Rough Edge: Various Artists - Glamnation Volume 3 CD Review

VARIOUS ARTISTS

"Glamnation Vol. 3 (272 Records / Demon Doll Records; 2008)

Reviewed by Metal Mark

I missed Volumes One and Two of this collection yet I happened to be aware of this one's release so I was able to check it out. My fear was that a compilation of today's young bands would be all second rate copies of Motley Crue, Poison or something else. Those fears were soon alleviated, for the most part, once I listened to the music.

"Glamnation Vol. 3" features nineteen bands from countries including Sweden, France, the United States and others. Not only does their places of origin vary, but their sounds are varied as well. Of course, the overall sound with all of the acts is glam, but there are some acts that mix (to various degrees) glam with powerpop, punk rock and metal.

Not every track on "Glamnation Vol. 3" is a killer, but this is everything a compilation should be. The people at 272 Records and Demon Doll records have done an outstanding job in collecting a nice variety of current bands that all fall under the heading of glam. Most of the songs are at least decent to very good and I won't cover all of them because there are so many, but I'll give you my top five in no real order:

Debbie Ray attack their song "Addicted" like a raging bull yet they easily bring in melodies and strong vocals. Revolution Riot's "Go!" is another hard hitter with more metal in the mix than most of the bands here. Black Rain's "Innocent Rosie" might be more like late 80s/early 90s yet the smoothness and unique vocals help set them apart. "Gasoline" by Bastardz reminds me a little of Crashdiet, but with more of an edge.

Again, the above are not in order, but I do have to add that my favorite track on this CD was definitely "No Time to Cry' by Trashcan Darlings because they had everything going on. They had the hooks, the vocals, the drive ... just everything about this song was absolutely stellar.

So, overall, a very solid compilation that's already exposed me to numerous bands that I will be checking out.

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

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.

Back to CD Reviews Home

Back to RoughEdge.com Home