Year : 1994 (Swollen Records Edition)
Style : Glam Sleaze Hard Rock
Country : United States
Audio : 320 kbps + scans
Size : 118 mb
Bio:
They are often seen as part of the glam metal genre, as were similar early '90s bands who played on the Sunset Strip, such as Heart Throb Mob, Queeny Blast Pop, Swingin Thing and No Sympathy. Though technically neither band played any form of metal, their sound incorporated rock, bubblegum pop and glam, with a punky attitude and songs were usually delivered tongue in cheek.The band was originally made up of singer Kit Ashley, guitarist Keri Kelli, bassist Tweety Boyd, and drummer Freddie Ferrin. Freddie Ferrin was replaced by drummer Keith Morgan (aka Keith Alan), who is currently with Handsome Devil.All five members later went on to play in other bands, most notably Keri Kelli, who has played with Alice Cooper, Night Ranger, Ratt, Skid Row, and Slash's Snakepit, among others. Kit Ashley played in 98 Ugly Girls, Furr Burger, and Custom Made Scare. Ashley recorded a solo album titled "Songs of Love and Drinking" and currently is now playing in his band Charlie And The Valentine Killers and playing drums in the band "DEADBOLT". Ashley is also working on a new solo album due out in Feb of 2011 under his real name, Charlie Overbey.
Album:
This is the second album by the American sleazy rock ‘n’ roll band Big Bang Babies, previously introduced. The first album was also quite catchy and pop-oriented, but this album is even more so. Rather than hard rock, it feels more like a pop band like NEW FOUND GLORY, who broke through a long time ago. The band broke up before releasing this album, and it is not surprising that this is due to the common ‘difference in musical direction’ (there are rumours that Keri Kelli, the guitarist, released this album on her own).After releasing their first cult album, Big Bang Babies are back 2 years later with their second, Black Market.Was the name a nod to the decline of glam metal in ‘94? Or a way of affirming that this is a guilty pleasure that can be bought and sold under the table? Who knows?Whatever the case, this second album is at least as good as their first. Keri Kelli is a prolific songwriter. Before the release of the first album, over 120 tracks were written by our guitarist. Only 7 ended up on the eponymous album, the others on this Black Market. The recipes used remain the same. Big Bang Babies deliver irresistible bubbleglam influenced by Mötley Crüe, Warrant and Pretty Boy Floyd. The only slight difference is that here there are more power pop influences, reminding you of the excellent Cheap Trick at times. Needless to say, the whole thing is catchy, effective and, above all, perfectly tailored to its audience. This may well be a record that catches the ear of anyone who likes good melodies and immediate choruses. The themes remain the same as always: love, sex, all-night parties and the rock that goes with it. There's even an almost adolescent, fragile charm here.The tracks do not seem to have been recorded at the same time. Indeed, the quality of the productions varies. Nothing catastrophic either.13 tracks of nothing but happiness. The only criticism I have is the presence of ‘Everybody Need A Hero’. Not because it's a bad song - it may well be their ultimate anthem - but it's exactly the same version as the one that appeared on their eponymous album. So not very interesting.The opening track ‘8 Arms’ sets the tone perfectly. The acidic glam with the power pop aftertaste of Cheap Trick's ‘I Want You You Want Me’ is bound to hit the spot. The version of ‘Love Drug’ offered here is interesting, and shows that these 4 guys had a definite talent for composition and arrangement. From a single song, they manage to create 2 different versions, each just as good as the other. ‘All I Wanna Do' is a little more melancholy, like a disappointment or a teenage longing that's been satisfied. The ballads are also very good. My preference is for the melancholy ‘Every Loves My Baby’. ‘Hear You Say’ will captivate your ear too. It could have been a ballad that would have enjoyed heavy rotation 5 years earlier on MTV. Different times, different customs. ‘Candy Girl’, as its name suggests, is the best track here. It's a real success in its genre. If you like easy, effective anthems, give an ear (or two) to the very good ‘Let's Go To The Rock N'Roll Show’, so Pretty Boy Floyd in spirit.The instrumental ‘Bliss’ is very surprising. Keri Kelli demonstrates in all simplicity that he probably deserved to become a guitar hero. It's fresh, effective and beautifully constructed. It's a job well done.Unfortunately, the lack of commercial success was to be the end of Big Bang Babies. Only Keri Kelli managed to make it big, becoming one of the most sought-after guitarists on the Strip.This record, like its predecessor, is rather difficult to find. I'd advise you to buy the super 3 Chords And The Truth compilation to discover this essential band.
Line-Up:
Kit Ashley – Lead Vocals
Keri Kelli – Guitar, Backing Vocals, Keyboards
Tweety Boyd – Bass
Freddie Ferrin – Drums
Keith Alan – Drums
Brent Jeffers – Keyboards
Tracklist:
01. 8 Arms
02. All I Wanna Do
03. Hear You Say
04. Love Drug
05. Stop the World
06. Everybody Loves My Baby
07. Right By Your Side
08. Everybody Needs A Hero
09. Wont Be Gone for Long
10. Bliss (Maguro Tataki)
11. Lets Go To The Rock N Roll Show ([Hidden Track)
12. Candy Girl ([Hidden Track)
13. Look At You Now ([Hidden Track)
Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/
