Dan Reed’s first album was a great record but it didn’t sell that well with the R’n’B soul crowd (which I think it was aimed at), but it did great with a rock audience, especially in the UK and Europe. So, when second album Slam dropped, it was no surprise to see the tunes rocked up somewhat. Of course the funk and groove were still present, but with the added heaviness it was winner winner chicken dinner.
A near perfect example of how to make a funk rock record, and I’m sure Max Martin used this as a blueprint for his songwriting. I saw them a couple of times and they were an amazing live band. Tiger In A Dress is a perfect example of how the funk and groove are still there, but add the fat huge riff into the mix and man what a killer song. It’s not my favourite though, as that goes to Cruise Together. A dark brooding synth driven piece with an amazing vocal from Dan, the main vocal line and melody gets me every time; add to that some great guitar and it’s definitely one of the Network’s best tunes. Everyone should own this album.
10/10 from The Grooveman.