 BILLY
IDOL
Devil's Playground
Sanctuary Records Group 2005
www.billyidol.com
What’s the 4-1-1?
Everybody seems to add another year to how long it’s been since Billy
Idol released his last studio album, so now’s my chance. Billy Idol returns
with his first album of new material in 18 years (okay it’s really
10-12), with longtime guitarist Steve Stevens in tow.
Genre
Hard rock / punk
The Good
Billy starts things off with a rebel yell (sorry, couldn’t resist) on “Super
Overdrive”. Riff wise, it’s just plain heavy. Idol is full of all
of the anger and rage that we knew him for. He even throws in a little melody
on the chorus (I stress a little). Stevens injects “World Comin’ Down” with
a piercing little riff while the rhythm barrels down like an out of control freight
train. Billy maintains a frantic vocal pace as his surrounding collapse in on
him.
Acoustic finger-picking dominates “Rat Race” as Idol softens
his tone a bit. When I say a bit, I mean until the rebellious (there I go again)
chorus kicks in. Idol and Stevens still manage to keep their edge on “Sherri”,
which is about a misunderstood runaway. I didn’t realize how funny Billy
Idol could be until I heard “Plastic Jesus”. It’s a slow paced,
acoustic track about questionable faith. The last verse is priceless.
There’s
no doubt that you’ve heard the addictive riffs of “Scream” on
the radio by now; classic Idol for sure! The guitar work is pure Steve Stevens.
Billy returns with more humor on “Yellin’ at the Christmas Tree’,
which I’m sure will be a holiday classic this year. It’s about his
drunken father that oblivious to what’s going on around him as he carries
on with the tree. Thunderous riffs and palm muting add texture to “Body
Snatcher”. “Lady Do or Die” has Idol and Stevens exploring
a country-rock sound. The Bad
It could be another decade before he follows this one up.
The Verdict
Billy Idol + Steve Stevens = hard rock perfection. This combination is what
was missing from Idol’s last outings. Billy and Steven stay true to form
for their comeback. Devil’s Playground may not be the best place
for kids to play, but mom and dad will sure have good time.
Did You Know?
Guitarist Mladen used to play with Von Groove, Triumph, and 24K
Rating:  out
of 5
--George Dionne
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