Adam West's Compilation from 2001 to 2004
Growling guitars, whiskey laced lyrics and beards. For me, Adam West epitomises the sweaty, throaty, classic rock band. Their influences include Black Sabbath, The Misfits, The MC5 and KISS. This four piece band hails from Washington DC and have been quite busy, not only in their hometown, but also in Europe. The band seems quite prolific, with a huge string of LPs, EPs, singles, albums and old cassette tapes. "Longshot songs for broke players" is their compilation CD, with a selection of their songs from 2001 to 2004.
One interesting piece of trivia caught my eye as I read the back of the album sleeve. This band have toured with one of my favourite, lesser known bands, American Heartbreak. But that's not all. Adam West have been associated with other, similar bands such as the Hellacopters, Bellrays and the Mud City Manglers. If these names ring any bells you'll know what to expect from this band. The lead singer isn't listed as "Vocals" but "throat", the guitarist has a suitably long beard and biker paraphernalia is most definitely in effect.
I somehow feel this compilation doesn't particularly show off Adam West in the best light. In fairness, this is precisely because it is a compilation as oppose to an artistically constructed album. for these new to Adam West, such as myself, "Power to the People" is a more accurate introduction. Nonetheless, the production on this album is generally good. Some songs seems a little fuzzy in places as some of the tracks were recorded live, but on the whole, the record is quite listen-able.
The first few songs on the album were fairly generic until "Christmas with the Devil"; an amusing song with a different beat. "1970" is certainly less cock, more punk rock than most songs by bands of the same ilk. Generally, Adam West don't seem to go in for the guitar solos and over indulgence though "Paint it brown" has some short yet frenetic guitar solos. So far, the vocals have been very much throaty and powerful, but "I left as a lamb ( but I'll return as a lion)" is somewhat softer with some interesting echo effects. "Jolly" is perhaps not a word often associated with rock music, but it certainly makes you bounce up and down in your seat.
"Go on Girl", I felt, was not recorded as well as the others. It sounds stuffy and somewhat muted. The beat is also somewhat monotonous. "You cant stop rock and roll" has some good lyrics though somewhat repetitive in places, yet has the longest guitar solo on the album. It makes me wonder why they don't give the guitarist a little more time to himself.
The reminder of the album follows on in a similar vein. Few of the songs tend to stand out from the rest. Cymbal heavy, slightly monotonous but each one a solid rock track. The longer tracks tend to be the best. Listening to this album has certainly piqued my interest in this band; I feel this album doesn't do them justice however. For now, I think the name Adam West will conjure up images of a deranged mayor rather than a rock band but that might change.