DEE SNIDER
"Never
Let the Bastards Wear You Down" (Koch; 2000)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
The ten songs on this CD were written by Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider for various projects throughout the years. These are his favorite songs of the tunes that were "rejected" by other band members, friends and record executives. At first blush, that's not exactly the best collection of songs to gather together and release on one CD, now is it?
Once you spin "Bastards," however, you come to realize that some of these songs deserve to be recorded. Starting with the first track, "Hard Core," a fiery little ditty written about and for the legendary Lemmy of Motorhead (a tune Motorhead performed on the soundtrack to the film "Fresno Smooth"), this CD contains some pretty good stuff. Snider says that he always writes way too many songs for each album. Apparently, when you "overwrite" each album, a lot of good stuff gets left on the rehearsal room floor.
Other tunes worth mentioning include "Call My Name," a desperate cry for fame, "Our Voice Will Be Heard," a "We're Not Gonna Take It"-like anthem, an admittedly Aerosmith-y number called "Sometimes You Win" and a heartfelt ode to Snider's wife, Suzette, entitled "Rider Through the Storm."
There are a few less-than-stellar efforts here as well. A cover of the 50s classic, "The Wanderer" is one of them (didn't you learn anything from the "Leader of the Pack" debacle, Dee?) and "Uh Huh Huh," Snider's attempt to write a Led Zeppelin rip-off (which he freely admits) and comes off too much like Elvis (also admitted in the liner notes).
Twisted Sister and Dee Snider fans don't have to think twice - this record should be in your collection.
Appearing on "Never Let the Bastards Wear You Down" are: Dee Snider - vocals; Tony Palmucci - guitars; Derek Tailer - bass; A.J. Pero - drums; Dan McCafferty - guitars.
For more information, check out http://www.deesnider.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 © 2002 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 29 Apr 2012 17:32:35 -0500.
