PRETTIES FOR YOU (1969, 1989) STRAIGHT RECORDS/ENIGMA RETRO

Titanic Overture - intro 10 Minutes Before The Worm Sing Low, Sweet Cheerio Today Mueller Living Fields Of Regret No Longer Umpire Levity Ball (Live At The Cheetah) B.B. On Mars Reflected Apple Bush Earwigs To Eternity Changing Arranging

Line-up: Alice Cooper - Vocals and Harmonica Neal Smith - Drums and Vocals Dennis Dunaway - Bass Guitar and Vocals Glen Buxton - Lead Guitar Michael Bruce - Rhythm Guitar, Vocals, Piano and Organ

Alice Cooper (the band) released their first album in March of 1969, through Frank Zappa's Straight Records. Entitled 'Pretties For You', the album took only 2 days to record.

'Pretties For You' bear little resemblance to anything you think of when you hear the name Alice Cooper. The music has more in common with early Pink Floyd, The Doors or Frank Zappa. As such 'Pretties For You' is a somewhat time typical album. The band members themselves have commented that they, at the time, felt that the record was quite commercial! Bear in mind that it was recorded in late 1968, and released early 1969, and one cannot actually disagree. 'Pretties For You' delivers music that is psychedelic, trippy and progressive, just as much of the popular music of it's time. You never know what is happening next, be it jazzy parts with piano, nods to blues using a harmonica or what have you?

I fully understand that it sounds weird today, and this is by no means a highlight in the bands career. It failed to make a mark as a new release, and the Alice Cooper band was better known for live performances than studio albums early on. Maybe that is why they put a live version of "Levity Ball" in the middle of the album? "Reflected" (the albums only single) was reworked into "Elected", on 'Billion Dollar Babies' (1973).

'Pretties For You' was long out of print, but remastered (supposedly) and reissued through Enigma Retro in 2008.

Killer tracks: Sing Low, Sweet Cheerio, Fields Of Regret,

EASY ACTION (1970, 1989) RHINO

Originally released on Frank Zappa's Straight Records, 'Easy Action' was the second offering from Alice Cooper, the band. It continues much in the same manner as the debut album, delivering psychedelic and spaced out dada-rock, more in the likes of early Pink Floyd and Frank Zappa himself, than anything most people associate with the name Alice Cooper. There are some differences between 'Pretties For You' and 'Easy Action' though, and songs like the opening "Mr. & Misdemeanor" and the epic "Below Your Means" (with Michael Bruce as the lead singer) has a lot more in common with future Alice Cooper classics. But the core of the album is still wacky, intangible, progressive and fluffy space-rock. I think schizophrenic might be a fitting adjective for the music.

The brother part of "Lay Down And Die, Goodbye" would later reappear on 'Love It To Death', then reworked into the instrumental part of "Black Juju". The song was also recorded by The Nazz (pre-Alice Cooper band) back in 1967.

'Easy Action' was long out of print, and almost impossible to find. It was gaining hefty prices on eBay, the few times it would appear there. But luckily Rhino reissued it in 2008, so I was finally able to get a copy for my collection. The reissue is supposedly remastered.

Killer tracks: Mr. & Misdemeanor, Below Your Means, Return Of The Spiders

 LOVE IT TO DEATH (1971) WARNER BROS.

'Love It To Death' was the Alice Cooper band's 3rd album. It marked the first collaboration with Canadian super-producer, Bob Ezrin, who would have a big role in Alice Cooper's success.

'Love It To Death' is considered by Alice Cooper himself as the first real Alice Cooper album. It shows the band from some different angles, and it is sort of a transitory album for the band. We get some psychedelic space rock songs similar to those on the first 2 albums. But we also get some raunchy rockers in a style that would later on become synonymous with the shock rocker, Alice Cooper. And then there are the songs that somewhat falls in between these two styles. "I'm Eighteen" is probably the most known song from this album, and the song that gave the band their first (minor) hit. It has become a regular in Alice Cooper live shows. But I think my favorite here is "Ballad Of Dwight Fry". What a quirky mix of spaghetti western music and theatrical twists and turns! "Black Juju" is another stand out track, a nine minute plus psychedelic trip. As a whole 'Love It To Death' is a bit messy musically, perhaps. But fortunately Bob Ezrin managed to bring it all together with his focused production, and as a result 'Love It To Death' became the bands first album to get any king of recognition. Bob made the band focus on writing songs with less ideas, but with more attitude. On their first 2 albums they sort of mashed together all their ideas into each song, as they thought artistry was all about showing off all your different sides, all the time. But on 'Love It to Death' each song has it's own recognizable characteristic.

