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SAINTS OF LOS ANGELES
Motley Crue
Faced with listening to a new Motley Crue album, one might find the second track's chorus appropriate. "I'd rather be dead!" Vince Neil squeals. "I'd rather be face down in the dirt with a bullet in my head!" Neil, 47, singing through the eyes of a young slacker, is referring to the threat of getting a real job. The confessional continues on "What's It Gonna Take" -- which chronicles the Crue's early struggles -- and more anthems about the good ol' days based on "The Dirt," the group's autobiography. "Do you remember wheeen?" Neil begs during "Down at the Whisky," recalling the Sunset Strip's sleaze mecca. "We never made a dime, but, God, we had a good time."
Rockers reminiscing in rocking chairs? What's a graying hair band supposed to do, pen boneheaded tunes about sex? (The vulgar "This Ain't a Love Song" fits that bill. And sorta rules.) Songwriting mastermind and bassist Nikki Sixx may not be as sharp as a junkie's needle, but he's self-aware. He realizes that the Crue's fans are now dragging their offspring to Rocklahoma and fondly relishing their own skanky pasts.
The riffs aren't quite as lasting as the memories. They easily could soundtrack a kegger, but most stick like temporary tattoos. Guitarist Mick Mars still won't win any shredding contests, and overrated drummer Tommy Lee probably should just marry Meg White. Still, the title track rekindles "Shout at the Devil"-era evil, and the album's boozy memories of girls, girls, girls do sound genuine -- if not downright wistful. Cheer up, fellas, there's always the chance of starring in VH1's "Rock of Love 3."
-- Michael Deeds
Motley Crue plays Nissan Pavilion on July 13.
DOWNLOAD THESE:"Saints of Los Angeles," "This Ain't a Love Song"
REAL ANIMAL
Alejandro Escovedo
