I’ll let JJ introduce what you’re reading, ” In short, the reason we did this was, we were going to record a video for Rats from the album with the guys from the notes, but, well, covid! So I also had a hard drive fail and lost some of the original files, so, we decided to rerecord it, and, also round and a round, as Billy sang on the original demo (on Best Of You) before Kory Clarke sang the album version, so, we redid that
We have a few songs already for the next album, and some weren’t going to fit, so we added a couple here. And, struck on the idea to get The Suicide notes on all the songs. Always loved Smoke It Like A Cigarette by them, so, we did our version, but, Billy sang it, Alex took the lead, and, his better half Kate had a vocal that was meant to be on the original but they didn’t get it down, so, she is on here.
Covers wise, Billy, Alex and Dame are helping with my Anti-Fashion project, so, we pinched Bad Luck from that. Drunk Like Me, I love, we love, and, knew Billy would kill the vocals. Bathroom Wall was a last minute addition/suggestion from Alex, so, we threw that down as well. On these 3, we have the wonderful Bret Barnes adding some sax
The last track we started a while back, the Alice cooper cover, and, it turned out amazing!
We also have the very talented Frank Meyer (Streetwalkin Cheetahs) adding additional vocals, keys, etc all over too.”
Ok, that makes perfect sense. But what the fuck does it sound like I hear you shout and where can I give them my money?
Here goes, ‘Rats!’ opens up with the title track and on a thunderously sleazy hotrod of Glam Slammin’ rock and roll it is. It’s got a heart as big as a beachball and it’s pumping ten to the dozen and a real whiplash rocket ride it is too. but don’t think for one minute that’s where it ends. No sirs it goes on with the party anthems of ‘Round And (A) Round’ followed by the brawling ‘The Right Way’ which is barking and snapping at the heels of the previous song.
There’s a bit of respite as ‘Inside Of You’ might be slower and more melodic but it’s not losing any of the attitude that’s pouring outta this record. You might be familiar with ‘Smoke It Like A Cigarette’ if you were paying attention to the acoustic Suicide Notes release. Sped up and rocked out it’s a top tune no question. I guess it makes sense to follow that with their take of the Dogs classic ‘Drunk Like Me’.
If you ever had a passing admiration for Mike Ness you might want to check out their take on ‘Bad Luck’ and of course, they slaughter the Faster Pussycat classic that is ‘Bathroom Wall’ in a suitably sleazy demolition job and the Sax is a welcome addition on the song. But the take on ‘Department Of Youth’ is impressive and the bar is raised with a great job completed on a great tune.
Closing off proceedings is a super sleazy take on Love Hates Classic Rocker ‘Blackout In The Red Room’ who said sleazy Hard Rock was done? you might want to check this out. It sounds like an arctic truckload of pinched harmonics and distorted scales.
Get the beers in boys and girls and wrap up all breakables, move the furniture back and turn the stereo up City Kids and The Suicide Notes are taking over the decks, and it’s a nonstop Rock and Fuckin Roll Partee, motherfuckers! and none of em give a single Rats! Get on it right now!
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