Search - Plasmatics :: Coup D'Etat

BEST 80'S ALBUM OF ALL TIME!

Pamela Scarangello | Middletown, NJ USA | 01/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Released by Capital Records back in 1982, "Coup D'Etat" is an earth-shattering album that emits the roar of heavy metal. During a time when AC/DC and Metallica were leading the male-dominated genre, this album enabled the Plasmatics to conquer the world. While Richie Stotts and Wes Beech highlight each track with wailing electric guitars, frontwoman Wendy O. Williams sings the lyrics with brutal, feline growls. This is an album that introduced the radical shock rocker to a stunned mainstream crowd, allowing her to force even the strongest men to their knees. While being one of the few adult film stars to enter New York's underground punk scene, she reigned supreme as the one-of-a-kind Metal Priestess.
In both "Put Your Love in Me" and "Rock 'N' Roll," Wendy accepts the topless role of a hardcore groupie. During the dramatic "Lightning Breaks," she seeks salvation in the blackness of unbridled sex and sin. "Mistress of Taboo" is a high-speed track about a leather-clad dominatrix who carries a whip in her velvet gloves. "Country Fairs" takes place in a strict Catholic village where nighttime pains and pleasures are inflicted on souls by fanged demons. The last three tracks are fueled by the Plasmatics's love of nihilism and the coming apocalypse. "Path of Glory" is a sacrificial curse that's intended to incide citywide riots. Before the attacks on 9/11, the alarming "Just Like on T.V." told of the devastation of nuclear war. "The Damned," an underrated classic co-written by bassist Chris Romanelli, is a powerful song about totalitarianism, and of how it ultimately terminates the human race by crushing the weak.
Almost every song on "Coup D'Etat" is a pumped up anthem for alienated rock fans. Although it doesn't contain the raw, anarchic sound of "New Hope" and "Beyond the Valley," this is a CD that shouldn't be missed. Wendy O. Williams will live forever!"

Breathtaking expression of anger and dissatisfaction

Jim | California, U.S.A. | 10/05/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the fourth (counting the Metal Priestess EP) and last real Plasmatics album. It is an incredible piece of work. The intensity and anger that one 105 lb. woman can spit out is shocking. This is the epitome of the Plasmatics' critique of (and challenge to) societal values and standards. This album was made after two years of touring, during which Wendy O Williams was arrested numerous times, beat up by the police, and banned at numerous sites. Her disillusionment is so thick you can practically taste it. The Plasmatics evolved very quickly during their career and this album is very little like the first two albums, which I feel contained much more simple fun "club music." This album is much more raw - "Put Your Love In Me" is one of the hardest songs I've ever heard. This is the album where Wendy perfected her distinctive and hairy-raising scream. Enjoy it, this is one of my favorites."

Get them all!

Steven Swan | Illinois | 02/21/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wendy O. Back in the early 80's this stuff was considered I guess "noise metal" or just over the top. I was too young too appreciate the honesty and brutality of her music. Heavy guitars , chorus's that make you want to pump your fists in the air. Today people take music way too seriously, if it's about rock n roll or partying--it's another wimpy hair band, who cares? It's only Rock N Roll, and we all love it! God bless Wendy O , she's up there today hopefully looking down knowing that at least some people appreciated her music."