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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bangkok Shocks... :superior album from this genius band!, October 19, 2005
armed with an endless barrage of catchy hooks and rock solid riffs (not too mention an endless supply of lipstick and hairspray), Hanoi Rocks established themselves as rulers of the glam rock throne of the 80's. whereas their old peers on the scene made albums that just sound dated and embarassing when listened to today; something about Hanoi Rocks has endured the test of time. their songs capture the glamour, the sleaze, the sex, drugs and rock and roll that they lived and played. using the template of blues-based hard rock and adding liberal doses of punk, pop, and some reggae, Hanoi Rocks created scores of amazing albums...whose songs came across like a cross between the New York Dolls and some of the later records by The Clash. each record didn't just contain incredibly well written songs, but they also built up the legend and mythos of this mighty band with each release. Hanoi Rocks fans are legendary for their rabid devotion and this album, Bangkok Shocks, Saigon Shakes, Hanoi Rocks, was the starting point for my fascination.
beginning with the quick pace of "Tragedy", the album launches right into it's urgent and confident stride with this great melodic rocker filled with hooks. next is the classic "Village Girl" which works a steady reggae punk ryhthm and has an anthemic feel to it. great great song! there's plenty of great ballads here too, like the sleazy slide of "Don't You Ever Leave Me" and the touching intro to "Cheyenne." really, folks, if i keep analyzing each song on this great cd, i'll be here all day. needless to say, if you're a fan of the Dolls, Rolling Stones, Guns N' Roses, the first Motley Crue album, or The Clash...you have absolutely no excuse not to check out this band! you have been warned!
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Hanoi Rocks - 'Bangkok Shocks, Saigon Shakes, Hanoi Rocks' (Geffen), June 25, 2008
First saw the light of day in 1981, as this was the Finnish glam metal band's first record. Not bad for one of those lesser known '80's hair bands. Have always liked what I did manage to hear from these guys. Sorry to say that I have the original CD reissue, not the later pressing with the six added bonus cuts. Regardless, Hanoi freaking R-O-C-K-S! Tunes I got the most out of were the rocking "Tragedy", "Village Girl", "Lost In The City" {I'm almost sure I've seen a video for this song somewhere}, "First Timer" and "11th Street Kidzz". Belongs right next to your CD's by Jetboy, Faster Pussycat, Kix, Poison and obviously Motley Crue.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent debut, July 22, 2001
By A Customer
Generally this Hanoi Rocks' debut album is considered as their best but although it contains lot of fast, energic glam rock, it doesn't reach to Oriental Beat's level. Bangkok Shocks Saigon Shakes Hanoi Rocks is still a very very good debut album with Tragedy, Lost In The City and Cheyenne as highlights. Lyrically they aren't superior but Mike Monroe's vocals and powerful guitar playing by Andy McCoy are enough to create good feeling which is most important. This album has that glam/hard rock sound of the early 80's from which many bands such as Guns n' Roses was to take their inspirations. Again if compared to Hanoi Rocks' next album Oriental Beat this suffers from lack of truly big hits. Bangkok songs are constantly good but the best remains to be heard in next album(s).
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