Cheap Trick: The Latest

Cheap Trick is a band that has been around forever. They have a handful of hits, mostly in their earlier years, but due to their loyal following they have managed to stick around mostly surviving on their live shows and live albums. Every so often they release some new music, and while not always hits it is usually pretty entertaining.

Their newest album, "The Latest" is another good record from the Illinois quartet. There are no chart toppers or radio hits, but it is a solid group of songs that are enjoyable to the ear.

Many downplay the band as has beens, but these are the people who never listened past the 70's or were only fans of the "Flame" in the 80's. This is their 4th album in the 90's & 00's and most likely the best. The band shows how good they really are with Zander’s impeccable vocals on a slamming version of Slade’s “When the Lights are Out,” an opulent psychedelic pop ballad “Miss Tomorrow” and then the smack to the face “Sick Man of Europe,” with Petersson’s predatory bass leading the way.

Always one of the best live bands around, their studio albums rock just as much...well most of them. This new one is definitely a must have, not only can you get the cd, you can download it, buy the record or 8-track. Yes I said 8-track, they released this album on 8-track, not sure why this was done.

Also, be on the lookout for a new live release recorded in Vegas when Robyn, Rick, Tom and Bun E. performed the Beatles "Sgt. Peppers Band" album in it's entirety.