Despite being an album focused on juvenile sexual innuendos, Muscle Of Love is one of the greatest Alice Cooper band albums ever recorded and in a way, it’s a shame that it was the last to include the original band lineup. While Bob Ezrin was noticeably absent in the Producer's chair, Jack Douglas and Jack Richardson did a wonderful job of guiding the album, while allowing creative artistry to flourish.
Yes, many of the songs on Muscle Of Love have never been part of Cooper's live set, at least for many years, but I've often found that with Alice Cooper, the best albums, songs, and performances are not necessarily the compilation filling or concert played fan favourites. Therefore, I implore you to give Muscle Of Love, as an album, a shot. I have a feeling you won't regret it.
I know I haven't regretted picking up the Friday Music vinyl re-issue from 2013. While the reissue isn't a perfect replica, sonically it is beautiful with a full analogue sound that will impress even the most hardened critic. It is said to have been mastered from the original Warner Bros. tapes by Joe Reagoso and after listening to it countless times, I have no reason to doubt Friday Music's claims. It really is that good!
The Apple Music stream is, similarly, beautiful with a mastering that is similar to the vinyl record. If there is a difference to report, it would be that the Apple Music stream sounds a little concealed by direct comparison to the vinyl release. That said, regardless of how you choose to enjoy this classic, you’re most likely going to love it.
SIDE I
Big Apple Dreamin' (Hippo) not only has a great groove, but that psychedelic undertone is superb. I dare you to sit still, without moving a muscle, during this song, I can't do it. The guitar tracking is divine and the inclusion of the violins perfectly suits the song. Plus, that outro = extraordinary!
Never Been Sold Before is your meat and potatoes rock and roll track. I love it! Just as the addition of strings to Big Apple Dreamin' (Hippo) enhanced that song, the horn element in Never Been Sold Before is fantastic and has a similar effect. If I had one complaint, it would be that I'd like to hear a 1 to 2 decibel increase in the bass guitar.
Hard Hearted Alice is a song that slowly builds with a beautiful atmospheric introduction. This is one song where the quadraphonic mix would likely be astonishing, but the vinyl and Apple Music counterparts are no slouch with a soundstage that removes the speakers, creating a spacious sound that has to be heard to be believed.
Crazy Little Child is a fun song. I adore the piano element and I love the overall New Orleans Jazz feel. I'd love to see Cooper do an entire jazz album, even one full of standards would do. He certainly has the vocal chops for it.
SIDE II
Working Up A Sweat continues the lighthearted approach to the overall theme of the album. It's a solid song, but not one to write home about as I find Cooper’s vocals are distant in the mix, although, the music has an addictive and thoroughly enjoyable rhythm.
Muscle Of Love is a killer tune. Both the guitar intro and drum tempo are superb and I find myself playing the air guitar and drums when listening to this song. Exceptional!
Man With The Golden Gun was originally written and recorded for the associated James Bond film but was sadly never used. When you listen to the song, armed with that knowledge, you can immediately hear the James Bond undertones and one can only wonder how the Man With The Golden Gun’s introduction would have differed with this song. Nevertheless, it’s a solid addition to Muscle Of Love and I'm glad it was released and not shelved as it is quite enjoyable, even if it’s not the strongest song on the album.
Teenage Lament '74 has remained somewhat of a fan favourite and while I thoroughly enjoy the song, I feel bemused as to its popularity. I guess it just proves that I should never be asked by an artist, or record label, which songs should be released as a single or be played live.
Woman Machine is an interesting song to close the album on. Yes, it encourages me to listen to the album again and stay within Alice Cooper's extensive catalogue, but I find Woman Machine to be a little repetitive and the outro is a little too much, in my opinion, although I can see the approach the band were going for.
Overall, Muscle Of Love is exceptional and is truly one of the best Alice Cooper band albums ever recorded.
