By Susie Salva
Going back to their roots Poison puts their unique spin on 13 cover tunes from the ‘70s and ‘80s on their first new studio album, “POISON’D!” on EMI America Records/Capitol since the 2002 release of “Hollyweird.” Working with renowned producer Don Was and recorded at Hensen Recording Studios in Hollywood, he was able to extract the best out of each band member and collectively.
Who knew that the band would endure for this long? One of the most iconic bands, twenty-one years is quite an accomplishment. Unfortunately, their fans may be disappointed that the new disc doesn’t feature any new material. But most fans still contend that Poison’s music elevates their spirits with feel good tunes. “I’m like a ‘70s kind of guy,” says Bret Michaels in a previous interview and that is apparent
on this new disc.
The 13 explosive tracks on “POISON’D!” include new recordings of David Bowie’s “Suffragette City,” The Cars, “You’re Just What I Needed,” The Romantics, “What I Like About You,” Sweet’s, “Little Willy (which kicks off the CD), The Marshall Tucker Band, “Can’t You See,” and The Rolling Stones, “Dead Flowers.” Some of Poison’s best previously recorded covers and encore favorites featured on “POISON’D!” include KISS, “Rock and Roll All Nite,” Grand Funk Railroad’s, “We’re An American Band,” and Loggins & Messina’s “Your Mama Don’t Dance.”
“POISON’D!” features Poison’s original members, Bret Michaels (vocals), C.C. Deville (guitar), Rikki Rockett (drums), Bobby Dall (bass). “Poison is one of the greatest rock’n roll bands in the world and, after 20 years, they can slam better than ever,” says producer Don Was. It’s interesting to note that on this disc the songs covered have also been produced by some of the best rock producers in the business including Rick Rubin, Thom Panunzio, Ric Browdie, and Tom Werman.
Last April, Poison rocketed into the Billboard Top 20 with the #17 debut of the band’s 20th anniversary hits collection. “The Best of Poison: 20 Years of Rock (Capitol/EMI). The 18-track hits collection was soon certified gold and Poison tore through the summer of 2006 on their highly successful “20 Years of Rock” North American concert tour. Following the release of ‘POISON’D!”. Poison will hit the road again this summer for a major North American concert tour. For tour dates please check:
www.poisonweb.com and www.myspace.com/poison for the latest Poison news and links to other Poison-related websites.
While “POISON’D!” whets fans appetites it begs the question as if they are still capable of producing new music that is up to par with what fans have expected in the past. For now, “POISON’D!” will provide fun music to dance to at their summer concerts but not a lot else. Overall, the new CD is entertaining but lacking substance.