The original cover art for the LP version of the album caused a bit of controversy. On the original front cover, Alice has his thumb poking out of his cape in a suggestive position. This was first covered up by simply cutting off the bottom of the picture with a white band, and later painting over the offending digit. You can see the original cover art here.

"Sun Arise" was written by Rolf Harris and Harry Butler. They were trying to capture the magic of Aboriginal music. Rolf Harris recorded it in 1962.

Killer tracks: I'm Eighteen, Black Juju, Ballad Of Dwight Fry

WELCOME TO MY NIGHTMARE (1975, 2002) RHINO/ATLANTIC (Remastered)

'Welcome To My Nightmare' was Alice Cooper's first "solo" album, after the demise of the band, Alice Cooper. It is also, arguably of course, the man's finest moment on album. Once again teaming up with producer Bob Ezrin turned out to be a stroke of genius. Together they created an album to go hand in hand with the theatrical shows Alice was already known for. But as shown on later productions from Ezrin ('Dada' comes to mind quickly), a grandiose production doesn't make for a good album. The songs do! And that is also why 'Welcome To My Nightmare' has become such a classic. "Devil's Food', "The Black Widow" (complete with Vincent Price legendary voice, a gimmick even Michael Jackson stole for his "Thriller"), "Only Women Bleed", the anthemic "Department Of Youth", "Steven" and the title track all show Alice at his very best. Together all these ingredients make up for my favorite album from my favorite shock rocker. I own the 2002 remastered version of this album. It contains alternate versions of songs from the album as a bonus. Both "Devil's Food" and "The Awakening" are noticeably longer in these versions, and the latter also contains some narrations by Vincent Price not heard on the final version.

Killer tracks: All of them.

FROM THE INSIDE (1978) WARNER BROS.

After getting sobered up at a New York mental hospital, where he went for alcohol detox, Alice returns to tell the story. 'From The Inside' is yet another concept album, with characters loosely based on inmates Alice met while in rehab. Co-written by Bernie Taupin (long time Elton John collaborator, and drinking buddy of Alice Cooper), this album is not as flamboyant as 'Welcome To My Nightmare', the record it will forever be compared with. Again I would have to say that the sound on the album is quite time typical. It's a mix of rock and pop, with a simple disco-infused production. Maybe not so different from what Elton John was doin', during the 70's? Some songs even reminds me of the roomy production sound of ABBA. The music takes you on a journey, and lets you get under the skin of both the characters, and Alice himself. This might also be one of Alice's most personal albums, lyrically, dealing with his alcohol problems, naturally, but also his relationship with his wife ("How You Gonna See Me Now"). 'From The Inside' didn't leave the biggest impression as a new release. But over time it has become a bona fide classic, and one of the fans most cherished records. It's just classic Alice Cooper!

'From The Inside' is a typical example of why the LP format was so much cooler for us collectors. The original album came with a fold-out sleeve. And when you opened it, it revealed a picture of the institutions recreation room, with all the characters scattered throughout. There was also a door to The Quiet Room, and when you opened that door, Alice appeared wrapped in a straight jacket. The back cover had doors that opened to reveal Alice letting the inmates out of the hospital, with their release papers. The CD booklet has the inmate room on the back, but it doesn't reveal what is behind the closed doors.

Killer tracks: From The Inside, Serious, How You Gonna See Me Now, Jackknife Johnny, Inmates (We're All Crazy)

FLUSH THE FASHION (1980) WARNER BROS.

