Search - Alan Merrill :: Never Pet a Burning Dog

A Very Good Album!

Charles A Carlino | U.S.A. | 05/30/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Alan Merrill is another one of those "secrets" in the music business who numerous stars and legends have relied on for years (as a songwriter, musician and vocalist) to spruce up their own works. For instance, Joan Jett took his Arrows anthem "I Love Rock and Roll" all the way to #1, while Rick Derringer and Meat Loaf have employed his services in their bands. That's not the end of the story, however. Mr. Merrill has been recording both with his own bands and as a solo act for more than three decades. This album, a document of sessions he did from the late '70s through early '80s has some great songs and performances. "New York City" is a wonderful piece about longing for one's hometown when very far abroad, "Freewheeler" is a funky and sensitive song to Laura Nyro, and "Love Express," put into the proper timeframe, could have been a huge hit for a band like Huey Lewis and the News...a very peppy/poppy confection.Recommended for fans of quality pop and rock."