RADIO ACTIVE CATS – Radio Active Cats (1991) *HQ*
The other day a reader and contributor of this website reminded us of RADIO ACTIVE CATS, the really cool American band and their only album from 1991. This is something pretty different and pretty fun – a mix of bluesy hard rock, heavy country, and hair metal.
RADIO ACTIVE CATS is a silly band name for sure, however major label Warner Bros. should have seen potential in these guys, and with famed Andy Wallace producing & mixing, the band released this self-titled debut album packaged with a nice lime green (radioactive) CD tray.
Think that Great White meet Kix in a night of booze, Ted Nugent step in, then Georgia Satellites suggested an upbeat melody, and Broken Homes (two members were in this very good band in the ’80s) provided a classic rock hook. To this musical mix add a touch of Poison – or better Bret Michaels’ country-rock side – and you have “Radio Active Cats” CD.
Sure, they were crushed by grunge and Warner ignoring how to promote the band’s music, but the Radio Active Cats laid it down with a good-time vibe and a big swig of back porch rockin’ blooze throughout this album.
The Cats claw their way through eleven gritty tracks with a raw (but polished production), southern fried lean, the radionuclide activity comes on strong.
Ian Espinoza and Shel Graves set the stage with their simple, yet effective guitar work (and some slide too!), while the solid bottom end is held down by bassist Ron Maldonado and drummer Michael Graves.
Album opener, the big bass driven “Shotgun Shack”, sets the tone for the entire set, as the Radio Active Cats grind out the goods on great melodic hard rocker “Bed Of Roses”, the low down ‘n’ dirty backseat romp of “Finger In The Pie”, “Standin’ In The Rain”, the Led Zeppish groover, “Wet, Hot Sweat”, and the Jumpin’ Jack Flash inspired “Cry On My Shoulder”.
Wanna hear something different and fun? Radio Active Cats!
Highly Recommended
01 – Shotgun Shack
02 – Hold On Tight
03 – Bed Of Roses
04 – Finger In The Pie
05 – Standin’ In The Rain
06 – Love Razor
07 – Cry On My Shoulder
08 – Think About Love
09 – Cheap Mascara
10 – Knock Knock
11 – Wet, Hot Sweat
Shel Graves – lead vocals, rhythm guitars
Ian Espinoza (James House Band) – lead and slide guitar, mandolin, backing vocals
Ron Maldonado (Pappo’s Blues) – stand up and electric bass
Michael Graves (ex Broken Homes) – drums, percussion, vocals
Joe Simon Seibert (ex Broken Homes) – keyboards
BUY
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