A trio of new releases from bands producing their best work since the 1980's.
Whitesnake – Good To Be Bad
The Mighty ‘Snake return (perhaps for the last time if Coverdale is to be believed) with a monster of an album that storms through the whole canon of cock-rock, from Zeppelin to Lizzy and almost every shade in between. This album demands your attention with unapologetic sturm and drang; no stone or volume knob has been left unturned to ensure that every last ounce of power has been squeezed out of a fine selection of songs.
Although never quite reaching the heights of the mega-selling 1987 this is a more consistent collection that merges the both the blues-rock and hair-metal eras of Whitesnake to great effect with plenty for fans of either era to get their dentures into.
Amongst all the pyrotechnics on display it’s ironic that album closer 'Til the End of Time is the stand-out track. A slower number mixing and matching from Purple Mk III’s Soldier of Fortune, Zeppelin’s Bron-Y-Aur Stomp & Bon Jovi’s Wanted Dead Or Alive, there could be no finer finale if it is indeed to be goodbye from Redcar’s finest son.
Good To Be Bad is far from perfect - the over-the-top production can sometimes get in the way and DC’s lyrics often stray uncomfortably close to ‘Moon in June’ territory; but this is a triumph of an album that probably comes as close to recreating the glory days as we’re ever likely to get.
Rating: Essential
Def Leppard – Songs From The Sparkle Lounge
I’ve never been the world’s greatest Leppard fan. I found them too calculating, too contrived and mostly just too bland for my taste. That’s not to say that I haven’t found myself tapping along to them over the years – it’s just that I don’t find them terribly inspiring.
Although Songs From The Sparkle Lounge is undoubtedly their best collection since Hysteria it remains more of a light snack than a 3 course meal - enjoyable enough at the time but instantly forgotten. Having said that, the execrable faux-Queen layered harmonies of Love would be best forgotten but leaves such a nasty aftertaste that it threatens to overwhelm the remaining tracks.
Love aside this is a competent collection of radio-friendly rock that doesn’t disappoint.
Rating: Good
Rush – Snakes & Arrows Live
If this double disc collection proves one thing it’s that you can’t get too much of a good thing. This is Rush’s third live offering in 5 years yet it sounds as fresh and as powerful as anything from their 30 year plus career.
Old favourites are dusted off and given new lease of life whilst more recent tracks from Snakes & Arrows take on a new dimension in the live arena. This is a band caught in the act of finding a new drive and enthusiasm - long may it continue.
Rating: Essential
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