Author: mikeladano

Metal, hard rock, rock and roll! Record Store Tales & Reviews! Grab A Stack of Rock and more. Poking the bear since 2010.

RE-REVIEW: KISS – Paul Stanley (1978 solo album)

The KISS RE-REVIEW SERIES Part 16: Β 

 – Paul StanleyΒ (1978 Casablanca solo album, 1997 Mercury remaster)

With the benefit of 20/20 hindsight, we know that Paul Stanley was capable of pretty muchΒ running Kiss by himself.Β  During much of the 1980s, Gene Simmons’ participation in Kiss had a severe drop.Β  Paul took the reins and the band more or less sounded like Kiss.Β  With that in mind, it’s no surprise that Paul’s 1978 solo album was also very Kiss-like.Β  Of the four, Paul’s album had an β€œif it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” attitude.Β  His solo songs sound very much like his Kiss songs.Β  Co-producing with Paul was Kansas producer Jeff Glixman.

Paul had an β€œace” in his pocket, so to speak.Β  On lead guitar was shredder Bob Kulick.Β  Previously, Bob auditioned for Kiss but was squeezed out at the last minute by Ace Frehley.Β  He also played ghost guitar on the studio tracks of Alive II.Β  Now he was out of the shadows on Paul’s album, and his work here absolutely stuns.Β  It’s a feedback-laden monster of rock.

Paul’s songs are often overblown, and usually loud.Β  β€œTonight You Belong to Me” is one such track:Β  melodramatic, riffy and loud.Β  It rocks hard.Β  It has loads of hooks, killer playing, and lead vocals that slay.Β  Few singers could touch Paul Stanley in his prime. Β If that riff sounds familiar, the Hellacopters ripped it off for the intro to a song appropriately titled “Paul Stanley” (from 1999’s Grande Rock).

β€œMove On” is upbeat, Kiss-like rock and roll augmented with female backing vocals.Β  It’s the only song that Kiss played live on their 1979 tour.Β  It probably fits that standard Kiss mold better than any other tune on the album.Β  β€œAin’t Quite Right” brings things down with a dark acoustic ballad, quite different from past songs Paul has written.Β  Its sad sound was fairly new territory for an upbeat rocker.

Hold on tight for β€œWouldn’t You Like to Know Me”.Β  If this song was covered by a pop-punk band (pick one:Β  Sum 41, Blink 182, any of that ilk) it could be huge today.Β  It’s loud, brash and incredibly rocking, but Paul outsings any punk-pop upstart.Β  When Paul released his solo One Live Kiss album/video in 2008, β€œWouldn’t You Like to Know Me” was one of its highlights.Β  Kudos must be given to drummer Richie Fontana for kicking it in the nuts.

One of rock’s most legendary (and hardest hitting) timekeepers plays drums on the massive β€œTake Me Away (Together As One)”. Β You don’t associate Carmine Appice with Kiss, but there he is one of Paul’s songs. Β It’s a bombastic arrangement of electrics and acoustics, and one of Paul’s most devastating tracks. Β Carmine turnsΒ it from “stun” to “kill” with his dominating presence. Β At 5:26 this is the longest song on the album and as close as Paul gets to epic.

Side two is just as vigorous as side one.Β  β€œIt’s Alright” has a bright shimmer, plenty of hooks and guitars.Β  It easily could have been a Kiss classic.Β  β€œGirl if you want me to stay satisfied, girl if you want me to stay for the night, it’s alright.”  Sure sounds like Kiss to me. Β The guitars have a very “rock and roll” vibe, a classic progression. Β Paul has a knack for riffs like this, and “It’s Alright” is one of the best.

Paul’s single was the schlocky piano ballad β€œHold Me, Touch Me (Think of Me When We’re Apart)”.Β  Fans will either love it or hate it.Β  It’s a song that could have been an AM radio hit on a 70s light rock station. Β Lionel Richie could have recorded it. Β The guitar solo cooks, and that is all Paul. Β He handled all the guitars on this song.Β  Love it or hate it, it was the second most successful solo Kiss single after Ace’s β€œNew York Groove”.

