Customer Reviews

What Doesn't Kill You

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Well, here we are, in 2007 with a brand spankin' new studio album from Blue Cheer. Who'da thunk it? This is the first studio album made towards an American audience in over 20 years. I must have listened to this album at least 2 times a day (With some tracks getting multiple plays) and, well.....
First off, I must say, the sound quality is excellent. They even employ different drum sounds, which is a plus. Too many of today's albums have *YAWN* the same drum sound throughout, making some of the songs indistinguishable. Not here. Duck employs several tones from his guitar, both rhyhmically and lead-wise. Very nice. Matter of fact, I think Duck's sound is more integrated into the bands sound than his previous studio outing with the band, and this is a good thing. Dickie's voice, while sounding a bit strained at times, is still edgy, with the sound of a man who has traveled many, many hard roads, and this adds to the rough edge to the band's sound. His bass isn't as up-front as I would have liked, but then, Blue Cheer has many elements.
The songs? They run the gamut from slow, emotion-drenched stuff like "Young Lions In Paradise" and "No Relief" to all out blues-based rockers such as "Malajusted Child" and "Rollin' Dem bones". The mood is not constant here, which makes for a varying album, and this is a huge plus in my book. It makes every track a nugget in it's own regard.
The drumming throughout is excellent, and very much tight with Duck. As a drummer myself, I tend to focus in on the sound and tones of the drums, as well as the player. Blue Cheer has had many able-bodied drummers in their ranks over the years (Norman Mayell, Terry Rae, Michael Fleck, Brent Harknett, Billy Carmisi, Dave Salce, Gary Holland, Joey Hasselvander), but original drummer Paul Whaley essentially set the tone and what we expect from a Blue Cheer drummer, and with the possible exception of Brent, Joey Hasselvander comes closest to capturing the vibe and style of that sound and style. His tracks on this album are first-rate, and if Paul was not able to make it with BC, then Joey would be my personal pick for a drummer. But, Paul Whaley? What can you say? He still plays as if his life depended on it, and locks in very nicely with Duck, particularly on the track "Malajusted Child".
Duck really comes into his own with this album, and is, at this point, an indsipensable part of BC. I like his playing and tones much, much more than on "Highlights And Lowlives". He achieves a fuller sound, and is more blues-based and generally veers from a "metallic" sound. Plus, much like Tony Rainier before him, he has helped to steer the band back on course, by managing the band, producing the CD and co-writing many of the songs. Plus, his singing on "Born Under A Bad Sign" adds a whole new dimension to the band. More singing from Duck I say!
Dickies voice is reminiscent of his work on his solo album "Child Of The Darkness" and sounds a little strained at times, but again, it's amazing the guy has survived, so this is not a detriment but an asset, as his voice adds to the road-weary, fought-many-battles-but-still-survives vibe that is BC today.
Overall, I think this album is a terrific addition to any BC collection. It's more varied than any BC album since "New! Improved!" To me, it's a great companion piece to Dickie's "Child Of The Darkness" album (Which, IMHO, was a BC album in disguise, and more of a BC album in sound and spirit than the last 2 Phillips albums.) With this new album, it also gives this version of Blue Cheer stronger legs. They now have 2 solid studio albums and one great live album ("Live In Japan") under their belts. They can play stuff from the first 2 albums (Which Duck does some of on the live CD), stuff from their 2 studio albums and even stuff from "The Beast Is Back", as the live album has several of those on it, with of course Duck on guitar. This new album doesn't spend time in my player simply because it's a BC album; It spends time in my player because it's a great BC album, and grows on me with each and every listen. I would highly recommend this album, to any fans of BC in particular and any fans of blues-based hard rock in general. This album sounds more vital and alive than most new bands today.
"What Doesn't Kill You..."? Well, what are you waiting for? GO AND BUY!!!!

One of the better releases by B.C. in a while. Great production and new material. The bands been coasting lately what with the crappy {imho} live release. I fully agree with the other reviewer about the varied guitar tones adding a little something......Duck is becoming a formidable guitarist. Dickie, well, he's Dickie..the guy hasn't seemed to change much since 1968...fortunately for us! Hey, someone has to make a stand for the real thing...no Rap/Metal-no talent crap here...just honest blues based heavy as Hell Rock..and who better to do it!!!

These guys amaze me. I would put this up against most anything out right now. A 3 piece that would drown out most other bands. It's good to see them with some decent production.

They're back - and better than ever. This band just keeps getting better and better. Duck wails, Dickie sings, and Paul nails the drums down again. This is blues rock as it should be, uniquely done by the original heavy metal band. Classics must be cranked!

The Return of Blue Cheer!! How nice to have such classic sounding guitars and a raw bluesy vocal screaming from my speakers in the form of a newly recorded 2007 release. Blue Cheer has always been ballsy awesome and are even more so into the 'Now'.

This great vintage sounding album is a breath of fresh air from start to finish. Recommended!!

blue cheer lives on. just one of the best bands of all times. amazing power trio. keeping the original rytem section of dickie peterson and paul whaley [the most underated drummer of all time] and the great bass playing and killer vocals by dickie, mixed with the outstanding fret work of duck mcdonald, how could you lose. i saw them two nights in a row in feb. 2008. these shows rank up there with the best i've ever seen. i was there in the 60'S, the fillmore, the avalon, magic mountain, altamont. seen everybody and blue cheer after all these years are still the real deal. thanks guys for all the great music.

Overall, this is a rockin' piece of Cheer! Dickie's voice breaks on a couple of tracks but not enough to affect the impact of the tracks. He still has that defining Cheer vocal that is unmistakable. All tracks are great. The only thing that disappointed me was Just A Little Bit from Outsideinside being included on the disc. A fresh track would have been great. Still, it gets a 5 star from me. Great to see they are sticking with a "power-trio" style.

Dickie and Paul and the new guy really can rock it. Love the touches of Leighs guitar work from the first album, Vincebus Eruptum. I've played this over and over again since I bought it. If you like it heavy. get this disc. AWESOME.

I first hear "Summertime Blues" 40 years ago & ran out bought the record. I'm happy to say that 40 years later Blue Cheer is still rockin' AND putting out new material. They are refreshing & invigorating compared to what's on the radio today. This is a great album.

Who would have imagined that? After some real sublevel Blue Cheer releases: This pieces of music shines like the (Black) Sun.

Serious: This is an inspiring piece of music. Rock / Blues as it is meant to be, as it should be: Sound and Mystery, Action and Art. Just listen to "No relief": Pure Magic ! This rivals the best of Zeppelin, Sabbath and Grand Funk. Believe it !

Never heard something like that in ages. Not a single "filler".

Heavy Metal, Stoner rock, Blues rock: Here are your roots: Blue Cheer.

I`ll stick with a classic! Give us more. Much more.


Please allow me a a note to the band:

Don`t you dare to retire! Your music is desperately needed !