Michael Monroe - One Man Gang
Legend gets bandied around far too freely, assigned to anyone who has been around for a few years. But then there are the true LEGENDS, those who may not have achieved huge success but have made classic, genuinely life changing music like Michael Monroe.
One Man Gang is - I think - the tenth solo studio LP from the former Hanoi Rocks, Demolition 23 and Jerusalem Slim frontman. And it is the best yet. Monroe is star of the show with that voice and trademark blasts of sax and harmonica but he is more than ably supported by a top-class band. On bass, there is his ex-Hanoi compadre Sami Yaffa. Hammering the kit is the aptly named Karl Rockfist. Guitars and backing box come from Rich (Yo-Yos) Jones and Steve (New York Dolls/Company of Wolves) Conte.
The standout track is the scuzzrock-meets-mariachi of Heaven Is A Free State. That aside, this offers nothing particularly new, mixing shoutalong high-energy punk-glam with lighters-in-the-air rock ballads but it is done with such passion, style and conviction that I just have to love it, with Low Life In High Places being an instant classic. For anyone who likes sleazy, scuzzy, swaggering rock ‘n’roll this is essential.
9/10
