Poland's crossover sickos Acid Drinkers release continuation to their 1994 covers-only album 'FishDick'. That album contained covers from various genres, including artists such as e.g. Motörhead, Black Sabbath, Kiss, NoMeansNo, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple and AC/DC. In 2010 the band return with same recipe, but this time around they go beyond typical rock/metal genres.
None of the covers sound similar their original version, but only partly. Okay, some of the songs are just heavier remakes, so to speak. Some wilder versions are taken to totally different environments than the originals are about. One thing is for sure: These covers, or many of them, will split opinions. There are songs from metal (Metallica, Slayer) to pop (B-52, Donna Summer), and a lot of rock ones. Now, into track-by-track inspection, because I found it the only suitable way to write about this album. Please notice: This review includes spoilers!
First in the line to get a new treatment is a country music song 'Ring of Fire', which was popularized by Johnny Cash in 1963. The song's played with crossover attitude, including a lot of double kick drumming and punky attitude, and is far faster than the original. "Fight fire with fire", as they say... A cool cover. R&B hit 'Hit the Road Jack' turns into a groovy, funky metal song. And then, all you metalheads, it's time for some Iron Maiden! Blaaah, 'Losfer Words (Big 'Orra)' has been cut to the song's last 25 seconds, played very close to the original. Why such a version?! B-52's' 'Love Shack' features, thankfully, female vocals too! It's somewhat faster than the original one (Acid Drinkers made me listen to B-52, fucks!!! And hey, there's a great music video shot for this one too, check it out!!!) and features horns section, plus Pantera style ending. The title track from the soundtrack of Martin Scorsese movie "New York, New York" gets a punky an shredding covering, with some original stylishings, of course. With Led Zeppelin's famous cover of Sonny Boy Williamson II's, 'Bring It on Home', the band doesn't really toy up a lot. Donna Summer's disco hit 'Hot Stuff' gets a heavy, heavy treatment, but loses some of its wet sexiness in the hands of Acid Drinkers, haha. Next is a romantic song (girls' cheeks get wet, you know, of tears, and boys head to bar to grab a beer), Joe Dassin's 'Et Si Tu N'existais Pas', gets surprisingly faithful covering, with some distorted guitar heard here and there. Phew, the half-way of the album and I must say this has been a jumpy ride!
Rolling Stones' '2000 Man' is next, just a bit heavied-up cover, nothing weird here. 'Bad Reputation' by Thin Lizzy is similar, but works better. Now, the fun really starts, as Slayer's ever-satanic 'Seasons in the Abyss' gets a wicked treatment: It begins as the original, but when the vocals kick in, the music turns into redneck country with fiddlin' and all... Red Hot Chili Peppers' 'Blood Sugar Sex Magic' does not go that far, but stays loyal to the original. Hey, it's heavier, what a surprise. 'Nothing Else Matters' from Metallica starts like the real thing, just to fuck up with listener again. See, at times it turns into weird gypsy kind of music, that sounds like The Muppet Show. 'Detroit Rock City' is like Maiden's cover: A short clip of the song (solo part), sadly. 'Make no Mistake' by Keith Richards gets surprisingly sensual treatment, especially on vocals department where female/male interaction blooms, but of course features some heavier parts. The album ends to the tune of Black Sabbath. However, Acid Drinkers chose a song that a metaller wouldn't have chosen: Calm and beautiful 'Fluff'. Poles cover about the half of the original...
I don't find any lacking stuff about instrumentation, all the non-metal things seem to work as well as the rocking ones. The vocals... They are surely varying, as are the ways to present the songs. Well sung, drunken rambler stuff, The Muppet Show antics, sensual, hard rocking... The female vocals are always great. Soundwise this is good, with every style well-presented.
After this baffling listening session, I have to say that this IS different! Some of the covers are pushed over the edge (e.g. Slayer and Metallica) and some are a bit too faithful to the originals. Some work, some don't. However, I bet whoever listens to this will find her/his favourites among this party collection of some classic music. Note: The album was tested under the influence of beer too. That's not saying this only works when having a party, but manages to raise a smile on my face any time. But then a gain, that's what this album is all about: Fun.
Rating: 6+ (out of 10) ratings explained
Reviewed by Lane
01/15/2011 19:53
