Search - Hanoi Rocks :: Bangkok Shocks Saigon Shakes

Bangkok Shocks... :superior album from this genius band!

J. Holmes | yokohama, japan | 10/19/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"armed with an endless barrage of catchy hooks and rock solid riffs (not too mention an endless supply of lipstick and hairspray), Hanoi Rocks established themselves as rulers of the glam rock throne of the 80's. whereas their old peers on the scene made albums that just sound dated and embarassing when listened to today; something about Hanoi Rocks has endured the test of time. their songs capture the glamour, the sleaze, the sex, drugs and rock and roll that they lived and played. using the template of blues-based hard rock and adding liberal doses of punk, pop, and some reggae, Hanoi Rocks created scores of amazing albums...whose songs came across like a cross between the New York Dolls and some of the later records by The Clash. each record didn't just contain incredibly well written songs, but they also built up the legend and mythos of this mighty band with each release. Hanoi Rocks fans are legendary for their rabid devotion and this album, Bangkok Shocks, Saigon Shakes, Hanoi Rocks, was the starting point for my fascination.



beginning with the quick pace of "Tragedy", the album launches right into it's urgent and confident stride with this great melodic rocker filled with hooks. next is the classic "Village Girl" which works a steady reggae punk ryhthm and has an anthemic feel to it. great great song! there's plenty of great ballads here too, like the sleazy slide of "Don't You Ever Leave Me" and the touching intro to "Cheyenne." really, folks, if i keep analyzing each song on this great cd, i'll be here all day. needless to say, if you're a fan of the Dolls, Rolling Stones, Guns N' Roses, the first Motley Crue album, or The Clash...you have absolutely no excuse not to check out this band! you have been warned!"

Amazing glam rocknroll

Taimette | Sweden | 10/10/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I agree to a great extent with previous reviewers. However, I find this particular group second best in all of history, preceeded only by Guns N Roses (in order: GNR, Hanoi, Joy Division, HIM, Rolling Stones, Sex Pistols, Broder Daniel, NY Dolls, T-Rex). This album maybe their best since it contains the second best song ever, Village Girl (preceeded only by GNR-Rocket Queen). It's raunchy, raw and true to heart. Not a thought whatsoever has been wasted on critics or commercial aspects. In contrast to the general view on glam rock, that it is insipid and commercial - much due to the effort of Poison et al, you'll find that Hanoi rocks is exactly the opposite of that. They are cool despite the fact that they wear doisies, leather and spikes - because they don't give a damn."

Hanoi Rocks - 'Bangkok Shocks, Saigon Shakes, Hanoi Rocks' (

Mike Reed | USA | 06/25/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"First saw the light of day in 1981, as this was the Finnish glam metal band's first record. Not bad for one of those lesser known '80's hair bands. Have always liked what I did manage to hear from these guys. Sorry to say that I have the original CD reissue, not the later pressing with the six added bonus cuts. Regardless, Hanoi freaking R-O-C-K-S! Tunes I got the most out of were the rocking "Tragedy", "Village Girl", "Lost In The City" {I'm almost sure I've seen a video for this song somewhere}, "First Timer" and "11th Street Kidzz". Belongs right next to your CD's by Jetboy, Faster Pussycat, Kix, Poison and obviously Motley Crue."