REVIEW: Skid Row – Thickskin (2003)

SKID ROW – Thickskin (2003 Skid Row Records)

Thickskin came out in 2003, a full 8 years since their last record.  They’d been through a lot, including firing their charismatic lead singer.  Sebastian Bach was one hell of a frontman with a voice to be envied.  In was Johnny Solinger, the little-known frontman of Texas band Solinger.  Could they gel as a band, and put out a decent record?

Yes, they could and did.

THICKSKIN_0004Solinger only has one writing credit on Thickskin, leaving the majority of the writing to Rachel Bolan and Snake Sabo  That pair wrote much of Skid Row’s older material anyway, and the sound does not stray far from classic Skid Row. Thickskin sounds like a natural followup to the excellent Subhuman Race, though less twisted and exploratory.  Where Solinger succeeds is in continuing to sing in the Skid Row style. He doesn’t stray too far from the blueprint, although his voice does not have the power of Bach’s.  He still throws in the shrieks in the right places, the roughness, the toughness, and the expressiveness.  If only he’d avoided those Nickelcrap-sounding moments on “Swallow Me”, but hey, he didn’t write the song.

Song-wise, we have an album here that comes pretty close to Subhuman Race in quality. There are those who prefer early Skid Row, when they were more hard rock and less dark heavy alterna-rock.  That’s fair — but be forewarned, this album won’t turn you around.  I find that very few weak songs blemish the album, and even the weak songs have pretty strong choruses.

My favourites include “Ghost” (killer chorus!), “Born A Beggar” (even better chrorus!), “Thick Is The Skin” (the sort of speedy metal that Skid Row did on Slave to the Grind), and “See You Around” (a sort-of ballad that reminds me of “I Remember You”).  Most controversial of all was “I Remember You Two”.  This remake is more a re-imagining of the hit ballad as a fast punk rocker.  And it works!  Try to listen to it as if you don’t even know the original song exists.  It’s fun if you can accept it.

Impressive also-rans include “One Light” (another ballad) and “Hittin’ A Wall” which is pure speed and aggression.  Solinger succeeds at pulling off both extremes.  He also pulls of the more grungy styled lead vocal on the opening verse of the title track, a Weiland-esque moment.  He’s versatile enough to do the job.

One complaint:  the lame-o cover art.  When Baz was in the band, his father David Bierk provided some pretty wild paintings.  This cover is lifeless, not even barely hinting at the rock and roll thunder within.

I have to give this album a solid:

4.25/5 stars

It’s the best of the Solinger era, and the song “Born A Beggar” still makes my road tapes 10 years later.

THICKSKIN_0003

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110 comments

  2. I’ve never bought any of the post-Bach Skid Row stuff… never heard anything that excited me all that much from them. Not too into Solinger either so that doesn’t help.

    Great write-up though (as ever)! Just not my kind of thing.

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    1. Mr. HMO, as always I respect your opinion. However I would never mislead you, so if you find this in a cheapie bin, you may wanna check it out (even if just to resell on eBay)

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  3. Another record where I have to beg to differ. I think this album is lame, but not as bad as its follow up, Revolutions Per Minute, that one was horrible. I do, however, agree on the two songs you mentioned, Ghost and Born A Beggar. Those are the only decent tracks on this album, the rest are mediocre at best. The punk version of I Remember You is an insult. Sorry, but I am convinced that Bach an Skid Row need each other to create great stuff. Bach’s solo stuff kills the Solinger fronted Skid Row albums though.
    And I saw you mentioned Nickelback and I guess we don’t agree on them either – I think the last three Nickelback records are fantastic.

    http://etainmentnewsreviews.wordpress.com/hard-rock/hard-rock-reviews-2012/nickelback-here-and-now/

    Give that album a shot with an open mind. You might just change your mind. I used to hate Nickelback as well, but I gave in and gave them a fair chance and now I love the band. I even went to see them when they played Stockholm…

    Also, every Skid Row fan might wanna check this band out, Dynazty from Stockholm. Killer band.

    http://etainmentnewsreviews.wordpress.com/hard-rock/hard-rock-reviews-2012/dynazty-sultans-of-sin/#comment-889

    http://etainmentnewsreviews.wordpress.com/hard-rock/hard-rock-reviews-2011/dynazty-knock-you-down/

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    1. I’ll vouch for what I’ve heard of Dynazty!