As the album draws to a close, β€œLove in Chains” hits hard with punchy drums and choppy guitars.Β  But it’s just a jab, compared to the closer β€œGoodbye”, which finishes things off with a flourish and hot riffing. Β There is a cool descending guitar part, a superior chorus, and some seriously cool and busy bass by Eric Nelson. Β “Goodbye” is a brilliant closer, and it held that slot on Paul’s 2006 solo tour.

Paul’s was the second shortest of the solo albums (only Peter’s being shorter), but it packed more punch than any except Ace Frehley’s.Β  Everybody has their favourites, and Ace’s album is always held in high esteem.Β  Ace stepped out of his box and delivered.Β  Meanwhile, Paul stuck to what he does best, and nailed it.Β  It’s a β€œsafe” solo album, but lethal when it clicks with you.

5/5 stars

To be continued…

Original mikeladano.com review: Β 2012/07/22

RE-REVIEW: KISS – Gene Simmons (1978 solo album)

The KISS RE-REVIEW SERIES Part 15: Β 

 – Gene SimmonsΒ (1978 Casablanca solo album, 1997 Mercury remaster)

Given Gene’s demon persona, certainly some fans would have expected his solo album to be the heaviest and darkest.Β  Imagine their shock upon finally hearing the finished disc!Β  Musical flights of fancy and whimsical songs dominate Gene’s record, as the demon was determined to do something very different.Β  His album has the most guest stars, the most diverse songs, and the most split of personalities.

Even the β€œevil” sounding choirs that open the album are more whimsical than demonic.Β  This soon gives wayΒ to a guitar riff, and the first song β€œRadioactive”.Β  The audio compression gives it a disco-like beat, but β€œRadioactive” is a rock and roll track.Β  It is one of the songs featuring guests Joe Perry and Bob Seger, not to mention a slew of backing vocalists. Β It’s also the one track that Kiss played live on tour in 1979.

The demon sounds like he’s prowling for ladies on β€œBurning Up With Fever”.Β  If you’re wondering about that funky bass line, it was played by Neil Jason.Β  In a surprise move, Gene didn’t play bass on his solo album, only guitar.Β  This lends the whole LP a funkier-than-expected sound.Β  This plus the ample backing vocals almost makes Gene Simmons sound like an R&B/rock hybrid from time to time. β€œBurning Up With Fever” is a bad tune for a sexed-up demon, but not one of his finest either.

Some of Gene’s solo songs were oldies that predated Kiss.Β  Others were of more recent vintage.Β  The folksy ballad β€œSee You Tonite” sounds like one of the older tunes.Β  It’s a good one; good enough that Kiss recorded it live in 1995 for their MTV Unplugged appearance.Β  In a strange twist, some of the best tunes on Gene’s solo platter are the ballads.Β  Jeff β€œSkunk” Baxter played on this one and β€œBurning Up With Fever” as the cavalcade of guest stars continues.Β  Even Katey Sagal (Married With Children) sings on the LP.

β€œTunnel of Love” and β€œTrue Confessions” are two of Gene’s non-descript exploits, fairly ordinary songs given a huge boost by the larger than life production (by Gene and Sean Delaney). Β The backing vocals are immaculately arranged. Β β€œTunnel” features Joe Perry and Donna Summer.Β  Helen Reddy sings on β€œTrue Confessions”.Β  Unfortunately these two songs are more notable by who appears on them rather than how good they are.

Gene was dating Cher at that time, so it’s not really a surprise that Cher appears on β€œLiving in Sin” (as the groupieΒ on the phone).Β  This side two opener has a bit of that rock and roll spirit missing on other songs, though very corny.Β  The ballads on side two are better.Β  β€œAlways Near You/Nowhere to Hide” has some of Gene’s best singing, showing off that high falsetto.Β  Gene couldn’t get the Beatles to appear on his album, so he did the next best thing and had Mitch Weissman and Joe Pecorino from Beatlemania sing on β€œAlways Near You/Nowhere to Hide”.Β  This melancholy song is one of Gene’s most ambitious.

β€œMan of 1000 Faces” is big and bombastic, orchestrated for maximum impact.Β  It has more in common with Destroyer than anything else Kiss has done, but even more overblown and bombastic.Β  It also suits Gene’s persona perfectly.Β  β€œI can put on any face, you won’t know me but it’s no disgrace.Β  The king of night, he understands!”  Then β€œMr. Make Believe” is laid back and acoustic, and also another fantastic song.Β Β  Gene’s ability with ballads should not be understated. Β “Mr. Make Believe” is the most Beatles-esque of Gene’s solo tracks.

