Hanoi Rocks [Import]

1. Strange Boys Play Weird Openings

2. Malibu Beach Nightmare

3. Mental Beat

4. Tooting Bec Wreck

5. Until I Get You

6. Sailing Down the Tears

7. Lick Summer Love

8. Beating Gets Faster

9. Ice Cream Summer

10. Back to Mystery City

11. Rebel on the Run

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:

Fashion
Trouble Boys
Fashione
Boulevard Of Broken Dreams
High School (Bonus Live Video)

Average customer rating:

Hanoi Rocks rock like f*!
Song " Winged Bull "
Amazing rock tunes
Great Songwriting is ck
Rebirth of Rock'n Roll

Twelve Shots on the Rocks
Hanoi Rocks
Manufacturer: Liquor & Poker
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Another Hostile Takeover
Two Steps from the Move
Back to the Mystery City
Self Destruction Blues
Lightning Bar Blues: The Albums 1981-1984

ASIN: B0000E3327
Release Date: 2004-01-27

Tracks:

Intro
Obscured
Bad News
New York City
Delirious
A Day Late, A Dollar Short
In My Darkest Moment
People Like Me
Watcha Want
Moonlight Dance
Gypsy Boots
Lucky
Watch This
Designs On You
Laku
Are You Lonely Tonight
Winged Bull

Album Description

Twelve Shots On The Rocks marks the first time in over 17 years that the original songwriting duo of Michael Monroe and Andy McCoy have collaborated as Hanoi Rocks. This domestic version features 17 tracks including 4 bonus tracks, 'Bad News', 'Moonlite Dance', 'L.A.C.U.' & 'Are You Lonely Tonight', as well as an enhanced video not available on the import version for the song 'Winged Bull'. Packaged in a deluxe three-panel digipak along with a 12-page full-color booklet of photos & song lyrics, plus a sticker of the Liquor & Poker Music logo. Liquor & Poker Music. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

Hanoi Rocks rock like f*!.......2006-12-14

I always liked Mike Monroe's/Hanoi Rocks' stuff back in the day when I discovered that they were almost every glam band's dirty little secret.

Hanoi Rocks was dirty and less polished back then. But 12 Shots is just great! It's polished and classy while being dirty, high energy, bluesy, sentimental and very true to it's punk/glam roots.

Get this album. You won't be disappointed.

Song " Winged Bull ".......2005-01-18

Not sure if many know this.....But Winged Bull is actually a Hall & Oates song from their 1977 album Beauty On A Back Street.

Amazing rock tunes.......2005-01-13

I just love great rock tunes and this album is full of them. The songwriting is very good, I think they are more consistent than Guns n Roses songwriting, I mean Use Your Illusions was experimental which is good, but I like those kind of bands that stick to their formula for greatness. Hard rocking beats, great choruses, etc. THis is one of my favorite bands, up there with Wildhearts, FAith NO MOre, and Mr. Bungle. I love that lucky song. Its killer. ITs a great album, buy it NOW!!!