I read an interview with Mr. Cooper where he stated that he doesn't remember much of the late 70's and early 80's. But when he sat down and listened to the albums he made during that era, he was always happy to find out that he at least always played hard rock! Listening to 'Flush The Fashion' makes me wonder if Alice ever listened to entire albums. Or is it me who are listening to them the wrong way? Because in my ears there are barely any rock music present on this album at all. This is pseudo-new-wave pop-synth-tinged music with a rock flavor. That said, this album does contain some classic tracks, and "Clones (We're All)" is probably the best of them. Also worth mentioning the low point in the horrible bebop rocker named "Leather Boots". Forgotten gem? "Pain" gets my vote. 'Talk Talk', written by Sean Bonniwell, was originally recorded during the 60's by L.A. band Music Machine.

Killer tracks: Clones (We're All), Pain, Aspirin Damage, Model Citizen

SPECIAL FORCES (1981) WARNER BROS.

Is something wrong with me? When most long time fans say this is their least favorite Alice Cooper album, I actually like it!! OK, so it is definitely not the hard rock of the 70's we get on 'Special Forces', but rather a mixture of early 80's new age synth-pop and pseudo-rock. That means little guitar, and lots of "plastic" keyboard sounds. In 1981 Alice Cooper had not held a permanent line-up for close to a decade, and it is clear that the "band" here consists of studio musicians. And together with producer Richard Polodor (noticeable for producing such hits as "Joy to the World" by Three Dog Night and "Born to Be Wild" by Steppenwolf. Also the first record producer to achieve a platinum album), this constellation created a time typical effort. It's also worth to notice that keyboardist Duane Hitchings (Cactus) co-wrote the brother part of these songs. He is also responsible for such songs as Rod Stewart's "Do You Think I'm Sexy". "Seven & Seven Is" was penned by one Arthur Lee, and was originally recorded by Love in 1966. Of the highlight on this album, I wanna mention "Skeletons In The Closet", a classic Cooper horror composition that initially was the working title for this album, "Don't Talk Old To Me", one of the more humorous titles, and the closest thing this album comes to a title track, the opening "Who Do You Think We Are" ('Special Forces' is part of the songs lyrics). The reworked version of "Generation Landslide" (originally on 'Billion Dollar Babies') is listed as a live version. But that is wrong, as Alice Cooper didn't premier this song live until the tour for 'Hey Stoopid'.

Killer songs: Who Do You Think We Are, Don't Talk Old To Me, Skeletons In The Closet

ZIPPER CATCHES SKIN (1982) WARNER BROS.

Alice was quite the workaholic during the early 80's, releasing new albums every year. And although the work he produced at the time may have been the fans least favorite, he still recorded a lot of gems during this period. In 1982 Alice once again returned to the studio with new and old faces, recording his 14th studio album.

'Zipper Catches Skin' is another time typical early 80's album from Alice. Again we're talking more pop-oriented new wave stuff, in contrast to the shock-rock Alice got famous for during the 70's. Still, with Dick Wagner back at the helm, it is a more guitar oriented album then the previous 2 efforts. Lyrically it relies heavily on Alice's trademark humor, and 'Zipper Catches Skin' is easily one of the funniest album titles, ever! To me there are no real stand-out songs on the CD, except perhaps "No Baloney Homosapiens". I like most of the others as well, but at the same time I can't remember much of them when I'm finish listening to the CD. I guess this means that 'Zipper Catches Skin' serves as one of my least favorite Alice Cooper albums.

Alice has stated several times that he was such a heavy drinker during the early 80's, he doesn't even remember recording this album. Neither did he tour for 'Zipper Catches Skin', and none of these songs have ever been performed live. "I Am The Future" also appeared in the b-movie horror, 'Class Of 1984', starring a very young Michael J. Fox.

Trivia: "Take The Money (Scrooge's Song) was actually taken from a concept album based on 'Scrooge' that Alice was working on back in the late 70's.

Killer tracks: Zorro's Ascent, Make That Money (Scrooge's Song), I Am The Future, No Baloney Homosapines

DADA (1983) WARNER BROS.

