Faster Pussycat – Faster Pussycat album evaluate

Contemporaries of L.A. Guns and Guns N’ Roses, Faster Pussycat had been as brassy and sleazy because the Russ Meyer skinflick from which they took their identify. Their singer Taime Downe was on the centre of the LA motion, thus each Taime and his band had been scenesters, a reality mirrored of their debut report.

Don’t Change That Song was raucous and memorable, as was their different stand-out tune, Bathroom Wall, a touching paean to the sort of woman Taime picked up at Hollywood rock membership The Cathouse. Faster Pussycat by no means fairly broke out of LA, however it is a salacious documentation of their try.

“I couldn’t resist; I absolutely love this song,” Slipknot leader Corey Taylor says of Babylon. “Seemed like every band had a weird tune on their albums for a while, but this song was really different. Great chorus – makes me forgive them for stealing lyrics from Cheap Trick’s She’s Tight and using them in Bathroom Wall.”

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Other albums launched in July 1987

• Napalm Death – Scum
• Echo & The Bunnymen – Echo & The Bunnymen
• Neil Young & Crazy Horse – Life
• The Grateful Dead – In The Dark
• Ace Frehley – Frehley’s Comet
• Faster Pussycat – Faster Pussycat
• Lion – Dangerous Attraction
• Dio – Dream Evil
• Starship – No Protection
• Triumph – Surveillance
• Great White – Once Bitten

What they mentioned…

“Faster Pussycat’s self-titled debut is mostly Aerosmith boogie sleaze, glammed up by way of the fertile L.A. club scene. The band is somewhat similar to contemporaries Guns N’ Roses, but with that band’s urban grit and substance replaced by a Crüe-ish party-hearty attitude. The music is slick, but fun.” (AllMusic)

“Supposedly, these glammers are the plastic (isn’t that the term?) Aerosmith rip, as opposed to the authentically (right?) nasty boys in Guns N’ Roses. They sure do mow down their allotted share of dynamite riffs on side one, though–fit right onto Toys in the Attic. And if side two is pretty generic, it’s only a rip, its meaner impulses undercut by Russ Meyer camp.” (Robert Christgau)

“Tracks like Bathroom Wall capture the spirit and humour of hair metal in a concise, thrilling fashion, transcending the genre’s typical trappings every so often with a countrified guitar wail or a flashback to New York Dolls-era glam punk. And that’s to say nothing of the super-weird and prescient Babylon, which may be ground zero for the rap-rock movement of the ’90s.” (Consequence)

What you mentioned…

Mike Canoe: Ah, the glory days of the Sunset Strip, when males had been women and men had been intercourse staff – or so Faster Pussycat would have you ever consider. Their 1987 debut is an element Mötley Crüe sleaze, half Guns N’ Roses nihilism, half Poison simplicity.

Aerosmith’s Rocks was greater than a decade outdated by this level, so the recycled riffs on show right here weren’t as apparent to the MTV era. Heck, even the revitalised Aerosmith did not sound that very similar to Aerosmith anymore, so Taime Downe’s cat-in-heat yowls and the band’s ground-down sound felt momentarily contemporary.

So you’ve gotten the “rocking out while cringing at the lyrics” of Bathroom Wall, Cathouse, Smash Alley, and many others. Glam metallic parody band Steel Panther might have primarily based their complete profession on Babylon. Still, Don’t Change That Song is a helluva calling card and City Has No Heart means that there is likely to be one thing extra to the band than intercourse, extra intercourse, and rock ‘n’ roll.

Faster Pussycat just isn’t a type of albums (or bands) I’d use as proof that grunge needed to occur. Even their huge energy ballad from their subsequent album, House of Pain, was one of many few that had nothing to do with falling in and/or out of affection. Faster Pussycat’s debut is dumb and spinoff enjoyable that, at 36 minutes and alter, would not overstay its welcome.

Nigel Mawdsley: Great uncooked manufacturing, preparations and musicianship on this album, very highly effective. The songs are good, however there isn’t any specific ‘stand out’ monitor IMHO.

I’ve not performed/ heard any Faster Pussycat materials for a while and loved ‘revisiting’ them, however my opinion stays the identical after a couple of many years!

Faster Pussycat have so many influences that it is troublesome to outline the Faster Pussycat sound. Their music is spinoff of Aerosmith, Ratt, Beastie Boys, Poison, Billy Idol, Quiet Riot, Rolling Stones, Slade… and, as I left Spotify on, after the album had completed, the random choice of comparable music was Me And My Wine by Def Leppard. 7/10.