β€œSee You In Your Dreams” is a remake of the Kiss song from Rock and Roll Over.Β  Apparently Gene thought it could have been recorded better, but the more basic Kiss version is much more appealing.Β  Rick Neilson from Cheap Trick plays guitar on it, but Michael Des Barres’ backing vocals are obtrusive and irritating.

And that leaves only the final track.Β  Some stop playing the album before track 11, others consider it an indispensable part of Gene’s solo statement.Β  But there it is:Β  β€œWhen You Wish Upon a Star”, the song whose lyrics meant so much to Gene that he recorded it for the last track of his album.Β  It was not intended as a joke, but many see it as such.

Gene’s solo album can’t be dismissed as garbage, not with theΒ great tunes it has (especially the ballads).Β  However it’s so scattershot and just plain strange that it’s hard to really just enjoy.Β  It’s interesting to study and dissect.Β  Not so much fun to play in the car.

2.5/5 stars

To be continued…

Original mikeladano.com review: Β 2012/07/20

#559: Hotel Hobbies

GETTING MORE TALEΒ #559: Hotel Hobbies

For a lot of people, the greatest day in their lives is the day they got married. Perhaps it can only be topped by the birth of a child. I don’t have any kids, so for me, the greatest day of my life really is the day I got married: August 31 2008.

I thought it was going to be tough competition though. August 30 2008 was a pretty fun day, so much so that I honestly didn’t think the wedding day itself could top it.

The 30th began early. The wedding was in Mississauga Ontario, an hour’s drive away. My best man Peter picked me up in his silver Camaro kit car, with a Corvette engine. Peter doesn’t own it anymore (it became a money machine) but my God did we have some good times in that car. That thing ran so low it felt like your ass was scraping bottom.

Before checking into the hotel, we had to take part in a bachelor ritual, that being lunch. Wings at Hooters! It was my first and thus far only time at a Hooters and it was pretty much everything I expected it to be. All the clientele inside were male. The waitress took our order with her leg up on our table. The wings were greasy goodness, not the best I’ve ever had, but certainly worth the stop at Hooters. That’s the real reason people go to Hooters, right?

Peter warmed up his GPS and we headed off to the hotel. We didn’t have anything special planned. We wouldn’t need a dinner – the wings and leftover wings took care of that problem. We didn’t need to go and buy anything for the wedding at the last minute. But we did have some work to do.

Peter had a hockey bag with his PS2 in it, and all the accessories needed to play Rock Band: Two guitars, microphone, and drum kit. I brought some of my favourite wedding related movies: Old School, Wedding Crashers and more. We had a fun night planned for when Jen and her maid of honour Lara arrived. We just needed to set it all up.

We hit a snag right away. Those hotels really like to make sure you have to pay for all your entertainment. They don’t want you to be able to bring your own. Remember back in the good old 90s, Peter and I rented a VCR to record American TV shows in a Frankenmuth hotel room? It wasn’t as easy as that anymore.

These new hotel TVs didn’t have any RCA jacks, or anywhere we could plug in the PS2. We sat there baffled, two guys (one an electrician!) who had spent decades hooking stuff up to TV sets, and we didn’t know how to proceed. Admitting defeat was not like Peter.

We needed an RCA to coaxial adapter. Unfortunately finding such a thing on a holiday Sunday in Mississauga wasn’t going to be easy. We began making phone calls: Best Buy, Circuit City, etc. Nobody knew what β€œRCA to coaxial” meant so we once again warmed up the GPS and headed down Dixie Road looking for stores.

As predicted, Best Buy and Circuit City had nothing, and the staff there looked at us as if we had stepped out of a time machine asking to use their telegraph machine. Our best bet wasn’t going to be one of those big chain stores specializing in HDMI. We ended up finding the adapter (for around $50) at a small mom & pop style tech store, but we did find it! Back in the Camarovette, back to the hotel.

