Alice seems to be on a roll here! Not content with releasing the brilliant Brutal Planet in 2000, followed by a no less brilliant Live DVD (Brutally Live), he manages to do it again with the release of Dragontown, just over a year later. (And than I didn't even mention the superb box set The Lives And Crimes Of Alice Cooper). In general, this record seems to keep with the modern vibe of Brutal Planet, although it might just be a tad more traditional overall than former release. Both thumbs up for Alice for managing to still sound up-to-date after 30 years of rock 'n roll, without losing his identity or looking and sounding overly forced, like some other artists out there. (Yeah, I'm referring to the Glenn Tipton Band down here - formerly known as Judas Priest… I say that at my own risk, since I know that certain members of this 'Zine will kill me when they'll read this) Lyrically, it delves deeper into the dark reality of former record, by taking us on a guided tour through Dragontown and it's eerie inhabitants. Part of the charm of Coop's always been his tongue-in-cheek humor and he does not disappoint either this time with little gems like Fantasy Man and the Elvis Presley parody Disgraceland. Further favorites on this album are Triggerman, Sister Sara, Deeper & the title track, although I can safely say that all songs on offer here are top notch, with not a single disappointment. Well, it's hard not to be enthusiastic about an album such as this really. It's quite easily my personal favorite of 2001, and leaves you wondering as to what Alice might come up with next, after all, he did mention the fact that there might be a third album on the Brutal Planet topic. Now go out and buy it. I give this one a 9.
Tracklist:
Triggerman Deeper Dragontown Sex, Death And Money Fantasy Man Somewhere In The Jungle Disgraceland Sister Sara Every Woman Has A Name I Just Wanna Be God It's Much Too Late The Sentinel
Lineup:
Alice Cooper - vocals Ryan Roxie - guitars Tim Pierce - guitars Wayne Swinny - guitars Rob Marlette - guitars Greg Smith - guitars Kenny Aronoff - drums