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THE PRETTY RECKLESS
"Other
Worlds" (Fearless Records; 2022)
Reviewed by Snidermann
The Pretty Reckless are a female-fronted rock'n'roll outfit. I heartily suggest you check out their online presence to find out more. They are a fascinating band.
I discovered this band a few years ago when I reviewed their release, "Death By Rock and Roll." I was impressed then and I am equally impressed now. I was listening to "Other Worlds" and I thought, hold on. I know that song. And then the same thing happened again. I did a little more research and I figured out that "Other Worlds" actually is a collection of re-imagined songs, covers, and other bits and pieces.
The release opens and ends with a different version of "Got So High" from their "Death By Rock and Roll release." Some of the notable covers on this recording are "Loud Love" and "Halfway There," written by Chris Cornell from Soundgarden and "Quicksand" by David Bowie.
Taylor Momsen's voice is hypnotic and when she does an acoustic version of "Only Love Can Hurt Me Now," it is simply brilliant and more than a bit haunting.
If you're a fan of The Pretty Reckless, and we here at Rough Edge believe you should be, you will love this release. It showcases not only the vocal range of the singer, but the overall coolness and musicianship of the band.
For more information, check out https://theprettyreckless.com/.
"Death by
Rock and Roll" (Fearless Records; 2021)
Reviewed by Snidermann
My new musical obsession is a band called The Pretty Reckless and their latest release, "Death By Rock and Roll," is simply outstanding. It's funny, I have been in contact with our esteemed Editor R. Scott Bolton and he expressed the same thing I did "How did we miss this band?"
There is a lot of anthem rock on this recording. It's easy to get into, easy to remember and easy to sing along to. This is some kick-ass shit with plenty of hooks and killer riffs. This band has it all: a killer female rock singer, top notch musicians, outstanding songwriting and high production quality. All of this makes The Pretty Reckless and the release "Death By Rock and Roll" one of the standouts in 2021 so far.
(Now I wont mention what movie the singer was in when she was but a wee lass, but she is all grown up now, with a sultry, sexy voice that fits perfectly with the music.)
This music should be experienced by as many people has humanly possible. This band just keeps getting better and I expect great things from them in the future.
For more information, check out https://theprettyreckless.com/.
"Who You Selling For" (Razor &
Tie; 2016)
Reviewed by Snidermann
It has been established here at RoughEdge.com that I think female metal singers are sexy as hell. Lita Ford, Otep Shamaya, Nita Strauss, Orianthi (both awesome rockers in their own right but also thanks to Alice Cooper for introducing them to me), Doro Pesch (Warlock), Simone Simons (Epica), and all the members of Kitty. Obviously, that is just to name a few and, needless to say, I dig them all.
Now for my current review: The Pretty Reckless and their recording "Who You Selling For." The band is top notch; tight, strong and full of easy to listen to rock'n'roll tunes that run the gamut from ballads to heavy rock with nary a beat missed. The singer is Taylor Momsen, a sultry raspy vocalist, who sounds like she partied all night with a bottle of bourbon and a pack of Marlboroughs and then got up and started singing. (I know that is not true, but that is the sound and it is hypnotizing.) The Pretty Reckless deliver a rock'n'roll performance that is simply one of the best I have witnessed in quite some time. This 2016 recording is fun and full of angst, but that's what you want from a rock'n'roll recording.
On a side note, Taylor Momsen played Cindy Lou Who from the 2000 Grinch movie with Jim Carrey(!).
For more information, check out https://theprettyreckless.com/.
"Going to Hell" (Razor &
Tie; 2014)
Reviewed by Jeff Rogers
Taylor Momsen heads up The Pretty Reckless. She's got a
raspy voice--and a sexy one at that. She sings about sex, tough times and angst.
Her history started with being Cindy Lou Who in the movie Dr. Seuss' "How the
Grinch Stole Christmas" (2000) and then her stint on the CW show "Gossip Girl."
She acts, sings and takes her clothes off in her videos. She's part of the
middle finger club when it comes to men and how she views the world based on
religion.
The music is cool, hard rock with nice guitar riffs. She does have a couple of
slow tracks on "Going to Hell" that show off her voice. Fans of Halestorm will
dig Taylor's voice, she's got that something but she's still lacking, I
can't put my finger on it because this is just her second disc. I think she is
trying too hard to be edgy but not enough to be taken seriously. It's a mixed
decision, maybe I'll feel more solid about her voice after a few more discs.
She's listed on all the songwriting credits so her voice is her own on these
tracks.
I'm sure all the angst-ridden teens will dig her message. She's not too bleak
and taboo enough to cause curiosity among those who are sick of pop punk
speaking the same language as all the other oppressors. I'm beyond some of the
stuff she sings about so I focused on the music. It's got a solid beat and the
band can rock when it's time. The track that stands out is "Blame Me."
The Pretty Reckless: Taylor Momsen - vocals; Ben Phillips - guitar, backing
vocals; Mark Damon - bass; Jamie Perkins - drums.
For more information, check out https://theprettyreckless.com/.
"Light Me
Up" (DAS Label/Interscope Records; 2011)
Reviewed by Snidermann
The Pretty Reckless's recording of "Light Me Up" does just that and shows what this band is all about: rock'n'roll, killer songwriting and a shit load of attitude.
The first cut, "My Medicine," is a great rock song with plenty of angst. The singer, Taylor Momsen, has a hauntingly beautiful voice that is perfectly suited for this type of music. The musical presentation of this band is simply off the spectrum. Each member plays an important part of the whole. Now, the line up for the debut release is a bit hazy in my eyes. However, what this band delivered in their 2011 debut release is nothing short of a masterpiece.
Sultry and sexy, dealing with issues that were and frankly still are uncomfortable and that makes for a very interesting musical experience. OMG, Holy Shit and any other exclamatory word and/or phrase describes my opinion of The Pretty Reckless. I just may have to listen to some more of their recordings just to attest to the overall quality of this band .
But don't just take my word for it. Go check out this recording anywhere you want to and I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Or, go to YouTube, search for The Pretty Reckless and just pick a song to listen to and you will witness/experience the wonder that is Taylor Momsen and The Pretty Reckless.
For more information, check out https://theprettyreckless.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.
Copyright © 2023 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
