Search - Various Artists :: Hollywood Hairspray 5

Kenneth W. (Eyesore) from TAUNTON, MA
Reviewed on 12/4/2007...

Perris Records is one of the few labels out there that still focuses on releasing old school 80s rock. Many consider the genre to be dead and gone. Of course, those who love this style -- myself, whose music obsession began with 80s rock, included -- know better. Rock music -- glam, 80s rock, hard rock, melodic rock, AOR, etc. -- is, however, quite alive and well. Perris Records released the first Hollywood Hairspray compilation back in 1992, exposing fans to new bands from all over the world playing an older style, and reacquainting them with some old favorites like Pretty Boy Floyd and Jetboy. In 2006, Perris released this, the fifth installment of the series (and also the sixth volume later in the year).

Volume five starts with "Instinct Animal," an outstanding and extremely catchy track from Chris Laney (Zan Clan, Animal). The song is like a cross between Trash-era Alice Cooper, Bon Jovi and Def Leppard. If only this song set the precedent on this album. Unfortunately, like with most compilation albums, what we get is a fairly broad range of songs, in terms of quality. A band called Hollywood is up next with a song called "Hearts On Fire," a pretty good glam rock tune; but the song lacks balls -- which is pretty much glam rock in a nutshell (no pun intended) -- and, while catchy, is fairly unmemorable. Some other standouts include the power ballad/melodic rocker "Hold On To Your Dreams Tonight" by Gunshy, "Dancin' On My Grave" by Sweet Cheater, and a gritty, hard rock number by Dirty Rig (featuring Kory Clarke of Warrior Soul) called "Suck It." And though the album isn't complete crap, there are some turds floating around the bowl; both "Forever Damned" by The Deadthings and "Merry Go Round" by Jack Viper deserve a good flush. The rest of the songs make for a decent listen, but overall, there's nothing mind-blowing to sink your teeth into. Hollywood Hairspray isn't essential listening, but it's also not without its charm.

On a somewhat useless note, the artwork for volume five and six includes a scantily-clad Jen Hilton, something of a new 80s rock poster girl, who has also recently been seen on all three Trixie albums and the latest Bang Tango offering.

Website: http://www.perrisrecords.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/perrisrecords