Great Songwriting is ck.......2004-06-04

Hanoi Rocks are back and if you don't know who they are, it doesn't matter. If you have a love for creative and high energy music, this is the album for you. It is a raspberry in your face approach to attitude and emotion based rock `n' roll.
This is the album that took 17 years to make and it's their best ever. When I got this and saw that only two of the members were back (Michael and Andy) I was skeptical, especially since most of Michael Monroe's work has been absolute crap (he even got my favorite guitarist, Steve Stevens, sound bad on their failure of a collaboration, Jerusalem Slim) and their last studio album, Two Steps From the Move, was their worse album ever by far. I was, however, quite pleasantly surprised. I would call "12 Shots" the best album to come out since AFI released Sing the Sorrow (yes, it's even better than Outkast's Grammy winner). I find it rather strange though that neither Nasty Suicide nor Sam Yaffa played on this album considering that they often collaborated with Monroe throughout the Hanoi-less years. This would seem a disappointment especially since their work on the Johnny Thunders tribute seemed to point to an all out Hanoi reunion. Fortunately, the new band performs wonderfully on this exquisite collection of songs. The absence of the original rhythm section, Sam and Razzle (RIP), is felt by the lack of any songs reminiscent of the camp classic, "Tooting Bec Wreck." This cloud definitely has a silver lining, though, as it is good to see Hanoi not recycling previous failsafe ideas like so many other bands do when they have their "reunions." Without a doubt, the classic Hanoi sound is still there, but continues to move forward. This may be due to the change in songwriting leadership. While before, almost all of their songs were written exclusively by McCoy, this time around sees Monroe taking the helm as he writes or co-writes almost all of the original songs on the album (which scared me at first considering his track record). The best song on the album by far is "In My Darkest Moment," a collaboration between the two. This song, along with "Obscured," is a testament to the fact much focus has shifted away from camp and goofiness of their original sound as showcased on Back to Mystery City, it has shifted toward depth and lyrical maturity. There are still songs like "Delirious" to give listeners are chuckle, but this album has a far more urgent sound than previous efforts.
Unfortunately, Hanoi will never get the respect they deserve because they refuse to sell out. They are deeply rooted in glam which has the biggest stigma of any genre attached to it. Fear not though, this is not some Motley Crue/Poison sounding band. While the aforementioned have obviously taken their cues from the Rocks, the eyeliner veterans are much closer in sound and attitude to Iggy Pop than Whitesnake, Great White, or any of those ozone-depleting bands. Actually the climatic buildup and depth of several of the songs remind me a bit of 1970's Springsteen. Hanoi would no doubt be much more respected if no one knew what they looked like. First of all, no self-respecting punk should be without at least one Hanoi Rocks album, as their sound is as punk as anything out there. However, Hanoi also have a tender side to them which is evident on every album (and fortunately this album didn't need yet another version of "Don't You Ever Leave Me" in order to display that). If Hanoi Rocks were to comb down their hair, stop dressing like Debbie Gibson wannabe crack [prostitutes], and reinvent their image, they would probably be sharing chart success with Jet and the Darkness, but instead they stick to their guns and lipstick.
This is a great album for people who may not be Hanoi Rocks fans or glam rock fans at all. It is highly recommended for people who like innovative and high energy artists like the Sex Pistols, Andrew WK, AFI, HIM, Outkast, early Springsteen, Meatloaf's Bat Out of Hell, Prince, Siegue Siegue Sputnik, and of course, Johnny Thunders. If you like bands that take chances and push the envelope you will love this album. Just don't look at the damned pictures and you'll be fine.

Rebirth of Rock'n Roll.......2004-04-24

This IS the "Appetite for Destruction" of 21st century, period. Just listen to the samples and make your own decision. This is a bit harder than 80's Hanoi Rocks but all the good stuff is still there and this CD is just as good as all the classical Hanoi stuff. Mark my words: real Rock'n Roll is coming back after more than a decade of commercial and gutless crap. Once again Hanoi Rocks is showing the world the direction of music.

Bangkok Shocks, Saigon Shakes, Hanoi Rocks

Average customer rating:

Hanoi's First
Excellent debut

Bangkok Shocks, Saigon Shakes, Hanoi Rocks
Hanoi Rocks
Manufacturer: Geffen Gold Line Sp.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Oriental Beat
Back to the Mystery City
All Those Wasted Years
Two Steps from the Move
Back to the Mystery City

ASIN: B000000OZC
Release Date: 1996-03-19

Tracks:

Tragedy
Village Girl
Stop Cryin'
Don't Never Leave Me
Lost in the City
First Timer
Cheyenne
11th Street Kidzz
Walking With My Angel
Pretender

Customer Reviews:

Hanoi's First.......2002-12-27

For a first album this sure kicks. How impressive. From the first til now they are still kickin'. This album has such songs as "Tragedy" & "Walking With My Angel", wonderfully done. Their first effort is well worth a listen. They just kept getting better with each record. In my opinion they are the best band ever. For a bunch of 19 year old boys this is a killer record.

