Oriental Beat - Hanoi Rocks

Advantages: pure rock and roll
Disadvantages: a bit dated by modern tastes

...towards bringing that force of nature into your home. Recorded at London's famous Marquee Club, then in Wardour Street, this small venue created a small, intimate and highly charged atmosphere for the band to bounce their highly charged show off of. The show opens to the strains of O Fortuna (people will note that this is the second music review in a row where I have mentioned this track, but I assure you that this is a coincidence and not some personal crusade) before launching into a short punked up rendition of the stalwart "Pipeline". This intro piece ends to the crowd cheering the appearance of front man Michael Monroe (which I agree isn't a very Finnish name) and with a swift 1,2,3,4 its into the first proper number "Oriental Beat". Like much of their material this song delivers a hybrid of punk driven rock beats and a sleazy "blues... Read review

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Advantages: Value of money, something different!
Disadvantages: Not for everyone!

...-like number, with requisite “1,2,3,4” shout before straying into Ramones territory – tom-tom leads the verse whilst the chorus is pure Hanoi. Drum heavy with guitars that are sometimes frustratingly quiet. 5. Tooting Bec Wreck Starting with some freaky bird-call noises and dogs barking – or something – this sounds like it’s going to be an odd Peter Gabriel mish-mash track until the main beat comes in, and Monroe does an odd half-sing half club singer-style vocal delivery. Old punks die hard y’see! Features the genius chorus line “I’m the living wreck/I live in Tooting Bec”. Another quick track with a good groove behind it, always welcome in rock bars. If the DJ would ever play it for me. Has a strange refrain with more farm animal noises behind Monroe saying he’s “crawling on your bedroom floor”. Folks who like their rock ‘n’ roll serious must... Read review

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Advantages: An upbeat album featuring a few tracks of Glam Rock glory.
Disadvantages: Some of the tracks fast become really rather irritating.

...Having formed in Finland way back in 1979 and split up in 1985 after the death of their drummer, Hanoi Rocks reformed in 2002 and are now very much making the most of their second wind. It is an interesting one that a band should reform nearly twenty years on, however I am very glad that they did as since returning they have released a further three albums of varying quality. 'Street Poetry' is the latest album from Hanoi Rocks and was given its release through Demolition Records in the UK in September 2007. Although only two of the original band members remain in the band, those being vocalist Michael Monroe and guitarist Andy McCoy; you should not let this fact put you off as Hanoi Rocks are still making some great music. Featuring the single 'Fashion' which went straight to Number 1 when released in Finland, 'Street Poetry' is... Read review

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