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SWEET PAIN
"Sweet Pain" (Vanity Music
Group; (1984/2024)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Sweet Pain's debut album was originally released in 1985 on Combat Records. It was eight tracks of pure, undiluted Sunset Boulevard glam metal (which is interesting because the band is originally from New York) with sleazy guitars, lyrics about sex, drugs and rock'n'roll, with as many clichés as you can cram into a three- or four-minute song. It's exactly what you'd expect from an album with song titles like "Down on the Boulevard," "Back in L.A.," and "Knock Your Socks Off," you've got a pretty good idea of what you're in for.
Well, it's been four decades since that initial release, and now the album has been re-mastered by singer Corky Gunn and re-released via Vanity Music Group with bonus tracks and interviews.
If I've heard the original vinyl release of this album, it's been so long that I can't tell you how the re-issue compares sound-wise. I can tell you that this new version sounds pretty great, capturing every rough-edged nuance of the band's raw sound. And the bonus tracks are also a major plus here, including a cover version of Elton John's classic "Saturday Night's Alright (for Fighting)" and a live version of Sweet Pain's version of Aerosmith's "Mama Kin." All told, there are nine bonus tracks here: four live tracks from 1985; three radio interviews and two bonus tracks. Plus a 24-page booklet featuring never before seen photos and the story of Sweet Pain by Corky Gunn.
It's all a hell of a lot of fun. It's loud, it's silly, it's grimy, but it's a great listen. If you are a fan of the glam metal genre, that is. If you're looking for Megadeth or Slayer, then this re-release won't be worth your time.
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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Copyright © 2024 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