Excellent debut.......2001-07-22

Generally this Hanoi Rocks' debut album is considered as their best but although it contains lot of fast, energic glam rock, it doesn't reach to Oriental Beat's level. Bangkok Shocks Saigon Shakes Hanoi Rocks is still a very very good debut album with Tragedy, Lost In The City and Cheyenne as highlights. Lyrically they aren't superior but Mike Monroe's vocals and powerful guitar playing by Andy McCoy are enough to create good feeling which is most important. This album has that glam/hard rock sound of the early 80's from which many bands such as Guns n' Roses was to take their inspirations. Again if compared to Hanoi Rocks' next album Oriental Beat this suffers from lack of truly big hits. Bangkok songs are constantly good but the best remains to be heard in next album(s).

Average customer rating:

A TOUCH OF GLAM
Bangkok Shocks... :superior album from this genius band!
Amazing glam rocknroll
Open Up And Say Glam

Bangkok Shocks, Saigon Shakes, Hanoi Rocks
Hanoi Rocks
Manufacturer: Castle
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Oriental Beat
Back to the Mystery City
Self Destruction Blues
Two Steps from the Move
Twelve Shots on the Rocks

ASIN: B000057DY1
Release Date: 2001-02-20

Tracks:

Tragedy
Village Girl
Stop Cryin'
Don't Never Leave Me
Lost in the City
First Timer
Cheyenne
11th Street Kidzz
Walking With My Angel
Pretender

Album Description

UK reissue of the glam inspired rock act's 1981 album, fully remastered from original tapes. Includes new sleeve notes and fully annotated track listings. Currently out-of-print in the U.S.. Tracks include 'Village Girl' & ''Lost In The City'. Standard jewel case. 2001 release.

Customer Reviews:

A TOUCH OF GLAM.......2005-10-26

Glam and sloppy hard rock with a pounding infectious rhythm, Hanoi Rocks seemed to be living in a boarded up garage in 1981, unaware of the incoming post punk and new wave invasion. While we were trading punk for new wave, and new wave for post punk, Hanoi Rocks remained in a glittery '70s cocoon of New York Dolls style screech and scowl falsetto vocals and Alice Cooper glam debauchery, delivering songs that peel out of the garage and drive faster than your old man's Buick. This is big hair rock and roll with a juvenile lunacy indebted to Small Faces and The Sweet. Glam meets garage.

Bangkok Shocks... :superior album from this genius band!.......2005-10-19

armed with an endless barrage of catchy hooks and rock solid riffs (not too mention an endless supply of lipstick and hairspray), Hanoi Rocks established themselves as rulers of the glam rock throne of the 80's. whereas their old peers on the scene made albums that just sound dated and embarassing when listened to today; something about Hanoi Rocks has endured the test of time. their songs capture the glamour, the sleaze, the sex, drugs and rock and roll that they lived and played. using the template of blues-based hard rock and adding liberal doses of punk, pop, and some reggae, Hanoi Rocks created scores of amazing albums...whose songs came across like a cross between the New York Dolls and some of the later records by The Clash. each record didn't just contain incredibly well written songs, but they also built up the legend and mythos of this mighty band with each release. Hanoi Rocks fans are legendary for their rabid devotion and this album, Bangkok Shocks, Saigon Shakes, Hanoi Rocks, was the starting point for my fascination.

beginning with the quick pace of "Tragedy", the album launches right into it's urgent and confident stride with this great melodic rocker filled with hooks. next is the classic "Village Girl" which works a steady reggae punk ryhthm and has an anthemic feel to it. great great song! there's plenty of great ballads here too, like the sleazy slide of "Don't You Ever Leave Me" and the touching intro to "Cheyenne." really, folks, if i keep analyzing each song on this great cd, i'll be here all day. needless to say, if you're a fan of the Dolls, Rolling Stones, Guns N' Roses, the first Motley Crue album, or The Clash...you have absolutely no excuse not to check out this band! you have been warned!

