RANDY FRICKE


"Randy Fricke" (Self-produced)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

Randy Fricke's self-produced, self-titled CD is a welcome return to 70s and 80s era hard rock in the vein of Van Halen, KISS, Alice Cooper, etcetera. If you're into albums like Van Halen's "Diver Down," KISS's solo albums (particularly Paul Stanley's), Alice Cooper's "Goes to Hell" and Boston's self-titled debut, just to name a few, there are a number of tracks on this CD that will grab your attention immediately.

As far as vocals are concerned, Fricke sounds like a unique crossing of the campy bluesman of David Lee Roth and the romantic starchild, Paul Stanley. Musically, the CD never goes into what's called "heavy metal" territory today but sticks closer to the hard rock sounds of the previously mentioned bands. Not only are there very entertaining, kick-ass rockers herein, there are also a couple of the stronger ballads (a la KISS's "Hard Luck Woman"). Throughout, the CD never goes too far beyond, say, "Rock'n'Roll All Nite" or too close to "Enter Sandman."

It's not all about retro, though. Fricke's CD may bring to mind the days when KISS and Boston were at the top of the Billboard Top 40 singles charts, but it's also got a freshness that brings the music into the present and doesn't leave it languishing in the past. It's a pure and honest rock'n'roll sound that is almost instantly addictive. The first time I sat through this CD, I immediately felt like hearing it again and it sounded great.

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"Randy Fricke" (Self-produced)

Reviewed by Snidermann

When I got this CD, all I knew about it was that the cover had "Randy Fricke" printed on it. I thought, what the hell is this? So I was pleasantly surprised to find that this self-titled CD is well done, straight-forward rock'n'roll.

Heavy chords, first-class leads and a very interesting use of a brass section makes "Randy Fricke" an easy CD to listen to and just as easy to enjoy. This isn't metal, but it is good solid rock'n'roll in the classic rock arena. It's the kind of stuff that would sound great live.

For more information, check out http://www.rockmusicmp3s.com


Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.


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Revised: 26 Feb 2024 13:06:29 -0500.