Two Steps From the Move

Two Steps From the Move

Track Listings

1. Up Around the Bend

2. High School

3. I Can't Get It

4. Underwater World

5. Don't You Ever Leave Me

6. Million Miles Away

7. Boulevard of Broken Dreams

8. Boiler (Me Boiler 'N' Me)

9. Futurama

10. Cutting Corners

11. Oriental Beat

12. Back to Mystery City

13. Motorvatin'

14. Until I Get You

15. Mental Beat

16. 11th Street Kids

17. Tragedy

18. Malibu Beach Nightmare

19. Taxi Driver

20. Lost in the City

See all 21 tracks on this disc

Tracks:

Up Around The Bend
High School
I Can't Get It
Underwater World
Don't You Ever Leave Me
Million Miles Away
Boulevard Of Broken Dreams
Boiler (Me Boiler 'n' Me)
Futurama
Cutting Corners

Customer Reviews:

Beyond Great!!!.......2006-10-20

It is truly heartbreaking that such a wonderful record would ultimately become the band's swan song! Listening to it, I get the same feeling as when I'm listening to Ozzy's "Diary of a Madman", thinking about what Randy Rhoads could have achieved... This was the last studio album from the original incarnation of Hanoi Rocks, which was tragically cut short by the reckless and irresponsible behavior of a drunk driver, whose name I won't even mutter in order to avoid promoting the guy.

Anyway...melancholy and anger aside, "Two Steps from the Move" is probably Hanoi Rocks shiniest moment: released through a major label, produced by a big name producer, chock-full of great songs, featuring fantastic playing... This should've been as big as "Appetite for Destruction" but...After struggling for many years, coming all the way from frigid Finland, establishing themselves as a competent band in the London club circuit and independently releasing 4 studio albums and a live record, the band was primed for world domination.

They went to Vancouver to work with their dream producer, Bob Ezrin (famous for his production of Alice Cooper's finest work, a major influence for HR) and came up with this jewel. Ezrin managed to extract the best out the band as a whole and as individual players as well, and the sound is punchy and aggressive, yet perfectly suited for radio airplay. I have to admit that it took me a little longer to diggest this album in comparison with their previous records, which essentially became instant hits in my collection, and that was probably because the production is more refined and focused, whereas their previous work was mostly fueled by their sheer energy and enthusiasm. Not to say that they were lacking songwriting before, or that this record lacks spontaneity, but simply that this records takes the best of both worlds.

The record opens with an awesome rendition on CCC's "Up Around the bend" that I personally prefer over the original. Next is "High School", which is a bit of a departure from vintage Hanoi Rocks, not so much in the music, but mostly in the nature of its lyrics: songs lyrics such as "Don't Follow Me", "Café Avenue", "Sweet Home Suburbia", etc, frequently depicted the lifestyle of the outsider with an almost tragic undertone, and therefore had an undeniable appeal to them; this one rather tackles the typical (and somewhat topical) teenage feelings of awkwardness that were very common for 80's bands. I'm guessing that was probably Ezrin's doing. But after a while, the song grew on me; "I can't get it" takes us back to Hanoi Rocks familiar lyrical content, and the track is a slow burner that really cooks; "Underwater World" has the distinction of using the phrase "welcome to the jungle" some 4 years before that other L.A band...what was their name...? sorry, I seem to have misplaced it somehow...

"Don't Ever Leave me" is a new arrangement of the classic "Don't Never Leave Me" from their independent debut, and while I do like it, I still prefer the original's raw beauty. But then comes the crown jewel: "Million Miles Away" is a sax infused, poignant ballad that changes its beat and pace right in the middle to go in an excursion into the realm of gypsy music (guitarist/songwriter Andy McCoy is of gypsy lineage), already experimented in earlier songs such as "Kill City Kills", "Sweet Home Suburbia" and "Village Girl". "Boulevard of Broken dreams" is somewhat reminiscent of AC/DC, and it's a fantastic track; the lyrics to "Boiler" could have easily been written by Bon Scott, and I'm sure Bon himself would be proud, as it reaches new highs (or lows, depending on where you stand...) with its horny male imagery; "Futurama" is a fast and furious track, little bit of a detour as well, expressing similar thoughts, obsessions and concerns as "High School", but great overall, and the final "Cutting Corners" is a fitting conclusion for the record, with a rather festive swagger.

