Customer Reviews

Driving the Nails

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Driving The Nails is the second album released by the Vigilantes Of Love. The talent and creativity on this album has taken a giant leap forward. Compared to that of the first record, "Jugular," the song writing has improved so immensely that the difference between the two is striking. The song writer in Bill Mallonee has come to life on this cd. Not only is the music better, but the hip lyrics scattered throughout all the later Vigilante recordings begin to make their appearance on this recording. One classic example would be from the title track, "ladies and gentlemen, I used to be a notorious killer, then I became the world's greatest dancer, always asking what the truth was, and never waiting for the answer, its the clay inside this heart of stone, and the concrete in my head, I know there's a fine line between the living and the dead."

Without a doubt, this album rocks. It's not heavy metal, country or punk. In fact, it's not easy to pin down except to say that its rock and roll. They have their own sound. With later records, reviewers would begin describing them as "grassroots." But if you need a landmark to lead your imagination to the VOL beat, then imagine John Cougar Mellencamp meets Bob Dylan. They have a child who runs away from home to do things his own way. That child would be the Vigilantes Of Love.

From 1990 to 2000, the Vigilantes have been driving the nails of good music into the ears and hearts of their fans in hopes of reaching a wider audience through the real backing of a major record company. That major investment has never materialized to the extent that this band deserves. Bill Mallonee is a very talented song writer. He writes hits. But the world is missing out on this treasure because "Top Forty" rules the minds and wallets of big daddy corporate rock. With about sixteen releases under his belt, its stunning to hear Bill sing these prophetic lyrics on only his second cd: "we had tried for years to play by their rules on the ladder of success, as I was stepping up to make the first rung, I saw this vision of my brokeness, ...I've been picking up pieces of my might-have-beens, and I hold them up to the light" (from "Sanctuary").

[P.S. In his thank you liner notes, ....thanks a group called the Chickasaw Muddpuppies, I too, recommend that group to readers and rockers]

1. "Odious": This song has that jittery beat with manic singing, a style that comes into full bloom on their next album, "Killing Floor."

2. "Driving The Nails": This is the best song on the record. This cd was released in 1991, but this song would comfortably fit in the format of a classic rock radio station play list.

3. "Casualty": This is a very good song. The sound is upbeat but the lyrics contain a blend of dispair and hope; a theme prominent throughout all of Bill Mallonee's song-writing career. "I'm at the bitter end of rope, of all my might-have-beens, and I could be swinging from it, or maybe then again I could use it wisely, climb out of this pit of snakes."

4. "Just Going Blind": Fast guitar strumming, fast drum beat. Chorus sample: "lawyer says my case is poor, doctor says there is no cure, for this war in my mind."

5. "Lady Luck": This is a super cool song. Mallonee wraps his clever lyrics around the strumming and picking of an acoustic guitar. Eventually a harmonica makes an appearance, but the interesting aspect is the percussion. After the first minute of the five minute song, the drums bigin with nothing but one thud every three seconds along with a single tambourine hit in between the thuds. Finally, throughout the last minute of the song, all the instruments clash together and jam. (if you listen close enough you'll hear an accordian make a very brief appearance) A cuss word used each time the chorus is sung insured that this tune wouldn't see mainstream air-play.

6. "Sanctuary": It's jangling guitars and catchy melody could of made this track the single from the cd.

7. "Running Scared": By the time you reach this cut on the album it becomes obvious that these guys can really play guitar. Lead, bass, and rythm; they're experts at what they do.

8. "Brenda": Brenda is Bill mallonee's wife.

9. "Pleasure": This song successfully uses the same guitar riff as "Lady Luck."

10. "Shadowlands": If you could play only one song to show someone what Vigilantes Of Love sound like, this would be the cut to spin. It contains the core of their sound that has defined their style for the eleven years they've been together. (the band has gone through countless line-ups with Bill being the only remaining original member. Not surprising since he writes all the songs and does all the singing)

11. "Don't Lose Your Guns": Message? don't give up. A message the singer is qualified to offer.

12. "Already Gone": Not a bad song, but not as good as the rest. Every album has one. But no doubt there is a fan somewhere who likes this tune better than what I think is the best one. Judging a song is usually a subjective endeavor.

13. "One Foot In The Grave": One of the four best songs on the record. (The rythm and lead guitar at the beginning pull on my subjective, emotional heart strings.) Sample lyrics: "I don't recall if I was pushed, I don't recall if I tripped or fell, there were devils all around me, but an angel just as well."

14. "It's Alright, Doctor": Wow, fourteen songs. The Vigilantes have never been stingy with the amount of songs they give you for your money. This song is alright.

Bill Mallonee has the ability to sew together melody and verse in a manner not seen in years. Perhaps the most important songwriter of the last 10 years.

Bill Mallonee is probably the top lyricist in the world today. I have never experienced depth like this in any other writer, no matter the style of the music or the age of the writer. Listen to it. You'll never go back to the cookie cutter.