"Road" - Reviews

[Agrophile in Texas]

"hypnotic and foreboding atmosphere", yeah you nailed it there, that's one of the pluses, that's a sound I like, and the lyrics are mysterious, abstract (I wonder how much input Dennis had on the rewrites, word-wise?). It and Fireball are my favorite tracks on Paranormal, I also like the bonus tunes (though, as a whole, that release is very steady, consistently top-drawer numbers from track to track).

"When Hell Comes Home" is neck and neck with "I Am Made of You" as a fave on W2MN, "Social Debris" is one of the toppermost on Stories. I find the songwriting on those tunes significantly stronger than what I'm getting on the majority of Road.

[pitkin88]

"hypnotic and foreboding atmosphere", yeah you nailed it there, that's one of the pluses, that's a sound I like, and the lyrics are mysterious, abstract (I wonder how much input Dennis had on the rewrites, word-wise?). It and Fireball are my favorite tracks on Paranormal, I also like the bonus tunes (though, as a whole, that release is very steady, consistently top-drawer numbers from track to track).

"When Hell Comes Home" is neck and neck with "I Am Made of You" as a fave on W2MN, "Social Debris" is one of the toppermost on Stories. I find the songwriting on those tunes significantly stronger than what I'm getting on the majority of Road.

You could always ask Dennis.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_h3Xdq6nKMQ

[Agrophile in Texas]

I've been considering it, I have a couple of questions, just want to phrase it right so I don't sound like some slobbering, teenage fanboy... "you're a grown man in your 60's, show some dignity, me!"

Oh, and thanks for the link... I'm going to give that full album a listen at Spotify, see how I like it. (Edit, before I lose my ability to edit this, I wanted to add - that's a nice release so far. I'm too used to the Alice version of "Fireball" and prefer it, but "See You in Hell" and "In the End" are fantastic, I like the presence of the acoustic guitar)

[Babysquid]

In all fairness some songs here and there is not the same as making a full album. I do, once again, have high hopes.

I don't have any expectations. They've done more than just a couple of songs together in the last years and i wasn't blown away from them.

When hell comes home - it's nice, dark but forgettable. 7/10

Fireball - a reworked nice old song with strange vocals. 7/10

The sound of A - I like it but nothing special. 8/10

Genuine American Girl - a decent, catchy song. It could've been a concert favourite. 9/10

You and all of your friends - Sounds very old, uninspired and boring. 4/10

Social debris - Another OK song with some nice parts. 7/10

Drunk and in love - funny lyrics but the music is average. 6,5/10


Please explain how a song that is nothing special is an 8/10 and another that's just decent is a 9? Did they teach you make math in your skool?

Sound of A is nothing special but a nice and easy song. More than just OK but less than decent. It's for me an 8. Genuine American girl is catchy. It's a decent song but nut a classic one that's why only 9.

Note to self, never buy used records from Pitta

[Devon]

I rate this above "Detroit Stories" and a little above "Paranormal." The issues I have with this are more to do with production/mixing than anything. The guitars sound a little muddy to me and Alice is way too high in the mix on several of these songs, IMHO.

The one song that drives me crazy is "Baby Please Don't Go." It sounds like Alice can't quite find the melody in the main verses, especially that second verse where he sounds "lost." Like he was just demoing it for the first time and Ezrin said "That's perfect!" The music is beautiful on it though.

I would love to have had an album in the vein of "The Big Goodbye" and "Dead Don't Dance" which a much longer "100 More Miles" thrown in.

Interestingly, I very much like "Road Rats Forever" and find it, ironically, a much better sounding song than the original (ironic that my qualms are about the mix on the new album!" At least you can hear Alice on this one! The original was lost in so much reverb, like much of "Goes To Hell" and "Lace & Whiskey" that it's hard to even tell what Alice is singing on the original at times.

Personally, I think it's time to move on from Ezrin (with all due respect and reverence to his legacy.) But I doubt that's going to happen. This is just me personally, though.

