Cheap Trick, Rockford

Cheap Trick, Rockford (Big3 Records-2006)

Album number 15 for this "Rockford" based band. Yeah it is named after the bands home town and why not. A band that always had there feet on the ground and from the early 90s were pretty much self managed. With the record company poking there nose in much of the time as soon as the deal was over it was time to move on. 1997 the released a self titled album that was for me a cracking return to form and a new start.

Here is an album that I think was not given any real mainstream coverage as people more likely assume the band is passed it or worse still just listen to the first few albums. Well you need to add this to the collection as it is fantastic. A proper all out rock album that pulls many a punch. It is like a mix of old and new with the catchy vocals we have all heard before.

Every track here is a great one and the album opens with "Welcome to the World" it feels like the band are having just as much fun as the listener. "Perfect Stranger" shows a band who can still play so well together. I know this is not just studio production as I have seen the band live a few times now and the are still amazing to see. Rick Nielsen may not run about the stage as much or as fast but hell they can play.

If this was the mid 80s this album would have sold bucket loads but 2006 and on there own label it really did not stand a chance. But I don't think the band care as long as the fans like it.

Any younger person reading this may remember the That 70s Show theme tune? That was this band! Think of that show intro but faster and more fun and you have the first half of this album.

I could review each track on its own but why bother as all have the same sound and it is great. A band that people can't rip off as all bands after them agree they were the most fun.

Those few of you who read this and get this album then you are in for a real treat and if you have never listened to a Cheap Trick album before then here is where to start. It has been well documented the band help influence the likes of Nirvana, the Pixies, Pearl Jam, Weezer, the Ramones and countless others.

By the way album 16 if fantastic as well, still on tour and going strong Cheap Trick, 1973–present

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