Cheap Trick/Cheap Trick 1977

Cheap Trick / Cheap Trick 1977

Producer: Jack Douglas

Label: Epic

B+

Cheap trick released their first album February 1977 with a young Jack Douglas producing. By this time the band had already written over 80 songs and lucky Douglas got to choose what songs to perform for their first album. Douglas also decided that he would record the band live with hardly any overdubs and go for a raw sound. Another goal of Douglas was to capture the fun that the band was having in performing the chosen songs. He may have captured this, but it didn’t capture an audience. The album only reached #207 on the Billboard charts, so it wasn’t a great success. Personally, this new album became one of my all time favorites. I picked it up because I had read the review in the Rolling Stone how Cheap Trick played rock ‘n roll like Vince Lombardi coached football! With that I decided I would give them a shot and rushed and bought the album at Budgets. They had this freshness with a bit of Beatles and Alice Cooper mixed in. Works for me! Cheap Trick became a new favorite band fast! Still love the album today? Let’s see…

Jeff

Cheap Trick was the beginning of a pattern for me during my teen years. I would go see a headliner, dislike the opening band, then for no logical reason, go buy the opening band's record. I purchased everything through Dream Police, and as they really seemed to be a darling of the music magazines I faithfully purchased, I tried hard to become a fan. I never got there. I'm the person real Cheap Trick fans hold in contempt, as I only really liked In Color. I certainly appreciate their status in rock history, but after an early immersion into their early stuff, never found myself returning to it in later years. So this is the first time returning to the debut album in a very long time.

Kip

1. ELO Kiddies (Rick Nielsen) B+

This is the correct first song for this album. This is the band’s choice. But I think it’s a poor choice and I’m not sure I would even put this song on the album. For me, this song is better served to be on the flipside of a single. I’m used to always thinking Hot Love was the first song to this album and I think that is a better choice. I get why people would like this song, it just doesn’t work for me much but it does deliver the sound of Cheap Trick. They had their own signature sound and I think this song really captures that . This album was my pic for a review and you think I’d be gunning for at least the first song of the album but sorry I’m not never really got into this song, actually find it kind of irritating.

Jeff

Opening with what would become Bun E. Carlos's signature drum sound and then that super distinctive bass sound of Tom Petersson, this is a strong opener. Because of the time the album arrived, I thought this was just another of those bands that had the singer just shout, rather than sing and this song seemed to justify that prejudice. Later songs would definitely prove me wrong there. A definite statement of purpose opener.

B+

Kip

Bun E. Carlos intro is killer! Fist pumping teenage anthem meets 1940’s squirrel nut zipper swing dance spasm. I’ll probably rave on Rick Nelson’s guitar tone all through my musings. Dang!! That guitar sounds so good! No frills, plug in, and turn all knobs all the way up. It’s just one tantalizing morsel this album will offer. Next is Robin Zander’s voice… wow where do I start? From the get go this guy is an original. He’s not aping anyone else, he’s totally his own man. Going from screaming angst to poetic crowning as fast as you can say ‘Cheap Trick!’ Tom Petersson is a band unto himself. He wields his 12 string bass covering the low end, and the rhythm guitar’s sonic territory as well. So good. This tune is great opening cut. Edgy, melodic and aggressive. The lyrics mirrored what I thought about school in 1977. I’m just glad I had music like this to latch onto. I gladly give this an...

Mark

2. Daddy Should Have Stayed in High School (Rick Nielsen) B

Still not a strong song for me. I do like the guitar work from Nielsen. Wow, for a favorite album of mine I surprisingly don’t really care for even the second track, but that’s going to change in a whiplash with the next song.

Jeff

This odd time riff seemed consistent with Rick Nielsen's persona, which I have to admit, I never got. I was so rooted in the self-important, serious, virtuoso guitarists, that I just didn't get his shtick. The solo in this one reminded me of early Joe Perry and not just for the slide work. I think I was just not enough of a rebel or outsider to get this.

Kip

Tom freakin Petersson! Man what a mean growling distorted bass riff! And when Ricks guitar slams into it…it’s… it’s Face melting perfection. Motörhead wishes it was this heavy. ‘I’ve been waiting every night after school’ five long years’ great vocals from Robin. So versatile and passionate. It’s like he’s singing through the character he’s singing about. If that makes sense. ‘Five long years’! I can feel his mental breakdown. I love the melodic choruses juxtaposed to the more sinister verses. This is one of my favorites. Oh and the hand claps in the chorus’s fit so right.

