"Man, I love this stuff...and I miss this type o' music. For those of you who haven't heard Coney Hatch, If I were to try and compare who Coney Hatch sounds like I guess I'd have to say maybe April Wine from the era of "Harder Faster" or "Nature Of The Beast". I believe both bands are canadian and this album came out in 1982 about the same time as the aforementioned April Wine albums...so maybe that explains the similarities. Hatch is stripped down, all-out pure rock n' roll. In my opinion, this is their best album...followed closely by their second album, "Outta Hand". Their third album, "Friction" was a little too keyboard friendly for my taste...I guess the record company was tryin' to make them into pop stars...but yet, "Friction" is still a good album. In any case, this album kicks in with "Devil's Deck" which is just a great song and it ends with a great song in "Monkey Bars". Everything in between is just great...I love it all. One thing I do remember about Coney Hatch though, is that it took awhile to grow on me. I mean, right from the start I loved "Devil's Deck", "I'll Do The Talkin'" and "Hey Operator"...but the rest took a few more listenings. Especially "Monkey Bars" which seemed repetitive and dull until...I guess...one day I caught the groove and realized everytime I heard the song I would hum it all day long. Okay, 'nuff said, buy this cd...play it to death...you'll love it."
Marshalls on 10
Brad Blackburn | Sikeston, MO USA | 11/17/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"First time I heard of this group was around 82 while in California employed by Uncle Sam. Catchy tunes with a sense of humor. Devil's Deck was the first tune I had ever heard by them which was receiving radio play back then. Steve Shelski's soloes have a hint of Kim Mitchell influence but I also hear a bit of Randy Rhoads vibe on Love Poison. Over the years I have turned a few friends onto this band. No hair or speed metal here dudes, just really good early 80's hard rock.
This album is my favorite but the others have some great tunes on them as well."
VICTIM OF ROCK
Michael Courtney | San Antonio, Texas United States | 03/01/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"To start with let me say, if you are looking for a good sampling of Coney Hatch you should try BEST OF THREE. To me the individual discs are better to have if you are already familiar with the bands works. I must admit, I picked up the bands first album in the early 80's simply because of the great cover art. The music inside was just as spectacular as the artwork outside. Coney Hatch is a 4 piece from Canada signed to Anthem Records, at that time Mercury in the U.S.. Of course, Anthem was the home to Rush and Max Webster. Coney Hatch didn't have the specatacular shows or crazy costumes, but they played great straight forward rock, which, to me, seemed aimed right at radio airplay. The songs weren't too long and drawn out and there was nothing to have to edit out.The music speaks better for itself than sales and airplay did, however. The main reason for buying this disc and not settling for their BEST... are the songs "Love Poison", "No Sleep Tonight", "We Got the Night", and "I'll Do the Talkin'". There is no problem with the songs that made BEST OF THREE, but these songs are definitely great works by the band. There are catchy riffs and choruses throughout Coney Hatch's works and this first release is a definite plus to any collection. The songs from the hits package are "Devil's Deck", "Stand Up", their biggest hit "Hey Operator", and my favorite "You Ain't Got Me". Do yourself a favor and get Coney Hatch. There is also the bonus track "Dreamland" on this CD. Sometimes simple is better!"
Coney Hatch Fun Rock
rich bickel | mckinleyville, ca USA | 07/13/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is a must if your a 80 rocker. Devil's Deck cooks and Monkey Bars is very fun. Must buy."