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With their first studio album since 2000, Motley Crue is
back with a vengeance. Saints of Los Angeles,
the first album featuring all of the original members of the
Crue since 1997's Generation Swine, is a sonic journey
into the inner workings of a band who has lived life to excess.
Originally titled The Dirt, Saints of Los Angeles
is a collection of songs loosely based on many of the outrageous
stories found in their book of the same name.
This album screams of punk rock and glam metal
influence, while adding a few modern touches to round out
an excellent outing from the Crue. Songs such as “Down
at the Whiskey” and “This Ain't a Love Song”
remind us of the heyday of the Crue in the '80s, while “Mutherfucker
of the Year” and “The Animal In Me” represent
more of a modern feel that may appeal to a younger generation
of Crue fans. The title track of the album certainly will
not disappoint longtime fans and may single handedly
be responsible for breathing new life into the Crue's career.
The song's release and success on Rock Band exposes
a new generation of fans to the band's catalog of classics
and positions them as a relevant musical force for years
to come.
Despite many instances at recent live shows
where Vince's vocals have been less than spectacular, they
are dead on throughout the album. Nikki Sixx remains
a top-notch songwriter and has collaborated with a variety
of people on this album, including the album's producer, Sixx:
A.M. vocalist James Michael. Tommy and Mick also have songwriting
credits on several of the album's tracks. Mick, the most elusive
and silent member of the band, remains a top notch guitar
player who lays down some killer riffs in this outing. Tommy
has finally returned to the band and has brought his booming
rhythm section along with him.
Given the Crue's history of internal and external
conflict, this album could be their last for a while. Any
fan of hard rock should pick up this album. Although Dr.
Feelgood still remains the Crue's definitive masterpiece,
Saints of Los Angeles nips at it's leather studded
heels. Highlights include “Face Down in the Dirt,”
“The Animal in Me,” and “This Ain't a Love
Song.”
TRACKLISTING
L.A.M.F
Face Down in the Dirt
What's it Gonna Take
Down at the Whiskey
Saints of Los Angeles (Gang Vocal)
Mutherfucker of the Year
The Animal in Me
Welcome to the Machine
Just Another Psycho
Chicks = Trouble
This Ain't a Love Song
White Trash Circus
Goin' Out Swingin'
®2008 Live-Metal.net
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