Monthly Archives: September 2024

Classic Rock, Genre, Hard Rock, Song Reviews

Alice Cooper – School’s Out (Song Review)

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“We can’t even think of a word that rhymes”

I adore Alice Cooper’s School’s Out album and listen to it a lot. But the majority of the time I skip its opening title track. It’s such an overplayed song that you can end up taking it for granted and I like to keep it fresh so that, when I do listen to it, I hear it for the timeless rock ‘n’ roll classic it is. It’s such a great idea, perfectly executed. The genius main riff is like a clarion call to party, Dennis Dunaway excels with his bouncy basslines, and Alice’s threatening voice is the perfect vehicle for the witty and anarchic lyrics. The band set out to capture the joy and energy of that last day of school and with School’s Out they get a snotty, rebellious and jubilant A+.

Genre, Heavy Metal, Song Reviews, Thrash Metal

GWAR – Maggots (Song Review)

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“How to describe such vileness on the page?”

I’m all for humour and wit in music but actual comedy bands or records have limited appeal for me. They might make me chuckle but I’m not going to need many repeat listens. Infamous intergalactic metallers GWAR are a rare instance where a band ventures well into the “comedy” zone while still coming up with enough good music and songs to make me want more. Here’s Maggots from their breakthrough 1990 album Scumdogs Of The Universe. Of course, GWAR can’t resist a joke about boogers but that’s the only bit of Maggots that bugs me. It’s a snotty, shlock-horror thrasher with great riffs, Oderus Urungus’ charismatic gurgle and an extremely catchy chorus where a buzzing fly provides a surprisingly inventive and infectious hook.