Before the likes of Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie (two of the biggest shock rock icons the world has known) there was a man who had already brought shock rock to the world's main stage and at one point, limelight. This individual truly is the man, the myth and the legend. His name is Alice Cooper.
This is an all-star tribute to the world's greatest shock rocker and when I say "all-star", I mean ALL-STAR. This tribute features members from such legendary bands as: Iron Maiden, The Who, Megadeth, Deep Purple, Dio, Guns N' Roses and more along with a few of today's biggest metal bands such as Iced Earth, Children of Bodom and Symphony X. So sit back, relax and let me release the guillotine.
"Welcome to My Nightmare" (Ronnie James Dio, Phil Soussan, Randy Castillo) - One of Alice's staple songs and a fan favorite, a fairly decent cover. I really enjoy Ronnie's voice and think he's the perfect choice to sing this song.
"Dead Babies" (Iced Earth) - Great song and an even better cover. This is Iced Earth a little out of their element, but they adapt so well that you can't even tell! All around an amazing track.
"School's Out" (Dave Mustaine, Marty Friedman, Bob Daisley, Eric Singer) - While this is one of Alice's Biggest hits, I don't particularly care for it. I absolutely love Dave and Marty, so it was nice to hear them together again. As a fan, I would have put Megadeth's cover of "No More Mr. Nice Guy" on here instead.
"Black Widow" (Bruce Dickinson, Adrian Smith, Tommy Aldridge, Derek Sherinian) - My god! This song begins with a most eerie reading from Bruce speaking about the black widow. All I have to say is if I was a child of his, I wouldn't want him reading me any bed time stories! As far as the song is concerned, I don't really like it. It's decent, but it doesn't really move me. Again, I'd stick with the original. Bruce's narration kept me interested throughout the entirety of the song though.
"Bed of Nails" (Children of Bodom) - Hell yes! This is a bad ass song! The original is a classic but these guys absolutely tear it to shreds! The song begins with an organ piece and then kicks into gear. Fantastic ***ing song! While the majority of the song is the 'regular' heavy metal, towards the end the Bodom Boys add their signature sound with the black metal and it comes out of nowhere and will surprise you. Well, probably not now because I just told you, so just pretend you don't know. This is my favorite song on the album and maybe my favorite from Alice's catalog.
"Go to Hell" (Dee Snyder, Zakk Wylde, Rudy Sarzo, Frankie Banali.) - First things first. Dee Snyder and Zakk Wylde together. How could that not rock? Friends, it does rock and I think they sounded so well together that I'd like to hear them get together more often. Maybe do some sort of side project together. It won't happen, but hey, I'd check out the album.
"Roses on White Lace" (Icarus Witch) - My first experience with the band and let me tell you, I really like these guys. The vocals remind me a LOT of Bruce Dickinson. Even though I don't know what the band is capable of, I think this is the perfect song for them. It certainly sounds that way anyway. These guys are definitely worth checking out.
"Cold Ethyl" (Vince Neil, Mick Mars, Randy Castillo)- This song has the typical Motley Crue vibe to it. You know, the sleazy glamour rock song (which I personally dig). This is a pretty good cover. It's not over done, it's perfect.
"Under My Wheels" (Joe Elliot, Phil Collen, Bob Kullick, Chuck Wright) - Not bad. There's an amazing sax solo in the middle of the song and throughout it that makes it a fun lovin' 60's dance song. Pretty cool.
"Elected" ( Duff McKagen, Billy Duffy, Matt Sorum, Steve Jones) - What you've got here is pretty much Guns N' Roses meets the Sex Pistols. Quite an interesting combination and the outcome is fair. Not bad, not good. This is one of the songs I skip through.
"No More Mr. Nice Guy" (Roger Daltrey, Slash, Bob Kullick, Mike Inez, Carmine Appice) - I never in a thousand years thought would have thought one day I would see a partnership of someone like Roger Daltrey and Slash playing together to create one of the best covers I've heard. This is a great tune both Alice style and ala this wild bunch. Great stuff here!!
"Billion Dollar Babies" (Phil Lewis, George Lynch, Stu Hamm, Derek Sherinian) -Another one of my favorite Alice Cooper tunes. At first I was afraid to listen just because I thought they might besmirch one of my all time favorite tunes. It was stupid of me to think that. Very impressive if I do say so myself.
"Eighteen" (Don Dokken, John Norum, Tim Bogert, Gregg Bissonette) - Musically, this is the best song on the album. From beginning to end, you can feel the emotion and the magic that this song has had for so many people. The truthful and heartfelt lyrics along with the somewhat somber guitar solos just rips into your chest! Don's vocals are quite impressive as well. Just incredible.
"Only Women Bleed" (Glenn Hughes, Paul Gilbert, Bob Kullick) - I was never a fan of this song originally and I'm not of this cover either. The guys do quite a good job, but I just can't get into this song. The vocals are dead on and are the best part of the song.
I know in some of the songs I didn't get into enough detail, but I just figured that the majority of the people already know the songs and the bands/band members. While the album has so many big names on here contributing to the songs, I haven't really seen any publicity or advertising for it. I've seen one " ad in one metal magazine and that was it. For an album to seemingly just fall from the sky and to have so many great musicians on it is beyond me. The bottom line is if you enjoy Alice Cooper or any of the artists covering the songs, you should pick this album up (if you can find it).
