Customer Reviews

Poletown

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

 

 

This latest album digs up some dark stuff from old Don's psyche (or that of writer Mark Avsec) Steely guitar riffs and blue-collar backbeat puts the guts into a couple of the songs, but there are some mature ballads on this album that are GREAT melodies without being sugary and syrupy. Sung by a tough guy. If you like DI, this one's for you!

This album was a big disappointment to me. Being a fan, the only really good song on this one is Poletown.

Five stars might be a little strong, but one star? Come on! Poletown is definitely a little "out there" for the Cruisers, but it's still good. It seems like on this album they tried to be Monty Python: "And now for something completely different." I'm not sure what they were trying to accomplish here, but they weren't quite successful. That being said, nearly every song on this album intrigues me in some way. Whether it is a pleasing or catchy refrain, a good guitar break or background riff, or just interesting lyrics, I still like this album. There are two redeeming characteristics. First, the vocals - Donnie's usual awesome, gut-wrenching, soulful work. The backgrounds/harmonies are typical stuff also, the Cruisers Wall of Sound. The real gem of this disc, in my opinion, is Marty's guitar work. I'm a drummer, and this stuff is not my style of music, but I love how Marty creates a mood, and pulls you along into the changes in that mood right within the songs. One warning: Scream just feels wrong, makes me feel all uncomfortable just like when I listen to "Mother" by the Police. What sounded a little out of character on "Footsoldier In The Moonlight" comes to full fruition here on "Poletown," and if you're not a true blue DI&TCs fan you won't be pleased. They got it right on the third try on "Ellwood City" - new and different and excellent. I was going for three stars, but talked myself into four - if for no other reason than the title track. If you don't like this, well I CAN'T HEAR YOU (no more).

The Cruisers are the only band I know from the 80's who have not only stayed together this whole time, but are true to themselves. They all have dayjobs and yet write and record music because it is their first love and talent.
It shows on Poletown. Poletown is original, Marty Lee at his best, Mark writing in yet another genre we can all relate to, and Donnie showing us once again he is not only the best screamer in rock, but has a voice that is timeless and sing so many different styles. This ablum proves they are not one hit wonders but a group of incredibly talented musicians.

I've got it all, from Mr. Ierace (Iris) - Jaggerz, Wild Cherry, Cruisers, Cellar Full of Noise, etc. Ever heard "hold On to Your Hiney" or "Here come the 80'S"; Well I've got it all. This is the WORST album he ever put his name on. As the Seattle Grunge sound was finally being buried (thank God), Donnie releases this attempt (his version) of the Seattle grunge. - AWFUL !!!