Customer Reviews

Cat Scratch Fever

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Ted Nugent achieved his long sought solo superstar status in 1977 on the release of his third album 'Cat Scratch Fever'. This record was a watershed moment for both Ted and 70's hard rock, but in some ways it signaled the beginning of Nugent's decline. His band would soon split, the band that created the triumverate of classic rock discs which included 'Fever'. The power struggle for unquestioned dominance of the band that bore his name was completed but at what cost? Ted would never again reach the heights of his mid to late 70's glory again. However in the mean time the current album included everything a Nugent fan wanted to hear. Balls out hard rock from a tight and powerful rock band? Check! "Sweet Sally", "Workin' Hard", Live it Up" and "Thousand Knives" fit the bill. Outrageous sexual inneundo? "Wang Dang Sweet Poontag", does that work for you! The return of a seriously good hard rock vocalist who perfectly complemented Ted's tirades? Derek St. Holmes was on hand for the entire recording after his conspicuous absence for much of 'Free-for-All' and for a very brief time the stars were in alignment. A monster hit single which became an undisputed anthem for this era? The title track of course which was all Ted would ever need to say again. Personal favorite besides "Fever" would be "Out of Control", the riff hits you like a sledgehammer and is probably the heaviest cut on the record. Buy Ted's first three and you have pretty much all you need from this icon of hard rock who let it slip away when he couldn't find replacement conspirators with the same magic after his original band took a walk.

Cat Scratch Fever is a fantastic album and along with his self-titled debut are Ted Nugent's best solo albums. Although he was better known for his live shows, wicked guitar playing, and wildman image, Ted wrote some of the best hard rock songs of the late 70's and several of them are featured here.

The best known track here is the title track which is not only his most well known song but also contains one of the most recognizable riffs in rock. Tracks like "Wang Dang Sweet Poontang" and "Workin' Hard, Playin' Hard" are among his best and continue to be part of his live show. Like his self-titled debut, Derek St. Holmes sings many of the vocals here and his efforts on the underrated tracks "A Thousand Knives", "Live It Up", and "Fist Fightin' Son Of A Gun" are all outstanding. Ted's guitar work continues to be killer, particularly on "Death By Misadventure" and the instrumental "Homebound." The remaining studio tracks "Sweet Sally" and "Out Of Control" are also very good. There's not a bad monent to be found on this album. Highly recommended.

I'm from Brazil, and when visiting US in 1978 I saw Ted Nugent for the first time in Oakland, California, in the "Day On The Green" festival. I didn't know much about him by that time. Blue Oyster Cult, Cheap Trick, Journey and AC/DC played before Ted. They were ok, but when Ted Nugent started playing I said "WOW! This is rock'n'roll!" From that moment on I started buying his records. In my opinion Cat Scratch Fever is his best record. The album is real good, from the first to the last song. There you have high energy and the finest hard rock. The recording production is still very good in spite of being recorded almost 30 years ago (The drums could be a little louder and heavier, like John Bonham's, but it's ok). Well, all I got to say is that this cd has brought good feelings back to my mind, after all these years. Basically, that's why I rate it 5 stars.

Hey you freakin' idiots that write about political views, this is a place to write a review on the cd. Ted Nugent rather you like his political views or not ROCKS! This cd is a classic must own for every left wing, right wing, or no wing. I have been jamming to Ted's great music since 1979. He is an American icon that has been rocking America with his heart and soul for many years. I have personally hung out with Ted for two days during his Damn Yankees Don't Tread tour. He is anti drug and alcohol. He donates his time to D.A.R.E. Ted is overly friendly to his fans. What pisses Ted off along with any real American is the anti-American acts that take place in our country. Thank you Ted for the great music. You are forever the one and only Motor City Madman!!!

this was my first ted nugent lp.and by far his best and my fav.wang dang sweet poontang,cat sratch fever,working hard playing hard some of the best on this release.to me ted never could capture the magic on any of his other albums.

TOTALLY AWESOME EXPERIENCE TED HAS OUTDONE HIMSELF. ROCK ON TED

If you want to hear the greatest guitarest ever, listen to Ted. Cat Scratch Fever is one of the best guitar riffs ever!

5 Stars = Masterpiece

Nuge hit his highest popularity mark with, "Cat Scratch Fever," the titular song all over the radio airwaves in 1977. On this album Ted shortened up his songs, & arguably toned down the over all heaviness that his former album, "Free for All," had in spades. That is not to say this album did not snarl & snap, for it did with sharp teeth, & Ted wrote some of his most catchy riffs & songs here, songs like, Wang Dang Sweet Poontang" who could forget the stuttering intro riff, let alone the chorus line. "Death by Misadventure," with it's howling leads & addictive riff & melody, &"Live it Up," more addictive riffs & melodies. "Homeward Bound," & its beautiful melodic lead guitar that starts the song,& works as the anchor for the melody, & "Workin' Hard Playin' Hard," yet another song with just an outstanding lead guitar that anchors the melody, great stuff here folks! "Sweet Sally," just another catchy riff laden song that I'll take to the grave. "A Thousand Knives," just a killer song that's filled with great melodic lead guitar! "Fist Fightin' Son of a Gun," another song of many from this album that just won't stop playing on that little radio station inside my brain. Lastly, "Out of Control," just Ted doing what he does best, Rock n' Roll!

One thing that also brings this album up to the legendary status it enjoys is the voice of rhythm guitarist & vocalist Derek St. Holmes, his voice so perfectly suited to these songs, like strings on a guitar; I could not imagine this album, or the two that came before it with out him. St. Holmes is the signature voice here, to bad Ted & Derek parted ways, a shame.

"Cat Scratch Fever" is the last iconic album to come from the Nuge, though in 2002, Ted would come back with 16 inch teeth & fire shooting eyes with his heaviest album by far, the monster that is called "Craveman!"

Ted's Cat Sctrach packs a 1-2 wallop with the title track and Wang Dang. Also included is the Wishbone Ash style HomeBound and manic Out of Control. Also, the album's production and sound for being 1977 is just incredible...this album will blow out your speakers. TURN IT UP!

I don't care if Ted strangles wild boars with his bare hands then shoots them with an uzi. Irrelevent. When he straps on his Gibson it is most definitely on. His guitar sound & tone are legendary. Fat and nasty. The king of feedback. Sounds on the verge of exploding. Damn I love it! Don't look for insightful lyrics or any deep meaning. That is not what Ted does. Ted's songs are about rockin',pussy,and the spirit of the wild. Nobody does it better. This album is a late 70's hard rock staple. Buy it now.