 SKID
ROW
Thickskin
Skid Row Records 2003
www.skidrow.com
What's the 4-1-1?
It's hard to believe that's it's been more than ten years since Skid Row
broke into the heavy metal scene with their debut self-titled album. An album
that went on to sell 5 million copies in the U.S. alone. That was quite a
number for 1989. If that wasn't impressive enough, Skid Row topped that by
debuting at number one with their follow up album, Slave to the Grind. It
was the first heavy metal / hard rock album to reach the top spot. Riding
high on the success of those albums, Skid Row was everywhere. They were on
MTV, on the radio, and stirring up controversy. How could we forget former
frontman Sebastian Bach's childish tantrums, offensive T-shirt and off-kilter
stage performances? I'm sure they factored into the groups demise in 1995,
shortly after the release of their final album Subhuman Race. Like the mighty
phoenix, Skid Row has risen from the ashes to keep their legacy alive, and
possibly write a new chapter of their history. That history begins with new
frontman Johnny Solinger and their latest album Thickskin, released on their
own label Skid Row Records.
Genre
Hard rock / metal
The Good
Erase all your past memories of Skid Row because this is the “New Generation” as
exclaimed by Solinger and company on the opening track. The song is propelled
by a Marilyn Manson style riff. The industrial riffs are abandoned quickly,
as “Ghost” is classic Skid Row metal. It’s loaded with
catchy hooks and a memorable chorus. The group proves that haven’t
lost a step when it comes to songwriting either. “Born a Beggar” starts
off with a great twangy guitar intro, as the deep vocals of Solinger describe
one’s devotion to their significant other. The group goes in the opposite
lyrical direction on “See You Around”, a moving power ballad
about breaking up. The chunky guitars of “Thick is the Skin” boast
more of the updated sound, as does “Mouth of Voodoo”. “Lamb” has
a wicked baseline and a distinguished chorus. I’d be doing you a disservice
if I didn’t tell you how the remake of “I’ll Remember You” is.
The new up-beat tempo is better than the previous, but after hearing both
versions, Bach’s vocals would have been better.
The Bad
It's not the Skid Row you remember.
The Verdict
Thickskin is one of my favorites of this year. It’s heavy, the songs
are well written, and the guitar hooks are memorable, and radio friendly.
The band manages to keep their classic sound, but updates it to stay fresh.
However, I don't think of Skid Row when I listen to this CD. I’m sure
they needed the name to help promote it, but the music really stands on it’s
own. If the name Skid Row wasn’t used on this album, I think the music
would be able to tear up the rock radio charts. I can’t believe the
rock friendly record labels passed on this.
Did you know?
Guitarist Scotti Hill is also a member of the rock group Fu Manchu.
Rating:  out
of 5
--George Dionne
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