Rough Edge: Speedealer CD Reviews

SPEEDEALER

"Burned Alive" (Radical; 2003)

Reviewed by Mike SOS

Raucous redneck rockers Speedealer have released a live, 17-track album so you can hear firsthand what actually goes down at one of the band's infamous gigs.

For "Burned Alive," the rejuvenated outfit (which disbanded for a brief time before deciding to continue their righteous quest to rock) chose the 4th of July at the legendary CBGB's as the perfect time to capture their live madness, and they couldn't have made a better choice. Let's see - fireworks, the musty smell of an old venue, blistering July heat, and hardcore rock'n'roll. Sounds like the formula for some ass stompin', whiskey drinkin', feel good but feel so bad tomorrow rawk, no?

Run out of your trailer and buy this one right quick.

"Bleed" (Dead Teenager Records; 2003)

Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter

I found myself admiring Speedealer's 2002 effort "Second Sight" even if I was only initially interested in hearing Jason Newsted's turn as a producer. And I kind of knew that "Second Sight" was, at Newsted's encouragement, a slower and heavier version of Speedealer not heard from the band until that time.

Even knowing that I was a bit stunned by "Bleed." "Bleed" is a raw, fast, energetic affair that makes no apologies for its rough edges and in-your-face demeanor. "Bleed" was basically recorded over the course of 36 hours with no post-production polish. That energy and hectic delivery is captured quite well and "Bleed," in the band's own words, captures a moment in time, warts and all.

That 'moment in time' is the very thing about what my expectations were for Speedealer's post-"Second Sight" effort. I was under the impression that Speedealer were creating a new album in the vein of the last two tracks on "Second Sight" which are a bit more creative than the straight-forward rock usually heard from the band. Needless to say, what you hear on "Bleed" doesn't have much in common with those last two track. Not that I'm upset or anything -- and it's likely that Speedealer still have that 'creative' album in their veins for a future release.

For the most part "Bleed" is full of punk energy, rapid-fire delivery, and songs full of angst and frustration. However, a couple of tracks break away from that norm. "The Inventor Of Evil" recalls Clutch at their most pummeling heaviness and "Rise Up (And Fall)" is an all-over-the-map affair.

Fans of Speedealer's first two efforts ("Here Comes Death" and the self-titled disc) will like Speedealer's return to their early days form. Fans of "Second Sight" are in for a bit of a shock.

"Bleed" was produced by J.D. Pinkus.

Speedealer: Jeff Hirschberg on lead vocals and guitar, Eric Schmidt on guitar and vocals, Harden Harrison on drums and vocals, and Casey Orr on bass.

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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