The latest offering from Nikki Sixx's penchant for doing small solo projects is a testament to not only his talent as a songwriter, but also his range as a musician. That's not to discount the efforts of guitarist DJ Ashba and singer James Michael (who also mixed the songs). Nikki has stated explicitly in interviews that this CD was a collaborative effort, and the three men together have put together a great album. The disc, which is unique for being the first soundtrack for a book I have ever heard of, touts 13 innovative and wonderfully arranged and performed tracks.
The first, seventh and last tracks are spoken entries from what we can assume will be from the book (with accompanying instrumentals). Judging from the scanned pages included as a CD extra (put this thing in your computer, people!), "X-Mas in Hell" has been worded slightly differently to make it more sensical out of the book's context. Its accompanying rock rendition of "Carol of the Bells" is appropriate and well done. "Intermission" with its accompanying music seems somewhat inspired by circus music (and vaguely reminds of Motley Crue's recent Carnival of Sins tour, but maybe that's just me). "Life After Death," wraps up the overall message (drugs can ruin you, but there is always a chance for redemption if you survive) nicely.
Many of the other songs have this element of spoken word as well. Nikki doesn't sing, so getting to hear his voice is always like a bonus for me, and he's all over this CD. We hear him to some degree on just about every track, either at the beginning, like with the previously mentioned tracks, or at the end, like in "Girl With Golden Eyes," where he reads through the first ten days of his detox with increasing fervor (fantastically, I might add). Previous to this, my only option for Nikki audio sources was in "El Paso" on his 58,
CD (which I also recommend).
I sampled each of the tracks here on Amazon weeks before I got my hands on the CD, and I have to say each sample does absolutely no justice to the full song, which play in order magnificently. They truly feel like you could be listening to them in the background while reading the book: like a movie score. "Courtesy Call" in particular, with it's haunting steady beat, feels like it should be playing on a loop as I read whatever section of the book it is presumably inspired by (and when I find it, I'll do just that).
On the whole, all of the songs seem to be not only themed after parts of the book, but also each set a unique mood or present a particular complicated emotion: "Tomorrow" is forwarning; "Accidents Can Happen" is consoling; "Heart Failure" is ominous; "Girl with Golden Eyes" is solemn.
The CD is all over the place in terms of style and energy as well. Not only between songs, but also within them. "Van Nuys" starts out awkwardly, but kicks into something that feels completely different: forshadowing, in a way, to the trainwreck we are about to be witness to. "Dead Man's Ballet" and "Permission" (which begins like a country ballad) had this almost gospel feel to them in the chorus parts, particularly towards the ends. I could seriously picture an all-male gospel chorus in the background, and can only hope to see one if these guys ever decided to take this thing on the road (something we can probably only dream of).
The lyrics seem almost too blunt at times (the furthest metaphor is "girl with golden eyes" easily substituted for heroin), a fact that often puts me off on music (and a point which might be why the samples do no justice to the songs), but they work fabulously here. What of the Diaries I have read now, it is just as blunt, and Nikki himself is just as blunt. They are utterly appropriate and complete the feel of the CD when listened to as a whole.
The singles are also well-chosen. "Life Is Beautiful" has actually gotten serious radio airplay (here, at least), and with good reason! The song is moving, powerful, and most importantly for a single's success, catchy. I haven't heard a new Motley song on the radio in years (and incidentally, you don't need to even be a Motley Crue fan to enjoy this CD). You get the old hits, sure, but the new stuff is always ignored. It might be because people regard them as an "old band that's had all the hits they're ever going to have, so why bother considering anything new," but it might more reasonably be because their style lacks the kind of edge and range that is in vogue now ("hair metal" out; "nu metal" in). Of course, when they've tried to challenge that assumption, they've been railed against by their base as straying too far from who they are, so they're kind of stuck. Nikki Sixx learned that lesson hard with the '94 album (without Vince) and has avoided doing his edgier work within the confines of the band ever since. Nikki's former project (before Brides of Destruction), 58, with its fantastically dark, funny, funky style, is the closest to this we've seen from him, though that project didn't have enough radio appeal to make it a hit. At this point, with this CD, I wouldn't be surprised if the other single, "Pray For Me" were heard around.