Iain Macaulay: It’s uncooked to the purpose of being very underproduced. It’s catchy, like an STD within the Cathouse rest room, which the lead singer ran. And it’s filled with extra sleaze than Axl might have dreamt of getting in his songwriting hand. In reality, the Rock City Angels too.

If you need to know what the New York Dolls would have seemed like in the event that they’d been from LA and had the seashore and sunshine to brighten issues up, moderately than rain and heroin, then that is the album. It’s not huge, it’s not intelligent, however it’s plenty of twelve-bar enjoyable with that Keef Richards’ twist. It’s additionally nearer to the Hanoi Rocks blueprint than what GN’R achieved.

It was even higher reside, courtesy of seeing them within the Barrowlands in Glasgow. The first band I used to be in as a child performed almost half this album; it had that a lot of an impact on the 80s glam scene, till Sweet Child broke. It is a debut album, they usually did get a lot better, and extra technically proficient at songwriting, nevertheless it’s an actual middle-finger-in-the-air assortment of songs about intercourse, medication and rock’n’roll. Maybe it nonetheless holds up, possibly it doesn’t, however the time it represents was positively a one-off, and this album is the right dirty Polaroid image to reminisce about.

Jon Peacock: As I used to be at a free finish for the day and the climate is rotten, I took the chance to hearken to Faster Pussycat, an album I had by no means listened to beforehand, so felt it was a possibility to bask in an album that apparently landed across the identical time as Appetite For Destruction, a moderately wonderful debut to be up towards.

Sorry to say it was not a constructive expertise for me. It opens okay with Don’t Change That Song, which romps together with an honest riff, earlier than shifting into Bathroom Wall, which is an okay track, however discover the lead guitar a bit missing in pleasure for a glam model band.

However, I felt that from then on, it went downhill considerably. Starting with No Room for Emotion. A track that simply drags, the enjoying is boring, the vocal model feels misplaced right here, he’s making an attempt onerous to be sleazy, nevertheless it’s not working, plus the guitar enjoying is primary at finest.

I discovered the remainder of the album to be a lot the identical, making an attempt very onerous however simply not memorable, nothing actually to catch the ears and less than Motley Crue, RATT or LA Guns requirements, bands with songs with catchy riffs and get you singing whereas driving the automobile perspective, after which there’s Appetite For Destruction, an album with actual swagger that knocks Faster Pussycat right into a cocked hat.

So, it’s a 4/10 for me. It opens OK, however simply fails to seize on any actual stage. I gained’t be digging into their different albums (one thing I do if the selection piques my curiosity), and never stunned they slipped into the background.

Dave Hinsley: Excellent alternative! Sleazy and catchy!

Andrew Johnston: As I recall, this got here out barely earlier than Appetite and I at all times most popular it.

The manufacturing, in the event you can name it that, was a lot more true to the music – much less metallic and way more uncooked – which was an unholy amalgam of Stones, Sex Pistols, Aerosmith, New York Dolls and Slade (effectively, to my ears anyway).

The high quality dips a little bit on Side Two, however not a lot that I don’t nonetheless play it frequently 4 many years on. However, given Side One accommodates rock evergreens like Don’t Change That Song, Bathroom Wall, Cathouse and the Beastie Boys-apeing Babylon, matching or beating it was at all times going to be an enormous ask.

The follow-up, Wake Me When It’s Over had a a lot glossier sound, even rewarding them with a few US hits. And although they managed to drag issues again (sound-wise) with 92’s Whipped, the world had moved on.

Mark Veitch: I recall shopping for this and Appetite on the identical time, and I used to be satisfied this may be the larger vendor. Just reveals what I do know. But even in spite of everything this time, I nonetheless want this. Sounds like a long-lost Aerosmith album from the 70s. It’s an important sleaze rock album, they usually had been by no means this nice once more.

Philip Qvist: I do not suppose Faster Pussycat’s debut was ever launched down right here in South Africa, as a result of it by no means appeared on my radar. If it had been available, then it could have seemingly appealed to the early 20s model of me, and I in all probability would have purchased it. However, it could have been forgotten by me after a couple of spins and left on the backside of my report assortment consequently.

To me, it feels like simply one other report from one other hair metallic band of that period. It’s okay, it is enjoyable, it is meant to be performed loud, whereas the lyrics are typical of that interval, as in chase ladies, drink rather a lot, and who cares about tomorrow. Nothing improper with it in any respect, as all of us want some enjoyable in our lives, however it’s hardly floor zero for progressive songs that go away a mark on the music business.

