The fourth of July is the
release date of Uncle Ted Nugent's
latest album 'Shutup&Jam!'. Either
you love this ultra radical madman or do you
just ignore him. I'm impressed by his burning and
his true love for his
homeland and the American flag. I have
been a fan of this magical guitarist
through the years and usually doesn't
miss an opportunity to see this show man
on a stage, when he plays in Sweden.
The latest studio albums haven't
been in an caliber, which have been
attracting a purchase. I was hoping
that this disc could be a step back to
his old hard rocking style. After my
first spin of "Shutup&Jam!", I became
both confused and a little disappointed
with this album, but I believe I have
too high expectations after my seven
years longing since the last album "Love
Grenade".
After my nine or tenth listening
I can pick some tracks which shake my
rock 'n' roll nerves a little more than other.
The first four songs are really
good songs with classy rock n roll
vibes, and a special vocal performance
from Sammy Hagar on 'She's Gone'.
Musically this is a really good disc
actually, but the lyrics do I leave to
you... 'Throttledown' is the most groovy
track on the album with amazing guitar
stuff.
Another track which appeal my
mind is the straight forward rock song
'Screaming Eagles' with similarities to
'Scream Dream'. Uncle Ted mixes blues and
hard rock in his own style and spice it
up with his classy guitar skills. 'Trample
the Weak Hurdle the Dead' and 'Never
Stop Believing (Blues)' closes this
album and these two tracks rescue the
rating into an OK level.
Not his best album, but I do
like that he still want to create new
rock music and I respect Ted's passion
and conviction for what he believes in,
but I'd rather listen to his live album
'Ultralive Ballisticrock' from 2013.
Line up:
Ted Nugent – guitars, vocals
Derek St. Holmes – rhythm guitar,
backing vocals, lead vocals on
'Everything Matters'
Greg Smith – bass
Mick Brown – drums
Sammy Hagar – vocals on 'She's
Gone'