      I love when we disagree on stuff though! And what can I say since it’s all just my personal taste right? All I can say is 1) although it pains me, I will try to check out that Nickelback album, and 2) MASTERMIND!

      I’m trying to remember that Megadeth song Mastermind that he kept talking about. Is it from Cryptic Writings? Not one of the better songs…

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      1. Haha. Mastermind…
        Yeah, it’s from Cryptic Writings. I like that album but you’re right, the song isn’t all that great…

        We were talking about illegal downloading in another review and well, if it hadn’t been for illegal downloading then I would never had changed my mind on bands like Nickelback, Hinder and Green Day, bands I used to hate, but I now own plenty of records with. And let’s not talk about all the new bands that I now support financially just because of those downloads. If just right, then those torrent sites can be a good thing, way better than Spotigay!

        And while you’re at it, try Nickelback’s Dark Horse as well. It’s even better. And produced by Mutt Lange.

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        1. Yeah, I like Cryptic Writings too, most of it anyway, but not Mastermind. Gimme Secret Place!

          One of my favourite customers was this guy named Peter the Rocker, who was from Austria. I remember him coming in when the Cryptic Writings came out. “Fucking Secret Place, man! That’s the fucking best song on that whole fucking album man. Fucking Secret Place!”

          I think he fucking meant it.

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  4. Never got into this version of Skid Row,once again a lead singer change ugggggh….I mean for me u can’t beat Slave To The Grind esp Mudkicker man I love that tune!
    I saw The GNR/SKID ROW tour at there opener in Alpine Valley Wis May of 91…
    The curious thing about this show was both bands playing tracks of unreleased albums.Skids album came out in early June(STTG) and of course the Bloated Illusions albums in Sept of that yr…but man I do remember when Skids opened with Slave To The Grind me and the buddies were like Holy Shit this is gonna be a good one!….that and Monkey Business were the only 2 tracks they played that night whereas Gunners played about 8 of there 18 tracks that we mostly haven’t yet or the world for that matter heard except for the bootleg Rock n Rio show from Jan of 91 that I payed like $40 for so I would have some idea on what these Fuckin songs were going on about…..
    Good show though…

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    1. Deke I remember that time clearly! Sebastian must have been in heaven opening for his buddies in GNR! What a great time to be a rock fan. Yeah the Illusions albums were bloated but they had to tide us over for like 17 years :)

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    2. Amen to that. Saw them on their STTG tour as well and they ruled. I also saw them blow G N R off the stage a little earlier on the same tour. That album is epic!

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  5. Believe it or not the show I was at though there was no incident with Axl one of the rare few I’m Sure…today I youtube I watched a bit of fan filmed show of Gunners playing in June of 91 in Washington and during Civil War Axl runs up on his ramps on the side of the stage and dives right into the crowd,show stops,fan tossed show continues…..

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  6. Ever behind all the cool kids, I’m just getting to Skid Row now (though I heard them a bunch in high school at friends’ places). I didn’t even know this album was out there. BUt if it’s close to Subhuman, which I just got a couple of weeks ago, I’m all for it. Glad switiching singers didn’t mess them up irreparably. Why did it take 8 years to make a new record? Some bands take a long time, but that’s silly!

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    1. I think the band unofficially broke up for a while. They were on ice for a few years before I ever heard anything about a new singer, and I had assumed at the time they were broken up.

      I think Subhuman is a fantasic record.