[Dragontown]

The one song that drives me crazy is "Baby Please Don't Go." It sounds like Alice can't quite find the melody in the main verses, especially that second verse where he sounds "lost." Like he was just demoing it for the first time and Ezrin said "That's perfect!" The music is beautiful on it though.

I would love to have had an album in the vein of "The Big Goodbye" and "Dead Don't Dance" which a much longer "100 More Miles" thrown in.

I couldn't agree more. "Baby please" is a missed opportunity, you find yourself wishing it would go somewhere but remains stale.
"The Big Goodbye" has a Hey Stoopid era feel, look at the "metal" guitar solo and the backing vocals on the last chorus (buried in the mix but pay attention if you didn't hear it). And lyrically is more aggressive, which better suits my image of AC! I would have loved to hear more in that vain, guitars more prominent, big chorus and more inspired solos.

[boy/man]

I actually find myself liking this album way more than both Paranormal and Detroit stories. But yes, all of the songs are for some reason too short and not given enough time to breathe. "100 More Miles" especially, it should have been twice as long, probably even had a long fade-out and obviously been the album closer. Pure, classic WTMN vibes.. The lyrics are okay for what it is, imo.

Now, the DVD is superb. I was waiting and hoping for a pro shot release of this particular show and we basically got it. Too bad the setlist is shortened at this particular gig, but at least "Roses.." is present and the band is in great shape. And the castle design seriously reminds me of the castle design from Live In the Flesh..
Great release, not to mention a more or less coherent musical direction with more or less the touring band. His best album since W2MN!

[cooperrocks]

What is interesting about this album is the short 3 minute songs almost make it feel like a radio record. Back when people actually bought music and an artist was hoping to get some serious radio airplay, they would try to include some 3 minute commercial songs with the hopes of getting airplay. That doesn't really exist anymore which is why it is confusing that a few of the songs seem cut off like they had to be an exact length.

In terms of what several have said regarding Ezrin's production, I would agree that it is time to try something different. Look, no one is questioning Ezrin's resume, it is very very impressive but you look at many artists who stick with the same producer album after album. The formula can become predictable and stale. Sometimes the producer doesn't adapt to changing technology or a changing musical scene. That's why bringing in new ideas is a good thing. If you don't like the Road album, Alice has said that he feels only Bob and him truly understand Alice's character and that some of the songs his current band brought in they may not recognize after Alice and Bob tweaked them. In other words, if you like the album give the credit to Bob and Alice. If you don't like the album, limit your criticism of the current band because we don't know how much of their songs were gutted. Their solo works and outside products certainly indicate them as more than capable songwriters and I am looking forward to Tommy's new project coming up. Put it this way, I doubt all of them just happened to come in with 3 minute songs.

And there lies the potential problem with the next album featuring the original guys. Hopefully it is a great album. But let's also be realistic and fair. One, the recent original band songs with a few exceptions have not been great or certainly not any better than most of the other songs. Fair to good songs that are safe and sterile sounding. Second, that album was recorded last year and Ezrin produced it. So, in other words, it is going to be a similar sounding album. That to me is part of the problem. I like the recent albums okay but they all have a sameness about them and despite guests being brought in or the current band playing on the new one, it all sounds the same. That is why if there is going to be an Alice album written with Desmond Child, I would be more excited for that because Child isn't stuck on one sound. If it were to sound exactly like the Trash album (and I love the Trash album) I would have the same constructive criticism I do with Ezrin's recent works. But the odds of something different are greater with Child or someone else it seems than Ezrin. I know that sounds critical it isn't my intention. But it is sort of like with Rick Rubin. Rubin was a part of some tremendous albums but he got stuck on the same formula. AC/DC is about the only band that can seem to do that well.

[Mr. Misdemeanor]

Back when people actually bought music and an artist was hoping to get some serious radio airplay, they would try to include some 3 minute commercial songs with the hopes of getting airplay.