Alice Cooper and Bob Ezrin were a killer combination on 'Welcome To My Nightmare'. The same can not be said on this one. Although some of the songs are actually quite good, the production kills them. It's typical of Alice to experiment with the popular sound of the time. Well, it doesn't work. Funny though, that 'Welcome To My Nightmare' and KISS' 'Destroyer' album (both produced by Bob), were released only a year apart. Both albums regarded as both bands finest moments by most fans. Then KISS released 'The Elder' in '81, and 'DaDa' was released in '83. These albums are considered rock bottom in both cases. Clearly Bob was on some medicaments that didn't do the trick in the early 80's. Listen to 'Welcome To My Nightmare' instead.

August 2008: Oh, how times can change a man's mind! I was way to quick to dismiss this classic Alice Cooper gem. Not sure what happened, but after revamping my Alice Cooper page, I wanted to revisit the discography. 'DaDa' was high on the re-listen list, because I initially gave it such a bad write-up. Turns out, this is not at all a bad album. It's different, yes, quirky, most definitely, but it works! OK, so this is not the shock rock of the 70s, and definitely not the heavy metal he would later dabble with during the mid-80's to early 90's. 'DaDa' is probably the most pop-tinged album in Alice's catalogue. But it is also a trippy, progressive and almost psychedelic vibe here. So in a way Alice is going back to his roots. Songs like "DaDa" and "Pass The Gun Around" might just as well have appeared on Pink Floyd's 'The Wall' (another Bob Ezrin product)! "Scarlet And Sheba" shows a little of the more streamlined heavy rock that was to follow, while "Former Lee Warmer" is more a nod back to his recent past. The album is heavily computerized, including most of the drums. All the familiar Alice topics are present though, and it has been suggested that some of these tracks are quite autobiographic. Then again, Alice was at his utmost alcoholic stages during, and after, the recording of this album. So who really knows what went on in his mind at this point in time? Surely not himself. Luckily he spent the following months cleaning up, for good, instead of touring. Thus none of these tracks have ever been performed live.

Rock trivia: The cover art for 'Dada' is an altered part of the Salvador Dali painting, 'Slave Market with the Disappearing Bust of Voltaire' (1940). You can see a picture of the entire paining here. The painting is an optical illusion which shows differing images depending on how you look at it. In the case of the 'Dada' cover you have either two images of Alice-like figures sitting down, or an old mans head. Salvador Dali and Alice were mutual fans of each other, and had been friends since 1973. Alice even appears in Dali's first three dimensional hologram, 'First Cylindrical Chromo-Hologram Portrait of Alice Cooper's Brain'. This now stands at the Dali museum in Spain!

Killer tracks: Enough's Enough, Former Lee Warmer, Scarlet And Sheba, I Love America, Fresh Blood, Pass The Gun Around

CONSTRICTOR (1986) MCA

'Constrictor' was Alice's comeback album, and a return to form, in my opinion. His experimental days were over, and this album features music in the hard-rock/metal variety. By today's standards this might be called pop-metal, as many of the songs are pretty radio-friendly, with lots of keyboards. But back then, we only called it metal! 'Constrictor' also delivers all the ingredients that a Cooper album should; teenage rebellion, anthems, humor and shockers. All this makes it one of my favorite Alice Cooper CD's. ""He's Back" (The Man Behind The Mask)" is from the 'Friday The 13th Part VI Jason Lives' motion picture soundtrack, and was for a long time my favorite Alice Cooper tracks.

Killer tracks: Teenage Frankenstein Life Ad The Death Of The Party, The World Needs Guts, "He's Back" (The Man Behind The Mask)

RAISE YOUR FIST AND YELL (1987) MCA

Another fine release from the original shock rocker. This is the second Alice Cooper disc featuring music in the metal category. And what a great album it is. This is the sound I got into Alice for, and I wish he had stayed that way. Songs like the metal anthem "Freedom" gives me as much pleasure today, as it did back in 1987. Unfortunately Mr. Cooper always tries to renew himself, and follow the trends. And off course in the mid-80's, pop-metal was the big rock thing.

Killer tracks: Freedom, Prince Of Darkness, Roses On White Lace

THE BEAST OF ALICE COOPER (1989) WARNER BROS.

