STRANGER – Rock Solid (2010 / 11)

STRANGER is a legendary four-piece Rock ‘N’ Roll band from Tampa, Florida that gave us a stunning major-label debut back in 1982.

That disc showcased the band’s southern roots in the riff-monster “Swamp Woman” and opening cut “Jackie’s So Bad” which was actually covered by a young Tesla.

As consummate road dogs, Stranger gained a fanatical following throughout Florida and earned the respect of Pat Travers, Molly Hatchet and the Outlaws while competing for the same crowds.

They rose to success as a smokin’ club act, and opened for international headliners UFO, Triumph and Ted Nugent, to name a few.

Eventually they attracted the attention of Peavey Electronics who heavily endorsed the band. Sadly they fell victim to record company politics and fickle executives… and were dropped before releasing their second platter, No Rules (1989).

Lack of major label support didn’t faze them as they successfully released a series of self-distributed LP/EP releases on their own Thunderbay label.

“Rock Solid” is a fantastic compilation resurrecting the band’s greatest moments and making a fitting tribute to the band’s legendary guitarist Ronnie Garvin who passed in 1996.

Completely remastered, this 20-track ‘best of’ includes seven cuts from their ’82 debut, three from ‘No More Dirty Deals’ (1991), three more from ‘No Rules’ (1989) and four off ‘Angry Dogs’ (1993).

It’s hard to pick highlights when all are cherry picked favorites.

The first 7 tracks are from their self-titled ’82 album, including the aforementioned “Swamp Woman”, the riff-heavy “Comin’ To Get You” (complete with a tasty bit of Uriah Heep-like keys) and the very early Dokkenish “Dirty & Mean”.

Garvin was a huge fan of Ronnie Montrose, Eddie Van Halen and UFO’s Paul “Tonka” Chapman with chops that showcase his diversity and technique as a player. That’s evident on the Van Halen-esque “Ready To Fight” or the Montrose-like “Shake Down”.

With a much updated production, “Okeechobie Whiskey” has a great pounding bass/drum swagger and a monster Hammond organ.

“(This Time) Gonna Love You Baby” sounds powerful, a whiskey-soaked track with excellent guitar work and a very ‘live’ mix.

“Let Me Rock ‘N’ Roll” is a ball-bustin’ hard rocker in the vein of Tesla, while “Mama Mama” has a sizzling guitar and surprising modern keyboards ala ZZ TOP. Killer track.

Though “Dedication to Stevie Ray” (Vaughan) was written just a few months after the Texas guitarist passed, it’s feeling still packs as much emotion today.

Stick around for the two live cuts “Face To Face” and “Swamp Woman” to see just how good these guys were as a live band.

I never heard STRANGER before this compilation.

Now they become a personal favorite in this style: pure Classic Rock, straight-up old school hard-rockin’ tunes from the heart.

Production is surprisingly good, above the standards for an indie band, with a terrific drum sound (usually the weak side in this kind of recordings), direct amp-power guitars and a bad-ass vocalist, all perfectly mixed and arranged.

If you dig Classic Guitar Rock that delivers the riffage that matters, do yourself a favor and don’t miss “Rock Solid”.

VERY Good.

01 – Swamp Woman

02 – Comin’ To Get You

03 – Dirty & Mean

04 – Ready To Fight

05 – Shake Down

06 – Get On Up

07 – Rock ‘N’ Roll You Baby

08 – Okeechobie Whiskey

09 – (This Time) Gonna Love You Baby

10 – Let Me Rock ‘N’ Roll

11 – Alligator Joe

12 – Mama Mama

13 – Gimme The Rock

14 – Girl That Bad (Should Never Look So Good)

15 – I’m The Man You’re Looking For

16 – Never Look Back

17 – Poke Salad

18 – Dedication To Stevie Ray

19 – Face To Face (Live)

20 – Swamp Woman (Live)

Greg Billings – Vocals

Ronnie Garvin – Guitars

Tom (King) Cardenas – Bass

John Price – Drums

Randy Holt – Keyboards, Rhythm Guitar (1989-1992)

www.grooveyardrecords.com/strangerrocksolid.html

IF YOU LIKE IT, BUY IT!