Amazing glam rocknroll.......2002-10-10

I agree to a great extent with previous reviewers. However, I find this particular group second best in all of history, preceeded only by Guns N Roses (in order: GNR, Hanoi, Joy Division, HIM, Rolling Stones, Sex Pistols, Broder Daniel, NY Dolls, T-Rex). This album maybe their best since it contains the second best song ever, Village Girl (preceeded only by GNR-Rocket Queen). It's raunchy, raw and true to heart. Not a thought whatsoever has been wasted on critics or commercial aspects. In contrast to the general view on glam rock, that it is insipid and commercial - much due to the effort of Poison et al, you'll find that Hanoi rocks is exactly the opposite of that. They are cool despite the fact that they wear doisies, leather and spikes - because they don't give a damn.

Open Up And Say Glam.......2002-03-05

Although they are usually lumped in with the 80's era glam metal acts,Hanoi Rocks were more rock n' roll than metal, and closer to glam's early to mid seventies roots (New York Dolls,Johnny Thunders solo,T. Rex all come to mind)than their eighties brethren (Motley Crue,Poison etc.),who they probably influenced (more look and attitude wise)somewhat; and at times you can hear the coming of Guns N' Roses(who again were more metallish than Hanoi) in their music.There is also a late 70's punk element to their music,so it's not as outwardly commercial as you would expect from an 80's group with this type of look.Their debut is interesting,rockin' and loose, and at times refreshing,though not as essential as a Dolls or T. Rex album. Not a bad edition to your collection overall.

Average customer rating:

Street Poetry
Hanoi Rocks
Manufacturer: Demolition
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Hard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000UC7QN2
Release Date: 2007-09-10

Album Description

Legendary Finnish rockers return with a brand new studio album. Recorded at Finlands 'Seawolf studios this year, the album includes the no.1 hit single across Europe 'Fashion' which also remaind in the Finnish charts for 3 week. Michael Monroe's Hanio rocks are back. 13 tracks

Album Details

Legendary Finnish Rockers Return with their Most Powerful Release to Date. The Single "Fashion" Entered the Finnish Charts at Number One Position and Remanded their for Three Weeks.

Average customer rating:

One Of The Best Live LP's Ever
hanoi revisited
The Best Live Album Of 80's
the best live album ever !
Nothing wasted here--100% rock'n'roll!

All Those Wasted Years
Hanoi Rocks
Manufacturer: Geffen Gold Line Sp.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Bangkok Shocks, Saigon Shakes, Hanoi Rocks
Back to the Mystery City

ASIN: B000000OZG
Release Date: 1996-03-19

Tracks:

Pipeline
Oriental Beat
Back To Mystery City
Motorvatin'
Until I Get You
Mental Beat
Don't Never Leave Me
Tragedy
Malibu Beach Nightmare
Visitor
11th Street Kids
Taxi Driver
Lost In The City
Lightin' Bar Blues
Beer And A Cigarette
Under My Wheels
I Feel Alright
Train Kept A Rollin'

Customer Reviews:

One Of The Best Live LP's Ever.......2005-02-25

Classic Rock Magazine voted this one of the best live LP's ever....it out-ranked the much loved Made In Japan by Deep Purple!!!! Now that's saying something. I guess the real reason why i love this album is that it was recorded at a small venue, the Marquee in London, in December of 83. It has a kind of in your face vibe and the sound quality is amazing. I really have nothing bad to say about this LP..it's mixed very well...very clear. I just missed some songs that i wished were on this...such as Love's an injection or Devil Woman or Tooting Bec Wreck. I wish someone would dust off the tapes and release the entire show...there must be more in the vaults somewhere.

