This is an open forum for staff members, contributers, and fans alike to submit their reviews on the latest music releases and concerts. In an industry that is drowning with overprocessed, grossly overrated, unoriginal crap these days, this is our chance to allow the real stars to shine, if only on our humble, little stage; and expose you to some of our favorite talents.
Reviews are given 1 - 5 stars.
So Far
Next 2 You
Out Of Line
Everything
Carousel
Sorry
Crazy Bitch
Onset
Sunshine
Brooklyn
Broken Glass
It pays to believe in miracles sometimes. Stonehenge doesn’t impress me much. Weeping icons of the Virgin Mary in churches? Boring. And don’t even get me started on the rescue of Baby Jessica. (Shove her back down there!) I’m talking about real miracles. Like how a band who was written off 5 years ago can return with; A. The most solid work of their career, and B. a bonafide hit record on their hands.
Don’t call it a comeback. This is a much different Buckcherry than the outfit that dropped “Time Bomb” in 2001. The main songwriting core remains with vocalist Josh Todd and guitarist Keith Nelson, but with the addition of Xavier Muriel on drums, bassist Jimmy Ashhurst, and guitarist Stevie D. the group seems fuller and more soulful than before. And these tracks prove it.
Beginning with Josh’s gravelly howl on “So Far” this record immediately blasts out of the gate and does not let up for the duration. “Next 2 You” will be (calling my shot ala Babe Ruth) the anthem for Summer ‘06, with it’s slightly retro beat and guitar and Todd’s lyrical attempts to attach himself to the general area of some girl’s crotch. Brilliance. And this is only the second song.
“Everything” shines with almost a Duran Duran-like intro before exploding into a sing along chorus that has become Buckcherry’s signature. “Onset”, “Sunshine”, “Crazy Bitch” (which you’ve heard a million times by now, I’m sure, and still have not tired of) all prove that these guys are the heartbeat of rock n’ roll in the year 2006 A.A.F.D. (after Appetite For Destruction.)
It’s not all crash and burn, either. The Buckers can move you at a slower pace too. “Carousel” is an exciting change of pace for the band. It’s more relaxed than riotous yet does not sound a step out of place in Buckcherry’s musical arsenal. And if there ever was a song that would assault a radio call-in/dedication show (Y’know? Back when radio did shit like that?), “Sorry” would be the most requested song ever. The song was co-written with Nelson and Todd by Marti Frederickson who has also penned tunes with the likes of Aerosmith. It’s the ballad that the bands’ beyond-rabid fanbase has needed to hear since the hidden track “Open My Eyes” from “Time Bomb”.
It’s time to stop referring to Buckcherry as “the cocaine guys”, or “the stripper song guys”. “Fifteen” more than establishes the band as the most solid bet for ‘rawk’ greatness since Guns N’ Roses. Whether they’re kicking the door down, or taking it easy this is the album to beat. Buckcherry is back in a huge way, and I’m certain this album will still get play in your collection for years to come.
And I hate to gloat but…ah, I told you so.
Reviewed by: Corey Rotic | April 2006
