CHEAP TRICK
"Rockford"
(Cheap Trick Unlimited / Big 3 Records; 2006)
Reviewed by Snidermann
Since 1977, Cheap Trick has graced the airwaves with a steady stream of music and a whole new standard of rock. Now, fast forward to 2006 and guess what? Cheap Trick have released another studio album, "Rockford."
"Rockford" could have been recorded in the 70s. Cheap Trick's signature sound is still the same and it's still done with style and honor.
Cheap Trick latest few CDs haven't seemed to be as popular as their earlier releases. I think that may be due to the fact the band strayed away from the sound that made them really popular. "Rockford" remedies that. This release is full of catchy tunes and clever lyrics, reminding me of the Cheap Trick of old.
The magic of Cheap Trick is back and in full force with their latest release, "Rockford" (named after their home town of Rockford Illinois).
Cheap Trick: Robin Zander - vocals, guitars; Rick Nielsen - guitars; Tom Petersson - 12 string bass; Bun E. Carlos - drums.
For more information, check out http://www.cheaptrick.com.
"Sessions
@ AOL" (iTunes Exclusive/Big3 Records; 2005)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Recorded August 21, 2003 at AOL's Los Angeles studio, this five track E.P. captures the band's live performance as part of the promotion of their new CD, "Special One."
Stripped down, but not "acoustic" (as the iTunes website implies), "Sessions @ AOL" is one of those live CDs that will probably only appeal to fans. Although the band sounds just fine ... well, that's the problem. The band sounds "just fine." Usually, Cheap Trick deliver a performance that's sure to be memorable at the least. This recording just doesn't have the usual punch. This may be less a problem of the performance, now than I think of it, than the recording, which features no applause or audience noise (maybe there was no audience) and that lack of instant response is expected in a live performance. Here, it's absence is obvious here.
Still, there's some interesting stuff here, including some unusual fretwork by guitarist Rick Nielsen, whose sadly undersung but still stunning talent gives the songs here more life than they might otherwise have had. In addition, "Scent of a Woman," from "Special One," is given a particularly vibrant shot here, especially in comparison with the earlier stuff.
Overall, this is an EP that Cheap Trick fans will have to add to their collection, but others would be better off sticking to the classic "At Budokan."
Cheap Trick: Robin Zander - vocals, guitars; Rick Nielsen - guitars; Tom Petersson - 12 string bass; Bun E. Carlos - drums.
For more information, check out http://www.cheaptrick.com.
"Special
One" (Cheap Trick Unlimited / Big3 Records; 2003)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Before I begin this review I want all of our male readers (and that's most of you) to take a moment and say a silent thanks to the band members of Cheap Trick. That's because the first track, and first single, from "Special One" is "Scent of a Woman" and it's got the power to change our lives forever. "Scent of a Woman" is such a heartfelt tribute to women that just playing it for the woman in your life should make your life easier, even if just for a moment. It may make you roll your eyes at its maudlin lyrics and Robin Zander's plaintive (but still brilliant) vocal style but - as long as she doesn't see your eyes rolling - trust me, it'll touch her. So, if you've done something to piss her off, pick up this CD and play her the song. You'll be glad you did.
"Special One" is Cheap Trick's first new studio album in too damn long (the last was 1997's self-titled release). Even though it's been six years since the band recorded new material, the music contained in "Special One" is as distinctive as the band's first release, over 25 years ago. And "Special One" showcases a collection of musicians who are still at the top of their game.
Highlights of "Special One" include the aforementioned "Scent of a Woman" (which will pleasantly haunt your musical memory long after you first hear it); the almost eerie "Pop Drone;" "Sorry Boy," which pounds away with a get-the-hell-out-of-the-way rhythm (and was produced by Jack Douglas, who produced the band's first album back in 1977); the hip David Bowie-like "If I Could" and the last two tracks, "Low Life in High Heels" and "Hummer," (really more of a Part I and a Part II than two separate songs) which close the album with a razor sharp, typically edgy Cheap Trick tune.
Comparatively, "Special One" may be closer to The Beatles than, say, The Who. The guitars and tempos are strong, as always, but none of the songs rocks as hard as "Surrender" or "Dream Police" or are even as peppy as "I Want You To Want Me." Still, "Special One" shines with everything that's kept Cheap Trick popular for two and a half decades, and fans won't be disappointed.
The initial release of this CD contains a bonus DVD featuring videos for "Say Good Bye," "Hot Love," "Hard to Tell," "Woke Up With A Monster" and a rare homevideo recording of a live performance of "He's a Whore."
Cheap Trick: Robin Zander - vocals, guitars; Rick Nielsen - guitars; Tom Petersson - 12 string bass; Bun E. Carlos - drums.
For more information, check out http://www.cheaptrick.com.
"Music
For Hangovers" (Rhino) (DVD; 2002)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
This DVD version of the album reviewed below is exactly the same as far as the music is concerned, except that here the audio is available in stereo or 5.1 surround sound. The songs are identical, the performances are identical, the sequence is identical. So - if you're just interested in the music, you can stick with the CD.