You will not be disapppointed.

hanoi revisited.......2000-10-08

i remember being introduced to hanoi rocks in the late eighties by catching a blurb in rolling stone that axl rose had considered them a major influence and decided to reissue the band's entire back catalog on cd. while this was noteworthy in itself, some of the album titles in the review were attention grabbers: "bangkok shocks, saigon shakes, hanoi rocks" seemed like a bold name for a debut and painted an air of mystery and exotica around the band. i soon had purchased the entire catalog. although i have long outgrown hard rock, hanoi rocks was an important band for me. it was the first group that i listened to that was under the radar, releasing its entire output on indie labels. it opened me up to the idea that radio was a very limited outlet for interesting music and that the best music was that which required a little bit of investigation to find. michael monroe was beautiful and oozed attitude, a drag queen not intimidated of grabbing the reins for a band that had a lot of musical muscle and real swagger. their debut was unaccomplished but had a spiky, out-of-the-gutter punk attitude that kept the whole endeavor afloat. "village girl" and "stop crying" contained amazing slices of music but were bogged by their kindergarten lyrics. the "oriental beat" album was the point where they started to embellish their music with the sort of exotica in which their name implied. "motorvatin", "visitor", "sweet home suburbia", "no law or order", and the title track were gloriously diverse and rocked unlike any other glam band before or since. in fact, despite the image, hanoi was not a glam band at all. however, they did use that music as a lens to filter punk, blues, candy pop, and r&b. as for this live album, it starts off killer and then sort of slumps in the middle before delivering a fantastic finale. the opening four song sequence demonstrates that once locked into a groove the band could entertain with inventiveness and precision. the encore of covers at the end are rather faithful to the originals but are done with a hungry vitality that surprises given the band was at the very end of their career trajectory. they decided to call it quits when their drummer, razzle, died in a car crash with a very drunk vince neil. it was a respectable decision and one i stand behind since the musical direction they were heading into with "two steps from the move" was conventional and stripped the band of all the exotica, diversity, and soul that they displayed on their prior releases. unfortunately, these releases are once again out-of-print and the band's most vital and interesting work is unavailable to dot com and record store browsers.

The Best Live Album Of 80's.......2000-05-26

Hanoi Rocks never sold millions of albums, but they were one of the best live bands back in th 80's. They were raw, wild and most of all they knew how to play their instruments. Maybe Andy McCoy is not Eddie Van Halen, but he really kicked ass with his guitar (one thing that Ed. never did). Unfortunately this is only live album of Hanoi Rocks, but it is the best HR. There is almost every classical Hanoi-tunes and in live athmosphere these songs are even better than in studio albums. If this band would have last, we never have heard band called Guns N' Roses.

the best live album ever !.......2000-01-06

hanoi rocks were at the top of their game when they recorded this. the album is alot more raw than their studio recordings. I would recomend this album for anyone who's a fan of punk or glam rock.these guys were stars its ashame they never got bigger.

Nothing wasted here--100% rock'n'roll!.......1999-10-28

A great, alas mostly forgotten, hard rock/glam band from those distant days of the early 80s. From the raucous, rampant energy of "Motorvatin'" to the sad, heartbroken lament of "Don't Never Leave Me" (re-arranged and recorded on their final album, "Two Steps from the Move"); from the bluesy, nightmarish howls of "Taxi Driver" (no, this is no ode to Travis Bickle) to the terrific covers that end the set: "Lightnin' Bar Blues," "Under My Wheels," "I Feel Alright" (actually it's the Stooges' "1970") and "Train Kept A-Rollin'," this is a terrific CD, and a bargain! When compared to other glam rock/metal bands of the same era (you know--Crue, Ratt, etc) those other guys don't stand a chance. About ten years ago I saw the live video for this, and it's amazing; they cover "Blitzkrieg Bop" too! Rock'n'roll this straight-up is a refreshing shot that burns!

