Ugly Kid Joe – Stairway To Hell (Deluxe Edition)

Ugly Kid Joe mark their return into the rock limelight with the great re-issue of Stairway to Hell....
Ugly Kid Joe : Stairway To Hell (Deluxe Edition)
9.0 MRI
2013 

Ugly Kid Joe : Stairway To Hell (Deluxe Edition)Ugly Kid Joe mark their return into the rock limelight with the great re-issue of Stairway to Hell; a nine-track album which complements their past repertoire by including influences which made Ugly Kid Joe so popular to many worldwide.

Having been out of the picture for some time, since 1997, it was a delightful surprise to hear an announcement of their reformation in 2010 and subsequent EP release that soon followed in 2012.  This EP originally comprised of six tracks in total: “Devil’s Paradise”, “You Make Me Sick”, “No One Survives”, “I’m Alright”, “Love Ain’t True!” and “Another Beer”.  It seems that Stairway to Hell is a culmination of the best styles and elements from their previous albums, some of which are more successful than others – America’s Least Wanted (1992) and Menace to Sobriety (1995).

Vocally and lyrically the songs emanate the familiar and comforting sound of the past, yet provides listeners with some relatively new material and variations that add that little bit extra.  The new numbers are almost on par with their first two albums, with “Devil’s Paradise” and “No One Survives” being the tracks of choice that stand out profusely, by taking the lead with heavy guitar riffs which alone sound the ‘fanfare’ of their return.  The range of styles between the songs, from heavy to acoustic, seem to indicate that the band are attempting to showcase their talent as much as possible – in order to remind old fans and newcomers alike that they’re still the same grunge rockers who haven’t lost their charm.  The only aspect that can be said to indicate that it’s been a whopping seven years since the last album is Whitfield Crane’s vocals.  Although still sounding as great as ever, the slightest change that has appeared through the tone of his voice now gives a certain vibe that resonates that of Ozzy Osbourne and Bon Scott – an aspect which supplies something new and complements the pieces in this new EP.

The deluxe edition (2013) also features acoustic tracks such as: a cover of their own track “Cats In the Cradle” which they most definitely re-capture the original charm of perfectly, “Would You Like to Be There”, and “No One Survives” – a great acoustic song with meaningful vocals.  These acoustic pieces are a great addition to the album.

“Welcome back, my friend…”

Ugly Kid Joe – No One Survives

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