NEW MUSIC EAR : Album Reviews

"WELCOME TO THE PLEASUREDOME" 1984 WELL.../THE WORLD IS MY OYSTER/SNATCH OF FURY - This serves as a teaser for what is to come.  A small medley of sorts with siren-like singing, mysterious ancient film extracts and Holly Johnson announcing the world is his oyster and giving us his best maniacal laugh!.  Weird, eerie and unusual, just what we wanted from their debut album! WELCOME TO THE PLEASUREDOME - This 13 minute version is a riveting listen, just what you expected, the unexpected! It was cinematic, chanting abound, little instrumental breaks ending with another maniacal laugh and a little Holly giggle having fun.  This was Frankie's "Bohemian Rhapsody" epic. RELAX - A Disco and Club classic, numerous versions and remixes and a debut Number 1 for the band.  Pumping beat throughout with Holly's unique vocals.  Always about gay sex but initially the band's media claimed it was about "feeling good and just relax".  The

"SLIPPERY WHEN WET"   1986 LET IT ROCK - Possibly one of the best openers of a record in my opinion.  A huge church organ opening then an explosion of screeching guitars, thumping drums and anthemic chorus paved the way for the new Bon Jovi sound. YOU GIVE LOVE  A BAD NAME -  The first single from the album and a teaser of what was to become Bon Jovi's signature sound for the next decade.  Anthemic Rock with screeching guitars, keyboards and pounding drums with Jon Bon Jovi's unmistakeable vocals singing catchy choruses.     LIVIN' ON A PRAYER - Similar to the previous track, real Arena Rock.  Apparently this version is totally different to the original with extra drum fills, bass and the "talk box"!.  Awesome song to really rock out and sing along at the top of your voice!     SOCIAL DISEASE - Not a favourite of mine and a lesser song on this album but it has a lot to compare it to.  Lacks a good enough catchy chorus