Tag: dangerous toys

This is album number two from these Texan noise merchants and it was the final album under their contract with CBS. It was actually produced by legendary Queen producer, Roy Thomas Baker. Saying that, the album does sound a bit thin and the volume needs cranking to compensate.

I know everyone raves about their debut but I really prefer this one. The riffs and grooves are more rocking and toe tapping, and it’s much more of a sing along album. Gunfighter, Gimme No Lip, and my favourite Sticks And Stones open up Side 1. That’s not a bad start to the record as the riffs are flying thick and fast. The biggest surprise is their cover of the Bad Company classic, Feel Like Makin’ Love. They have made it into a country blues rocker. I know that may not sound great, but it works.

The band still get together occasionally to play live and have some fun but haven’t released any new material since ’95.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

When I heard that vocalist Jason McMaster had left Watchtower to hook up with these guys I was a bit confused, as you can’t get much further apart in musical terms than those two bands. However, it all makes sense when you play this record as his voice fits like a glove and this album actually sold really well and was certified gold.

The two singles open up the album: Teas’m Pleas’m and Scared. This was a really good call as they are the most commercial tracks. Scared is a great tune and my favourite on the album.

It’s the deeper cuts that do it for me though. Bones In The Gutter has a crazy little groove and nice riff. Take Me Drunk is funky as hell and the hook and chorus are awesome. Outlaw has a crazy opening riff and a cool middle section.

Dangerous Toys are not your typical sleaze band and there’s a lot going on here if you give it time.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

So after the band’s two releases for major label Columbia, they (like many other bands) were dropped after the arrival of the great grunge unpleasantness. Although that was the end for a lot of bands, Dangerous Toys carried on for another two records, of which this was the first and released in ’94. Compared to the first two albums, this one is a little darker and heavier sounding, hence the title of the album and first track.

Paintrain starts with an old school heavy Aerosmith groove and feel, and the toxic twins would have been proud of this one. The Law Is Mine is a full on up tempo sleaze fest with just a hint of the Faces. Promise The Moon takes the vibe way down with an acoustic driven sound until after the first verse when Jason McMaster gives it his full on Rod Stewart homage. Side 1 closes out with Strange a great tune with hint of GnR attitude.

Over to Side 2 we go with opener Loser and the sleaze/dirty rock n’ roll vibe just oozes from every note. Hard Luck Champion follows and it’s my favourite tune. I love the swing to the groove and the dynamics are great. Screaming For More has a great acoustic, uptempo, barroom, Americana vibe. This is the sleeper track on the album. Oh Well So What has a great FU attitude and grooves hard with an AC/DC on speed vibe. The album closes out with Illustrated Man, a mid tempo sleaze fest rocker.

If you like that dirty sleazy rock n’ roll vibe then I guess you may already have this, but if not then give it a try you may be surprised.

8/10 from The Grooveman.