Customer Reviews

Cream of the Crap!, Vol. 1

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

 

 

Alright!This is more like it,maybe the best hard rock/metal release I've heard in awhile now.Eighteen solid tracks of true in-your-face ballsy rock n' roll.A very appealing collection of the band's singles and EP's.These guys have apparently built up a good following for themselves through out Europe and Australia.Now they're aiming for the U.S. Not bad for a Swedish ensemble.Best tunes would be "Thanks For Nothing","Television Addict","Killing Allan",the ass-kicking "Rock Hammer" and the wailing "Down Right Blue".Also dug the two covers of the Stones "Gimme Shelter" and Iggy Pop's "I Got A Right".I've gotten SO tired of them screaming death metal bands that end up sounding like they're gargling with razor blades when they sing.The Hellacopters are WAY above that.Besides vocalist Nick Royale can really sing,the way it ought to be done.Nice cover,both front and back.If an import label were to re-release this disc in another few years and add a few bonus tracks,they could probably ask a good price for it.I can kick myself in the ass because these guys actually played here in my home town and I didn't attend.Should appeal to fans of the MC 5,Cro-Mags,The Accused,Sick Of it All,Mooney Suzuki,D.R.I.,and the Cycle Sluts.

Having recently been introduced to the Hellacopters by some musician friends of mine, in a few short months I have become a total addict. And of course this band has dedicated itself to building a cult of hardcore collectors. If you are prone to collecting things, you will be either elated or terrified by this band's staggering amount of output. I quickly acquired their four "proper" albums, only to find that I have barely scratched the surface of the Hellacopters catalog. Outside of those four albums are a seemingly endless parade of limited editions, B-sides, bonus tracks, obscure imports, contributions to various-artist compilations and soundtracks, and other arcane items that make up a plethora of undiscovered Hellacopters material. Most of this stuff can only be obtained as extremely expensive imports, or as even more expensive auctions ... Hence the collectors have gone nuts (and broke) and I was on the verge of diving into that packrat insanity myself. Lo and behold, the band has become concerned at the high prices being demanded for those rarities, which puts them out of reach of many fans, and have assembled this incredibly useful compilation. The 18 tracks here give you a great sampler of the many sounds the Hellacopters have tackled successfully, like the grandiose R&B/rock fusions of "Crimson Ballroom," the classic rock minimalism of "Makes it Alright," the brooding death-grunge of "Killing Allan," and the frantic punk headbashing of "1995" or "Tilt City." Consequently, even with these 18 rarities, a quick survey of the Hellacopters output reveals that there are still dozens upon dozens of rare tracks out there. The liner notes here state that this is the first of several planned compilations (sure hope that's not a tease), and I hope they come out fast, both for my mental and financial health. In fact, the title of this review is based on a lyric from this album's slamming opener, "Thanks for Nothing." The Hellacopters should be thanked not just for their huge amount of great music, but also for starting this handy series of compilations.

I would definitely recommend this disc if you are a fan of 70's hard rock. I would say skip it or look for a site that offers downloads if you are not a fan of 70's hard rock to see if you are intrigued. But no matter what kind of music fan you are the cover of the Rolling Stones' Gimme Shelter is a must have, an absolutely blistering take on a classic rock song.

The Hellacopters deliver a great collection of b-sides....this band is criminally underrated. Great power, hooks and riffage. Some cool covers and rare tunes make this one a good listen. Rawk on!

Surprisingly, it took me awhile to really get into these guys. As much as I love the Stooges, MC5 and Radio Birdman I also like a little originality. I used to listen to 3 or 4 songs and then have to take this off and put on the first Radio Birdman record. But now I really enjoy this record and Volume 2. The only dud on here for me is their version of Gimme Shelter, but I don't like the original either. (Sorry, I think the Stones are completely over-rated. I'll stick with Booker T and the MG's).

Check out Mighty High...In Drug City.