Slammin’ Gladys ~ Self-Titled (Remaster)
A few years back when I first started this blog/review thing, my goal was to talk about bands/albums that came and went without much fanfare/limited success back in the day. I still feel that need, because when I find a new to me band, it just makes me feel so good! The Glam/Sleaze/Funk Metal band, Slammin’ Gladys will fit that mold beautifully for you, if you haven’t heard it – their Self-Titled release (1992) was a MONSTER! As I mentioned in my previous review, I was around when the band hit so I was able to catch their videos and what little bit of exposure they were given. My admiration for the band was instant as was my cd purchase – LONG BOX BABY! Back then I didn’t realize the actual long boxes would be seen as collectibles – what an idiot, I remember tossing it in the garbage.
In my previous blurb about the band/album, I said I didn’t know what the boys were up to or where they were at. Well, kiss my ass, here we are a few short years later and they’ve reunited! I actually noticed a year or so back, I legitimately forgot. It’s hard for me to remember these kinds of things if a release isn’t instant or the chance to catch a show isn’t readily available. I chalk that up to being middle aged and from years of burning the candle at both ends. Most of you don’t know anything about that right!
Now, let’s get down to biness – the SG reunion has rejuvenated the band in many ways – there’s a new single out (Dragon Eye Girl) and a new album is already in the can, but we’ll talk about all that another time. Right now the thing that I’m most excited about is the band and their label Jib Machine Records has recently reissued/remastered the Self-Titled album! It’s ONLY available via streaming outlets at the moment – the link above will direct you to where you can hear/purchase it. The album was remastered from a fresh/sealed cd by the band’s guitarist, J.J. Farris, who’s now a successful composer/producer according to the band’s facebook page. I gotta tell ya as soon you click play, you’ll notice/love/appreciate the new sound instantly – Brooks’ voice SOARS from the get go on “Bad Attitude”. Dude’s a fucking siren, the first note of his voice is mind-numbing at high volumes – that’s the only way to listen to music to me. (My wife violently disagrees, specifically with this thought due to this album). The “Funk” feels brought on by bassist, Alley and drummer, DeBoard also BANG! My speakers are pushing so much air out of the ports, it’s crazy – I fucking love it! Overall, the highs are crystal clear/crisp and the lows are crushingly brutal. Another thing to really stand out is the background vocals of Mr. Jani Lane (R.I.P.). If you don’t know, Lane was a driving force and a huge believer in the band way back when – he was the executive producer of the original release and a lot more than a friend/fan of the band, I’m sure. Lane’s background vocals/harmonies were always great in the tune “What You Need”. With this reissue, it’s like he’s sitting right beside you – it’s so moving and special which makes me love the song even more than I did the first time around. The guitar work of Farris also rings out like mad all over this album, I actually took his playing for granted until now. Not anymore, his guitar work was really tasteful and classic considering the era of this album’s original release. We all know in the late 80’s/early 90’s there was way more guitar noodling than necessary, not here – Farris’s approach to each song is extravagant!
For my money, this reissue sounds like a brand spanking new album that was just recorded last month, it’s not dated at all! I have it on good authority that it will be released in physical format (CD for sure) here soon! Personally, I’m crossing my fingers and hoping for a vinyl pressing. Considering how great this album is, it really deserves to be pressed even if it’s limited to 300 copies on black vinyl. I’m sure a pre-order would sell out if marketed properly. I’d be first in line to pre-order, right here – the kid would literally flip his shit over that! If you haven’t, please have a look at the link above, this is a perfect reissue and very necessary! While you’re at it, like the band and their label on facebook, so you can stay in the loop for the band’s upcoming album and the physical release of this album. Also don’t forget about the new single, Dragon Eye Girl, we’ll be talking about that one here in a few days!
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