Starwood
If It Ain’t Broke, Break It

December 2004
Released: 2004, Metal Blade
Rating: 1.5/5
Reviewer: JP

Year-end wrap-up: Each of the last few years to wrap up the year I have picked a theme for my reviews for December. This year due to the overwhelming number of CD’s that deserve exposure, recognition and commentary I am going to resort to quantity over quality. I usually try to give as much attention to each CD with extensive commentary however this month’s reviews (perhaps unfortunately) will be short and sweet and much more in the style of traditional magazine reviews where space restrictions are an important factor. (ie. Less detail) I apologize in advance to readers who expect much more detailed reviews. Please check the reviews archives as many of my colleagues have written excellent detailed commentary of many of these CD’s. I hope the large number of quick comments will help guide you making some of those important year-end CD purchase decisions. Happy Holidays and see you in January. JP



It took me a while to decide on this one. On one hand anything with Lizzy Borden’s voice is usually top-notch. However, in the end even his voice can’t save this lame batch of left-over early 90’s stuff from his old (post-Lizzy Borden) band Diamond Dogs.

New look, new sound, and a failed attempt to bury Lizzy’s past metal association (Metal Blade unwisely betraying their own roots by sins of omission) all leave a bad taste in the mouth. All of that might have been forgivable if the songs were good but they are not. Blatant trend jumping aside the songs just don’t make the cut, which is odd considering the high caliber of talent on display with Scott, Andersson and Lizzy. The whole 90’s alt-rock / pseudo glam thing is weak with the songs lacking bite, or sense of fun or even identity. Avoid unless you have to own everything that has aging 80’s metallers trying to re-invent themselves like Brides of Destruction or Velvet Revolver.