Alice Cooper has a special place in my heart. "Billion Dollar Babies" was the first "real" rock album I ever own (as opposed to David Cassidy and Bobby Sherman LPs up until then). After a week of non-stop listening on a little portable turntable (you know, the kind where the lid closes to play), not only had I memorized the whole thing, but I also tore down all those Partridge Family posters on my walls and sang "Sick Things" loudly to terrorize my younger brother. Then I started bugging my Mom for a pet snake! In 1973 at the tender age of 10, a Rocker was born, and I’ve never looked back since. Alice Cooper was my salvation! Apparently, Alice was salvation to other rockers as well. Many of them have gotten together to pay their respects to the original Boogie Man of Rock on this CD. It’s not as good as you’d think; the problem is the performers are old 80s metal has-beens trying one last time to wave the metal banner. Dee Snider of Twisted Sister does an "okay" version of "Go To Hell" backed by Ozzy’s old guitarist Zakk Wylde and members of Quiet Riot.
I’m unimpressed with Bruce Dickerson’s over-produced "Black Widow." Motley Crue ruins "Cold Ethyl," and I just plain hate Glenn Hughes’ version of "Only Women Bleed." Not that this is a disappointing collection; there are some good stand-outs. Veteran rocker Ronnie James Dio sings a very appropriate "Welcome To My Nightmare" (suits him well!), and Def Leppard’s Joe Elliot and Phil Collen rock on "Under My Wheels" with Clarence Clemons on sax. The big surprise here is the Who’s Roger Daltry singing "No More Mr. Nice Guy" with Slash on lead guitar. Very good! Unless there is a favorite rocker on here you must have for your collection (in my case it’s Dio, although the Daltry tune is worth it, too) skip this one.
- Cheryl LeBeau
**1/2