Problem #2: those hotels really, really don’t want you to hook up your own entertainment. We couldn’t easily disconnect the coaxial cable. It had a protective metal sheath on both ends protecting it from tampering. You couldn’t even unplug it. Not without some tools, sweat and effort. I was ready to give up, but as turns out, Peter just doesn’t go anywhere without his tool kit.

He had that cable ripped out in no time and protective sheath removed. Before too long we had beaten the system and were playing PS2 right there in the hotel. Perseverance!

Jen and Lara arrived, as did Jen’s whole family from Ottawa. They all went out to a nice dinner together, but Peter and I were still recovering from our Hooters wings coma so we stayed in. I think Jen’s cousin Joey would rather have been playing Rock Band with us!

When they came back from dinner, our night really began. And it was an absolutely blast. Four best friends in a hotel room with chicken wings and video games and movies. We are simple people with simple needs. Those needs involve pretending to play drums to Black Sabbath’s β€œParanoid” while someone else pretends to play guitar. Song after song, we had so much fun that night that my sides hurt from laughing.

By the time we all realized we needed to call it a night or be too tired to get married the next day, it was a completely successful evening. I wasn’t at all nervous. I was so hyped that I was strangely calm. I couldn’t wait to get married. No cold feet here, not when I knew so many awesome people had my back. I went to bed that night thinking, β€œThis has truly been the most fun night of my life. There is no way tomorrow can top it.”

Of course, the wedding day did top it. The only thing better than a party for four was a party for 100 of our closest family and friends.

Planning on a road trip involving a hotel stay? Then be like Peter and come prepared. If you can’t hook up your Playstation to a hotel TV like we did, then you might need some tools!

REVIEW: Stryper – Fallen (2016 Japanese import)

STRYPER – Fallen (2016 Frontiers, Marquee Japanese import)

As far as this writer is concerned, Stryper are the reunion kings. Β Their 80s output featured fantastic singles like “Calling to You” and “Free”, but many of the albums were uneven and not as rockingΒ as you knew they wanted to be. Β Since their heavy-as-hell (pun intended) comeback album Reborn (2005), Stryper have been off the leash. Β It seems they gave up trying to fit in to any specific mold and are just trying to be true to themselves through their music. Β 2016’s incredible Fallen could be the pinnacle of the reunion era.

Unabashedly Christian, the opening track “Yahweh” happens to be one of the most potently epic slices of rock I’ve heard. Β A choir sings “Yahweh, Yahweh…” while lead wailer Michael Sweet spits out of his words as few singers in metal can do. Β His range is still remarkable and he has lost none of his lung capacity. Β There are Maiden-esque riffs, latter-day Metallica grooves, and some seriously epic solo work by Sweet and guitarist Oz Fox. Β And that’s all in just the first 6:21 of the album. Β It’s strange to say, but you could compare “Yahweh” to similar epic tracks by Ghost.

“Yahweh” may be the most impressive track on a very good metal album, but it’s certainly not the only one. Β The cool descending riff that accompanies “Fallen” bites into your flesh, while Sweet’s chorus lifts the ceiling. Β There is also material that sounds like old school Stryper, such as “King of Kings”, “Big Screen Lies” and “Pride”. Β These songs boast big and classic sounding choruses and riffs. Β Stryper even snuck in a Black Sabbath cover (not their first) of “After Forever”. Β The words fit Stryper like a leather studded glove:

Perhaps you’ll think before you say that God is dead and gone,
Open your eyes, just realize that He is the one,
The only one who can save you now from all this sin and hate,
Or will you still jeer at all you hear? Yes, I think it’s too late.

A lot of people forget how Christian that particular Sabbath lyric is! Β Very amusing how much flack metal took from the church in the 80s, all the while “After Forever” dated back to Master of Reality in 1971! Β Granted, I’m certain that most Catholics wouldn’t appreciate the line “Would you like to see the pope on the end of a rope, do you think he’s a fool?”

Whether you are a believer (it’s not a requirement) or just a worshipper at the altar of St. Halen, Stryper serves up plenty of hot metal on Fallen. Β The modern grooves of “Heaven” and “Let There Be Light” are two that should appeal to many, and long time fans of Stryper will go bananas for the emphasis on melodies and choruses. Β And Stryper didn’t forget their ballad fans, either. Β “All Over Again” is a typical bombastic Stryper ballad, but not with the extra saccharine they used to utilize in the 80s. Β And if that is too bombastic for you, check out the acoustic version included as a Japanese exclusive bonus track. Β I think I prefer the bare acoustic version, but I’m also getting tired of getting acoustic versions as my Japanese bonus tracks. Β It seems the go-to bonus track lately has been the acoustic version.