All in all, this is my #2 favorite Hanoi Rocks record, second only to "Self Destruction Blues", but I must admit that I am a tad biased, Hanoi Rocks being my all-time favorite band. Simply put, they were the best!!!! If you like their previous work, this is a must, and if you're looking for a first taste of the band, this is probably the best place to start.

Average effort here!.......2005-12-28

Since I do not like to write "long" reviews, I'll say this and be done. This CD is "average" to me because I like my "Metal" a little harder and a little more sinful, a.k.a, Motley Crue, Ratt...etc. I feel this would be great CD for the casual / occasional metal listener who's not a die-hard like many of us!! Bottom line....if you like harder, dirty metal, you are not going to find it here!

MOVE!!!.......2005-05-05

This album was brought to my attention because another band I like said they grew up to this band. I wanted to see if there was a connection, and musically there isn't. But that didn't stop me from growing some love for Hanoi Rocks. The album is incredibly sweet. Glam Rock or Sleaze Metal, Hanoi Rocks has some really kickin' riffs. The melodies in their song are awesome, it isn't too intense or too soft, it's just beautiful music. Blending some sounds of the 70's with the 80's metal craze that they came from. "Don't You Ever Leave Me" is one of the greatest songs on this album. "High School" is a hilarious metal song to just jam to. The playing on this album is not the most intense, but it's enough to make you cruise down the highway at 90 and above, to let your hair fly to the wind. Forget comparing these guys to anyone else, Hanoi Rocks is in a class of their own. Don't get it twisted!

Two Steps From The World.......2005-02-13

I had to write this review...as the review below this one has a tonne of mistakes...so here are the corrections:

The band, founded in 1979, not 1980.
Michael MOnroe, not Munroe - real name Matti Fagerholm
Andy McCoy - real name Antti Hulkko
Nasty Suicide - real name Jans Stenfors
Sam Yaffa, not Jaffa - real name Sami Takamaki
Gyp Casino, not Gypsy - real name Jesper Sporre

Hanoi did not tour America til the fall of 84, not 83.
'Two Steps From The Move' was released in 1984, not 83.
Razzle died on Dec 8th, not November 9th.
Demolition 23 was Nasty, Sam and Mike. Not Andy and was 94, not 1990.

Also, to the Motley Crue fan who wrote the silly review (several reviews below) in an attempt to shock or alienate the Hanoi fans...you need new material. YOur attempt was lame. It's all been done before. We all know the truth. Vince has never apologized and by his own admission, deserved more punishment. And no, no one forced Razzle into the car.

So yeah...go get Two Steps...still my fave LP by anyone, anytime.

Two Steps From The Mott.......2004-07-17

Hanoi Rocks should of been huge. At the beginning of the eighties Motley Crue, Poison, and not even Guns and Roses were hip enough to look over the top of Hanoi Rocks platform boots.

The band, founded in 1980, consisted of Michael Munroe (real name Matti Fagenholm), the impossibly good looking, blond lead singer; Andy McCoy (real name Antti Hulkeho); Nasty Suicide (real name Jans Stenfas), between this pair of guitar slingers a more raunchy sound has never been developed; Bassist Sam Jaffa (real name Saki Takamki); and drummer Gypsy Casino (real name Jespo Sparse). Yes, if you haven't quite figured it out yet, these young guys were the cream of young musicians from Finland. However, after the release of their first album 'Bangkok Shocks, Saigon Shakes, and Hanoi Rocks' in their native land didn't coerce much response, it was decided to cross over the water and move lock, stock, and smokin' guitar case to London's fair city, where they were welcomed with open arms. That is apart from poor old Gypsy, who was ousted from his drum kit by a certain Nicholas (Razzle) Dingby. Razzle was so besotted by the band on first sight that he had to join one way or another. It's not the first time in rock 'n' roll history that a drummer has been replaced by someone not with more ability, but more enthusiasm and spirit.