It had been several years since Alice Cooper left Warner Bros. So this has got to be a cash in on a famous name, and his back catalogue. Thus this compilation album contains all the hits you can imagine from the Warner Bros. era. But if you already own the regular albums, or even one of the other numerous best-of albums released under the Alice Cooper moniker, then this one is pretty unnecessary. It seems as though Alice is having huge problems with his older record companies releasing this sort of stuff all the time. Warner Bros. is just one of the companies, as well as Sony/Epic. And read my write-up on 'Nobody Likes Me' for the story of one of the earliest recordings of Alice Cooper. 'The Beast Of Alice Cooper' comes with fitting cover art, a decent booklet with a collage of photos, and a short write-up of the Alice Cooper story.

TRASH (1989) EPIC

One of Alice' most successful albums. He was really hitting the jackpot with hits like "Poison" and "Only My Heart Talkin'". I really enjoy this albums, but find it kind of humorous that the song I remember the least, is the title track. Desmond Child produced this commercial album, and he also co-wrote all the songs, save for one. He also became famous for "helping" KISS write some of their biggest hits. Look out for guest appearances from members of Bon Jovi and Aerosmith.

Killer tracks: Poison, Only My Heart Talkin', Bed Of Nails, Hell Is Living Without You

HEY STOOPID (1991) EPIC

Alice at his most commercial, I guess. He had another string of hits on this one. And I am one to salute this style. I always preferred his melodic metal side. Lots of guests on this one as well. Slash (Guns 'n' Roses), Ozzy Osbourne, Nikki Sixx and Mick Mars (Mötley Crüe), Joe Satriani and Steve Vai are all metal household names. I am of that opinion that this album sums up what Alice is all about. FUN!

Rock trivia: The song "Feed My Frankenstein" was co-written by Zodiac Mindward. Zodiac Mindward And The Love Reaction recorded their own version, and releases it on their 'Hoodlum Thunder' the same year as 'Hey Stoopid' came out.

Killer tracks: Hey Stoopid, Love's A Loaded Gun, Might As Well Be On Mars, Wind-Up Toy, Feed My Frankenstein

  THE LAST TEMPTATION (1994) EPIC

This album has never really gotten to be a friend of mine. It's not a bad album, it's just not as good as others by Alice. It's kind of back to the 70's style, and that in it self is a good thing. It's just Alice Cooper's relentless hang to always copy the latest trends that almost ruins it for me. Not many of the songs sticks, if you haven't heard it for a while. And if I say that one of the main contributors to this album is Chris Cornell, from Soundgarden, then you might have an idea as to what "flavor-of-the-month" Alice was reaching for here. My version is a cool Special Limited Edition w/comic book. It's a comic book about the story this CD is written upon, and Steven is a character all Cooper fans recognize. I bought it for a bit over $8, and it's almost impossible to find anymore. If you're lucky you'll find it for 3 times the price I gave for it (the Special Edition, that is).

Killer tracks: Lost In America, You're My Temptation, Stolen Prayer

CLASSICKS (1995) EPIC

Another best-of album, containing tracks taken from the albums 'Trash' up to 'The Last Temptation'. But this collection is more notable for the live-tracks, recorded in Birmingham, England, and taken from the 'Trashes The World' video. So it is rather cool to have some of these songs on CD too. It also contains a studio version of the Jimi Hendrix cover, entitled 'Fire'. It was previously only available as a B-side to the "Love's a Loaded Gun" singles. So as a compilation album, 'Classicks' is doin' just fine. It is said that it was Alice himself who suggested the title.

