Customer Reviews

Have a Good Time But Get Out Alive

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Back in the late 70's, the Iron City Houserockers released a couple of albums that should have propelled them into rock 'n roll stardom. Although their success remained mostly regional,this CD release of a classic rock album is long overdue. (Their other album, "Blood On The Bricks" is still unreleased as a CD.)

The Iron City Houserockers are billed as "the world's greatest bar band", and these 12 songs go a long way towards proving that claim. Lead singer and main songwriter Joe Grushecky rocks out big time on the first three cuts, slows the tempo slightly with "Price Of Love," then kicks it in again. "Old Man Bar" and "Junior's Bar" are mirror opposites of every night in your favorite local tavern. "Pumping Iron" contains a tribute to the Houserocker's hometown of Pittsburgh. "Don't Let Them Push You Around" and "We're Not Dead Yet" are the anthems of rebellious youth. Grushecky shows the early promise of becoming a great songwriter, as evidenced by his more recent CD's (listed as Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers).

For fans of the old Iron City Houserockers, this is a long overdue treat. For any of Grushecky's newer fans, this CD gives you a glimpse into his beginnings. And for anyone lucky enough to just stumble upon this recording, crank up the volume and get ready to "Have A Good Time."

HAVE A GOOD TIME BUT GET OUT ALIVE is one of the greatest records to come out in the late 70s/early 80s, and it's a shame that it didn't reach a wider audience, because the lyrics could teach a lot of people a lot of things. The title track provides a warning for anyone about to act in a dangerous manner, reminding us that fools rush in where angels fear to tread; "Don't Let Them Push You Around" and "We're Not Dead Yet" have inspired me not to say yes to everyone who offers me unhealthy foods; and "Blondie" is an indictment of musical commercialism. There's lots more where these come from, so by all means, go out and pick up HAVE A GOOD TIME BUT GET OUT ALIVE.

I picked this album up when it was first released. Couldn't find it in CD form and it broke my heart to find out it was discontinued. BUT IT'S BEEN RE-RELEASED ! You can get it at band leader's Joe Grushecky's website [...] for about 15 bucks. Sounds every bit as fresh now as it did back in the day when I wore by record player's needle out on it.

The Pittsburgh based band "Iron City Houserockers" put out quite an album in 1980. Produced by The Slimmer Twins and the late great Mick Ronson. Joe Grushecky and company put out their most solid release right here. "Have A Good Time (But Get Out Alive)", should of propeled them to super stardom, but as with most good rock bands they were left behind as such bands as Lipps Inc. and etc. gained the headlines in 1980. The title track is pure ICH, what a fun track. Other songs that give this album it's appeal are: "Don't Let Them Push You Around", "Pumping Iron", "Hypnotized" with guest Ian Hunter, "Angela", "We're Not Dead Yet", their salute to Debbie Harry in "Blondie", one of my favorite songs on here are the old time vocals by Gil Snyder on "Old Man Bar" that goes straight into the rockin' "Junior's Bar", I think this song should of been a big hit, rock radio was fairly good back in the day, but sure missed a lot of great songs! This album featured Steve Van Zandt of the E-Street Band as arranger of 5 of the songs metioned above. The band released a few more albums before being dropped from their label. Overall this is a true masterpiece of ROCK AND ROLL!

Rolling Stone Magazine wrote that this was one of the best rock albums to come out in 1980.