Search - Hanoi Rocks :: Self Destruction Blues

Do whatever you have to do, but get a copy of this album.

Jonathan S. Mark | Alexandria, VA USA | 11/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album shows that a group does its best work on the B-sides of its singles, because that is when they are not afraid to fool around and maybe fail.Except that on this collection of B-sides and unreleased tracks, nothing fails. Every song is fresh and exciting.When Hanoi Rocks was in existence I never paid them much mind. Recently I got this album and listened to it. The first listen I was playing it in the background and did not appreciate it. Later on I listened seriously. Everything about this album is first-rate. Songs like "Self-Destruction Blues" are the best Blues Rock ever. The guitars, the harmonies even the little hooks in the melodies, everything. This band was a bunch of geniuses. In their own way they were as melodic as Burt Bacharach and as rocking as the Rolling Stones.And to think they pulled it off in the era of the hair bands. Do whatever you have to do, but get a copy of this album."

2nd Best Hanoi Studio LP

Lambchops | Toronto | 02/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"ALthough, not technically a studio LP as we all know. It was a collection of left over tracks and b-sides first issued in Finland and eventually released all over the world via this LP. This is simply a rocking LP. I mean, look at the tracklisting:1. Love's an Injection - yeah baby!
2. I Want You - and you will want this one too.
3. Cafe Avenue - great. There is a remix on the boxset.
4. Nothing New - This song is odd, but addictive.
5. Kill City - the first Hanoi single actually.
6. Self Destruction Blues - bluesy, harmonica stuff.
7. Beer and a Cigarette - I don't want no love affair, i just love the clothes you wear...i got a deal...before i...
8. Whispers in the Dark - synth rock - experimental. Nice.
9. Taxi Driver - thee classic. Travis fave tune.
10. Desperados - love the lyrics. Shoot the children???
11. Problem Child - punk, punk and more.
12. Dead by Xmas - eerily prophetic. Those lyrics are amazing..and bitter.

After Two Steps, this is the CD you need. Production is very good....grab any pressing, they're all good. The Japanese version is a little weak though. Uzi Suicide version is better."

Closer to The Cramps than to Cinderella

Graboidz | Westminster, Maryland | 03/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just happened to be watching VH1 Classics and saw a Hanoi Rocks video the other day, a remake of CCR's "Up Around the Bend". I had heard of Hanoi Rocks, but basically because of the Vince Neil incident, and I hadn't heard thier music until just the other day. I picked up a copy of Self Destruction Blues in the used bin at a local record store. I was expecting just another hair band similiar to Cinderella or Poison, basically judging the band by the lipstick and hair on the disc's cover photo. WoW! Was I wrong! This album is a link between late 70's punk bands like The Nervous Eaters and the Hair bands of the 80's like Britny Fox. I loved the raw sound of the guitars and vocals. The songs are catchy without being mainstream at all. If you are a fan of bands like The Cramps, New York Dolls etc you have to pick this up. If you like the Hair Metal of the 80's you should also like this if nothing else just to hear the roots of bands like Guns n' Roses."