Average customer rating:

Spectacular
Back To Mystery City: strange boys
Inept and stupid
We Can Only Wonder
GUNS N WHO?

Back to the Mystery City
Hanoi Rocks
Manufacturer: Castle
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Bangkok Shocks, Saigon Shakes, Hanoi Rocks
Oriental Beat
Two Steps from the Move
Self Destruction Blues
All Those Wasted Years

ASIN: B000057DY0
Release Date: 2001-05-08

Tracks:

Strange Boys Play Weird Openings
Malibu Beach Nightmare
Mental Beat
Tooting Bec Wreck
Until I Get You
Sailing Down the Tears
Lick Summer Love
Beating Gets Faster
Ice Cream Summer
Back to Mystery City

Album Description

UK reissue of the glam inspired rock act's 1983 album, fully remastered from original tapes. Includes new sleeve notes and fully annotated track listings. Currently out-of-print in the U.S.. Tracks include 'Malibu Beach Nightmare' & 'Mental Beat'. Standard jewel case. 2001 release.

Customer Reviews:

Spectacular.......2006-04-30

A mixture of blues, punk, and old school rock n roll come together in this great album. Songs that stand out are the classics: malibu beach nightmare, mental beat, tooting bec wreck, and until i get you. Altough every song is catchy, upbeat and memorable just like all of Hanoi Rock's music. In my opinion, this band is highly underrated and to the major population, unknown. It's suprising that bands like the New York Dolls and Guns N Roses are more recognized even though Hanoi Rocks is far superior to both. Don't let this album pass you by.

Back To Mystery City: strange boys.......2005-10-21

boiled down to it's bare form, Hanoi Rocks is a hard rock band...pure and simple. from their blues-based song structures to their street tough attitude, this is rock and roll in it's most primitive form. the refining touch is added in liberal doses, as these Finnish boys digested the influence of glam rock, punk, and reggae and redirected it within their music to create some of best written and classic songs ever! how can anyone listen to cuts like the title track to this album and not recognize the genius at work here? these tunes are packed and overflowing with brilliant melodies, ultra catchy hooks, and riffs galore. just in case you might have not known, Hanoi Rocks was a direct influence on many (if not all) of the Los Angeles hair rockers from the 80's and 90's...Poison, Motley Crue, Guns N' Roses. but please don't hold those band names as reference points to the mighty Hanoi Rocks. because the Rocks had more class and firepower (not too mention a streak of weirdness and an embraceable sense of freakishness that their Los Angeles counterparts, due to unbreakable egos, would never be able to charm out of themselves) than all of those bands combined. this album contains classics such as the drugged and dazed "Tooting Bec Wreck" which stumbles and crawls along with it's howling melody and was a big live favorite back in the day. and the shimmering pop rock of "Until I Get You" is a definite standout on this record. the weirdness creeps in right from the beginning with the gentle folk strum of "Strange Boys Play Weird Openings." when is the last time you heard nature sounds of birds chirping and flowing streams when you pushed play on one of your other rock records? haha...like i said before, pure genius at work. a recommended album. a recommended band!

Inept and stupid.......2005-08-02

One of the worst albums I've ever heard. These guys start not one but two songs with the drumbeat from the song Saturday Night by the awful, awful band Bay City Rollers. S-A, T-U-R, D-A-Y, Night! The playing is junior high school inept, the singing just passable. The songwriting might be impressive if it had been done by retards or monkeys, otherwise it just doesn't cut it. I can't imagine what powerfully halucinogenic drug the other reviewers were smoking, but if it can make someone find any value in this amateurish mess of an album then I want some too. All the talent is in the singers hair. Seriously, these guys make the New York Dolls look like Berklee grads. Get any of their other albums before this one. Laughable.

