Release date: Nov. 21, 2006
11 tracks; 41:06
During the summer, Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee, former Metallica bassist Jason Newstead and former Guns N Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke decided to form a new band.
They needed a singer, so they hit the television with a reality show contest to find the right person.
The winner was 29-year-old Lukas Rossi. The result is their self-titled debut album and a tour that kicks off on New Year's Eve in Las Vegas.
The debut is as much a solid rock and roll album as it is a showcase for Rossi's vocals.
While some compared Rossi's vocals to Carol Channing and said they'd never see the band live, I'm actually impressed by the new album - it's better than I thought it would be.
Some of the songs on the album should sound familiar to people who followed the show this summer.
"It's On" was performed at one point during the show and the first single, "Be Yourself (And 5 Other Cliches)" was performed during the show's finale.
"Headspin," a song written by Rossi and performed on the show is also on the album.
While I hoped it was the impressive acoustic version he performed during the show, it's plugged in but still rocks.
The album stands on its own without the show, thanks to the solid writing and performing on the album.
On a side note, it should be said that Newstead tore his shoulder and will be replaced on tour by former Black Crowes bassist Johnny Colt.
I once had the honor of sitting on a panel at the Atlantis Music Conference with Colt and from our brief meeting, I think he'll fit right into the band.
The question remains - will the band release more albums or is this a one-off side project.
I think there's potential here, but if it falls apart, I'm sure Rossi could find himself as a frontman for another group, and he's already got a solid resume to work from.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at November 24, 2006 8:20 AM
