Because Depths of Mental Instability, Ltd. just doesn't sound as cool...
| Because Depths of Mental Instability, Ltd. just doesn't sound as cool...
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Alex’s Reviews #4: Alice Cooper – Trash (1989)
Tracklist:
1. Poison 2. Spark In The Dark 3. House of Fire 4. Why Trust You 5. Only My Heart Talkin’ 6. Bed Of Nails 7. This Maniac’s In Love With You 8. Trash 9. Hell Is Living Without You 10. I’m Your Gun
Rating: 5/5
Alice Cooper, the Godfather of shock rock comes into the heavy metal scene with Trash, his last album of the 1980’s. This album is mainly about sex and rock n’ roll; but mainly sex. From the S&M lyrics (and video footage) of “Poison”, to the sensitive “Only My Heart Talkin’”, this is one of Alice Cooper’s best albums in my book. Some consider this to be a “Pop/Metal album” or “Alice Cooper trying to sound like Bon Jovi”, whatever the case may be, you’d have to be a fool not to like this heavy metal classic. The album starts off with “Poison”, one of my (and Matt’s) favorite Alice Cooper songs. “Poison” reached the top of the charts in no time when it was first heard, and there’s no trouble seeing why. This song has great guitar riffs, and one hell of a chorus. “Spark in the Dark” is full of the sexual theme. The vocals are clear, and so are the instruments. “House of Fire”, is the third track, with Aerosmith’s Joe Perry on lead guitar and background vocals. While this song may sound like a Bon Jovi type song, Alice Cooper still keeps it up with his sex appeal lyrics. “Why Trust You” is full of metaphoric, yet weird lyrics; lyrics Alice Cooper was known for. This song has a good rhythm and nice speed constructed by guitars and drums. It’s a nice little “break-up” song. “Only My Heart Talkin’” has Alice Cooper showing his sensitive side with a ballad. With a guest appearance of Aerosmith’s lead vocalist, Steven Tyler, you can be sure this is a great ballad. Also notice, violins are being played in the song to make it more beautiful. The S&M (that’s sadomasochism for you young people) continues with “Bed of Nails”, my favorite song off this album. It has a slow beginning, with Alice muttering some words, and then gets off with hard hitting guitar riffs, sexual lyrics, and a very good chorus. “This Maniac’s in Love With You” is a little odd song that seems to tie in with “Spark in the Dark”. It’s a terrific song, shouldn’t be ignored, even if it might sound “popish’’ to some. The title track, “Trash” features guest vocals by Bon Jovi (although, near the end of the song, it sounds like Steven Tyler to me). This song has a terrific guitar beginning, a very good chorus, and the vocals sound great. This would be a perfect song to turn up loud in your car with the windows down (just don’t blow your eardrums out), while driving. “Hell is Living Without You” is the other ballad of the album. Alice provides us with ingenious lyrics for this ballad. This song has Richie Sambora from Bon Jovi on guitars. Great song about someone who wants someone else so bad, they’d do anything. The final song, “I’m Your Gun” is an underrated song. This song is a very good song with a good chorus (and sort of comical if you look at it), continuing and sadly, ending with the sexual appeal theme that this album was chock full of.
Love him or hate him, Alice Cooper is still the Godfather of Shock Rock. Anyone who thinks that Alice Cooper was trying to be your typical “80’s hair metal band”, or “going pop” with this album, is clearly mistaken, and should listen to this album again until it sinks in. Alice Cooper is here to stay. Pic obtained from amazon.com, so if you're thinking about suing, I'll have you know that I'm good friends with Eric Draven... |