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      1. They did broke up for a while. They were called Ozone Monday for a while. What kind of stupid name is that? I guess they were doin’ the grunge thing a bit.

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        1. You had to do what you had to do to survive in the 1990’s.

          Although my un-informed opinion is that they would have done better to do what Sebastian wanted, and open for Kiss on the reunion tour. I don’t think that could have hurt them one bit.

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    1. BWAHAHAH!

      Deke, whatever they did sell, it was probably more than Revolutions Per Minute! Maybe I should review that one next. I haven’t played it in years. If memory serves I’d rank it about a 3. I didn’t hate it, but Johnny Solinger is from Texas and country influence started to come in. I know Sebastian did eventually do a country single solo, but still…I don’t think country and Skid Row mix all that well together.

      Deke I’ve enjoyed this discussion very much. It’s fun to throw you guys a curve ball every once in a while and do a review that I know there will be disagreement on. With some of you guys I can sometimes predict how you’ll react, other times it’s a complete surprise. It’s always fun though!

      Coming up I have some that I hope will generate discussion. I’ll be revisiting an 80’s Triumph album, some Mr. Big, Triumph, lots more Frehley, more Purple, Extreme, another box set…

      Can’t wait to be honest :)

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  9. Jon,I read your Skid Row review and I couldn’t agree with u more. Basically for them to get back to decent stages and paycheques they need Bach. Bolan just has to let it go once and for all ,I mean if Halen can do it I guess anyone can. There’s a site called the smoking gun and they print contract riders and they have one from Halen from the 2008 tour and in writing and under Roths section he clearly states he wants to have his dressing room as far as away as possible from the brothers….

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    2. Cool. Thanks for reading.
      Yeah, I know, time to grow up already. They’re not 22 anymore. How hard can it be? They don’t have to love each other to make a great tour.

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  13. Well as a music buying lad in the 80s and turning 20 in 1987 I was always astounded when a band had a good thing going and than they throw a curve and well I will save my diagnosis once the post goes up!

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    1. Hahahah! I think we might have the same diagnosis but we’ll see won’t we?

      I also just ordered Lee Aaron’s new hits/rarities CD so I look forward to hopefully reviewing that one too!

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    1. I didn’t even buy Bodyrock. Last one I bought was the 1987 self-titled.

      But I think a good hits package is what I need! This one even has one of her jazz songs (a good one too) so it’s a well-rounded set. Also looking forward to some of the live versions.

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  15. Speaking of CanRock ….I’m looking forward to Coney Hatch’s 4 release…I preordered that puppy …..considering this is there first release since 1985I look forward to that one!
    The last time Coney was here in Tbay they played a 19+ only show and since I was 18 at the time it was a no go…hope they slug out a tour as if u check the Music Express site they review a Coney show and they say they may open for get this ….
    Triumph next yr???!!!!!

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    1. Do it! They’ve only done Sweden Rock, right? At least we got the DVD of that.

      Coney Hatch…lucky they can do this! I have no doubt this is happening because of the car accident.

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      1. Triumph at SRF was such a disappointment. I was never a big fan, but they were rusty to say the least. Also, the sound was really bad, but the worst part was that they felt so unengaged and they were really untight. I went to the bar after four songs…

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        1. I understand your view Jon but for me and Mike we were waiting about 20 yrs for that show and the show they do play was in your backyard! Triumph concerts are usually 9-12 songs anyways because of the length etc . I was just glad they got there shit together if anything and well Gil Moore I believe hadn’t played drums since 1993…..

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        2. Yeah that’s sort of how I felt too Deke, plus they were always just these humble Canadians, shy and all.

          I can’t remember how I rated their Sweden Rock but I did review and praise it pretty highly.

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  16. Sweden and Rockoholma in the US were the 2 shows…for sure it’s about the accident ,u know the ol saying…..life’s too short!
    Monkey Bars…..!

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  17. For sure and as well Harem Scarems Mood Swings reissue..yep Sept 24 th is gonna be a good CanRock release day here in Tbay…!