We Can Only Wonder.......2002-09-26

In light of the fact that it's become de rigueur over the past several years to routinely dismiss hair spray metal as a minor footnote in the history of popular music, and despite the fact that many friends are probably going to turn up their noses at me like a soiled diaper, I have to cop to actually liking some of the stuff. If you drill down through groups of goofballs like Tora Tora Tora, Britny Fox, and Pretty Boy Floyd, there are some real treasures out there lurking beneath the hookeresque garb and ozone layer-depleting styling aids (see Faster Pussycat, Dogs D'Amour, London Quireboys). From the git go, there's more to Finland's Hanoi Rocks, and its proto-glam magnum opus "Back To Mystery City," than meets the eyeliner. Visually, the band took its cues from the New York Dolls but musically they eschewed flashy guitar licks, macho posturing, and dissing the competition in favor of saxophones, a revved-up, punky, twin-guitar attack, and hook-driven songwriting. If you're looking for a touchstone, think of them as the link between the Dolls and later pretenders like Motley Crue, Guns N'Roses, and Poison. In between the sound collage of bells, whistles, and blips that is "Strange Boys Play Weird Openings" and the album-ending title track, what the listener bears witness to is an infectious mix of lewd blues, punky pop attitude, and - always a big plus at Casa El Paull - big, soaring, sing-along choruses. "Back To Mystery City" documents a group of scruffy, street urchins on the brink of greatness, but our story has no happy ending, thanks to the drunken shenanigans of Vince Neil. Go figure...

GUNS N WHO?.......2002-04-10

ah, Hanoi Rocks... a classic band who will probably never get the credit they deserve. these guys were around before all the Sunset Strip glam bands and got only a fraction of the attention. this album is a classic from them with one great song after another. i wont even bother highlighting any because not one is a dud! the only problem i have with this cd is that the production could've used a bit more punch to it, but that aside, the songwriting is top notch rocknroll and this is a top notch album! highly recommended!

Average customer rating:

Great Album...where are the drums?
If you like Guns N' Roses, you must hear this album

Oriental Beat
Hanoi Rocks
Manufacturer: Geffen Gold Line Sp.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Back to the Mystery City
Bangkok Shocks, Saigon Shakes, Hanoi Rocks
Self Destruction Blues
Two Steps from the Move

ASIN: B000000OZD
Release Date: 1996-03-19

Tracks:

Motorvatin'
Don't Follow Me
Visitor
Teenangels Outsiders
Sweet Home Suburbia
M.C. Baby
No Law Or Order
Oriental Beat
Devil Woman
Lightnin' Bar Blues
Fallen Star

Customer Reviews:

Great Album...where are the drums?.......2005-02-25

Love the LP, did not like the production. THe original tapes are nowhere to be found from what i have been told. As a result it can be remastered but not remixed properly. The songs that appear on the boxset from this LP are far superior...just check out Devil Woman..i did not like this version but the boxset is amazing.

1. Motorvatin' - the live version is better. Sebastian Bach covers this as well.
2. Don't Follow Me - ok
3. Visitor - great tune...left in lunacy!
4. Teenangels Outsiders - ok
5. Sweet Home Suburbia - ok
6. M.C. Baby - great rocking tune.
7. No Law Or Order - not for me..but good.
8. Oriental Beat - fast, upbeat
9. Devil Woman - awesome, just not this version.
10. Lightnin' Bar Blues - very casual..its a Hoyt Axton cover.
11. Fallen Star - nice vocals from Michael - Sebastian Bach also covered this song.

Go get it...this was the 2nd studio LP..but the guy who produced it...did not like drums????

If you like Guns N' Roses, you must hear this album.......2002-12-09

Not so much to say, songs as Motorvatin' saying
"I've got skin thight jeans and high heel shoes, A leather jacket and nothing to lose Gotta rock the nation, down the filling station" are the perfect match that's why they were one of the best 80's metal bands...