Rest assured, Stryper have not Fallen. Β Quite the opposite. They continue to soar on mighty wings of metal.

5/5 stars

 

 

 

 

Sunday Chuckle: I’ll take “Swingline” for $100,000 Alex

Remember the film Office Space? Β The character of Milton had a special Swingline stapler that was important to theΒ storyline. Β It was a one of a kind red stapler. Β Swingline didn’t make a red stapler; it was painted as a special prop for the movie. Β Due to popular demand, Swingline today finally sell an official red stapler inspired by Office Space. Β I have one myself.

Sometimes-contributor Thussy was looking for a new red Swingline stapler on Amazon. Β Check out the price on the last one! Β (Free shipping, though….) Β #fail

Guest WTF Search Terms: Trailer Park Boys edition

WTF SEARCH TERMS XXXV:Β Trailer Park Boys edition
Guest shot by Thussy

Thussy Boy back with another WTF Search Terms…this time to celebrate the release of Season 11 of one of the funniest shows on Netflix right now.Β  Let’s get two birds stoned at once.Β Β  Here is WTF Search Terms: Trailer Park Boys edition.

10. fifty shades of piss

Piss jug alley: “These are your father’s urine containers, Ricky.” Β The ironic thing is IΒ need to piss really bad now.

9. trailer park boys kareoke cab

As far as I know it does not exist but I must see this if it does. Β [It was a scene in Out of the Park: Europe, in which they meet NHL star Esa Tikkanen — LeBrain.]

8. what episode is the trailer park boys where they go to Denmark

Third episode of Out of the Park season 1.

7. in tpb europe do they throw up

It sure fucking looks like it.Β  They were probably hammered.

6. trailer park boys europe wheres randy and lahey

They are rehearsing for a play at the Blandford recreational centre.

5. trailer park boys remake rush music video

From Live in Fuckin’ Dublin. Β Shot for shot remake of “Closer to the Heart”.Β  It is amazing.

4. the green bastard bubbles

Hands down probably one of my favorite episodes of the show right up there with Conky.Β  The Green Bastard – Parts Unknown!

3. thank santa’s tits tpb

Favorite quote from the show, and definitely one I use.

2. what episode of trailer park boys does rick turn trailer to hockey rink

That would be Episode 5 of Season 8. β€œWhat do you think Orangie, look how much wet there is.Β  You fuckin like that don’t ya.Β  You want to get in there and swim your gold little tits off I bet.”

1. why wasnt jay rock or lucey on tpb season 11

J-Roc just felt like his time on the show was at an end.Β  Lucy quit when Mike Smith was arrested for domestic violence (The charges were dropped).Β  Funny thing is it came out after that she actually told the producers of the show she was planning on quitting a week before Mike Smith got arrested.Β  I think she used it as an excuse to leave.

Thanks Thussy for another WTF Search Terms!

STAR WARS: The Last Jedi – Teaser Trailer “Just Breathe”

“Reach out…what do you see?”

Balance has been a major theme in Star Wars stories of late, from The Force Awakens to Rebels. Looks like this will play out in Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi.

REY!
LUKE!
LEIA!
KYLO!
FINN!
POE!
BB-8!
R2-D2!
PHASMA!

Set your hyperdrives to December 15 2017.

#558: Easter Eggs

GETTING MORE TALEΒ #558: Easter Eggs

“Easter eggs” – Hidden content that you have to really search to find. Β Often refers to hidden DVD/Blu-ray bonus features. Β The first DVD Easter egg I heard of was on the original “steelbook” version of Terminator 2. Β If you go to the right menu and punch in the exact date of Judgment Day, you can access a super-extra-extended version of the film, only visible in this specific way. Β Another great DVD Easter egg was on Fellowship of the Ring. Β Click around, and you will find a clip from the MTV movie awards where Jack Black has pierced his own wiener with the One Ring.

