BULLETBOYS – Rocked & Ripped (2011)
When some months ago I read about a new Bulletboys album this year, was hoping for the band’s return with new original material.
The first 2 discs from this rockin’ group are really good exponents of the hair metal days, plenty of hooks and a big sound, with great production.
Well, their just released album “Rocked & Ripped” consists of rocking’ versions of songs made famous by Mötley Crüe, Led Zeppelin, Elton John, Bon Jovi, Eddie Money, Styx, Accept and more.
Classic stuff but also a few interesting contemporary choices such as songs from P!nk and Amy Winehouse. Also included as bonus track is a new version of the Bulletboys’ biggest hit, “Smooth Up In Ya”. Some of these tracks have already surfaced before into tribute albums, some are brand new.
As on all cover albums some versions work and are really cool, some others not.
Motley Crue’s “Dr. Feelgood” is up and full of energy, with nice backing vocals and razor guitars.
“Livin’ On A Prayer” is pretty faithful to the original, a bit more groovy.
Talking about faith, it’s an extreme risk to version the immaculate classic “Faithfully” by Journey. Perry was unique. Surprisingly, this is one of the best versions on the entire recording. It happens that Marq Torien is a tenor, same as Perry, and his vocal inflections here are really well articulated. Impressive performance.
“Take Me Home Tonight” made famous by Eddie Money is ok, but the bad production on this particular track ruins the cover.
Accept’s stainless (uh!) classic “Balls To The Wall” is another good one with Torien using some studio tricks to make his vocals more raspy… Udo is hard to match. But the stars here are the good achieved twin razor guitar attack. Rocks.
“Free Fallin´” is a lovely and simply tune, but only can be sung with charm by Tom Petty. Anyway, this is a beautiful melody always pleasant to listen.
I don’t like Styx’s “Renegade” and Zepp’s “The Rover” versions, too much forced and distorted.
It’s curious to hear a modern rock song made by Bulletboys. “Fuckin’ Perfect” (P!nk) works because they have given the song a Enuff Z’ Nuff approach / style.
Giant’s classic “I’ll See You In My Dreams” was a bad choice, this tune needs a major production to sound grand.
“Rehab” made popular by the late Amy Winehouse is cool, but production does not help. Anyway, it’s interesting to listen.
“Broken Wings” is untouchable, c’mon guys. On the other hand, Torien sings pretty good on this cover, but you can’t make-it-rock this fabulous melody.
The really old Elton John song “Tiny Dancer” is nicely done and freshly arranged. I like it.
Last track, Bullet’s most famous song “Smooth Up In Ya” says ‘re-recorded re-mastered’. The latter or the former? Well, it sounds as it was re-recorded and presumably the ’88 drum multi-track was used.
Got mixed emotions with “Rocked & Ripped”. It depends on your mood I guess.
Last night’s listening was pretty unsatisfactory to me, but now most of these versions (except the noted ones) work.
It’s a fun and rockin’ album for the most part, including some really good and personal takes on these classics.
I think many of the recorded tracks included here are just Marq Torien solo. The dispar production (obviously different sessions) reinforces this suspicion.
Overall, “Rocked & Ripped” is an entertaining, good rockin’ album.
You’ve seen it here first, at 0dayrock.
01 – Dr. Feelgood
02 – Livin’ On A Prayer
03 – Take Me Home Tonight
04 – Faithfully
05 – Balls To The Wall
06 – Free Fallin’
07 – Renegade
08 – Falling In Love
09 – Fuckin’ Perfect
10 – The Rover
11 – I’ll See You In My Dreams
12 – Colder Weather
13 – Rehab
14 – Broken Wings
15 – Tiny Dancer
16 – Smooth Up In Ya (re-recorded re-mastered) [bonus track]
Marq Torien (vocals, guitar, bass, percussion)
Greg Gatti (guitar)
Chris Turbis (keyboards)
Don “Dish” Bish (drums)
BUY IT !
www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=8562751