Don’t Change The Song, No Room For Emotion and Cathouse had been the songs that stood out for me, though there have been no actual stinkers on Faster Pussycat. The album is okay with out being memorable, however a minimum of it’s simply 36 minutes lengthy. A 6, possibly a 7, from me.

Brian Hart: The self-titled debut by Faster Pussycat! What are you able to say… nobody will confuse it with considering man’s rock. However, it’s what it’s: sleazy, uncooked, and aggressive. Every track is brief and to the purpose. It rocks from entrance to again. My least favorite is the Stonesy No Room for Emotions and even that track is listenable. To me, this album is just like the snotty little brother to GN’R’s Appetite for Destruction. I’m not saying it’s simply nearly as good as AFD. However, it’s not that far off and has simply as a lot perspective. IMO, Faster Pussycat is the one 80s band that ought to’ve been big. Wake Me When It’s Over and Whipped are wonderful as effectively. Go verify them out!

John Davidson: There’s nothing authentic about this report. Borrowed riffs, lo-fi manufacturing, whiny/ rasping vocals and lyrics about intercourse and medicines. It’s a cosplay model of the Stones, the Faces, Aerosmith and the New York Dolls all dressed up of their huge sister’s blouses and hairspray. But for all that it is utterly spinoff, it is nonetheless kinda enjoyable, and it is over earlier than you will get uninterested in it.

Greg Schwepe: Fun album of glam metallic songs filled with Sunset Strip sleaze. Turn it up. No considering concerned. 36 minutes of raunchy riffs and raspy vocals.

They say write what about. So Faster Pussycat should know rather a lot about making an attempt to attain with leather-based mini-skirted females on the Strip. We aren’t saving the rainforest, and we aren’t curing most cancers with the subject material! And who cares? Don’t Change That Song and Bathroom Wall put you proper there within the dingy golf equipment of the Sunset Strip.

I’m fairly certain the lead vocalist was an enormous fan of Draw The Line-period Aerosmith. He has a couple of “Tyler-isms” that he exaggerates to get his level throughout. His model suits the style.

I’ve seen music documentaries the place the band says “we were like nobody else out there. And that conscious effort to set ourselves apart is what got us signed.” Now, the humorous factor about all these 80s glam metallic bands is that they all sounded alike. All seemed alike. Nothing actually set them aside. And I’m certain all of them obtained signed when the report corporations went “Go find and sign another band like [current hot band of the moment].” But hey, it didn’t matter; it was extra of the identical stuff we preferred. But then you definitely had the “haves and the have-nots.” The “haves” with a little bit extra songwriting and musicianship made the leap to arenas and the like. The “haves nots” discovered themselves in purgatory, nonetheless enjoying the bars and golf equipment in West Hollywood.

First time listening to Faster Pussycat and I preferred each track. Again, enjoyable rocking songs that put you in a great way of thinking. 7 out of 10 on this one for me. Good Kitty!

Stephen McCann: Pure sleaze, I nonetheless play it. Got the guitar tab ebook for it once I was a child – good rock’n’roll basis.

Brian Carr: By November 5, 1987, I had attended concert events on the Coliseum in Fort Wayne for over two years. I used to be there to see a few longtime musical heroes, Alice Cooper headlining, and Ace Frehley along with his Comet. It was completely different from what I used to be used to in a few methods, however the primary distinction was the small variety of attendees. This enabled my good friend and I to get proper up on the fence on the entrance of the stage, as all the concert events I noticed in Fort Wayne from 1985 to 1988 had been common admission.

Before Frehley’s Comet, on walks the opener, no bombast, no voice of doom saying their presence, simply 5 dudes swaggering onto the stage, plugging in and blowing by way of a set of sloppy, punk-influenced onerous rock. I didn’t know what to suppose. Didn’t actually dig them that a lot. I didn’t get it on the time.

I don’t know if I first heard Faster Pussycat on radio or MTV earlier than that present or after, however my tastes on the time had been geared in direction of melodic vocals and killer guitar enjoying, which didn’t match the Stones/Faces(?) influenced rock of Faster Pussycat. I did just like the follow-up, Wake Me When It’s Over, the place I assumed their songwriting and riffs improved significantly.

