Customer Reviews

Nothin But Trouble

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

 

 

The second Blue Murder album is a bit of a catch-all in that it features tracks with the original trio, with the Marco Mendoza version of the group, and even one with (temporary) lead singer Kelly Keeling. For metal fans, there's a bunch of excellent material here, but I can't help but feel that it all suffers in comparison to the fantastic first album. The album is 1-2 songs too long, and it was released too late to catch any of the heat from the semi-success of the first CD. Nonetheless, the playing is great, and the 2nd version of the group is at least a good stand-in for the first, with Mendoza proving himself especially able. Sykes has some better lyrics on this album and shows himself maturing as a songwriter.

John Sykes is a very talented musician, this album is a work of art, very inspirational, highly recommended listening, this album has some of the finest guitar work ever, can't say enough about his vocals, due yourself a favor BUY THIS!!!!!

THE BAND: John Sykes (guitar, vocals), Marco Mendoza (bass), Nik Green (keyboards), Tommy O'Steen (drums & percussion), Kelly Keeling (lead vocals on "I'm On Fire"). Former members Tony Franklin (bass) and Carmine Appice (drums) also contribute on select tracks.

THE DISC: (1993) 11 tracks clocking in at approximately 55 minutes. Included with the disc is a 6-page booklet containing song titles/credits/times, song lyrics, one band picture, and thank you's. All songs written, arranged, produced by Sykes (except "Itchycoo Park", written by Steve Marriott & Ronnie Lane of The Small Faces, 1967). Label - Geffen.

COMMENTS: Blue Murder was all about bluesy hard rock and melodic heavy metal. Their debut (1989) is/was an overlooked gem. In a time when grunge was taking over the world, I still look back on several long-haired hard rock forgotten albums fondly - and Blue Murder's debut is one of them. "Nothin' To Lose" is a guitar album. John Sykes (Whitesnake/Thin Lizzy/Tygers Of Pan Tang) can shred with the best of them. Mendoza (having played with Sykes in Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy... as well as playing with Ted Nugent) is a nice replacement on bass. However, he's no Tony Franklin (one of my all-time favorite bassists). Franklin brought originality and creativity to the fretless bass guitar... he's the master. O'Steen is an unknown to me, but competent behind the drum kit. Similarly, a good replacement, but he's no Carmine Appice (I put Appice on the same platform as Ian Paice and John Bonham). So outside of front man Sykes and keyboardist Green, everything is changed. With that being said, despite the changes, if you liked their debut, you'll dig "Nothin' But Trouble" as well. Sykes trademark guitar and vocals are stamped all over each song. Lots of great guitar work, ripping solos, and great vocals. Highlights include the fast and heavy opener "We All Fall Down", the power ballad "Runaway", the bluesy "Dance", the rocking "Shouldn't Have Let You Go", and the beautiful (drumless) keyboard and bass album closer "She Knows". Only two small gripes about this album (and perhaps it shouldn't come as a surprise): 1st - the remake of "Itchycoo Park"... I can't stand this song. I almost feel embarrassed for the band. This oldie is more closely geared for the happy-go-lucky Osmonds or Partridge family - not a seasoned hard rock band. Reminds me of when Kiss put the Crystals' 1963 golden oldie "Then She Kissed Me" as the last song on their "Love Gun" album. All I can say is... "What were you thinking?" And 2nd - seems a vast majority of the song lyrics pertains to runaways hooked on drugs, turning tricks, charging for favors by the hour, and Sin City. Track after track - it just gets old (perhaps a little bit of David Coverdale rubbed off on Sykes during his Whitesnake years?). Regardless, fans of John Sykes should grab this album. It's not the blistering statement that their '89 debut was - but outside of the one weak track, it's more of the same of what you'd expect from rock's guitar virtuoso John Sykes (4 stars).

Another masterpiece by Sykes. Just buy this CD and listen to the awesome guitars, vocals, and songwriting of John Sykes. He is one of the greatest of all time. Lock yourself into the monster groove of "Cry for love"!! Listen to another huge Sykes signature riff on "I'm on fire"!! You will never stop listening to this stuff. Did I mention blistering super-speed solos?!!

"Nothin' but trouble" is the second studio album by melodic hard rock band "Blue Murder" originally released in 1993. The band established by guitar hero John Sykes ("Whitesnake", "Thin Lizzy") remerged four years past their debut under a new line up, featuring drummer Tommy O'Steen and bassist extraordinaire Marco Mendoza.

In comparison to the "Blue murder" debut, "...Trouble" retains the very high technical standards the group established in the late `80s, still the songwriting takes a considerable turn towards a groovier and less melodic sound. The lyrics once again cover rather diverse areas such as drug abuse, outlaw life and heartbreak. The album opens on the dynamic, fast paced rocker "We all fall down" which is one of the greatest tunes on the album. Still the real musical feat of the album is "Cry for love", a heartbreaker rocker turned 7-minute epic thanks to the titanic groove of Tommy and Marco; once again John's guitar shines throughout reaching a climactic solo which should be considered amongst his greatest lead guitar works. From there onwards there is the snake-styled ballad "Save my love" and the acoustic cover of "Itchycoo park" that forcefully stand out.

"Nothin' but trouble" was to be the last studio release by "Blue Murder" as the group would be renamed after their founder as "Sykes" which also signifies a turn in markets as the following albums would aim primarily at the Japanese audience. The live album that followed, effectively closed the "Blue Murder" chapter.

I happen to like manly dinosaur rock guitar played with conviction and balls.
What in the world is dinosaur rock guitar you ask. Hint: it's not what the FooFighters
play, it's not what U2 plays, it's not what The Boss plays...it's what Jon Sykes plays.
Any questions? Get this CD and get back to me!
[...]

After I first heard 1987's Whitesnake. I was amazed at the whole production! The guitar work was brilliant! I was interested in what else the guitar player has done. Which led me to his Blue Murder CD's. I believe the first Blue Murder CD (Blue Murder) was the better of the two. I do like Nothin' But Trouble a lot though! This release has a few more ballads on it. Which some might not like, but personally I enjoy good ballads. John Sykes has a great voice, and is a good song writer. As always his shredding is amazing! This CD is a must have for any Sykes fans.

This album is horrible. I LOVED the first Blue Murder cd so I was thrilled to find this one. Big mistake, how a band makes such a great first cd and such a poor second one is a mystery. This is nothing like "Blue Murder". It is sappy, lacking any good grooves and is produced badly.
I should have thrown the money in the street instead of buying this cd, I think I will use it as a coaster.