Another...

Mark

3. Taxman, Mr. Thief (Rick Nielsen) A

Now we're talking! I love this song with its heavy, dark riff that has a dramatic feel enhanced by the throbbing bass line, and the Beatleistic lyrics match the vibe of the song perfectly. Strong electric riff on this made it one of my favorite Cheap Trick songs. I’m a big fan of Jack Douglas' production, it never gets muddy, everything is crystal clear in the mix. Also surprising this is mostly a live capture (in the studio) with little over dubs. Zander added his vocals later. But it sounds great!

Jeff

This was the first one that grabbed me a bit. I really like Robin Zander's voice here and their self-professed love of the Beatles is apparent as well. Again, because I was into such heavy music during this period, I don't think I fully appreciated the melody and harmonies in this one. The full throat chorus at the end of this hearkens to the Beatles as well. I'm a fan of this one.

A-

Kip

Another catchy guitar riff by Rick starts this tune. And another great vocal as well. Rhythm section is kicking. I wonder if they ever get tired of being so cool. I don’t like the term ‘power pop’ in my opinion it diminishes this album. It’s just great rock and roll. Done the dirt cheap trick way. ;-)

Mark

4. Cry, Cry (Nielson, Robin Zander, Tom Peterson) B+

This song has an intriguing opening with a shimmering guitar then the songs begins with a bitter groove that chugs along with lots space around the guitar and drums letting us listen and concentrate on Robin Zander’s killer vocals. With this song he became one of my favorite vocalist. His voice is the perfect instrument for the band. He can sing sweet or he can sing dangerous. Robin Zander has it all. What a range! It’s interesting that they’ll return to this heavy sound three albums later with “Gonna Raise Hell” and “Need Your Love” on Dream Police.

A+

Jeff

Again, Petersson's bass sound makes this one unique. Zander's vocal delivery hear again echoes the Beatles. This one sits in an odd space between too hard to be pop but not heavy enough to be hard rock. I'm definitely in the minority, but Nielsen's solos just do nothing for me. Again, I was too mainstream to get this one. The Elvis homage in the outro makes me smile.

B-

Kip

This almost sounds like an old blues tune to me. Gnarly guitars and smooth vocals throughout. This might be the weakest tune on side A, but still enjoyable.

Mark

5. Oh, Candy (Rick Nielsen) B+

This song is a little more poppy and always seemed it would have worked also on the In Color album. Still great song for me and other agreed since it was chosen as the single from the album. Funny I always thought of it as the last song on the album and was a great way to end the album with this ear-worm of a tune. A great closer for side 1.

Jeff

With Free being one of my all time favorite bands, this intro just made my heart sing. Petersson again with an original, cool bass riff. This song probably is closest to what I was expecting to hear when I bought the album. That cool 50's-60's vibe to the chorus is really nice and that effect on Rick's guitar for that first solo works as well. Man, did they have the bass out front in the mix (a positive for me.) The brevity of this song fits the earlier generation feel of this song as well.

Kip

I love singing along with this one…for me it’s almost disco at the beginning, then turns into a kinda 50s "tell Paula I love her" kind of vibe along the way. How strange…

Mark

6. Hot Love (Rick Nielsen) A

Well as I said before, to me this was the first song on the album and boy was it strong opener for me. That wacky riff with the Peterson’s bumping bass, matched with pounding drum beat and then Zander’s vocals! His performance reminds me like an actor performing a play, fun to catch all he says/sings with his vocal range. I like the sped up vocals in the background during the middle eight (1:21) also used as the song closes. Beatleistic again. I was felt with this album they were the perfect band to throw in a bit of the Beatle’s swagger and creativity and it worked!

A+

Jeff

I remember hearing the opening of this for the first time and thinking, “HERE we go.” Every guitarist had to want to learn to play this immediately. Again, this fit more of what I was expecting to hear. This would just be a monster live. That vocal/guitar bridge really works as well. I like Nielsen's stuff on this one. This was a good summer song. The Beatles ending is clever.

