Search - Generation X :: Valley of the Dolls

Someone should get fired over this

Christopher T. Sutor | New Castle, DE United States | 03/27/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"All in all, this disc is a fairly good representation of the original album. No problems there. If you liked this album, and only care about the songs that make it up, then this CD is well worth the price, as it's been cleaned up and sounds a lot better than your scratchy old LP will.



No, my gripe here is wih one of the "bonus" tracks. There is a real mystery going on, concerning the song Gimme Some Truth, and as this album is playing a part in that mystery, it's worth noting here.



Why is the song Gimme Some Truth being released ONLY in the live version from the Radio One sessions? I purchased the original Generation X album, and was quite annoyed to find that this track, the one that originally opened the album, was completely missing.



Furthermore, after purchasing all of the compilation discs currently on sale, such as "Perfect Hits" and "Anthology" in the hopes of getting the missing track, I was absolutely horrified to find out that they also use the live track, rather than the original album track.



After the anger and frustration I felt at being cheated yet again, I saw the song was listed here, on Valley Of The Dolls, with the footnote that this was the "b-side" to king rocker. At last, I thought, they've finally done it - they've finally released it - and it's even labeled as such. This has to be it.



So, I buy it.



But, what do I get, after plunking down the cost and waiting for delivery? The live version, yet again. Not the album version, not the actual b-side to king rocker, and not the track as advertised, no - the track listing they present here is a lie. An utter, and absolute lie, and frankly, someone should lose their job over this. Either someone was so clueless that they allowed product to go out mis-marked, or they simply didn't care that the information was false.



What has happened to this song? Where is it? Where do I go to buy it? I've tried to do just that, at least three times now with no success. I want the version that opened Generation X, the album, which starts with a drumbeat, and doesn't have someone talking over the end of it. That's the one listed on the label, that's the one that was "b-side" to king rocker, and that's the one that should have been provided.



It's wrong.



Give me the album I paid for."

A Pretty Solid Second Effort

Patrick W. Schubert | Santa Ana, California United States | 11/22/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Matching or even improving on their debut album was a tall order for Generation X. Unfortunately, they weren't quite able to fill it with "Valley of the Dolls". Still, there are some great tracks on this CD, including "Running with the Boss Sound", "Night of the Cadallacs", "King Rocker", "English Dream", and, my favorite "Love Like Fire". Guitarist Bob Andrews reveals a knack for catchy, rock star-approved riffs and solos while producer Ian Hunter wisely keeps things raw and direct while improving on the overall sound of the first album.



The remaining tracks are merely okay, in my opinion. "Kenny Silvers" displays epic aspirations that unfortunately fall well short of greatness. It seems like Billy Idol says the guy's name about 80 times through the course of the song. "Paradise West", meanwhile, sounds like a prototype for an '80's power ballad. The title track is catchy enough, but ultimately lightweight.



Pick up their debut album or Perfect Hits first. Then, consider adding Valley of the Dolls to you collection. It's well worth it."