So what do I consider their debut report now? I suppose I prefer it higher to some extent now that I’ve extra context and perceive the place they had been coming from. But I nonetheless don’t suppose I prefer it sufficient to exit and purchase it.

Gary Claydon: Well, look what the cat dragged in. Ten chunks of 80s sleazoid, channelling the likes of The Stones, Cheap Trick and Aerosmith by the use of Hanoi Rocks. So what’s new, Pussycat? Err, not a lot, actually. While not missing in enthusiasm, Faster Pussycat is distinctly missing in originality. That’s to not say it isn’t entertaining in components. Don’t Change That Song and Bathroom Wall get the showcase to a rollickingly good begin and Cathouse picks up in an identical vein. Best monitor is the Beastie Boys-aping Babylon. The relaxation is pretty sub-par late 80s fare. Thankfully, at round 38 minutes, the album is not lengthy sufficient to turn into really annoying, which is lucky as a result of Taime Downe’s whiny, atonal vocals can begin to get as a lot enjoyable as a poke within the eye with a mascara brush. 5/10.

Nigel Taylor: Bought this similtaneously Appetite for Destruction, and thought this was the higher album on the time. Raw, sleazy, huge hooks and P P P P P P Pussycat…Shut Up!

Still adore it to today and suppose it is proper up there with Appetite as the very best album of that complete sleaze/hair/glam rock interval. Like GN’R, although, they by no means made something remotely this good once more.

Evan Sanders: I’m comfortable to see one other album that was launched throughout my heavy radio listening days, which I had someway by no means heard of. I just like the straight-ahead rock in Faster Pussycat’s album, and I just like the band identify too! In phrases of the music, all of the songs are gratifying, and the band in all probability would have labored effectively as an opener for a much bigger act or as a part of a multi-band pageant. On the draw back, I did not discover any of the songs to be particularly memorable. The album is a enjoyable rocker, however not one thing that I’d carry on an everyday playlist. I ponder what would have occurred if they’d an enormous breakout hit. 6/10

Adam Ranger: Not one I’ll play once more. For me, it is ruined by the vocalist; I discover his tone and supply very annoying.

Apart from that, you get quick, primarily fast-paced songs about intercourse and consuming. Some good riffs and guitar licks thrown in, nearly punk-like at instances, however not sufficient to maintain me . Maybe if it wasn’t for that vocal model, I’d suppose in another way. Not a excessive rating from me this week.

Andrew Cumming: In 1987, two bands got here to the UK for his or her first excursions (not first reveals) – Faster Pussycat and Guns N’ Roses. It was a double invoice. To all intents and functions, they had been monitoring neck and neck – each thrilling new bands from LA simply launched their debut albums. I keep in mind after the present (at Rock City) debating onerous with my pal on who the higher band was. And agreeing that Faster Pussycat had in all probability simply shaded it.

This is a very good album with some nice songs. Bathroom Wall and Cathouse are classics. Don’t Change That Song, No Room For Emotion, Smash Alley – all sturdy too. Babylon entertainingly channels the spirit of Chas & Dave’s Rabbit. It tails off in direction of the tip, however is an honest album and stands up effectively towards the hair metallic competitors of the time.

Of course, as Guns N’ Roses went stratospheric, Faster Pussycat did not. The two follow-up albums are wonderful, however diminishing returns set in, they usually had been a simple kill for grunge. They go away a legacy of a robust contribution to late 80s hair metallic and are a top quality hear for anybody desirous to discover the style.

Mark Herrington: I’ve by no means heard this earlier than, however the hair metallic of the late 80’s wasn’t actually my factor. It simply appeared like a serious decline from every thing that had been earlier than, from the early 70s onwards. Thankfully, for me, there have been nonetheless good bands round like Metallica and Queensryche, and higher stuff lay forward.

Perhaps if I’d been in my early teenagers and simply beginning out I’d have felt in another way. So, I gave this a hear.

Nothing actually stood out for me. It was formulaic and a bit uninspired. The vocals weren’t nice, and each track was so predictable. The sleaze factor simply felt feigned to me. A below-average rating.

Mickel Knight: Decidedly fairly good. I saved considering I ought to be listening to Steel Panther as an alternative. Faster Pussycat do have some good hooks sprinkled by way of the album. No Room for Emotion is a keeper.

Factoid nobody cares about: In the USN 85-91 I might play House Of Pain on guitar. Playing the intro lead on that track made me, with my meagre abilities, really feel like a guitar participant.

Final rating: 6.55 (42 votes solid, whole rating 275)

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