Kip

Holy chamoly that amp sounds loud! Man this tunes a cranker! Rick Nelson is such a killer guitarist. The only thing that rivals his guitar chops are his song writing skills. Super grindy distorted wonderful bass to match the guitar? Yes, I love it. Short and oh so sweet.

Mark

7. Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace (Terry Reid) C+

This song was my third and last dude for me on this album. This song goes nowhere for me. Jack Douglas got to pick all the songs for this first outing of the band. Sorry guys I wouldn’t have picked this song. I feel it’s weak from beginning to end. I hadn’t heard I this in a long time and once it got started the only thing I was looking forward to was it being over. I really don’t get this song.

Jeff

Cool slow burn opening. The loose drum sound really works too. Zander's biggest strength is he really sounds like no one else. I love his upper register voice. The stumbling transitions in this are really unique. The stuttering guitar solo just doesn't work for me and I have to admit, that's what I always hear when I think of Rick Nielsen. I just can't find the melody here. They DO always have cool song endings.

B-

Kip

Tom’s bass intro is so rad dude, and Ricks guitar is so rude and gnarly. Really cool sounds and vibrations. Robin is just killing the vocals, his melodies are so singable, and yet on the edge. Wow! Bun E. is a cymbal smacking savant. This songs a brasher pure and simple.

B+

Mark

8. He’s Whore (Rick Nielsen) A-

This has all the energy of Alice Cooper “Cold Ethyl”! It has almost a punk influenced riff, but still has Zander singing it so really catches fire and works. Song got me in trouble one time because it was stuck in my head and I was singing the refrain as I walked down the hallway in high school. The girl in front of me sat by me in art and thought I was singing about her! She turned around and wanted to know what the hell I was saying and I was like: oops... sorry I was just singing this song called. "He’s a Whore". It's a catchy...Ok I’ll shut up.

Jeff

This stop/start riff, with the bass scratch picking, is a style they seem to return to in the upcoming albums. It works with Nielsen's quirky stage persona. The “any time at all” really echoes the 50's and then of course the Beatles. The chorus almost sounds like a different song. The voice beneath the guitar solo is a very cool touch. These quick one-off songs just aren't the type I return to.

B-

Kip

Another beautiful wreckage from the guy’s…I love this one too. Man, I’m running out of words.

Mark

9. Mandocello (Rick Nielsen) A+

I like the change of mood and tempo that we get with this song, feels so introspective, but the middle eight (2:01) with “Look at me…” is so beautiful. It’s short, but that is my favorite part of the whole album! I just love that piece.

A+

Jeff

I will definitely lose my “meh” attitude for this album on this one. I think this is just an absolutely beautiful, unique song.An OH, that bass sound. And Zander's voice. Just....wow. The swoop in vibe to each line really works. That Beach Boys/Beatles middle 8th too. Absolutely gorgeous. Again, being Mr. Negative, I had kind of zoned out on first listen and then snapped back when this came on. That descending guitar/vocal bit leading into a very tasteful solo by Rick as well. Pretty damn perfect.

A+

Kip

What an absolutely beautiful tune. I’m assuming the beginning is actually played on a mandochello? For me this is one of their career best. I’ve heard several covers, but they’re never as good as this one. Wonderful stuff.

A+

Mark

10. The Ballad of TV Violence (I’m Not the Only Boy) (Rick Nielsen) B+

This song is as catchy as can be, and makes you wanna sing along... I just wish the lyrics were stronger. They’re kinda goofy rhymes that come off sophomoric to me. I think they could’ve used a rewrite in the lyrics, and we would of had a better song. Still love this track, and dig its nice Cooper styled ending.

Jeff

Love this riff, especially coming out of the beauty of the previous piece. There's something Alice Cooper feeling about this one, almost cinematic. The guitar sound on this one is really nice as well. The “I'm Not the Only Boy” lament is really of that time. The guitar/singing descending riff reminds me of Queen's “Stone Cold Crazy.” Jack Douglas's production really is evident on this one. The screaming at the end of this REALLY sounds like an Alice Cooper piece.

A-

Kip

This sick and twisted nugget is just what the sick and twisted doctor ordered! More post pubescent angst of a lost and lonely boy. I love the way the sound just kind of Just blurs into total disturbing pile of steaming chaos. Soooo peaceful…

Mark