Formed in 1980 in Finland, "Hanoi Rocks" caused such a stir in their home land for their outlandish image...the local press assumed they were drug addicted homosexuals. They took their influence from such legendary bands such as the "NY Dolls" but the Rocks had much better fashion sense than their idols. They released their debut in 1981..."Bangkok Shocks Saigon Shakes Hanoi Rocks" to mixed reviews. Extensive tours of Japan and Europe won them an ever growing fan base. Hitting the American shores, "Hanoi Rocks" fit in well with the L.A. hair band set...their sex, drugs and rock n' roll attitude defined their lifestyle and their music. Hard hitting, melodic and highly energetic..."Hanoi Rocks" were destined to be international superstars...but the dream would fade. Death and murder would end this bands promising career.

"Hanoi Rocks are: Michael Monroe-vocals, sax; Andy McCoy-lead guitar, vocals; Nicholas "Razzle" Dingley-drums, vocals; Nasty Suicide-guitars, vocals and Sam Yaffa-bass, vocals".

"Two Steps From The Move" would be "Hanoi Rocks'" final farewell. Released in 1984, the band had high hopes of making it big in the States. They hooked up with the notorious "Motley Crue" and became friends and allies...both musically and personally. The sex, drugs and rock n' roll lifestyle suited them fine like all wide eyed new comers...the benefits of being a rock star. "Hanoi Rocks'" star would soon fall from the sky in the guise of a tragedy. Crue vocalist Vince Neil and Rocks drummer Razzle went out cruising in Neil's car. The ending result was Razzle's untimely death. Neil smashed his car into two other vehicles in the opposite lane and caused serious injury to those passenger's as well. Vince Neil walked away unhurt and was arrested for vehicular manslaughter and suspicion of drunk driving. Neil has had a troubled and lucrative career ever since...and Razzle is now just a footnote in the annals of rock n' roll tragedies.

With the unfortunate demise of Razzle, the Rocks would soon call it a day and break up. "Two Steps From The Move" would become their grand finale. A promising piece of work...it is one of their more accessible albums. Filled with their signature hard driving flash and heavy handed grooves..."Hanoi Rocks" rock, quake and devastate.

"Andy McCoy" is a brilliant guitarist. His melodic, blistering solo's are so soulful and powerful. His fast fret work is flawless all the way through. An incredible musician that has been underrated for years. "Nasty Suicide's" rhythm work and lead contributions are a perfect compliment to "McCoy's" high energy playing. "Sam Yaffa" is one of my favorite bassist's. His sense of timing, rhythm and dexterity is complex and emotional...one of the driving forces behind this wonderful band. "Michael Monroe" oozed sexual intensity. His charismatic persona shines through on each song. The ultimate front man...rock n' roll sleaze king, "Monroe's" heavy and powerful vocals are impassioned and staggering. "Razzle's" drumming skills are adequate, but his attitude was his biggest talent...and it came through in his performances. Bandmate, comrade and friend...his presence would be missed by all.

TRACK LISTING:

1."UP AROUND THE BEND"-"Creedence Clearwater Revival" classic. Updated and upbeat, this classic is given a rousing salute...a great tribute indeed.

2."HIGH SCHOOL"-"McCoy's" wicked fast solo work is drop dead serious stuff.

3."I CAN'T GET IT"- Heavy pulsing beat and great guitar work by "McCoy" and "Nasty".

4."UNDERWATER WORLD"-Atmospheric rhythm and intrusive guitar riffs cut through like a knife. Monroe's vocals are heavy and melodic...soft feeling at times.

5."DON'T YOU EVER LEAVE ME"-A remake of "Don't Never Leave Me" from "Bangkok Shocks Saigon Shakes Hanoi Rocks". Toned down and more sincere. One of the greatest songs ever recorded. The salvation that love brings, when it enter's into one's hopeless and disparaging life.

6."MILLION MILES AWAY"-A very dramatic and moving piece of work. "Monroe's" heart felt vocals and sax work are incredible. The tale of a convicted prisoner, pleading with the love he's lost to his criminal ways. "Please Don't Be Thinking Of Me...Please Just Forget About Me".

7."BOULEVARD OF BROKEN DREAMS"-A very prophetic title. A heavy grooved rocker. "McCoy's" harmonic nuance's and slide work add some depth to this blistering song.

8."BOILER"-Another slide guitar driven rocker...group vocals throughout make this a unique song by this band. A fun and unified feel.

9."FUTURAMA"-Chuck Berry influenced riffing and hard driving fast paced bass and drums. "Monroe" the showman shines with grit and attitude.

10."CUTTING CORNERS"-Great backing harmonies. "Monroe's" sax work smokes along with the band's jamming, energetic performance.

"Hanoi Rocks" released five studio albums and one live recording. They were an original and highly talented band that could have been one of the biggest hard rock acts worldwide. Their legend is one of cult status. Numerous imports and collectibles are desired by their legions of fans internationally. No other band had their charisma or musical talents...the hair bands of the day played one form of music, while "Hanoi Rocks" incorporated their influences and were proud to display them. With the senseless "murder" of drummer "Nicholas "Razzle" Dingley", the band moved on and pursued other musical interest's. A real shame...they would have been huge.

"HANOI ROCKS" releases:

1.BANGKOK SHOCKS SAIGON SHAKES HANOI ROCKS
2.ORIENTAL BEAT
3.SELF DESTRUCTION BLUES
4.BACK TO MYSTERY CITY
5.TWO STEPS FROM THE MOVE
6.ALL THOSE WASTED YEARS-LIVE AT THE MARQUEE







Recommended: Yes