Hard 20 |
Skid Row"Thickskin" I wasn't quite sure how I was gonna approach writing this review. I'm sure there's a lot of people with a lot of questions and when you're talking about Skid Row, let's face it, expectations are high. Well, the thoughts that are going through your head now are probably the same ones you had when Sammy Hagar replaced David Lee Roth in Van Halen. Also, what goes hand in hand with that...and I'm sure it will be the same with Skid Row here...some people will never give the "new" version a chance. Sure, I have to admit, I'm a sucker for the original line up...and that goes for any band that I happen to admire. But, you and I both know that, in this business, that isn't always the way it works out. So, if you're like me, you're at least gonna give the new material a chance and you're gonna form your opinion on what the band is currently doing. Since we all know about the Skid Row of the past, there's really no need to get into any of that here. We can simply focus on the new album, which is pretty amazing if you ask me. There's elements from the previous records that I'm sure you'll pick up on. But, they don't seem to dwell on 'em. Instead, they simply throw that into the mix in order to give the album a little more variety. If you go through the album track by track looking for something that's familiar, you might pick up on "New Generation," "Thick Is The Skin" and maybe "Hittin' The Wall." You've got a new version of "I Remember You," which is done in more of a punk style. "Ghost" and "Born A Begger" seem more radio friendly, yet they still manage to rock. One of the true highlights on this album, and one that really shows the growth this band has gone through, is "See You Around." It's kind of a mellow rock tune with a lot of heart. This would be a good choice for a single. It has the potential to reach number one. That's just my opinion though. This is a new Skid Row, there's no question about it. At the core, you have Bolan, Snake and Hill. They're all in place. Who's new? Well, first of all, there's drummer Phil Varone. He played with Rachel in Prunella Scales, a band some of you may remember. They released an amazing record called "Dressing Up The Idiot." Seek that one out if you haven't heard it. You won't be disappointed. Then there's vocalist Johnny Solinger. On previous Skid Row records, you all know who the vocalist was and I'm sure that some of you will say that there's no way he can be replaced. In a way, I have to agree with you. He's an excellent singer, no question about it. But, Johnny's no slouch either and I feel that the future of Skid Row boiled down to making sure they got the right singer. I mean, you know they're gonna write some great material. But, if it's not delivered the right way, people aren't gonna go for it. Well, after going through this release a few times, it's clear to me that Johnny was the right choice. He can scream with the best of 'em. But, he can also sing when the song calls for it. Go back to "See You Around" to see what I'm talking about. He wasn't just the right choice...he was the perfect choice. Skid Row is a band reborn and they've got a killer record to show for it. Judge this album by what you hear, not by what you've heard in the past. Listen to it with an open mind and you'll quickly realize that, when it came time to deliver the goods, Skid Row went above and beyond the call of duty. |