EvenSpot Speaks

Monday, January 12, 2015

1999, Humanary Stew, A Tribute To Alice Cooper CD

An all star cast of musicians for this tribute to Alice Cooper music.

Produced by guitarist Bob Kulick who produced a number of Tribute CDs on the Dead Line Music label. Kulick put together a group of well known musicians for this Alice Cooper tribute. Artists as big as Daltrey from The Who and members from Motley Crue, Twisted Sister, Guns n Roses, Megadeth, Dio, etc...

Humanary Stew a made up word taken from "The Black Widow" on Welcome To My Nightmare album.

There are some good covers done by these artist. Such as Dio covering "Welcome to My Nightmare"

which is a sped up version than the original. Vince Neil & guitarist Mick Mars of Motley Crue recording "Cold Ethyl" I find surprising since I'm not really a Motley Crue fan. I also enjoyed Twisted Sister, Dee Snider doing "Go To Hell" and to hear Sex Pistol's, Steve Jones with Guns N' Roses, Duff McKagen both singing "Elected" are wise running mates.

Now I'm a big fan of The Who and Quadrophenia is my all time favorite album but

the only let down was Daltrey covering "No More Mr. Nice Guy" sort of reminds me of a Vegas act. It could be he's not teamed up with his partner Townshend. I notice even in Daltrey's solo albums his voice isn't the same as in The Who. To me it seemed Roger listened to Pat Boone's version of the song. Pete Townshend complements Roger's vocals and pushes him. This is not a put down to the musicians that played with Roger on this song. He has a great band with him Slash, Mike Inez, and Carmine Appice. I was surprised Slash wasn't on "Only Women Bleed" since he's known to play some of the chords during his Guns N' Roses concert days. Anyway we get to hear Slash play it on "Fistful Of Alice" live recording with Alice singing it as well.

Megadeth's Dave Mustaine who covered a number of Alice songs does "School's Out"

always enjoy listening to him. Glenn Hughes formerly of Deep Purple does a bluesy version

of "Only Women Bleed" Hughes vocals are just outstanding. There are many I haven't

mentioned but just as good. If you don't have it this is a must have just for all

the musicians that are on it.

1999, CD
Humanary Stew, A Tribute To Alice Cooper

Cover

Back Cover

Inside CD Booklet

Back of Jewel Case

Sunday, January 11, 2015

1993, Welcome To Our Nightmare, A Tribute To Alice Cooper CD

Since Alice is coming out soon with is own cover album.

My guess it'll be out in the Spring or Summer.

There are a number of tribute recordings to Alice Cooper.

I have a few in my collection.

This 2 CD Alice Cooper Tribute was put out by Triple X Records in 1993, that lists 23 groups.

Some bands you may know, others are underground but all pay great homage to Alice Cooper. Each in their own style which I like rather than bands just copying exactly like the original. If that’s the case might as well play an Alice Cooper album right? Well, these bands do an excellent job and pick songs from all periods of Alice Cooper. They start off from the first Cooper album “Pretties For You” to “Trash” album.

Dramarama does a great version of “Reflected” and “Levity Ball” by Wallison Ladmok (featuring Paul Cutler and Don Bolles). I am not surprised that most of the tunes covered are from Alice’s early days especially from bands like these who are known to be more off-beat. I think that’s why I like the covers from this recordings. Also some of the bands range from garage rock, punk, and goth. Three of the major influences Alice Cooper had on these styles.

Former Revolting Cocks, Chris Connelly does a great cover of “Desperado”.

Tyla of Dogs D’Amour does an acoustic version of “Teenage Lament” which comes across just as sobering. Dutchess De Sade covers one of my favorite New Wave Alice tunes “Pain” from “Flush The Fashion” album. Vandals show their playfulness on “Poison” from the “Trash” album which is so funny as they switch to “Poison” by R&B Boy band Bel Biv Devoe that made me crack up.

The liner notes were written by Wayne Kramer of MC5, a Detroit band that toured with Alice Cooper back in the ‘70’s. Kramer does a good job in giving a little anecdote of his first meeting with the Alice Cooper Group inside page 1 of the CD booklet.

1993, Double CD
Welcome To Our Nightmare, A Tribute To Alice Cooper

Cover