In all, I'd say if you like Motley Crue, particularly Nikki Sixx (and any of his other side projects), you're going to like this CD. If you like the single, "Life is Beautiful," you'll probably like a lot of the other songs on this disc, even though that song is the only one of its kind (high energy/power song; perfect for a radio single). There's something here for every taste (unless you hate rock music) and, though the language and subject matter can get heavy, the message is a noble one (drug'll kill ya; life is good).
The CD comes with extras: the music video for "Life Is Beautiful" and a "sneak peek" of the book, and this isn't any snippet either; for your money you not only get 13 fantastic tracks and a music video, you also get 32 full (color) pages scanned from the book. I'd say money well spent.
Nikki's Sixx:A.M. band includes guitarist DJ Ashba who co-founded the band Beautiful Creatures. Vocalist James Michael who is a producer who produced many artist such as Motley Crue, Alanis Morissette, Saliva, Scorpions and Meatloaf to name a few.
This is one amazing CD as Nikki speaks in between a few tracks as he reads from his diary.
Some of the standout songs are "Life Is Beautiful", "Pray For Me" "Girl With Golden Eyes" This CD is a favorite of mine. Sixx AM doesn't sound like any Motley Crue album. I would love to hear more from Sixx AM.
I'll begin with an admission that I was looking forward to the book for which this CD serves as the soundtrack, more than this CD. Nikki's previous "solo" excursions haven't impressed me all that much. I've always considered Nikki Sixx to be a "borderline lyrical genius". Problem was he was always writing lyrics about "nothing". He was shackled by the hair/glam metal boundaries of Motley Crue. This release Changes EVERYTHING !!!!
After hearing this CD, I'd prefer Sixx to concentrate on a solo career and leave little girl voiced Vince Neil behind. This is an amazing recording. The lyrics, orchestration, vocals, the musical performances- everything is top notch. This recording drips emotion and passion!!
Along with the incredible arrangements,every song has a hook which will have you singing along by the 2nd time you've played it. For me, the songs are playing over and over in my head already- and I LOVE IT!
I love hard rock/heavy metal. What makes it even better for me is when the lyrics tell a story-so naturally I am a big fan of concept albums.
This one ranks right up there with the greatest I have ever heard.
Queensryche's OPERATION MINDCRIME and PROMISED LAND come to mind as do W.A.S.P.'s THE CRIMSON IDOL and THE NEON GOD, parts 1 and 2 as well as Steve Vai's SEX AND RELIGION.
If you like your music well crafted and beautifully performed this CD is for you. Don't expect Dr. Feelgood, but simply open your ears and your mind, and let Nikki take you on an incredible musical and personal journey. I cannot express how grateful I am that Heroin never took Nikki's life. If it had, I would have suffered by never having heard this CD...
This recording is, in every sense of the word, a MASTERPIECE !!
Thank you Nikki Sixx for an awesome CD !!!!!
Okay, I have been a hard core rock fan since my cousin introduced me to the likes of Zeppelin, Cooper, Sabbath, Montrose, etc. in the early 70's at the ripe old age of 10 or 11. Although there have been many strong artists and albums to come out in the years since, I have not heard a stronger album, yes I say album in this day and age of 1 or 2 notable songs worth hearing more than once, in a very very long time. I downloaded this album this morning, listened to it twice in my office and could not wait to go to lunch where I could listen to it on a real audio system to truly enjoy in its marvel. If you are a true rock fan you will not be dissapointed in this rich and emotional album that truly delivers on the premise of what we were taught an album should be. An experience for the mind, heart and soul not to be missed. In today's world of artists trying to reinvent themselves it is a blessing to have 3 musicians come together and pull off a masterpiece. Kudos to Nikki Sixx, James Michael and DJ Ashba for finally giving us something to celebrate. Pure and absolute genius!
I've followed everything Nikki Sixx has done since day one of Motley Crue. What a life he has had. I strongly recommend reading the book. To me Nikki can't write a bad song. I grew up listening to his music wanting to be like him in every way possible. He was cool but yet dangerous. I'm 37 and he is still on top of my cool list. Do yourself a favor and buy the book and cd. You will not be dissapointed you did. He writes from his heart and soul. I'm glad he pulled through the dark times and is still with us today to give us more great music. Thank you Nikki Sixx.
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