Disco de The Hellacopters: “Rock & Roll Is Dead”

In this day and age of availability of music, as well as exposure to different styles, America continues it's fascination with bland - boring pop. As the title of the new Hellacopters CD suggests, Rock and Roll in the eyes of the average, not informed, music fan really is dead. However, as fans we are privileged to see that it is not a dead art form but rather a style that suffers in popularity as opposed to formulaic rap, production - oriented heavy-metal rap, soulless diva R & B and retro - 80's new wave. I think what we are witnessing with this flawless release, the popularity of the Hives and the last TSOOL album Origin Vol. 1 is comparable to what the Brits did in the 50's with the american art form of Blues - Rock n Roll: reinvigorating a classic musical style then presenting it to a jaded, unsuspecting overseas crowd. However, much to the dislike of American Music Execs - beat writers this is not "garage rock" but rather classic, skilled songwriting - playing filled with energy that sticks in your head for days. Absolutely the best release of the year so far - buy it!!!

Sweeden's Hellacopters are nothing new. They've been on the scene now for 10+ years. This release is only a continuation of their long tapestry of slash-and-burn rock albums that prooves once again that this un-American group knows more about American R & R history than most American R & R bands.

If you're not hip, here's a walking stick: The Hellacopters get a lot of comparrisons to The Black Crowes. While this is a half-truth, think of The Hellacopters as The Black Crowes with more MC5 than Faces. Their newest release shows these four Sweeds (plus an additional keyboardist who doesn't get in the way) getting into more blues-based ideas rather than their early recordings that are comprised of straight-up aggressive rock songs. Hell, maybe rock and roll is dead for The Hellacopters. Oh wait - the album title now makes sense.

If you like melodic rock with a solid groove and giant hooks (and hey, who doesn't?!) then you will most likely love this album. With elements of the Stones, Thin Lizzy, Cheap Trick, Foghat, etc. these guys manage to mix in a lot of great influences and still keep it sounding fresh and not too dated.

It's rare these days to find an album that you can listen to all the way through without having to skip songs and without the music getting stale after a few listens. This album is accessible right from the first listen and stands up after many, many plays.

Another great album from the 'Copters. This album has less of an edge compared to their previous stuff, but the songs are great. The Hellacopters change their sound on each record, and this one is no exception. R&R is Dead is more bluesy, and slower with a classic rock feel than we are used to. The Hellacopters started off in the mid 90's as a hardcore punk band that would fit right in the Detroit 70's bands. They have toned down the distortion on each album since, and added more melody and keyboards to their music. If you like your classic rock hard and fast then you will like this album. Highlights include...

1. Before the Fall: a Chuck Berry like guitar sound here thats very catchy and starts the record off with a bang.

2. No Angel to Lay me Down: My favorite song on the album! it is a mid-paced modern rock song with a dynamic structure and great riffs. The song changes speeds, and has a great intro and great guitar work throughout. Great song!

3. Bring It On Home: A fast paced punk(ish) song that will remind you that this is still the Hellacopters.

4. Leave It Alone: The slowest song, but has a great melody. Almost sounds like Lynryd Skynrd.

5. I'm In The Band: Another fast-paced rocker with great lyrics. Not their best song ever, but its a good, fun kick in the pants.

The rest of the album is decent, but these 5 are my favs. Overall I would rank this album just a notch below their last 2 (By the Grace of God, High Visibility) but thats probably because I prefer more metal and less blues.

If you love classic rock and believe that todays music is going down the drain please by this album. They rock like hell. Listen to the Chuck Berry influenced "Before the Fall" and the Stonesy "Leave it Alone" Also I (as a classic rock lover) love the line in "I'm With the Band" that references The Rolling Stones, ZZ Top, and Jimi Hendrix in one line. If Rock & Roll is dead than I believe these guys no CPR.