By: AvNatten

Posted: Oct 27, 2005

He's Back... the man behind the black painted eyes. Alice Cooper is the original master of shock rock who released his first album in 1969 and since then has inspired countless bands world wide with his horror filled ways. In 2003 Cooper decided to go back to his garage rock sound. Almost 2 years later "Dirty Diamonds" was released. The album was written and recorded within 13 days and is very reminiscent of his work in the 70ties. "Dirty Diamonds" is a very fitting title for this album since these tracks all display stripped down garage rock with the few rough edges still intact but the tracks still catch on and shine through.

Musically throughout this album it sounds like vintage Cooper. The instruments have a raw feel to them just like they did on Alice's older albums. At times some tracks on "Dirty Diamonds" sound like they could have been recorded in the 70ties alongside those albums. On this recording Cooper employs his touring band to lay down the tracks. I believe this was a good decision on his part because the band sounds tight and have provided a great foundation for Alice to lay his vocals over. Guitarists Ryan Roxie and Damon Johnson play simply but effectively and also add some nice blues inspired riffs. The band is rounded out by Chuck Gerric on bass and Tommy Cufetos on drums.

This disc has something everyone can enjoy. 'You Make Me Wanna' is very energetic and youthful, proving that although this may be Cooper's 31st album it hasn’t slowed him down a bit. The Harpsichord in 'Pretty Ballerina' lends an over all creepy atmosphere to the track. The country sounding 'Saga Of Jesse Jane' has Cooper's signature black humour as it tells the tale of a cross-dressing trucker who is put in jail for murder. 'Sunset Babies (All Got Rabies)' also includes the twisted lyrical humour that we expect from Alice. The only drawback is the very last track entitled 'Stand' which features rapper Xzibit. It doesn't fit in with the rest of the tracks on the album and takes away from the overall classic feeling the other songs have.

Alice Cooper is a legend and with "Dirty Diamonds" he tells us that he will not fade away but continue on with his theatrical ways. Shocking and amazing us with his antics whether they are chopping heads off with a sharp guillotine, slithering around with huge snakes, desecrating baby dolls, or whatever other tricks Cooper has up his black leather sleeves.

Rating: 7,5/10

Alice Cooper website

Print