Artist: Billy Idol
Album: Devil's Playground
Label: Sanctuary Records
Tracks: 13
Length: 54:30
Review by: Josh Blackway
Back in 2000, I went to see Billy Idol on what I thought was some kind of a “comeback tour” for his Greatest Hits album. I would have never expected another full length from him, adding to his long rock career, especially not five years later. But here it is. 13 new songs from this 49 year old “poser” punk. I say poser because that’s how most of the punk rock world saw Billy Idol back in the late 70’s, and anyone still alive from that era probably thinks the same thing now. So maybe he is a bit on the cheesy side with a “remember me? I’m still cool!” attitude, but I always liked the guy, and this disc really isn’t bad at all. Usually people think of Billy Idol and they laugh. If you see the cover of Devil’s Playground on Sanctuary Records, you’ll probably laugh too. I did. As Spinal Tap so eloquently put it, “It’s a fine line between clever and stupid.” In my opinion, Billy Idol walks on that line.
This disc has its ups and downs. I’ll just take you through it, because it really doesn’t fit one genre. “Super Overdrive” opens it up and asks this question: “Does he still have the magic? Yes he does.” I got all my laughs out. This one is just pure Billy Idol.
From there he goes into this Generation X style punk rock blast of mean power chords in “World Comin’ Down”. What makes Billy Idol sound so good is a secret ingredient named Steve Stevens, one of the best guitarists out there today. The guy can play anything from classical to metal solos to the 3-chord down-stroke good stuff. This song is lacking in the lyrical department, but it makes up for it musically.
“Rat Race” is a bad song. Not dirty bad, just bad bad. Skip it.
“Sherri” on the other hand, is a good song. But this is where the pattern starts. He mixes it up so much on this disc that you have to keep your hand ready to go on the skip button. “Plastic Jesus” is one of the worst songs I’ve ever heard. It’s not even funny. Then the single, “Scream”, brings this disc back to life… sorta. I wouldn’t say this is the best song on here, but it definitely falls into the radio friendly category, so I can understand the selection of this song as what will hold everyone over until the album is released on March 22nd. Just make sure you don’t judge the CD by its single.
How about a Christmas song? Why not? It’s March, we all got that feeling still floating around right? Either way, “Yellin’ at the Xmas Tree” is a good listen. Try to save it for December and it’ll be even more enjoyable.
Back to the pattern. “Romeo’s Waiting”: great song. “He’s the rebel that you know, the rebel that you know…” This is the Billy Idol we all love. Then “Body Snatcher” has to come on and ruin that feeling. With the exception of one killer Steve Stevens solo that might melt faces, this song is terrible. “Evil Eye”: same thing. What are you thinking, man? You’re Billy Idol, not System-of-a-StaticX-Deftone or whatever. (Sorry, that was ridiculous.)
“Lady Do or Die” slows it down very Johnny Cash style. This will be the mood for the rest of the album. Only Billy Idol can get away with two songs about two different girls, one named Sherri and one Cherie. Apparently “Cherie” is the one he’s a little more in love with. This brings us calmly to the end of the disc with “Summer Running”. An orchestra accompaniment adds some of the most feel-good moments you’ll ever hear out of Billy Idol. This song could’ve done without the brief dance interlude, but he seems to like dancin’ with himself (thanks, I’ll be here all night)…
I can’t say this is a bad album because there’s some really good songs and really good moments, but I can’t say it’s a good album either because there’s some really lousy songs with some “you gotta be kidding me!” moments. 7 or 8 out of the 13 songs are good…so if that’s enough for you, pick this one up.
M U S I C |
