All Systems Go - Rocket From The Crypt

Advantages: Well-written, powerful rock
Disadvantages: If you don't like rock, you won't like this.

...RFTC- Scream, Dracula, Scream! Ah this album brings back memories! I got it just after I’d seen the band play live in October ‘96, and it didn’t leave my CD player for a month following that. For the uninitiated, Rocket From The Crypt (hereafter, RFTC), were (and still are) the coolest punk n’ roll band in the world. Attired in matching bowling shirts and quiffs and possessed of the best horn section this side of James Brown, they both looked and sounded impressive on stage. The question I had at that time was; would they live up to the same standard on record? I wasn’t disappointed. Each song is a party waiting to happen, the de rigeur pounding drums and snarling guitars topped off with call-and-response gang vocals and powerful horns. No one can claim that main man Speedo is the world’s... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Interesting Demo versions, lots of great songs
Disadvantages: Mostly Demo versions, not for new Misfits fans

...The Misfits were formed in 1977 and were dubbed heroes of the "American Punk Horror" genre. They have released many records since then, and after a 12 year break up in 1983 they reformed in 1995, and reportedly are still together. Cuts from the Crypt was released in 2001. The Misfits are by fan one of the strangest bands I've heard, and also one of my favourites. They have powerful vocals and heavy riffs, accompanied by sadistic and often humourus lyrics. Whilst the CD contains mainly demo versions and live songs it is still a very high quality record. Most of their best songs are on this record and it's very interesting, especially for big Misfits fans, to hear their demo version recordings. Songs to look out for are Helena 2, Dr Phibes Rides Again and Monster Mash. Whilst this album isn't recommended for people who want... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Not a Live Album
Disadvantages: Not their best

...Possibly due an award for most insensitive album title in 2002 which deserves respect, but it is no where near as insensitive as my original title for this peice. This is RFTC's 23rd album in 18 years apparently, and it contains no surprises, but hey this is all out ballsy rock and roll, it is about attitude more than originality. In the wonderful world of true Rock and a Roll you can get along without ORIGONALITY, TALLENT, LOOKS, INTELEGENCE, in fact these four attributes are a definitely not required. What you need is ATTITUDE and possibly a low slung guitar or two…….. This album does not mess about from the beginning with Speedo spits out the songs like the illegitimate son of Elvis would and here there are shades of the Ramones, Elvis, The Clash's first two albums with a good smattering of horns. This is what I want from a rock... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful