Pretty Maids CD Reviews

PRETTY MAIDS

"Future World" (CBS; 1987)

Reviewed by Snidermann

I may not be a rock'n'roll historian, but I consider myself pretty knowledgeable when it comes to hard rock / heavy metal in the '80s. After all, I lived through it!

Still, I have a few questions about Pretty Maids:
1) Why have I never heard of this killer band?
2) Why do they have the worst name in rock'n'roll history?

"Future World" was released on CBS Records in 1987. The music is the pinnacle of the hair band sound but without all the glitzy baggage associated with the 80s hair band scene. Since I've never seen what the band looks like (having never heard of them before I picked up this CD) I'm basing this purely on the music found on this CD. For all I know their hair was out to here but this CD proves they were about more than hair spray and spandex.

For one thing, the power ballad never sounded as good and as well done as it is on "Future World." Those of you who don't like power ballads - don't worry. There are only a few here. The other tracks are all above-average 80s metal with a touch of well-played and mostly appropriate keyboard mixed in.

If you were ever a fan of the hair band sound (and, come on, we know we're out there!) you will love this shit. Play it at full volume to get the total effect and the rock'n'roll essence literally explodes from this very well-produced CD (which still sounds great today!).

This shit easily blows away anything produced in the States at the time. Again, I cannot believe I have never heard of them. Now I've got to get online and do some serious research!

Pretty Maids was a total surprise to me. I wasn't really interested at first - the band's name just put me off - but this is one case where the old adage certainly applies: Do not judge a book (or CD) by its cover. Pretty Maids just plain fucking rocks.

I think I will spin it again right now!

Pretty Maids: Ronnie Atkins - Vocals; Ken Hammer - Guitars; Allen Delong - Bass; Alan Owen - Keyboards; Phil Moorheed - Drums.

For more information, check out http://www.prettymaids.net.

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.

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