A FISTFUL OF ALICE (1997) GUARDIAN/EMI

It has been 20 years since the last live album from the original shock-rocker. 'A Fistful Of Alice' (working title 'Viva Alice') was recorded at Sammy Hagar's club Cabo Wabo in Cabo, San Lucas, Mexico on Sunday June 2, 1996. It was also aired as a TV-special in Mexico. Alice brought along a slew of guest artists with him, including the club owner himself, Guns 'n Roses axeman Slash and Rob Zombie. The set list is great, and could just as well have been that of a best-of compilation album. The band sounds alive and kicking, with Alice delivering the goods as usual. I like this live-offering, but it tends to drown in the crowd with so many other great live-albums. Alice Cooper live should be seen as well as heard, so a DVD of this concert would be great. My European version of this CD contains "Under My Wheels" and "No More Mr. Nice Guy". They are not featured on the US version, which has "Billion Dollar Babies" instead. The Japanese version has all of these tracks, as well as "Bed Of Nails" and "Clones (We Are All)" too! "Is Anyone Home?" is a brand new studio track, and a pretty good one at that. EMI also reissued this album in 2005, with new artwork (also featured above), and under the new title 'Live At Cabo Wabo '96'.

SUPER HITS (1999) EPIC/LEGACY

This compilation sucks! Containing songs from Cooper's 3 last studio offerings, this collection doesn't offer anything new. I guess this was to get out of a contract or something. Steer away!

BRUTAL PLANET (2000, 2001) EAGLE (2-CD) LIMITED EUROPEAN TOUR EDITION 

Why does Alice always feel he has to sound so contemporary all the time. This album is actually quite good, but the modern industrial sound is putting it down, as far as I'm concerned. I suspect it would have been even better with a more straight metal sound. I know that Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie are selling tons at the moment, but Alice should remember that these guys are influenced by him, and he should be the role model, not the follower! Great to hear Eric Singer back in the saddle again, after being let go from KISS. Originally released in 2000, my version is a special, numbered European Tour edition (number 03863) with a bonus-disc, released in 2001.

Killer tracks: Pick Up The Bones, Gimme, Take It Like A Woman, It's The Little Things

May 9th 2002: Got it signed by drummer Eric Singer!

THE DEFINITIVE ALICE COOPER (2001) WARNER BROS.

I'm a member of several CD-clubs, and sometimes I forget to cancel the CD-of-the-month. This is such a CD. Luckily it was one I would have bought someday anyway, just not for the full price. The disc is yet another 'best-of'-effort, but no previously unreleased material is here. In fact, it appears that this is nothing more than an expanded reissue of the original 'Greatest Hits' release from 1974. But collector's might still appreciate it, because all of the songs have been remastered here. And it does contain single versions of many of the songs. The cool thing about it is that every song, except for the last two, are vintage Alice Cooper. So for people like me, who doesn't own Alice Cooper's entire back-catalogue yet, this is a cherished item.

DRAGONTOWN (2001) EAGLE

Here we go again then. Part three in the series begun with 'The Last Temptation'. And I hope this is the last one. Again Alice feels he has to sound modern. And this time I don't even like most of the songs. Just when I thought he had hit rock bottom with the awful 'Deeper', he hits me with the pitiful 'Disgraceland'. I am aware of that this last track is meant humorous, but I'm not laughing! Maybe this album will grow on me with more listening, but I'm afraid I don't have the patients. One song line states: "I'll never be the same". Please reconsider, Alice. Gimme' horror-movie soundtracks, Alice, not apocalyptic warnings!

Killer tracks: Sex, Death And Money, Dragontown

THE EYES OF ALICE COOPER (2003) SPITFIRE

After 3 albums definitely on the metal side, Alice now returns to his roots. And I'm not talking about the 80's Alice. No, this is late 60's, early 70's Detroit rock. Alice was part of inventing this style of music. But since we nowadays see the return of this style, in bands such as The White Stripes & The Strokes, Alice now gets accused of being a trend-follower! Oh well, I for one applaud the change. I actually really enjoy this disc. It's filled with what Alice does best; rock and roll! His ever present humor is represented in tracks such as "The Song That Didn't Rhyme" and "Between High School & Old School". The horror side of the man shines through in the wonderful "This House Is Haunted". But the red thread throughout the album is the dirty, gritty rock sound, nicely produced by Mudrock. Welcome back, Alice! It's nice to have you amongst my favorites again!