I had a similar thought a couple of nights ago. I was listening to Black JuJu and it occurred to me that with cd's and now streaming services that there really isn't a reason an artist shouldn't produce longer tracks. I would love to hear something experimental like JuJu or an epic proggy number like Halo of Flies.

In terms of what several have said regarding Ezrin's production, I would agree that it is time to try something different.

I'm not a huge fan of the most recent album, but I think it sounds good at least. My fear is that Alice would get stuck with somebody like the dude who did ACAS. I'm really conflicted. I really like Paranormal, but don't care for Road. Both W2MN and Detroit Stories have songs that I like and songs that I really dislike in almost equal proportions. Bob and Alice are obviously capable of greatness and of producing a 50 megaton cheese bomb. Reigning in the campiness, and finding something interesting to write about would go a long way to making me happy.

the recent original band songs with a few exceptions have not been great or certainly not any better than most of the other songs.

I think that almost all of these tracks are strong. Often some of my favorite tracks on the album. "I Hate You" would probably have worked better as a bonus track and "Drunk and In Love" never really clicks, but I really like the other songs.

AC/DC is about the only band that can seem to do that well.

Yep. I think their last two albums have been their best since Razor's Edge. Random lament: I wish to god that they had kept Mutt Lange around longer. Flick of the Switch, Fly on the Wall, and Blow Up Your Video would have been amazing albums with better production, imo.

[Maaki]

Yep. I think their last two albums have been their best since Razor's Edge. Random lament: I wish to god that they had kept Mutt Lange around longer. Flick of the Switch, Fly on the Wall, and Blow Up Your Video would have been amazing albums with better production, imo.

Yeah, I agree. Although I am probably the only person on Earth that digs Flick of the Switch. And among a few more that like Fly on the Wall. Anyway, ACDC seem to have that one great song on each album since Back in Black and the rest is a bit forgettable. Razor's Edge excluding. Albums like that would be butchered here, I think, if they were Alice's. But I also happen to think that KISS has nothing on ACDC when it comes to sheer capitalist commercialism.

I am also probably the only person on Earth that absolutely loves Who made Who - the song :D

[Miller]

I am also probably the only person on Earth that absolutely loves Who made Who - the song :D[/quote]

No your not, it's one of my favorite songs

[Cadaver Eyes]

I am also probably the only person on Earth that absolutely loves Who made Who - the song :D

No your not, it's one of my favorite songs
[/quote]

I'll jump in on the love for Who Made Who , and Flick of the Switch is the Brian Johnson equivalent of the fantastic Powerage with Bon Scott .
I'm liking the Road also , not loving it . Few more listens needed yet to form a proper opinion .

[pitkin88]

I just watched an interview with MB and he says on the new album there's a song about a very lethal snake that kills you in about 7 seconds. Don't seem to remember anyone mentioning this here.

[mr.barlow]

Shep, Alice and Ezrin finance everything from the tours to the albums. They invest where they will get the best return which is the live shows.

You can produce an album for next to nothing these days. I'd bet most if the recording for this album and likely the last few was done remotely with Erin compiling it together

Alice has his own studio in his house where I believe most of his vocal parts are recorded. I'd bet that Alice was never once in the same room with the band for the recording of this album.

Ezrin picks the songs...Alice adds lyrics or adds to or changed existing lyrics and that's about it on Alice's part.

These album are done in the cheap. All you gave to do is look at the album covers. I bet they spent about ten dollars each on the last three. Just awful.

However, all involved understand they are selling to a very small market, namely Alice's base and the ever aging classic rock fan.

Their budget for the albums is likely based on past sales and are even budgeted at a break even or small profit basis. The money is in merchandise and touring. Not just for Alice but nearly all of music unless your name is Taylor swift.

The charts today are a joke...they are meaningless. They can be more easily manipulated today than in the glory days of payoffs.

