 Y
& T
Mean Streak [Remastered]
Mean Streak Music Company 2005
www.yandtrocks.com
Read the Dave Meniketti interview
What’s the 4-1-1?
Reissue of the group’s 1983 album, plus one bonus track.
Genre
Melodic rock / hard rock / AOR / classic rock
The Good
There’s no mistaking that the opening riff to “Mean Streak” represent
the rock music scene of the early eighties. Vocalist Dave Meniketti delivers
his trademark melodic yet husky vocals, reminiscent of Sammy Hagar & Ronnie
Montrose. It should come as no surprise that Dave has collaborated with Ronnie
many times. There’s nothing flashy or fancy about “Straight Through
the Heart,” but it’s still a killer rock track. More of that great
Y & T vocal harmony returns for “Lonely Side of Town.”The group
chronicles their first-ever trip to Japan on “Midnight in Tokyo.” Even
though you’ll want to get caught up in the lyrics, it’s Meniketti’s & Joey
Alves’ guitar work that really shine here.
“Hang ‘Em High” has
Y & T crossing the line from AOR rockers, to heavy metal head bangers as
they pump up the distortion, quicken up the riffs, and lay down some pounding
drum beats. “Sentimental Fool” has a great pop-rock radio appeal
to it, as the arrangement is not too complicated and the group gives it there
all vocally. “Down and Dirty” is all about the power chord riffage.
The bonus track “I’m Not Sorry” has a darker tone to it,
but it still comes off melodic.
The Bad
Nothing notable
The Verdict
Mean Streak was a gateway album for Y & T. It helped the group
finally get noticed by American audiences. It wasn’t long after this
one that Y & T really started cranking out some hits. Although it’s
not their strongest album, Mean Streak is still a great rock album
by a great hard rock band. It’s a good representation of the music
scene at the time as well.
Did You Know?
Yep, that’s producer Chris Tsangarides you hear farting at the conclusion
of “Down and Dirty.” With the new remastered version, you can
hear it clearly in all its glory.
Rating:  out
of 5
Related Reviews:
Y & T - UnEarthed Volume 1
Y & T - UnEarthed Volume 2
--George Dionne
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