The term “Easter eggs” is common vocabulary today, and has expanded to include secret cameos or information in films too. Β Recent examples: Β The appearance of the droid Chopper from Star Wars: Rebels in the new film Rogue One. Β Or brief glimpse of Lexcorp trucks, in Man of Steel. Β They’re designed not to be immediately noticed, but only detected by die-hard fans after repeat viewings.

The old Record Store has Easter eggs too, so secret that I don’t think anyone who still works there even knows about them. Β But they’re still there.

When I firstΒ began Record Store Tales, I made a decision to never publicly identify the name of the store. Β For that reason, I’ll remain vague. Β Back in the olden days when everybody more or less got along, at least two Easter eggs were hidden somewhere on the store website. Β They were nods and winks at two employees: Β myself, and one other guy who had been there a long time. Β They are still there, hidden unless you know where to look. Β They were never removed even after both of us left.

There is one more Easter egg, that only two people know about: Β Tom (co-founder of Sausagefest) andΒ myself. Β Β Tom owned a franchise at the time. Β When he eventually moved on to something else, he asked me to do him a favour. Β He wanted to leave his mark in some way on the place. Β I can understand that. Β Tom, T-Rev, a couple others, and IΒ put our blood, sweat and tears into that store. Β It wouldn’t be right to call us “original members” or “founding fathers”, because there was only one owner who started it all. Β T-Rev and I weren’t owners, we had no stakes. Β It was all just pure passion. Β We were there in the very early days as we made the baby steps. Β We contributed all our energyΒ to that place, helping to build it and make it grow. Β I can’t speak for Tom, but I personally am very proud of that. Β Tom pushed to be the first one that carried vinyl. Β T-Rev helped actually build the stores, putting up shelving and all the works. Β I trained dozens of people and came up with the idea of a store newsletter. Β It’s not as if they have a “wall of fame” with our pictures on it. Β Tom leaving his mark seems pretty justifiable.

So, heΒ asked me to sneak something in there, and I did. Β Tom’s little tribute is still on the website. Β Only he and I know where to look. Β His franchise was always kickass, and he personally supplied me with plenty of great rock from there, including autographed Helix records, some Foo Fighters singles and a rare live Judas Priest. Β He had a 25 cent bin of vinyl that always had good stuff in it. Β Let’s all raise our Romulan ale to a true rock and roll animal, the mighty Tom.

REVIEW: Trailer Park Boys – Season 10 (2016)

TRAILER PARK BOYS – Season 10Β (2016 Netflix)

There is a reason we missed reviewing Season 10 of Trailer Park Boys when it came out last year. Β A dark cloud hung over the season. Β Mike Smith (Bubbles) was incorrectly arrested on domestic violence charges; charges that were swiftly dropped. Β The damage was done, and this causedΒ Lucy Decoutere to leave the show. Β Even though Season 10 was quite great, we just couldn’t produce the gumption to write it up. Β Better late than never. Β With this long over and resolved, let’s take a fresh look at Season 10.

As usual, much has changed between seasons at Sunnyvale. Β Julian now owns the park and is happy with his two girlfriends (Bambi and Dakota — shades of Charlie Sheen here), and his own casino/bar. Β The house band: Β Bubbles and the Shitrockers. Β Ricky runs his Drugs Store, with all the weed and edibles you can imagine. Β His daughter Trinity has been raising baby Mo with Jacob Collins, proud parents now ready to get married and make it official. Β All this baby stuff has made Lucy itch for another one, so she’s been getting Ricky to bang her non-stop. Β J-Roc is raising his son M.C. Flurry, and has brought back a new girlfriend from Mexico. Β Randy’s supervising the park, and Lahey has left. Β He’s living in a camper in a park next door, and “pacing” his drinking. Β He’s using a breathalyzer to keep himself at a steady 0.120 blood alcohol level…but does he have the discipline to maintain that?

There’s a new three-headed nemesis in town. Β Fresh out of jail is former park owner Barb Lahey, and she has backup. Β Donna/Don (Leigh MacInness) has also been hardened by jail time. Β And they’ve brought the tough-as-nails Candy (Candy Palmater), with her bright pink baseball bat to make sure they get their way. Β They are determined to get the park back, and it looks like they have the legal means to do so. Β So now the boys need lawyer money.

