HOLLYWOOD ROCKS - Compilation

As Deadline / Cleopatra Records prepares to release a 4 CD set paying tribute to the bands of the L.A. strip, ahead of it is a 17-track advance CD with some absolutely killer demo versions of classic metal anthems.

Leading off is a much more vocally intense version of Dokken's "It's Not Love". The song in this recording is raw, aggressive and much more c*ck-sure with what sounds like Jeff Pilson and Mick Brown adding to the vocal proceedings. Warrant's version of "Last Action Hero" sounds nothing like anything on their debut release and probably would have been most at home on "Dog Eat Dog". "On Your Knees" by Great White is the original version from their debut EP which was one nasty track when it was released over 20 years ago. It spews as much venom as W.A.S.P.'s "Animal" sans the profanity. Pretty Boy Floyd's "Don't Save Your Love" is a cool mid-paced tune that sounds really good in this raw form. "Wish It Was Summer" by Love/Hate has a forewarning sound to it that seems to point right towards Seattle. Definitely not one of their better tracks. "Feel The Shake" by Jetboy seems to have a much heavier backend and very well may point to the style of their long lost Elektra debut CD that was buried in the vaults.

There are some really impressive moments on the disc and some others that just don't stand the test of time too well. Personally, I can't wait to hear some of the obscurities that await in the 4-disc set.