Average customer rating:

Oriental Beat: pop overthrow
Incredible
Brilliant

Oriental Beat
Hanoi Rocks
Manufacturer: Castle
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

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Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Self Destruction Blues
Bangkok Shocks, Saigon Shakes, Hanoi Rocks
Back to the Mystery City
Two Steps from the Move
All Those Wasted Years

ASIN: B00005AFMB
Release Date: 2001-04-24

Tracks:

Motorvatin'
Don't Follow Me
Visitor
Teenangels Outsiders
Sweet Home Suburbia
M.C. Baby
No Law or Order
Oriental Beat
Devil Woman
Lightnin' Bar Blues
Fallen Star

Album Description

Mid-price reissue of the Finnish glam inspired metal act's 1982 album. Fully remastered from the original tapes. Includes new sleeve notes & fully annotated track listings. 11 tracks. 2001 release.

Customer Reviews:

Oriental Beat: pop overthrow.......2005-10-21

sadly, Hanoi Rocks always seemed to be standing on the side, watching as the bands who they influenced skyrocketed to stardom. bands like Poison, Motley Crue, and Guns N' Roses. but frankly, Hanoi Rocks contains alot more charm and better songs than any of those bands. fusing the best elements of glam, blues, pop, and some strong dub/reggae undertones (mostly in some of the basslines used in a few of their songs); Hanoi Rocks forged a back catalogue of essential and highly influential albums. recommended listening for fans of T.Rex, The New York Dolls, and The Clash.

Oriental Beat is the second album from these Hanoi Rocks and it's a lot more pop-oriented than their other releases. which is not a bad thing...tracks like "Don't Follow Me", "Teenangels Outsiders", and "Motorvatin'" excel in this kind of songwriting formula; and if there was any justice in the world, these songs would have been huge radio hits! but with all this slick pop business going down, their glammy trashy underbelly is still showing on strong tracks like "Lightening Bar Blues" and the title track.

for those of you who have yet to explore the fantastic music of this amazing band, Oriental Beat may not be the best place to begin...i would recommend starting with the Bangkok Shocks... album or maybe Back To Mystery City. but this still stands as an excellent record from a superior band!

Incredible.......2004-01-06

This album was my first introduction to Hanoi Rocks, and I had never heard of the band before, as I was only about 5 when Razzle was killed and they disbanded. It started about 2 years ago when I was looking for something to buy at a used CD store, and the cover caught my eye. Being a fan of the 80s hair bands I was drawn to the cover because it showed the band looking all tattooed and scruffy, with their big hair. It was only like $4.99 used so I figured what the hey, and I bought it, not really expecting that much. This album is now one of my favorite CDs of all time, and I own almost 500. Every song is great, not a dull moment. These guys just have great style, and the music just flows so smoothly, every song is incredibly catchy, and the lyrics are so much fun. Monroe is a great saxophone player, as he belts out awesome solos throughout. Soundwise, these guys are a direct cross between the 70s punk scene, and the 80s hairbands. But believe me, they are 10 times better than any 70s punk bands or 80s hairbands, except for maybe GnR, who they influenced a great deal. You can tell that Slash and Izzy must have listened to these guys a lot as you can hear shades of 'Appetite for Destruction' in the guitar playing. The highlights of the album include 'Motorvatin', 'Teenangels outsiders', 'Visitor', 'Dont follow me', 'Devil Woman', 'lightning bar blues', 'Oriental beat', and 'fallen star'. Thats almost every song, the songs I didnt mention are also very good, but these songs are unreal. 'Fallen Star' is a great ballad to close out the album, you can really feel the emotion in monroe's voice. Anyway, this is a perfect place to start if you want to get into Hanoi Rocks. If you are a fan of rock, punk, metal, or any kind of music, I don't see how you wouldnt love this album. Id give it 10 stars if I could.

Brilliant.......2002-12-27

Another great record by a great band. It kicks from "Motorvatin'" til the end. An absolute must for anyone who appreciates talent from their musicians. Michael & Andy prove once more that they are a step above the rest. Buy it, you will love every minute of it.

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