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Masterpiece Finally Out On CD!

Duane G. Vanpatten | 09/30/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I for one never understood the negative press this album received when it was originally released. I had my copy on release day and had been anxiously waiting for it. I was amazed on that first listen and still am. The Eaters took a lot of heat for not releasing that raucous bar band sound they were known for. Instead, releasing a record full of hook laden ballads and some of that sound the Rat crowd was used too. The CD is identical to the Lp. with no bonus tracks. It opens with the signature "Loretta" not much different sounding than the original,just more polished. I guess the Eater fans and press were expecting the next track to rock out also,instead we get the emotional "By Yourself". Great second song,sets the tone for what we can expect,Pop Gems! That's what we get,"No Sleep Tonite" should have been a major hit on Billboard. "No Time" shows off that bluesy side of the Eaters with Legend Steve Cropper lending a hand on lead guitar. It still has a major unforgettable hook in it. "All Except You" another "Classic" that flows along with those hooks and is a great cruisin song. "Get Stuffed" another older Eater song sounds the same to me,once again just polished. "Girl Next Store",raucous and catchy! Seriously where was the radio play on this Lp. Elektra Records should be ashamed of the poor promotion they gave this! WBCN had always been good to the Eaters,but I feel they could have pushed this one more than they did. By the time "Hooked" is playing I am hooked! "Out On A Date" and "She's Got The Kind Of Love" finish out the CD with an uptempo sound that still includes those hooks that should have made Steve Cataldo (Lead Singer and Lead Guitar) a Superstar. Jonathan Paley adds some nice harmonies especially on "No Sleep Tonite". Jeff Wilkinson (RIP) with solid drumming and Robb Skeen with his smokin' Bass sound.

I'm glad I got a chance to write a review for a GREAT record and give it the positive justice it deserves. Back in 1980 of course we didn't have that option with the internet. I just hope Steve Cataldo by chance reads this and knows there is at least one fan that wasn't disappointed by this Masterpiece! Thank you Steve,it's been a cherished part of my album collection for years and now the CD will bring that sound into the digital age!"