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  18. I had read that they wanted to re-release the original but Warner’s wouldn’t let em,so I guess they decided to redo it all..that I can justify if the old label are being idiots..can’t blame em for record company politics look at Leppard and there deal…..just remade versions of singles on iTunes …..

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    1. Yeah that makes sense. Shame about it though. I’ll still buy it, for the new songs, but I don’t think I will listen to the re-records all that often. I have Moods Swings and the acoustic EP and they are both amazing.

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    2. Deke,
      Looks like you’re getting your wish. I’m collecting my thoughts on Surveillance shortly. In addition to this, Aaron just bought the Sport of Kings record yesterday for $2. This will be fun!

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  19. Mood Swings is a killer album and yes, easily Harem Scarem’s best work. To re-record that album seems a bit unnecessary. Record a new one instead.
    Speaking of Harem Scarem, if you like them then maybe you’d like to check out First Signal if you haven’t already done so. It’s melodic rock / AOR project made by the Italian record company Frontiers. Harry Hess is singing on it and it’s bloody brilliant.

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      1. Yes he does, but he was hired just to sing, the songs were written by outside writers. Very very good album though.
        They did the same thing with Michael Kiske (Helloween) on a project called Place Vendome. Very AOR-ish, but two brilliant albums there as well.

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        2. Yeah. Frontiers. That label was created by two Italian AOR & Melodic hard rock freaks and are now guilty of signing all the reunited 80’s bands. Both Journey and Whitesnake are on that label. So they ask a bunch of different song writers to come up with stuff and then hire some musicians and a singer with at least half a well known name and then goes for it. Usually turns out really good as the songwriters are great.

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        3. Interesting. Harry Hess’ talent speaks for itself, I’ve collected a lot of his stuff. My Harem Scarem collection is to be envied, I also have his very first album ever under the name Blind Vengeance!

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        5. Blind Vengeance was Harry Hess?? I saw that album like a 100 years ago or something and I always thought the name was pretty lame. I thought they were some kind of thrash metal band or something.

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        6. It sure was! No Peter Lesperance though. I haven’t played it in a dog’s age. I’m in the process of ripping my music to computer, but it is a LONG process. I’m basically reviewing as I go :)

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  20. Poor Skid Row 2013 edition…Mike does the review,it’s discussed and than the thread is high jacked into a CanRock thread courtesy of Triumph and Harem…..Skid Row nowadays can’t catch a break!
    Time to reunite!

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  22. Ha wait til the Sport Of Kings rebiew goes up! It will hit close to the century mark! And half of those comments will be mine!
    Hahaha….just wait!

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  23. I think we talked about that when I crashed your site with the Vollmer interview or around that time…..Edge Of Excess was pretty good,Gil did all the vocals and The songs were pretty rockin as the commercial element was gone right ?! Good record than the bottom fell out from there record company and they did a handful of shows and packed it in!
    And we now know where Phil X is….the guy who the other day said he wouldn’t leave his house for $10,000 a month in response to Sambora on what’s he getting paid and there divorce(Jon and Richie) …that $10,000 comment was dickheadish to say the least !
    I would have no prob pulling in $10,000 a month…
    Do I sound bitter?
    Hahahaha….

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  24. Yep I thinks he’s gone for good I mean 30 yrs that’s a good run even in marriage. Really as far as them selling records not like the old days and all those guys are salaried employees to JBJ so Sambora has made his cash ,move on audition for KISS again if u have too hahaha….
    But it’s the Jon show always has been,always will be…..I just wish Sambora would rock it out with a slab of hard rock…
    I bought his solo album from 91 the Stranger album I think cuz Ballad Of Youth was a good track but the rest of the album man,play some guitar rock,brother!
    And than Sambora was on Arsenio and his backing band was all of Jovi except for JBJ..
    I thought oh oh …..