Killer tracks: Between High School & Old School, Novocaine, Be With You Awhile, This House Is Haunted, The Song That Didn't Rhyme

DIRTY DIAMONDS (2005) SPITFIRE

Following in the footsteps of his last effort, here is another back-to-roots album from Alice Cooper. And as much as I like 'The Eyes Of Alice Cooper', I actually think he surpassed it this time around. This is probably the mans finest moment since his glory days. The songs are stripped down rockers, just like they were in the man's early days. Labeled Detroit garage rock, a genre Alice was a part of creating. Even the production on this puppy reminds me of those early classics. And as usual the man mixes humour ("The Saga Of Jesse Jane") and shock ("Sunset Babies (All Got Rabies)" like no one else. 'Dirty Diamonds' has become a pretty varied album. The title track and "Run Down The Devil" are both pretty heavy, whilst "Six Hours" shows Alice's softer side. We get treated to plenty of dirty garage rock, but you'll also find traces of everything from country to flower power to Black Sabbath-riffing! 'Dirty Diamonds' is Alice as we know and love him. The bonus track, "Stand" (featuring rapper Xzibit) was originally on the 2004 Athens Olympics soundtrack.

Killer tracks: Most of them

ALONG CAME A SPIDER (2008) SPV/STEAMHAMMER (Limited Edition)

Has it been 3 years since Alice Cooper's last effort already? Man, time flies, and I'm getting old! But here our favorite shock rocker is back to haunt, taunt and scare us once again. And this time he set out to record another conceptual album, along the same lines as 'Welcome To My Nightmare' and 'From The Inside'. 'Along Came A Spider' tells a story based on a fictional serial killer named Spider, who mutilates his victims, by removing one of their legs, and wraps their bodies in a silk web. Every song is sort of a letter to the police, written in Spider's diary. They think they're investigating it from the outside, but he's actually woven them into the whole thing. There are 8 murders, each representing 1 leg on the monster he is creating. The story line was surprisingly easy to follow, as I am one who never really cares about lyrics all that much. But I thoroughly enjoyed following the insanity. Song wise we're talking classic Alice Cooper here. I've read fans stating that this is a return to the 70's Alice Cooper. But to me, that is just partially truth. There are songs here that could just as well have been from the mans 80's records ("Catch Me If You Can"), as well as his 90's albums ("Vengeance Is Mine"). And with the up-to-date production, this is just a fresh new album rather then something trying to recapture a certain era. But if we're talking lyrically, then I'm inclined to agree that this is very much reminiscent of the 70's era Cooper. 2 of the tracks are really sticking out on the CD, but for 2 very different reasons. The first one is "Wake The Dead", a number heavily driven by a harmonica "riff". The song is co-written by one John Osbourne, and alert fans of classic metal might recognize that as Ozzy's real name. Although the liner notes say nothing about it, I've read that it is Ozzy himself playing the harmonica on this song. He most certainly wrote the part. The second "odd number", if you will, is "Salvation". This beautiful ballad is Alice Cooper's most honest Christian statement so far. Lyrically "hidden" as a remorseful statement from the story's serial killer, it clearly also delivers a strong message: "Any chance of salvation, any chance for me, any chance of salvation for eternity" could be evidence enough of the man's beliefs. But he also continues with "any chance of salvation, someone died for me, washed in blood, he cared enough to pity me". AMEN! Alice also released 3 bonus tracks exclusively on iTunes. And one of those songs was an orchestrated version of "Salvation". 'Along Came A Spider' will rank pretty high as one of my all time favorite Alice Cooper albums. You can see the cover of the limited vinyl version of the album here.

Killer tracks: I love them all!

WELCOME 2 MY NIGHTMARE (2011) UNIVERSAL/SPINEFARM

Originally entitled 'The Night Shift', Alice Cooper's 26th studio album was slated to be the follow up to 'Along Came A Spider'. But when Bob Erzin took over the producing role from Desmond Child, he was more into the idea of making a sequel to another Alice Cooper album instead. Thus, 36 years after 'Welcome To My Nightmare' Bob and Alice deliver the cleverly entitled 'Welcome 2 My Nightmare'.