The DVD, of course, in addition to the advanced 5.1 sound, also features the images of the live Cheap Trick performances of April 30, May 1, May 2 and May 3, 1998 at the Metro Theater in Chicago. As stated in the review below, Cheap Trick are one of the great live bands, and the performances contained in this DVD are more proof of that excellence. Also enhancing the experience are an audio commentary track with the band, interviews, a discography and various band information.
The audio commentary and interviews truly add to the complete experience here. After watching the interviews and watching the concerts with the audio commentary, one gets a real feel for what these nights meant to the band. They discuss their performances, the audience reaction, their nervousness before playing songs they hadn't played in years or, in some cases, never played live at all. It's the closest thing most of us will get to sitting around with the band after the show, sipping brewskis and discussing the show.
The DVD isn't perfect. First of all, the performances run only 65 minutes and there are no bonus "tracks" that don't appear on the CD. Secondly, some of the photography here leaves a lot to be desired. DVDs are supposed to be pure and clean and this one is a little fuzzy at times, even flat-out out of focus. Weird.
Still, "Music For Hangovers" is a collection of great live performances by a great live band. Cheap Trick fans will want to add this to their collection, and hang onto their CD to play in the car. The price is right - most places I've looked sell this DVD cheaper than the CD.
Those who've never experienced the band live may want to pick up this DVD to get a taste. But that's all you'll get - a taste. Nothing is like the live, in-person experience.
Cheap Trick is Bun E. Carlos; Rick Nielsen; Tom Petersson and Robin Zander.
For more information, please visit http://www.cheaptrick.com.
"Music
For Hangovers" (Cheap Trick; 1999)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Anyone who's ever seen Cheap Trick live knows that they are one of the most energetic and charismatic bands on stage. Their heavy pop sound transfers perfectly to the live arena and the band - both as musicians and as live performers - stands head and shoulders above most others. Cheap Trick is a band that can truly be called "veteran" because they've been around a long time and they continue to survive and to
thrive.
"Music For Hangovers" is a souvenir of sorts of the band's 1998 tour in which they performed several nights at the same venue, each night playing a different album in its entirety. And, as might be expected, the band's charisma carries over to the live recording fluidly.
As always, Bun E. Carlos delivers the band's incredibly strong backbeat. Robin Zander's vocals are nothing short of terrific (Nielsen calls him "The Man of 1000 Voices"). Tom Petersson continues to make bass-playing an art form. And then there's Rick Nielsen. The guitarist's guitarist. I seriously doubt there's anything this man can play that doesn't just blow me away.
He is one of my all-time favorite guitarists to listen to and to watch live.
Put on "Music For Hangovers" and turn it up loud. Cheap Trick rock hard and this CD is just another
piece in the parade of recorded evidence of their greatness.
Included herein are their biggest hits, "Surrender," "I Want You to Want Me," "Dream Police" and "Gonna Raise Hell" as well as terrific, lesser known hits such as "Mandocello" (featuring a guest appearance by Smashing Pumpkin Billy Corgan) , "So Good To See You" and "Oh, Claire."
Yeah, there's other stuff we'd all like to have heard on this CD, but you can't have it all. Pick up this CD and play it loud. Quite simply, it will kick your ass.
One small word of warning: The title is just a title. Playing this record will not cure hangovers.
(Trust us on this...)
Cheap Trick is Bun E. Carlos; Rick Nielsen; Tom Petersson and Robin Zander.
For more information, please visit http://www.cheaptrick.com.
Reviewed by Snidermann
Cheap Trick’s "Heaven Tonight" was released in 1978 and I used to listen to it (on vinyl) front to back for hours on end. Over the course of my musical lifetime, this recording has slipped to the rear of my musical recollection. Also over the years, I have listened to whatever Cheap Trick's latest CD was I always compared it, subconsciously, with "Heaven Tonight." I know that is probably unfair.
Recently, I found this recording at my local record store and couldn't resist buying it. I put the CD in my car player and I was instantly transported to my teenage years when I was listening to that old vinyl recording. "Taking Me Back" is more poignant today than ever.
"Heaven Tonight" is by far the best Cheap Trick release by sheer volume of really killer cuts. Each song is strong and there are some that are as fresh and clear as they were almost thirty years ago. In fact, this CD features my favorite Cheap Trick track of all time: "On Top Of The World." I had forgotten that song until I heard it for the first time in years (more years than I want to remember). It's still great today.
"Heaven Tonight" is simply one great recording, be it in 1978 or 2007. The songs are fun, tight and very well done. If you've forgotten about this recording, go out right now and purchase a copy. You will not be disappointed.
Cheap Trick: Bun E. Carlos; Rick Nielsen; Tom Petersson and Robin Zander.
For more information, please visit http://www.cheaptrick.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2007 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 20 May 2009 10:58:48 -0500.
