Glam Rock, Part 1

Uncle Rob of 105 The Fox featured Sweet's Desolation Boulevard (1974) as his Wax Wednesday LP yesterday, and after seeing his post, I pulled out my copy of the album and put it on the turntable.

Many listeners to FM radio will recognize Ballroom Blitz and Fox on the Run, but the album contains a number of other really strong tunes, including The 6 Teens, Set Me Free, and A.C.D.C. Sweet were a major influence on Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx, which is apparent when you listen to the opening line of the album's side two opening track Sweet F.A.: 

"Well it's Friday night, I need a fight..."

After spinning Desolation Boulevard, I needed some more glitter and glam, so next up was Slade's Sladest (1973). Managed by former Animals' bassist and Jimi Hendrix manager Chas Chandler, Slade were a major influence on many hair metal bands of the 80's, even though the band's success in North America was nowhere near what it was in Europe during the early to mid-70's (the band had 17 consecutive top twenty hits and 6 number ones).

Although Quiet Riot were a top draw at L.A. clubs in the late 70's, the band never achieved any mainstream success until their 1983 cover of Slade's Cum on Feel the Noize, a song the band was dead set against covering when they recorded Metal Health (1983). Lead singer Kevin DuBrow would later admit he tried singing the song as poorly as possible to avoid having it on the record. The track eventually became the first heavy metal song to reach the top 5 of the Billboard 100 chart and propelled Metal Health to the #1 spot on the Billboard album chart. The success of Noize spurred the band to cover another Slade song Mama Weer All Crazee Now on their follow-up LP Condition Critical (1984).

Second Spin Records - Fredericton

Much of the vinyl I have picked up over the years has come from Moncton - Spin It, Live Wire, or my friend Matt.

Up until today, Fredericton has only had one record store, and as a vinyl collector for the past 4 years, it is sad to say I have only purchased 2 albums from Backstreet Records. I have walked up their stairs many times, filled with the anticipation of finding that hidden gem, but each time I have walked away disappointed.

Second Spin Records is based out of Saint John, but today they opened a second store for vinyl lovers in the capital city. Located in the old Mazzucas storefront, Second Spin Records has a reputation for carrying a lot of metal and punk records, and from the moment I walked into the store at 10 a.m. this morning (I was the first one in the door), I was not disappointed.

First, I grabbed an original pressing of Megadeth - Rust in Peace (1990), which was displayed on the far wall. I then started flipping through some of the used records and found a US promo copy of The Tragically Hip - Up to Here (1989). My next pull was an awesome copy of The Clash - London Calling (1980). Very happy at this point, I was even happier when noticed 4 or 5 rows of used metal and punk records that I missed on the way in. I added Slayer - South of Heaven (1988) and Judas Priest - Stained Class (1978) to finish off my purchase.

The store was elbow to elbow the entire time I was there, and as I stood in line, I noticed that the 6 or 7 people in front of me did not just have 1 or 2 albums: most of them had between 8 and 12 records. Fredericton has had the demand for an outlet like Second Spin Records for some time now, and if the boys keep it stocked with quality albums at decent prices (like they did for their grand opening), they will be a fixture in the downtown area of Fredericton. Great work gentlemen. You will see a lot of me in the coming months.