will give the aforementioned EP a second leach on life some time soon.
Up next are Norway’s Bangkok Babes with a tune from their “Locket ’N Chain” platter which came out one Chavis Records in 2003. I’m glad it’s included here cause it reminded me of just how good these guys are.
Other fine moments come in the shape of “Exploited Teens” by Decadent Daughters (up-tempo glam/punk with a tip of the hat to Tracy Gang Pussy), SHAM’s “TGIF” (glam pop of the finest order) and “I’d Give It All” by Aaron Morales (PBF meets Poison).
Bottom line is that if you’re a fan of this kind of music you could do much worse than spend your money on compilation that offers you 22 tracks and clocks in at an impressive 79 minutes.