Search - Hanoi Rocks :: Twelve Shots on the Rocks

Hanoi Rocks - '12 Shots of Rock'

www.marqvas.com | UK | 05/05/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Anyone who's stolen their girlfriend's eyeliner or applied cans of hairspray to their mane to those who have after much anguish forced themselves into a tight pair of leathers know the name `Hanoi Rocks'. The lads who set the scene alight who were THE hype pre `Guns n Roses'.They will always be remembered as the band that 'Motley Crue's' `Vince Neil' killed after a drunken driving session killing `Hanoi's' drummer `Razzle' and crippling three others. Throughout the demise of glam and it's resurgence in the US, undying cult following in the Far East and Scandinavia, `Hanoi Rocks' have been one of the true survivors of the original 80's glam era.`12 Shots of Rock' marks the return of the most talented song writing teams in 'Mike Monroe' and `Andy McCoy'. After the death of 'Razzle' the two swore never to work together again and there has been much abuse leaving adoring fans with the belief that a reunion would never happen. Well, as they say in the classics `the wheel turns slowly but it turns'. My question now is where are the other original members `Sam Yaffa' (Bass) and `Nasty Suicide' (Guitar)? This superb release dishes up a serving of 12 quality tracks. Not a single duff track. Each track has that `punk rock' swagger copied by so many of the newer acts today, `Him', `Backyard Babies', `Hellacopters' et al. '12 Shots of Rock' manages to `mix it up' with vintage 'Hanoi Rocks' on `New York City' and `Lucky' to a heavier tinge on `Watcha Want' and `Watch This'. No `Hanoi Rocks' album will be complete without slowing the pace down and they do not leave fans disappointed. `In My Darkest Moment' is a chilling ballad complemented by an awesome Sax solo...The Sax and Vocals delivered by 'Monroe' and Guitar work of 'McCoy' is still fresh as the day `Hanoi Rocks' set the tone for what the sleaze scene was to become. In summation, if you grew up during the glam-sleaze rock era this will take you back to a time when music was `real'. Not an industry overproduced, over hyped, confused and abused."

Hanoi is back and i don't believe it...

CHRISTIAN BLACK | hollywood, ca United States | 01/09/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"i never thought in a million years that i would have an opportunity to write a review on hanoi rocks. when i heard they were getting back together, i literally lost my mind. this record is proof that they are definitely one of the greatest rock n' roll bands in the world. unfortunately, i had to give this album 4 out of 5 stars. while i enjoy most of it, i must say that there is definitely something missing. what's missing is the unbelievable bass lines of sammi yaffa. i miss the new wave sort of feel that he added to the original sound. other than that, as a come back record, its amazing. i don't feel that this is their best record, but it has many high points including people like me, obscured, and a day late, a dollar short. i wish people wouldn't categorize this band as a glam or metal act. they never were. to me, they were a very influential punk band with a sound of their own. anyone who claims this band to be a metal band obviously knows nothing about music. furthermore, while this is a great record for die hards, if you've never heard hanoi rocks, i would suggest picking up a copy of self destruction blues or the very weird back to mystery city."

Nice effort

Cameron Scholtz | Phoenix, AZ USA | 07/04/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I own every single Hanoi Rocks CD plus the Japan imports and a couple European 12" singles. I also have Michael's solo stuff, Jerusalem Slim, Demolition 23 and two Andy McCoy CD's. My point is that I have been a fan for many many years! "12 Shots..." is a great addition to any HR fans collection. However, if you are just starting out, don't discover them with this CD. Get "Oriental Beat" or "Bangkok Rocks..." or one of the greatest hits packages. While "12 Shots" is not bad, it's not great either. They playing isn't as fluid and spontaneous as their original albums and the lyrics aren't as fun either. Still, if you're already a fan of Hanoi, make room for this disc in your collection."