Tag: tuff

I guess you can describe this as an early days compilation, with each side featuring a different vocalist from the band. Jim Gillette wasn’t the first singer, but he was the first recorded (I think). He contributed six songs before he jumped ship and joined Nitro with guitar whizz Michael Angelo Batio. They recorded these six tracks at an early session and they have been remastered for this release. The best of these songs are the glam slam of Dressed For Dancin’ and the sleazefest that is Bang Bang.

Side 2 is given over to Stevie Rachelle, and straight away the quality of the songs goes up several notches. These were recorded over two different sessions and also have been remastered. Tuff were all about fun and having a good time and Side 2 sums that up nicely.

For my favourite track, well, I like both Aint Worth A Dime and Round Em Up. Both great songs with a great groove and swing. If you’re into the whole glam thing and you would like a copy of this album, you can get it from the band directly.

Side 2 is way better than Side 1, so it’s 8/10 for Side 2 and 6/10 for Side 1 from the Grooveman.

This is a remastered version of Tuff’s ’91 debut release. The band have been banging around since ’86, and were formed back in Phoenix. This is a fun record with a capital F.

Ruck A Pit Bridge opens up the album in kick ass style. A groovin’ track with a great riff and maximum attitude. I love the deadbeat sleazy funk outro. The All New Generation should have been huge if it had been a single. It’s one of those party anthems that you can’t stop singing. I Hate Kissin’ You Goodbye is Tuff’s Every Rose Has It’s Thorn but with extra balls, and it reached the dizzy heights of #3 on MTV. Lonely Lucy rolls on in next with a monster intro, and that little hint of funk makes that groove just right. Another ripping intro for Side 1 close out tune Ain’t Worth A Dime, which gets my vote as favourite track. There’s a great swing to the groove, and the guitar rules.

So Many Seasons gets Side 2 underway. A song that has that feel good summer feel about it, with a hint of a glam/pop/punk/country vibe. Forever Yours is pure power pop goodness, with added glam of course. It’s ballad time again with Wake Me Up. One of those bottom of the bottle barroom ballads. The glam and groove returns with Spit Like This, a late night sleazy party anthem. Good Guys Wear Black closes out the album. It ends how we started, with a kick ass glam groover.

This is a great reissue that sounds great.

9/10 from The Grooveman.