I know Midnite Dynamite and Blow My Fuse were big albums for the band, but to me, this is their best album. It shows the band as their true selves – before record company nonsense kicked in. A cross between glam/power pop and good old rock n roll, this is one fun record. I bought this as a cold buy and had never heard the band before – I just liked the cover and the song titles.
I was super stoked when I first dropped the needle on the record as first song, Atomic Bombs, is a great fun up-tempo rocker. Every song is just pure gold and has that big feel good vibe. Love At First Sight has a killer groove and sing-a-long chorus and should have been a single. Heartache is an ode to young lust. Poison is a monster glam/sleaze track with a killer beat and groove, and has an awesome solo – plus a great call and response section. The Itch closes out Side 1 and reminds me of AC/DC with the guitar sound and main riff.
Side 2 kicks off with the band’s signature song, Kix Are For Kids, and a fun fast old school rock n roll romp it is. Contrary Mary follows and is Faster Pussycat before they were a thing. This album came out in ’81, and I would say this album was an influence on quite a few bands that came after. If I had to choose between this and Crudley Motts first album, I would go for this every time. Better songs, better playing, better frontman, and a way better guitar player. Anyway back to the record. Next up is The Kid, which starts with a solo guitar piece before the full on stomp glamfest kicks in. Last track is Yeah Yeah Yeah, and I know it’s cheesy as hell, but I love the simplicity and the fun vibe of this track – even though lyrically it’s not very PC.
So this record is not gonna change the world, but if it doesn’t put a smile on your face and happy feeing in your soul, then you are in need of therapy.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
