Mötley Crüe’s : 'Dr. Feelgood'
Released: 21st September 2009
Label: Eleven Seven Music/Mötley Records/Universal
When it comes to 80's metal, Mötley Crüe have and always will be top of the pile. Aside from their bad boy, wrong side of the tracks image, their music has always contained a certain element that makes it impossible to dislike. Whilst Metallica set about becoming the biggest band in serious, no messing metal and Def Leppard cornered the market in tongue-in-cheek hard rock, The Crüe made the space in between their own with uncompromising guitars, addictive riffs and probably the best drummer in the world. And Dr Feelgood is probably one of their finest examples. Filled with memorable hits and typical attitude, it's re-release twenty years later brings it's welcome return to another generation.
Whatever you can say about Mötley Crüe, they have always been able to write a catchy, well deployed song. Whether it be a full out rocker, a slower sing-a-long number or even a ballad, every note is filled with addictive passion and verve that one can't help but admire. Dr Feelgood will obviously be looked upon for it's title track, as well as notable others, yet each track contains the aforementioned formula. “Rattlesnake Shake” is perhaps a slightly slower number, with it's lethargic opening containing distinct southern American influences, yet when in full flow it's crispy riffs are second to none. Mötley Crüe have a guitar tone like no other, full and rich yet with a deadly bite to it, and it is aptly present throughout the track. While the content may not be the deepest, it's sense and feeling more than make up for a lack of brains.
But as mentioned, this album is all about the title track and those infamous “notable others”. “Dr Feelgood” possess a riff forged in the previously mentioned manner, oozing cool and bristling with overdrive and attitude. It's fast and slick, with vocalist Vince Neil crooning wildly over the spikey instrumentation. A simply stunning guitar solo shows just how talented Mick Mars really is, whilst the song maintains it's chaotic tempo to it's conclusion. And then of course there's the infamous, beautifully dirty “Kickstart My Heart”. Once again filled to bursting with high tempo, filthy riffs the track has become one of the most recognisable Crue tracks ever since. Shouted group vocals make it a shout-a-long anthem for all that hear it, whilst a well crafted beat down slows the action momentarily to great effect. Whilst it may not be the deepest music ever to be written, there is no doubting the musical ability and implementation behind it.
And of course no Mötley Crüe album would be complete without the inclusion of innuendo, sexual suggestion and general horse play that the band themselves became infamous for. “She Goes Down” is a less than subtle nod of the head to such activity, especially given the sound of a zip and a giggling woman commencing the track and lyrics of “she goes down, down, down/all night long”. “Sticky Sweet” also proves to be rather straightforward in tone, yet with familiar crunching guitars and irresistible riffs it is not the subject matter but rather the talented musicianship that is most admired. Although obviously not to some people's taste, such tracks merely add to the roguish charm of the band, something that would have attracted many fans in the first place.
There is not enough that can be said for Mötley Crüe, who in re-releasing one of their best albums will no doubt, if the world is a fair place, be lauded once again for their massive contribution to hard rock and metal. And with a bonus disc full of demos and bonus tracks, there really should be no doubt that Dr Feelgood will once again receive the praise it fully deserves.
Words: Dan Grose
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