It’s illegal schemes again, one involving ripping off a former caveman, now “Denture King”. Β This side-splitting sequence will leave you wondering how far they’re willing to go to save the park. Β They need money bad. Β Julian’s been letting everyone drink for free at his bar, and nobody’s paying the lot fees. Β Finally Julian decides to turn Sunnyvale into a “all-inclusive” vacation resort. Β Bubbles puts together an online ad, which goes viral and catches the attention of Jimmy Kimmel himself.

The first half of Season 10 is actually a little dull. Β It’s a bit of the same old, same old. Β Breaking the law, almost getting caught. Β Bad luck and dumb fuck-ups. Β Once the special guests arrive, the season takes on a whole new life.

 

A fleet of gangsta cars pulls into the park. Β It’s Snoop Dogg, Doug Benson, and Tom fucking Arnold! Β Snoop and Doug are there for the “all you can smoke” weed, but Tom has comeΒ for the superfan experience. Β Turns out he’s a huge fan of the show (remember, Trailer Park Boys is a “documentary” on Julian!) and has a bucket list of things he wants to do at Sunnyvale: Β driving the Shitmobile, sleeping in Bubbles’ shed, and banging Lucy! Β “I can’t believe it! Β We’re in Sunnyvale fucking Trailer Park! Β I’ve seen every episode of your show, man! Β It’s even shittier in real life! Β I love it!”

As for Ricky, he’s happy just to “get high as fuck with Snoopy Doggy Dogg Dogg”!

As you can imagine, the presence of Snoop and his posse leads to many hilarious scenes and encounters. Β Will J-Roc lose his shit completely upon meeting his idol? Β Will Ricky be able to say Snoop’s name right? Β The one thing fans would have expected out of a Snoop Dogg guest shot is seeing him rap with J-Roc or Bubbles, and you won’t be disappointed. Β Episode 8 “The Super Bling Cowboy” has the musical scene you’ve been hoping for. Β In fact it’s safe to say that Season 10 changes completely upon meeting Snoop. Β The arc of the season takes a back seat to the guest stars, and some of that big star millionaire money might resolve a few plots. Β However, at the same time, there is some ambitious writing going on. Β Early on, we learn that Jim Lahey has a secret that he’s been hiding all along, that only Barb knows about. Β This secret provides Barb some blackmail leverage, but it’s also setting up a storyline that will run for at least three seasons including this one. Β Jim’s secret was explored in Season 11, but not fully resolved, presumably leaving it to also impact Season 12, coming in 2018. Β (Post your fan theories in the comments!) Β This kind of multi-season story arc has never been attempted on Trailer Park Boys before.

Keeping a show like the highly formulaic Trailer Park Boys fresh can’t be easy after 10 years. Β Snoop, Doug Benson and Tom Arnold helped distinguish Season 10 as one of the most fun. Β You can always count on Ricky, Julian and Bubbles to put themselves in some pretty ridiculous situations, and usually drag everybody else into their web of shit. Β The guest stars offer a temporary pause to that, and allow our characters to have a bit more fun than usual. Β And when they have fun, so does the audience. Β However the ending has a sad note, accompanied by a familiar melancholy song. Β It’s a strangely emotional denouement. Β “There’s a voice, that keeps on calling me. Β Down the road, where I always seem to be. Β Every stop I make, I see my old friend…”

Maybe tomorrow, they’ll want toΒ settle down…in the end, it’s about the characters, who are just a big family we’ve now known for 10 seasons. Β Randy said it best:

“I love you Ricky! Β I love you like a brother. I don’t like you at all, but I love you!”

4/5 stars

 

RE-REVIEW: KISS – Ace Frehley (1978 solo album)

The KISS RE-REVIEW SERIES Part 14: Β 

 – Ace FrehleyΒ (1978 Casablanca solo album, 1997 Mercury remaster)

Of the four members of Kiss, Ace Frehley felt he had the most to prove on his solo album.Β  He’d only had two lead vocals with Kiss, and usually only contributed a couple songs to each album.Β  Could he write and sing an entire solo album?Β  Some in the Kiss camp had their doubts.