I'd bet that streams of "schools out" and "poison" are Alice's best in thar platform. Also I bet streams and downloads of those two songs have outperformed the sales of his last three album releases combined.

At any rate we must all accept that Alice is an elderly entertainer who plays to a loyal yet dwindling fan base.

He is to our generation what Perry Como was to our parents. The old guy they go see once a year at the casino showroom.

[mot$$33]

I’ve probably listened to Road 10 times start to finish. I really like it and I was feeling that my first impressions were that I like it better early on than I did with Paranormal and Detroit Stories.

With all the talk that it is not as good as this or that and it hasn’t charted as high as others, I’ve gone back to listen to the previous 2, as it’s been a while. I found myself fast forwarding through some songs and I’m not doing that with Road. I think Road is a more complete album with much less filler than Paranormal and DS.

[tommycooper]

Shep, Alice and Ezrin finance everything from the tours to the albums. They invest where they will get the best return which is the live shows.

You can produce an album for next to nothing these days. I'd bet most if the recording for this album and likely the last few was done remotely with Erin compiling it together

Alice has his own studio in his house where I believe most of his vocal parts are recorded. I'd bet that Alice was never once in the same room with the band for the recording of this album.

Ezrin picks the songs...Alice adds lyrics or adds to or changed existing lyrics and that's about it on Alice's part.

These album are done in the cheap. All you gave to do is look at the album covers. I bet they spent about ten dollars each on the last three. Just awful.

However, all involved understand they are selling to a very small market, namely Alice's base and the ever aging classic rock fan.

Their budget for the albums is likely based on past sales and are even budgeted at a break even or small profit basis. The money is in merchandise and touring. Not just for Alice but nearly all of music unless your name is Taylor swift.

The charts today are a joke...they are meaningless. They can be more easily manipulated today than in the glory days of payoffs.

I'd bet that streams of "schools out" and "poison" are Alice's best in thar platform. Also I bet streams and downloads of those two songs have outperformed the sales of his last three album releases combined.

At any rate we must all accept that Alice is an elderly entertainer who plays to a loyal yet dwindling fan base.

He is to our generation what Perry Como was to our parents. The old guy they go see once a year at the casino showroom.

Do you think Alice & Co are past ever lavishing time and money on (possibly) one last great album? Could the original band's effort be the one?
Unless they've badly mishandled their finances over the last half century (not remembered to GET THE MONEY?) I'm sure they are perfectly capable of spending to Nightmare/ From The Inside levels if THEY think there will be a reward other than monetary that's worth having. Or maybe W2MN was the last throw of that dice?

[SickThings]

You can produce an album for next to nothing these days. I'd bet most if the recording for this album and likely the last few was done remotely with Erin compiling it together

Alice has his own studio in his house where I believe most of his vocal parts are recorded. I'd bet that Alice was never once in the same room with the band for the recording of this album.

Probably not, but Nita posted the Road songs were recorded live in the studio, with the band performing live together. I was kind of surprised. (I don't know if Alice was present, but his vocals were clearly recorded separately, at least.)

[Si]

Alice has his own studio in his house where I believe most of his vocal parts are recorded.

Recorded at Soultrain Studios, Nashville, TN
Vocals recorded at: The Village, Los Angeles, CA
Additional Recording: Anarchy Studios (Bob's studio), Track Entertainment

I believe Alice's home studio is mainly used for the odd guest appearance, interviews and NWAC when he's at home.

[Miller]

Alice has his own studio in his house where I believe most of his vocal parts are recorded.

Recorded at Soultrain Studios, Nashville, TN
Vocals recorded at: The Village, Los Angeles, CA
Additional Recording: Anarchy Studios (Bob's studio), Track Entertainment

I believe Alice's home studio is mainly used for the odd guest appearance, interviews and NWAC when he's at home.

So Mr Barlow what led you to believe Alice did most of his vocals in his own studio?

[mr.barlow]

Janis Joplin told me...she was there with Jim Morrison and Jimi Hendrix.