With the lineup complete they soon had a successful 6 date tour of England with Wishbone Ash in their pocket. What the rather staid Ash fans must have made of this bunch of ragamuffins I have no idea, but, most importantly, the British music press was behind them, every man, woman and child. (Sounds wrote of their new prot?g?es "Born to be Superstars, Hanoi Rocks will soon be bigger than Coca-Cola and Big Mac's".)

The new album 'Oriental Beat'(1982) was recorded and released to fanatical reviews, but only moderate sales recorded in the British Isles. Although to be fair, things were a little better in the rest of the world. They had become huge stars in Japan just on their looks alone. Concert sales were not a problem, though hysterical scenes following the band where ever they played.

Buoyed by the live buzz and critical acclaim, they went back into the studio to come out with their third album 'Back to Mystery City'. One listen was all it took to realize the boys had perhaps been reading too much of their own hype. It was a flop peaking at number 87 in the British charts, and the band was savaged by press and fans alike. Fortunately the record company did not panic. After a quick groundbreaking tour of the United States of America, press reports were good again, although 'Back to Mystery City' was hidden from prying American ears. On arrival back in England the band was put back in the studio, this time with the guiding hand of producer Bob Ezrin. Moreover, and just to make sure there were no more slip ups, Ian Hunter of Mott the Hoople fame was brought in to help with the writing and arranging of several songs. The record company even persuaded our little tearaways to record a cover of Credence Clearwater's Revival 'Up Around The Bend', which was released before the album came out as a little taster. It was rushing up the charts with a bullet.

'Two Steps From The Move' was released in 1983, to mass critical acclaim and the 'Back to Mystery City' debacle was forgiven. The boys set out to conquer the world, first by flying out to prepare to tour America. Tragically on 9th November, while the band were partying with Motley Crue, Razzle accepted a lift from the drunken lead singer of Motley Crue, Vince Neil, who lost control of the car and the band's beloved drummer Razzle was dead. Vince Neil was convicted of vehicular manslaughter and served 30 days in jail. Hanoi Rocks never recovered. Oh, they pressed on till 1985, but the heart of the band had gone.

Michael Munroe later did a great solo album called 'Not Fakin' It' and McCoy, Suicide, and Monroe got together for an album called 'Demolition 23' in 1990. That really tore up the rock 'n' roll discos. But one listen to 'Two Steps From The Move' will prove what should of been. R.I.P. Razzle.

Tracks:

Up Around Bend
High School
I Can't Get It
Underwater World
Don't You Ever Leave Me
Million Miles Away
Boulevard Of Broken Dreams
Boiler
Futurama
Cutting Corners
Two Steps From The Move (Bonus Track)
Don't You Ever Leave Me (12" Version) (Bonus Track)
Oil & Gasoline (Bonus Track)
Magic Carpet Ride (Bonus Track)

Album Details

Finally a Properly Remastered Version with Four Bonus Tracks, Including the Title Track that Never Made it Onto the Original Album Cover.

Average customer rating:

Two Steps from the Move
Hanoi Rocks
Manufacturer: Beat Goes On
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000FIH4RE
Release Date: 2006-06-05

Tracks:

Up Around the Bend
High School
I Can't Get It
Underwater World
Don't You Ever Leave Me
Million Miles Away
Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Boiler (Me Boiler 'N' Me)
Futurama
Cutting Corners
Oriental Beat [Live][*]
Back to Mystery City [*]
Motorvatin' [*]
Until I Get You [*]
Mental Beat [*]
11th Street Kids [*]
Tragedy [*]
Malibu Beach [*]

Album Description

Digitally remastered edition of the Finnish hard rockers' classic 1983 album with eight bonus tracks: Oriental Beat (Live), Back To Mystery City, Motorvatin', Until I Get To You, Mental Beat, 11th Street Kids, Tragedy and Malibu Beach. Packaged in a slipcase with new liner notes. BGO. 2006.

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Edition of the 1983 Release from the Finnish Rockers Lead by Singer Michael Monroe. This Special CD Restores the Original Eight Bonus Tracks that were Issued with a Limited Edition Bonus Album with the Original LP.