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    1. I’ll be talking about Stranger In This Town eventually. I have the longbox edition with the bonus CD and the guitar pick necklace. Not much in the way of bonuses but still pretty cool to look at!

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        1. Unfortunately too few people realize that. I hate seeing postings by people who know nothing that say, “Jon doesn’t need Richie”. Wrong. This is why there are Bon Jovi albums, and JBJ solo albums.

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    2. No Sambora, no Bon Jovi. For the first 5 – 6 albums, all members were really important for the Bon Jovi sound, something that Douchebag Jon seem to have forgot. Especially Richie, who has a very personal sound, both in voice and guitar. Plus he was the rock and Jon was the pop and with Richie and the rest of the band degraded to backup musicians, Bon Jovi are all pop. They’ve gone from a great band to pure shite. I have no problem at all using the abbrevation B.J. for that band today…

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      1. I can’t disagree with anything you’ve said here Jon. I really can’t.

        Most people go as far as Keep the Faith with Bon Jovi, but I actually go as far as These Days, which I think has a lot of soul and a lot of Sambora on it.

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        1. These Days was, for me, the first step on their way down. Not at all a bad album, half of the album are just as briliant as anything they ever did, but there are too many songs that mixes mediocre with crap. Like the title track, a half arsed Bruce Springsteen pastische. On the other hand, My Guitar Lies Bleeding In My Arms is one of the best tracks they ever recorded. But you’re right, lots of Sambora and his guitar on that album.
          But I would also say that Keep the Faith is their last great album.

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        2. I think for me, I enjoyed These Days’ more laid back style. I was in a really sad/depressed state at the time and Jon seemed to speak to my pain! Songs like It’s Hard Letting You Go.

          I just recently found the two Hey God singles online, a song I didn’t even know was released as a single. So I ordered those. I should have a complete These Days collection now. All the singles, and two versions of the album. Probably 12 discs altogether just for that one era of Bon Jovi!

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        3. I’ll go with that. The album is darker, both lyrically and musically. Almost felt like he was going through some drama in his life. My Guitar Lies Bleeding In My Arms is very dark and even the uptempo, more happier stuff like Hey God, Something For The Pain and Damned had a darkness to them that Bon Jovi usually don’t have. I can see that the album is perfect if you’re in a darker place yourself.
          Glad you’re better now. I hope. :-D

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        4. MUCH better thanks :) In ’95 my ex girlfriend dumped me, and THEN hooked my with another ex that drumped me back in ’94!! The compounded rejection was pretty heavy!

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        2. Honestly we only need 4 more comments! Power to forward shields only, divert all other power to the warp drive and Make It So, Scotty! Oh, and tell Lt. LaForge to stop staring at the ladies and pretending he’s only adjusting his visor and get to work!

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  28. Oh phew! We made it! We’re lucky to get away. We wouldn’t have wanted to be part of that subhuman race. We just don’t have enough thinckskin to survive that kind of torture. Well done, Engineering. Well done. Now get us back to the neutral zone before we end of b-side ourselves in that black hole over there!

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  31. Since Erik’s in the band now. I’ve been on a Skid Row kick. Listening to all of the albums I have in order. Skipped the first one. On Subhuman Race now. Thickskin is up next…

    So what do u think of the new track with Eric?

    SKID ROW – “The Gang’s All Here” (Official Audio)

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    1. Hate it, hate Eric as their singer, and I hope they get back with Bach. I didn’t want a new singer I wanted stability. Clearly the problem with this band was never Bach.

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      1. Wow! That strong? I felt kinda weird at first but kept listening to that song a few times and I like it. Looking forward to hearing the new songs when the album comes.

        Hate it? Damn. I was more on the lines that if they stick with it and gel well together then this is gonna be the start of Skid Row Mk 2. But hate it?

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        1. Skid Row mk 5 or 6 is more like it!

          This new guy has none of Baz’s grit… or even Johnny’s grit (rest in peace). Too clean and generic.

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