SLASH PUPPET – Studs & Gems (2021) :Rare: *Exclusive*

SLASH PUPPET was one of the best melodic hard rock bands emerging from Canada in the late ’80s, they released two indie self-released EP’s, and were a hot, requested act in the circuit, however a recording contract eluded these talented musicians. While one of these SLASH PUPPET EP’s has been reissued in 2007 it was done by a very small Australian label and in limited, exhausted quantities.
Finding either one of Slash Puppet‘s EP’s is a difficult and pricey task these days so the band frontman Mif (who has gone on to have a successful acting career) decided to re-release the band’s best songs in a compilation type album, which turned out to be titled “Studs & Gems“, with all the material remastered (some tracks by Blue Tears’ Gregg Fulkerson) and including a previously unreleased track.

As requested, here’s the rare CD “Studs & Gems”, which appeared just a few years ago in 2021 but it isn’t available on any big store on physical format or digitally, just only via the band’s official Facebook.
If you haven’t heard Slash Puppet before (in which case you should rectify that situation immediately) imagine Skid Row music being sung by a rough throated frontman. Even though the music is top-notch, it really is the voice of Mif that takes Slash Puppet over-the-top. He has one of those unique voices custom made for hard rock, at times sounding like a raspier version of Ratt‘s Stephen Pearcy.
Opener “When The Whip Comes Down” – perhaps the band’s best known song it was heavily aired in rock radio back in the day – is a winner. A punchy melodic hard rocker with all the catchiness of the ’80s. The song is so good that has been recently featured in the soundtrack for the Canadian slasher film 2022 “HERE FOR BLOOD”.

The album is top-loaded right off the bat with three of Slash’s Puppet’s most accomplished pieces of songwriting, all recorded for their secon 1993 EP. The aforementioned “When the Whip Comes Down” is first, stomping fast-paced and unstoppable. The irresistible “na na na na” pre-chorus just sets you up to be knocked down again! Outstanding guitar work helps frame some of Mif’s coolest lyrics about overcoming adversity.
Then it’s “Rippin’ on a Wishbone” which takes things back to a nice rocking groove accented by slide guitars and hooks galore while Mif’s unique rasp keeps the sound from being generic.
This string of solid gold is capped by “Eyes of a Child”, a truly special acoustic ballad that, in a just world, would be a million seller. Taking things seriously and singing from the heart, Slash Puppet should have had a massive hit on their hands. If only the 90s weren’t the 90s. “Eyes of a Child” has every ingredient, housed within a majestic, carefully constructed, classic power ballad.

With “Evil Woman”, the compilation dips back into 1989’s first EP, which in fact was a professional demo. In terms of remastering, things sounds pretty even between the two eras, so well done there. “Evil Woman” is one of Slash Puppet’s fast head-bangers. However they always had a knack for backing vocals to sweeten up the hooks.
“Hard On Love”, also from 1989, goes slower and sleazier. Mif’s growl has plenty of bite, but note the backing vocals always there when you need ’em.

“Stop Tellin’ Me Lies” is one of the most classic-sounding Slash Puppet tunes, with a bluesy background. The backing vocals are really laid out with care. This could be the most flat-out instantly catchy of the tracks. Note the tasteful use of classy slide guitar once again. S
“Hitch a Ride (On a Train)” is a special song. Contemplative acoustic guitars and philosophical lyrics set it apart from the other tracks. Everybody loves train metaphors, but once again there’s just something special here. The acoustic guitar arrangement and the heartfelt lyrics set it apart.

“Slowdown” is just balls-out. Everything to the max, from the tempo to the rasp. The band made a well-received music video, in a time when bands often couldn’t make music videos to support an independent release. “Squeeze It In” was the other demo tune that made waves, and it takes things back down to the gutter. A slow grind with innuendo spilling over the rim. Memorable as hell; tasteful guitar work keeping things from going completely to excess.
Finally “Overload” takes the tempo back to top gear. If you’re going to call your song “Overload”, you better deliver.

Then there’s the unreleased live track called “Stranger Danger”, performed live recorded at Rock N’ Roll Heaven venue in Toronto, in 1990’s Halloween night. And what a track it is! An energetic, stuttery riff serves as backing for Mif’s overloaded live vocal workout. This accelerated rocker stands up with Slash Puppet’s studio recorded works, and makes one wish for more live tapes.
Slash Puppet were a terrific act. 35 years ago, the band played their first gig and now we finally have an official live track for the CD collection. “Stranger Danger” closes the CD on a resounding note: we want more.

”Studs & Gems” only can be obtained directly from the band’s Facebook, but act fast as this is a limited edition, and paying $200 on eBay for a copy of any of the EP’s is just unfortunate.
HIGHLY Recommended

Only at 0dayrox

01. When The Whip Comes Down
02. Rippin’ On A Wishbone
03. Eyes of A Child
04. Evil Woman
05. Hard On Love
06. Stop Tellin’ Me Lies
07. Hitch A Ride (On A Train)
08. Slow Down
09. Squeeze It In
10. Overload
11. Stranger Danger (Live)

Mif – lead vocals
Frank Bartoletti – guitars, backing vocals
Lou Garscadden – guitars, backing vocals
Franklin Wyles – drums, backing vocals
Pete Dove – bass, backing vocals (4, 5, 8, 9, 10)
Dave Carreiro – bass (1, 2, 3, 6, 7)

Remastered by Joey Greco & Gregg Fulkerson

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