Motley Crue - Saints Of Los Angeles

It's been a while since the classic Crue lineup recorded together, and the result is vintage Crue songwriting with a few modern touches.

Probably the most surprising thing about Motley Crue in 2008 is that all their members are still alive. The band's storied history of debauchery and Olympic level partying is legendary. But they are all a little older and wiser now, and for the first time in a decade the original lineup of Vince Neil, Nikki Sixx, Mick Mars and Tommy Lee have recorded a CD together.

The subject matter of Saints Of Los Angeles is loosely based on the book The Dirt, the Crue biography that was released a few years ago. It's great material from which to draw, and Motley Crue makes the best of it. This CD has moments of Motley Crue in their heydey with screaming guitars, a punk influence and giant hooks. Several songs would have fit perfectly on their '80s CDs.

However, Motley Crue's sound also has some modern influences. Nikki Sixx is the band's main songwriter, and he has some help from producer James Michael and others. A few of the tracks have a modern rock vibe, and sound contemporary and current. It's the perfect mix of classic and today. The production isn't as slick as on some of their older CDs, which helps make it sound more up to date.

Vince Neil's voice sounds good. I've seen him live a few times where he couldn't quite hit the high notes, but he has no problem nailing any of the notes here. Mick Mars is one of the most underrated guitarists in music. He's the least flashy member of the band, but the guy can still shred.

Motley Crue is hitting the road this summer on Cruefest, their own traveling festival. They'll be bringing along Papa Roach, Buckcherry, Trapt and Sixx A.M. It will be interesting to hear the new songs mixed in with their catalog of hits. I was very skeptical that Motley Crue could pull it off, but Saints Of Los Angeles has everything old school Crue fans want, and will have appeal to the younger generation as well.