The Troggs
The Goddamn Electric play rock and roll and I expect they would like you to know that. This ain't no lily livered indie, there are no keyboards here neither, boy - this is whiskey swilling, good time, four chord rock n' fukin' roll, y'hear? The Goddamn Electric are from Manchester though, not Texas and we're in the year 2013 not 1973 or even 1983.
This shit has been done before but never really dies. Some bands do it well bringing style, wit, excitement and genuine affection for the old codger that is rock and roll. From The Darkness to The White Stripes there are plenty of good examples; however, the road is also strewn with the carcasses of other less worthwhile bands: Stone Temple Pilots, Bush, Jet, Wolfmother, Airbourne (what the fuck Australia, from AC/DC to this shower?!) and so on.
GDE are okay, they might throw out cliches like supermarkets waste food but that's not unexpected. Singer Tommy, ironically sounds like Vince from the Crue while his guitar player Al keeps the riffs tight and rattles out his solos without a rhythm track much like Dimebag did in Pantera including on the song that gives this foursome their name and rebel without a cause modus operandi. Tracks like Snake Bite and Holding Me point the way sounding big and purposeful. The songs are generally short, abrasive blues rock rather than heavy metal and are, as the saying goes; 'built for the road.'
There is one rather large problem with this record, though. Women or rather their depiction: they are still crazy, they are still filthy, and they let you down. And apparently, "don't need money with an ass like that" (Loyal To The Sinner). Morning Injection, "I know you want some action, cheap thrills and satisfaction...I know there's one thing on your mind." Yeeesh. Scarecrow: "You ain't special baby, so get on your knees." What?! Too Dirty "For twenty quid she can dance like a whore...if you've got the money she's ready to please. Too dirty to love." Oh, fuck off. Some of the musical moments are worth a listen but, in all honesty, does anyone want to endorse this reductive lyrical nonsense? I don't, so won't.