 Never one of my favourite artists apart from the obvious appeal of Cat Scratch Fever and the like, Ted Nugent and his career really passed me by. In hindsight, I found that a lot of bands passed me by - that's what you get when you're in the Kiss Army. My first real introduction to Gonzo was with Craveman's predecessor, the live Full Bluntal Nugity. Pretty impressed by the force that Ted delivers and not many others do, I was looking forward to Craveman . . .
So now I'm in a tricky position, but probably the best of all from which to judge. No conception of the past, not able to name his definitive album, Craveman has to stand on its own two feet in 2002. There's a scary thought.
Craveman isn't a bad album, but it's not a great one either. Loaded to the max at one end (i.e. the beginning), it just hasn't got the sustainability to make it through to the end with enough credo to make it a winner. Rawdogs + Warhogs stands out along with Crave as being the strongest material on the album, and Pussywhipped had me going for a minute there too, but three great tracks does not a classic album make.
Behind the scenes, Nugent has got himself a pretty hot band. Marco Mendoza and Tommy Clufetos provide a solid pounding wall for Nuge to bounce himself off. These are a couple of names to watch out for in the future - the sort of guys that will end up playing with Alice Cooper given half the chance.
I suspect that Cum N Gitya Sum-O-This will be right up the street of the hardcore fraternity, likewise with Wang Dang Doodle, but I'm unconvinced. Attitude and chops that could knock down a tree are two a penny these days. There's too much history and choice for me to be really enthralled, but given a few beers and party I might change my mind. It's just that kind of album.
Much respect where it's due though. Ted Nugent lives his life by his own rules - always has, always will - and that, for anyone, is the ultimate success. :: Sion Smith |
