Search - Various Artists :: Monster Ballads Christmas

5 stars for great 80s glam fun for Christmas!

Paul J. Moreau | Memphis, TN, USA, ElvisLand | 12/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am giving this CD 5 stars, not because it's one of the greatest albums of all time, but because it achieves exactly what it aims for, and delivers. It is a really fun compilation of Christmas tunes by 80's hair bands. Plus, there are actually a few true gems included! I received this as a gift, didn't really think I would listen to it, but I enjoy it!



My only beef with this release is that there is NO liner note information at all, except which band/person the song is from. It would have been nice if at least the specifics of the artists who were with each band when the song was recorded, what year recorded, that kind of thing, was included-- I am sure this CD was culled from various existing recordings for the most part, which is fine, but I would like to know some basic details!



The standouts are:

-Danger Danger's "Naughty Naughty Christmas"-- obviously by the title is a nod to their biggest hit, but it's suprisingly not a rehash, it's actually one of the few original tunes on the disc, and it's a really good song, sticks in your head!

-Winger's "Happy Christmas (War is Over)"-- remake of the John Lennon classic. A really nice interpretation of the song, complete with a good solo, I am positive that's Reb Beach on the solo. (as should be)

-Dokken's 12 days of Christmas-- this song, more than any other, comes across as an attempt to redo a Christmas classic in the also classic sound of the band...it sounds like something pulled right from Tooth and Nail or Under Lock & Key, except it's a Christmas song! They totally Dokkenize it, it's actually over the top, but still fun. I am pretty sure this was recorded during the period that Goerge rejoined the band, b/c it's definitely him, and it sounds like his playing was on the 1st Lynch Mob release exactly-if you know please drop me a line! (yes I love George Lynch :)

-Lastly, Tom Keifer's Blue Christmas-- Tom does it up in heavy bluesy rock style, just as Cinderella started to do more so with each release. He provides a great feel for this track, and though his classic rasp is present, he keeps it toned down to just the right level...just a really good version of the song by a great musician, love it!



The rest of the CD is good too, as listed, you can see what you get. Couple of footnotes, just as FYI:

-the Skid Row is sung by the new guy, not Sebastian

-these are not all ballads, less than half, I realize this is part of the "monster ballads" collection...

-the Billy Idol track sounds pretty new, not sure why he always gets lumped in w/ the hair bands alll the time!

-the Queensryche song is good, but their fan base probably won't be thrilled by it, just seems kinda out of character to me...

-the Stryper tune is a live recording, the only live one in the collection

-the Faster Pussycat song is good, sounds like Marilyn Manson though!





Happy Holidays and if you've like what you hear based on what I've said, you oughta pick this one up! Merry Christmas and Rock On!!!!"

Excellent collection of some of hair metals greatest...for c

Wiseguy 945 | Cedar Rapids, IA | 10/16/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this christmas album early, and it really will be rock'n in the holidays. Skid row, Dokken, Queensryche, twisted sister, lita ford...I've died and gone to the 80's...excellent. The songs are classic christmas wrapped in heavy metal foil. Must have for christmas time, at least to annoy the neighbors or co-workers who listen to those god awful 24 hour christmas music stations...ugh. Shake them up with this one. Must have for the metal heads."

Hysterical

M. Motz | Atlanta, GA | 12/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I won't take up your time with a long winded review.

I purchased this CD last week and I must tell you, it's a complete riot. The songs are extremely catchy and it's great fun for the holidays."