MOTLEY CRUE - Dr Feelgood 12" Vinyl LP Album

European Release

Motley Crue's 1989 magnum opus, "Dr. Feelgood." It's an album that embodies the excesses and contradictions of its era, a sonic sledgehammer that shattered the mold and left an indelible mark on the Sunset Strip's glitzy facade.

Released at the tail end of the hair metal heyday, when spandex and Aqua Net reigned supreme, "Dr. Feelgood" was a defiant middle finger to the critics who dismissed Motley Crue as a bunch of cartoonish party animals. The album's title track, a swaggering anthem of hedonistic abandon, became an instant radio staple, its infectious chorus worming its way into the collective consciousness of a generation teetering on the brink of adulthood.

But there was more to "Dr. Feelgood" than just catchy hooks and raucous energy. The album's production, helmed by the legendary Bob Rock, was a revelation, capturing the raw power of the band's live performances while adding a layer of polish that elevated their sound to new heights. Recorded at Vancouver's Little Mountain Sound Studios, the album's sonic landscape was a far cry from the thin, tinny production that plagued many of their contemporaries.

From the opening salvo of "T.N.T. (Terror 'N Tinseltown)" to the closing ballad "Time for Change," "Dr. Feelgood" is a masterclass in controlled chaos. Nikki Sixx's bass lines throb with a primal intensity, Tommy Lee's drumming is a relentless barrage of percussive fury, Mick Mars' guitar riffs slice through the mix like a razor blade, and Vince Neil's vocals are a snarling testament to the band's unrepentant spirit.

The album's lyrical content, while often steeped in the tropes of sex, drugs, and rock and roll, also delved into darker territory. Songs like "Slice of Your Pie" and "Rattlesnake Shake" explored the seedy underbelly of the Sunset Strip, while "Kickstart My Heart" chronicled Sixx's near-fatal overdose. It was a raw, unflinching look at the band's own struggles with addiction, a stark reminder that the party couldn't last forever.

Of course, Motley Crue's music was never far removed from controversy. Their outrageous stage antics, fueled by a seemingly endless supply of Jack Daniels and cocaine, often overshadowed their musical accomplishments. But with "Dr. Feelgood," they proved that they were more than just a circus act. They were a force to be reckoned with, a band that could deliver the goods both on and off the stage.

In the grand tapestry of rock and roll history, "Dr. Feelgood" stands as a testament to Motley Crue's enduring legacy. It's an album that captures the essence of an era, a time when hairspray and hedonism ruled the airwaves. It's a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can triumph. And it's a testament to the power of rock and roll to transcend boundaries and touch the soul.

So crank up the volume, let the music wash over you, and remember a time when Motley Crue ruled the world. They may have been a mess, but they were our mess, and we wouldn't have it any other way.