Good time Rock 'n' Roll
Hanoi Rocks are your atypical sleeze / glam / trash / blues / punk / rock 'n' roll type band. They've inspired a host of bands along the way (including Guns 'N' Roses). Emerging from Finland in 1980, they immediately made an impact throughout the major arenas particularly Europe and Japan. Next to tackle was the might U.S. of A. Whilst forging a successful path to superstardom disaster struck. In December '84 their drummer Razzle was killed, when as a passenger in Vince Neil of Motley Crue's car crashed in L.A. during their inaugural US tour. They tried to continue, but Hanoi Rocks imploded in 1985, dispirited, demoralized and burnt out.
In the Summer of 2001 the mainstay of Hanoi Rocks, Mike Monroe and Andy McCoy played a couple of Finnish Festivals, and rediscovering their enjoyment, decided to record an album.
Street poetry is their second CD since their reformation. Nowadays they have recruited one half of what used to be the Electric Boys, enter guitarist Conny Bloom and bassist Andy Christell. Drummer Lacu (played with Mike Monroe's solo band in the past) finishes off the line-up. Psychadelic opener 'Hypermobile' kick starts the album and immediately similarities come thick and fast to 'The Cult'. Monroe vocally is a mish-mash of a hybrid of Jagger / Tyler and rocks his ass off. Never the best vocalist around, but 80% of him is about the attitude and he has this in abundance. New-ish guitar pairing of McCoy and Bloom definitely have given Hanoi Rocks a new lease of life.
First single 'Fashion' combines the Hanoi Rocks of old song writing elements with their new and powerful sound. The song is a step back to the classic style, but the twang guitar gives it a unique Chris Isaak sound which can also be found on 'Worth Your Weight In Gold'. 'Fashion' is the first song recorded by the line-up, who have been touring since 2004. The song is a strong proof of this line ups capabilities and 'Fashion' turned out to be the very first song finished for the new album. Mike Monroe, never the best singer but has the style and attitude to carry this band along. Already the single has hit No.1 in their homeland of Finland when it was released in May. Out of the first half of the songs on the cd, for me its one of the weakest. 'Highwired', 'Street Poetry' and 'Hypermobile' are all stronger.
Middle section dips in quality a little but picks up with the sing-a-long-a chorus of 'This One's For Rock 'n' Roll'. Final track/instrumental 'Fumblefoot and Busy Bee' seems a strange choice on a HR cd.
'Street Poetry' is a strong-ish album but also has its weaknesses, but is melodically sound in parts, with well constructed riffs and solos and will do well in Scandinavia and mainland Europe, but may struggle elsewhere. For old fans of the Rocks it's a no-brainer, and is a feel good / good time rock and roll album.