To say that I was worried when I learned the news about this project is an understatement of epic proportions! Many bands have attempted to recreate certain albums by releasing sequels, but very few have succeeded. This was a nightmare in the making, pun intended. And initial spins more then solidified my worries. It just sounded too modern, too weird, too inconsistent etc. Still, it didn't take long for me to open up to the songs, and as I got familiar with the new nightmare at hand I was sold! I still say this sequel lacks the eerie, creepy feeling from the original, giving me more of a carnival fair sort of feel then a nightmare, but there is no denying the craftsmanship behind this CD. Sure, the auto-tune effects in the opening "I Am Made Of You" are unnecessary at best, and annoying as heck at worst, and it takes a little tolerance to get over the fact that rap/pop-diva-of-the-month, Ke$ha, plays the role of the devil in "What Baby Wants", still the good overshadows the bad on this album, by far.

The original 'Welcome To My Nightmare' was also an amalgam of styles and directions, with Bob and Alice writing and producing songs that told the story the best, rather than fitting into any mold. So there should be no surprise when the sequel does the same. There are standard rockers here, surf-pop, ballads, country-inspired stuff, Broadway-inspired moments, and just about everything else. But just as they go far out with any given song, they reel it back in right around the next corner. Many places throughout the album they have used little bits of music taken from the original, like the piano part from "Steven" used in the opening "I Am Made Of You". They've even resurfaced older songs written in the '70's, but never recorded back then. "Something To Remember Me By" is such a song, written ca. 1976, but reworked and recorded now. All this, and the fact that the remaining living members of the original Alice Cooper band reunites to play on 3 of the songs here ("A Runaway Train", "I'll Bite Your Face Off" and "When Hell Comes Home"), helps to link the album to the original, and creates a timeless expression. The last original song on the album, "The Underture", is an instrumental track combining themes and music from the two 'Nightmares'. In order, these are "Welcome to My Nightmare", "The Awakening", "Disco Bloodbath Boogie Fever", "Only Women Bleed", "Something To Remember Me By", "Devil's Food", "The Black Widow", "Ghouls Gone Wild", "I Am Made of You", "Years Ago", and concludes with "Steven". I might also mention that there is a whole slew of guest players on this disc, including Rob Zombie, Vince Gill and Tommy Denander, to name but a few. In fact, there are so many different musicians on the various track, I didn't even bother to include a line-up-list for this release.

So, in conclusion, I really love 'Welcome 2 My Nightmare'! It's a worthy successor, and perhaps even the best Alice Cooper album for decades! It will rank high on my top 20 list from 2011.

The digital age have ruined the fun for CD collectors like me. In the past you got the best deal if you bought a limited edition, or special edition, of any given album. They came with all the bonus material, and you were happy to pay a little extra just to have the non-album tracks. But nowadays there are like 4 different versions available of every popular artists new efforts. There are at least 8(!) different versions of 'Welcome To My Nightmare' available, most of them with different bonuses than the next. I own the most basic, regular version, an even this one comes with a cover of The Animals' "We Gotta Get Out Of This Place" as a bonus. Then you have your Deluxe Edition, Deluxe Digipack version, Deluxe Canadian version, Japanese version, vinyl version and even a Fan Pack version, all with different track-lists! It's overkill, and can only result in illegal downloading, as most fans aren't willing to pay for the same album umpteen times!

Killer tracks: I'm having a hard time picking favorites here.

Alice Cooper also appear on:

V/A - 'Power Ballads'

Alice Cooper guest appearances:

Twisted Sister - 'Come Out And Play'

Twisted Sister - 'Big Hits And Nasty Cuts - The Best Of Twisted Sister'

Icon - 'Right Between The Eyes'

Avantasia - 'The Scarecrow'

Eric Singer guest appearances:

Avantasia - 'The Metal Opera Pt. II'

Ken Mary guest appearances:  

Ken Tamplin - 'An Axe To Grind'

Al  Pitrelli guest appearances:

Related artists:

KISS, Black Sabbath, Michael Sweet, Fifth Angel, Impellitteri, Chastain, Dream Theater, Yngwie Malmsteen, Dokken, Megadeth, Savatage, Widowmaker, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, White Lion, Avantasia, Alcatrazz

Index page  |  DVD's & Collector's items  |  Artwork and pictures