Ace regrouped with his favourite Kiss producer, Eddie Kramer, and crucially got a newcomer named Anton Fig to play drums. Β Anton, from South Africa, has a long and fruitful career but a huge chunk of it was with Ace, and it started right here. Β Ace Frehley played almost everything else himself.Β  Will Lee (Anton’s future bandmate on the Late Night with David Letterman show) played bass on three tracks. Β Ace also wrote the majority of the songs by himself, proving he wasn’t reliant on Gene and Paul.

β€œRip It Out” is one of the great Ace album openers.Β  He used it to open his Frehley’s Comet shows in the 1980s, and on album, it really sets the right scene.Β  Ace was singing great, but more importantly, he had a chance to really let his guitars shine. Β Β Listen to the main riff — you can clearly hear an acoustic guitar mixed in with the electrics. Β In Kiss, Ace’s job was to solo and complement the rhythm guitars.Β  Now Ace could play with multi-layered guitars and effects. Β β€œRip It Out” really sounds like a statement of intent. Β Listen very carefully to the number of guitar parts happening in the mix, from slides and squeals to solos.

Ace has a knack for a pop melody, and β€œSpeeding Back to My Baby” has that side to it.Β  It’s pop rock complete with female backing vocals, but with serious crunch.Β  Frehley is the master of guitar crunch, so even when we call a song β€œpop”, it really rocks.Β  Check out Frehley’s partly backwards stoppy-starty guitar solo too.

The heavy side of Ace is explored on β€œSnow Blind”, a mean rocker with a nasty riff.Β  The solo section is to die for.Β  β€œOzone” too is heavy, and possibly better known as a cover by the Foo Fighters.Β  There weren’t any questions about the subject matter:Β  β€œI’m the kind of guy who likes feelin’ high,” sings Ace in the opening line.Β  Gene would not have approved, but note the combined use of electrics and acoustics once again.

Ace ended the first side with another triumphant pop rocker:Β  β€œWhat’s On Your Mind”.Β  It is tracks like this that helped Ace’s solo album become a clear fan favourite. Β The guitar riff has punch, but when doubled with acoustics, it rings like a bell. Β From brilliant guitar licks to the unforgettable melody, Ace nailed it with β€œWhat’s On Your Mind”. It also bookends the first side very well with β€œRip It Out”.

The big hit, still getting radio play today, was the Russ Ballard cover β€œNew York Groove”.Β  Ballard originally gave his demo to the band Hello, but it was Ace that made it an important song.Β  Ace took the words (written by an Englishman!) and adapted his persona to them.Β  His lovable rough and tumble New York personality fit the song to a β€œT”.Β  It’s a bit cheesy, but Ace can take cheesy and make it cool. Β The stompy beat was created using studio experimentation, Eddie Kramer the mad genius who would record anything and everything to get just the right sound.

A pair of rock tracks, β€œI’m In Need of Love” and β€œWiped Out”, fill the middle of side two.Β  Ace’s echoey guitar slides on β€œI’m In Need of Love” deliver the prime hooks.Β  It’s an excellent example of what Ace can do with an electric guitar.Β  Meanwhile, β€œWiped Out” is like a sequel to the surf rock classic β€œWipe Out”, and not Ace’s last foray into surf rock either.Β  His intricate picking here would cause a lesser player’s fingers to fall off. Β Check out that wacka-ja-wacka stuff too, funky and cool.

Ace saved the most impressive track for the last, and the first in his so-called Fractured Quadrilogy:Β  β€œFractured Mirror”.Β  This instrumental features shimmering sixΒ and twelve stringsΒ working in tandem. Β Ace and producer Eddie Kramer went to great lengths to get the guitar sounds on this song.Β  One technique included playing the figure on a doubleneck guitar, but only using the pickups on the open-tuned second neck. Β The pickups to the neck that Ace was actually playing on were turned off. Β Once overdubbed, this gave the guitars a bell-like chime, and fans spent years trying to figure out just how Ace did it. Β Now you know.

This album was a turning point for Ace.Β  It gave him confidence.Β  It ushered in a slew of Ace Frehley lead vocals in Kiss.Β  And eventually, it set him up for his departure, as nothing he did in Kiss was as artistically freeing as his first solo album.

Today’s rating:

5/5 stars

To be continued…

Original mikeladano.com review: Β 2012/07/19