Tommy Lee - Tommyland: The Ride Review
by Morley Seaver
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I've always been a big Tommy fan, right
from the start. He has demonstrated a true appreciation for his fans, always
making time for them in public and bailing on Motley when he felt they
were going through the motions. His solo work has showed a true desire
to spread himself beyond the party-rawk of the Crue. He has dabbled in
rap and dance-oriented material with his first solo record and his DJ stints.
His second solo record showed that he could sing and not pigeonhole himself.
With "TommyLand: The Ride", Mr. Lee has
grown again and has produced an amazing CD that is both musically pleasing
and true to him as an artist. The record is mostly a laid-back affair that
has a few rockin' moments. Never one to fear sharing the spotlight, he
has recruited an army of friends to help with this project. Names like
Dave Navarro, Benji & Joel Madden, Deryck Whibley, Chad Kroeger, Butch
Walker, and Nick Carter to name a few. They add to the record but it still
feels like Lee is never upstaged at any point.
Then there's the songs. Essentially there
are no low points on this record. I've read reviews where people are slamming
the inoffensive, more mainstream sound of the record. Well, he's already
done "Wild Side" and "Girls, Girls, Girls", you morons. The more edgier
material can be used for the next Motley release. What do you want, The
Mentors?
The record starts off with a real absolute
monster, "Good Times" where Tommy sounds just awesome. Excellent verses
and better chorus. "Hello, Again" is an Oasis-ish sounding cut that rivals
the first cut. It's beyond good and has an amazing bridge running into
the simple but hooky chorus that will stick in your head. The going gets
a bit rockier for the next cut "Tryin' to be Me", where Tommy talks about
the downside of celebrity. We're still on a roll because this the third
excellent cut in a row.
The next cut, "Sister Mary" is a bit of
a slight left turn. It's a straight ahead rock song that sounds like it
would be something Motley could do. Next we're treated to the outgoing
phone message from someone who purports to be Tommy's butler…something
about picking up nylons and garters and champagne corks.
"Tired" is up next and it's a cheeky number
talking about dudes tired of their exes. While the last few cuts have been
good, it's back to the great stuff, folks. "I Need You" featuring Andrew
McMahon from Something Corporate, is a real highlight on the record. "Make
Believe" with, I think (there is no track listing credits) Chad Kroeger,
is in the same vein, if not better.
The British female singer Dirty Harry duets
with Tommy on "Makin' Me Crazy" and continues the streak of greatness.
The Nickelback-ish "Watch You Lose" and "Say Goodbye" are both very good.
Closing out the record is an acoustic version of "Hello, Again", which
finishes things off perfectly.
Don't listen to the other idiots out there
that are sluffing off this record. No, it is not Dr. Feelgood. Nor Shout
at the Devil. It is full of songs that could be played on most rock radio.
It has some ballads. That's a bad thing? Not to me! This is an excellent
record that has no weak spots. Tommy delivers great vocals (as well as
all drums) and the songs are top-notch. He is ably supported by some talented
friends and, sound-wise everything is crystal clear.
That's my boy. Way to go, Tommy.
CD Info and Links
Tommy Lee - Tommyland: The Ride
Label: TL Education Services, Inc.
Rating:
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