Various Artists - Rock’n’Roll Blvd
(buzzville, 2005)
 |
CD1 CD 2 |
If this isn’t a most satisfactory compilation of kick ass stoner rock songs, then I’m Paul, the Pope of Rome.
Buzzville Records personnel obviously did their homework before compiling this double album. Because it contains not only some of the best and relatively known bands of the genre like Blind Dog, Monkey3, Peter Pan Speedrock, Throttlerod, Starchild etc, but also the best of the newcomers. Seriously it seems like the people responsible for these selections are first and foremost avid fans of this music and that they’d gone through a lot of demos or sites for info on these acts. There are 35 songs in these 2 CDs and let me tell you straight away that there’s not one filler among them. Half of them are previously unreleased too and that ups the ante even more.
Where to start with the tracks? From the brand new songs by our favourite Swedes, Blind Dog or the –long time no see/hear- Sir Hedgehog? "Sleeping Dogs" by the former rawks from start to no end, in a way that only this powerful trio has perfected in the past. "Read Between The Mind" by the latter made me wish I had a whole new album by these guys. Excellent guitars and additive vocals just like we remember them. Generous Maria, Space Probe Taurus, Mezzanine, StoneWall Noise Orchestra, Pilotos, Speedway King, Ricksaw have submitted great rockers as well. The songs by Gonzalez, Sparzanza, Honcho, Monkey3, Peter Pan Speedrock, Alix, The Quill, Bible Of The Devil, Rite, Throttlerod, Starchild, Kayser (new project of his majesty Spice if you infidels don’t already know) are all taken from their latest releases and range from good to amazing selections. From the rest, Mr Mama and Cabron handed me my brains with mindblowing instrumentals, We’re All Gonna Die and Desert Sun kicked my ass with their emotional heavy rock, Speedfreaks gave me a quick punch in the stomach with their short dynamite, while Hulk went for my face with their psyche "Real Rocker". Damn this isn’t a simple comp, it’s a sure ride to the nearest hospital.
Last but not least, our own Cube and their stoner meets Tool style prove that Greek heavy rock is slowly gaining its rightful position in the scene. "Perfect Monkey" shows the band’s talent as it can offer (part of) the complexity that Tool have mastered but in a more straightforward way that makes it easily accessible.
Overall, an absolutely essential compilation for stoner rockers. In the words of mighty Lou Reed, we’re going down to this dirty boulevard…
[ RegularPaul ]