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Cheap Trick: Cheap Trick

Ah, the debut album from these guys... it's fairly good stuff. Opening up with the track "Hot Love" was a wise decision; this song is a great loud and noisy track that just works perfectly. The guitars and vocals grow to get wild and uninhibited at times , and the build on the chorus towards the end of the song for the remainder of it, might I add- very nice. "He's a Whore" (what a great name) has a raunchy guitar opening that just carries throughout the entire song. Unfortunately, the vocals are somewhat distant and detached in the beginning, which sucks and brings down the rest of the piece. "He's a Whore" doesn't really begin to make a name for itself until halfway through, but better late than never, I guess. The last half id fabulous. "Mandocello" follows "He's a Whore", and is a stark contrast to its predecessor, but holds its own for a slow song. The bass carries over nicely through the song, and the vocals are melodic and relaxing. The chorus, I also realized, has great harmonies that remind me of late 60's Beatles stuff. Go figure. "Ballad of T.V. Violence" opens with semi-sneering vocals that match up beautifully with the buzzing guitar. There's a great drum rhythm in it that adds some nice depth, and the shouting at the end of the song (the "build") is very schizophrenic and cool, adding some nice effect to the song. "Elo Kiddies" has got to be the song with my favourite chorus. There's a cool beat and guitars in it; the bass is prominent in the opening. The vocals, when they come in are almost chant-like and teasing- very catchy to say the least. the verses are okay... the build in vocal strength is always helpful and turns the song into a pure rocker. "Cry, Cry"is another slow one, but I find it to be more bluesy than anything else, and it's especially noticeable in the bass line. "Cry, Cry" has a great swaggering attitude and/or lilt in the vocals- whichever you prefer that just brings the piece together. The album closes with "Oh Candy", a catchy and strong number that carries well throughout and implys a startling jilted ending not only to the song, but to the album. There are some cool guitar effects in one particular part, and the vocals just ooze in the right way that shows both emotion and indifference. For a debut album, "Cheap Trick" managed to pull it off very nicely.