CD Review: Alice Cooper's Along Came a Spider

Alice Cooper is back with a brand new concept album titled Along Came a Spider. The concept here presents all songs from the point of view of a serial killer who goes by the name of Spider.

The biggest surprise I found after listening to this one a few times is how much I liked it. I didn’t really know what to expect here, I thought I would enjoy it on some level, but not nearly as much as I do. As I played this one through for the first time I thought, this is not bad, but I began to like it more and more after each listen.

Most of the songs are catchy, the guitars sound awesome, and I love the raw sounding drums as Alice’s scratchy voice takes us through the life of Spider. The whole the album has kind of a raw sound; nothing overproduced or too polished. It sounds like a young band on the verge of a great career. As usual, the theme of the concept album is secondary; this album sells itself to me on great rock and roll. However, for a concept album, the theme itself is mildly entertaining.

The album starts with a couple great tracks, I Know Where You Live and Vengeance is Mine, but it doesn’t slow down for me there, and in fact some of my favorite tracks come later in the disc. There are even a couple great ballads on here in the songs Killed by Love and Salvation.

I have tickets to see Alice perform live later this fall. I am sure his set will consist of mostly classics, but whatever he decides to give us from this latest release will be fine with me. Grade B+.

Favorite Tracks: Vengeance is Mine, (In Touch With) Your Feminine Side, Killed by Love, Salvation

Alice Cooper Thoughts

I bought Alice Cooper tickets a few days ago. He in an artist I always wanted to see perform, and despite the fact he has been in my neck of the woods a few times, I have continued to miss each show. So this time I won’t be denied and already have my tickets for an October concert. I have only ever owned three Alice Cooper albums, 1986’s Constrictor, A Fist Full of Alice (live) and the Beast of Alice Cooper (a compilation), none of which I have loved, but all have enjoyed. However, he is one artist whose persona intrigues me as much as his music. I love listening to an Alice Cooper interview. He is intelligent and well spoken and speaks of Alice as another person. Alice is merely a character he created and continues to perform.

Alice Cooper’s career continues to thrive. He continues to record, tour and hosts a great syndicated radio show called Nights with Alice Cooper. My favorite part of the show is Alice’s interviews. Hearing Alice chat with other classic rockers and share stories is fascinating. It's much better than a conventional interview with just another media personality.

As I write this now I am listening to his newest CD, Along Came a Spider, that it set to be released on July 29th. However, it is available to listen to in its entirety right now on Alice’s MySpace page. I won’t review it just yet, but I will probably get a copy and give it a few good listens before the show, as I am sure he will perform some new tracks. However, it’s Alice's classics I want to hear, Billion Dollar Babies, No More Mr. Nice Guy, Only Women Bleed and my favorite – I’m Eighteen. If you want to check out his new CD or his radio show follow the links below.

Alice Cooper's MySpace Page
Nights With Alice Cooper Radio Show