Alice Cooper
Dirty Diamonds

October 2005
Released: 2005, New West Records
Rating: 4.5/5
Reviewer: Celtic Bob

Alice returns again with an incredible follow-up to 2003’s THE EYES OF ALICE COOPER. His last offering was referred to as a return to garage Rock, if that is true then this time he’s moved into the tool shed. Last time around we saw Alice giving hints to classic sounds of the 70’s while still maintaing a new sound. With this release which is his 30th album he has totally returned to his roots and gives us a new classic disc. This album could clearly have come out in the 70’s with its songwriting and incredible sound. This disc ranks up there with WELCOME TO MY NIGHTMARE, SCHOOL’S OUT and BILLION DOLLAR BABIES.

The sound and musicianship on this album will blow you away. It has that classic tone that you only got in the 70’s. While listening to this you can just picture yourself sitting there listening to it on LP, it just got that groove to it. A real old fashioned tone to it.

From the opening chords of “Woman of Mass Distraction” to the final note of “Zombie Dance” this is truly one killer album. There is something for everyone on this album, from the hard rocking beats of the title track to the lyrical quirkiness of “The Saga of Jesse Jane” this is Alice at his best. Songs like “Steal That Car” and “Sunset Babies” are two great rockers with some amazing guitar work from Roxie. The guitar tone on these (and the whole album) is just astounding. He brings it back to days of old when Rock n Roll had feeling and groove to it. While the album is fairly heavy it still has that characteristic sound that made Alice famous in the first place. One of the best tracks on this disc is “Six Hours” with its slowness and somewhat haunting melody. The clean guitar sound and great vocals just give it that edge without being sappy. “Your Own Worst Enemy” is a new anthem type rocker. Just raise your fist to this one, it deserves to be cranked and would make a great live tune.

The only downfall to this disc is the bonus track “Stand”. The chorus is good but the rest is pretty bad. It would have been allot better had Alice not included Xzibit on it. If you can get past the rapping and listen, the song is good but the rapping and electronic sounds do not suit Alice at all. If it’s the new generation he’s going after then it may work but this sticks out like a sore thumb on such an remarkable album. This is one of the best albums I have heard all year. Do yourself a favor and get this disc, crank it in the car and enjoy!!!!