Review: Alice Cooper 'Detroit Stories' (w/ Sydney Taylor)

[@daveben3573]

We are just so lucky that we are here in 2021 still talking about a new Alice Cooper album. Personally I really like it and it stands up well plus Alice still remarkably has his rock voice. Happy days!

[@MrFrikkenfrakken]

Good job Sydney and Pete. What a pleasure to get new music from one of the greats, glad Alice still wants to create and entertain.

[@captainbeyond7469]

IMO the best version of the Lou Reed classic “Rock N Roll” is on Lou’s legendary live album Rock N Roll Animal with both Steve Hunter and Dick Wagner on guitar. The album is a textbook of 70’s lead guitar stylings.

[@sspbrazil]

That’s a great one.

[@bengalgangster]

hello captain long time i couldnt agree more i love that version and that album and the intro to sweet jane beautiful

[@captainbeyond7469]

@@bengalgangster Thanks my friend!! Good to hear from you. Cheers 👊

[@garyserdoz6915]

Alice's cover is closer to Mitch Ryder's version. "Then one day she heard the Detroit station"!

[@patrickmoreau7592]

What makes this Alice record great are the songs and the performances makes this a classic

[@MartyMurray]

I just got this CD, and I must say, it's a pleasant surprise! I haven't gotten all the way through it yet, but so far I've liked every song, and the variety, and Cooper's voice hasn't aged at all. He still sounds exactly the same! Amazing!

[@oliverl.5834]

It entered at Number 1 in the German Charts. Now it's on 6. I believe it's the 1st time here. Actually 2 Songs from the EP didn't make the Album: "You're Mama won't like me" & "Devil with a Blue Dress on/Chains of Love". I really enjoyed the Album. Thanks for the vid.

[@jayjaytee9944]

Some people are saying Dirty Diamonds , but I'd go as far as best since Brutal Planet. Hard to believe he is 73 yet he still sounds so relevant, outstanding album imo not a weak song in sight. fave songs Social Debris, Hail Mary, Shut Up and Rock,, Wonderful World and The Partridge Family like Our Love Will change the World. $1,000 High Heel Shoes = Motown baby, the other Detroit music.

[@leatherbound4233]

I love Alice Cooper, have everything he's done, hell I like "Zipper Catches Skin" lp I was so hyped when I heard the was going to be a new lp and even more when I heard the early stories on what it will be. Thought, awesome should be a hard rockin" go for the throat lp. Then I saw the new video for "Social Debris" thought this is going to kick ass! Then I heard the pre-listen release of the lp........my heart sunk! Other than 3-4 tracks it's horrible, come on "Our Love Will Change the World" it's bubble gum pop! what was he thinking, listening to that I could imagine the video with the Brady Bunch coming out dancing with balloons, ugg. The songs are so far different there's no flow to the lp. I respect that he's 70+, I respect he has the right to do something different but as I said I have everything he's done but this I'm giving a miss. I'm glad I heard on an interview with him he's already working on a new lp. I just hope it's with his band and he gets back to hard rockin. I know my point differs from most of the posts but I won't join the omg its a new Alice Cooper release just cause it's Alice Cooper it's great crowd. I'm a huge fan but not of this lp.

[@diannecarpenter7718]

Thank you for this review!! I love the new Alice Cooper’ Detroit Stories’ The song, “Rock and Roll “ was recorded by, The Runaways too!! I bought the CD with a dvd to it!! Alice Cooper has a very rockin’ female guitar player!! I also bought the limited edition red vinyl record!! I love it!! 🎼🎤🎸🎵🥁

[@KAndrew636]

He’s playing in Walker, MN in late July! Only show scheduled - 3 day outdoor festival!

[@kevinthetruckdriver353]

Is that the Moondance festival??

[@KAndrew636]

YES! Not sure of exact dates- check out website!

[@andypearce1349]

Such a great album! Alice reinvents himself with every album. I had to have the album delivered on the day of its release being a massive Alice fan. Every song is really strong. I love it (to death) 😄🇬🇧

[@patrickcrowther9195]

I’ve only seen Alice Cooper the once (other than Hollywood Vampires), when he headlined the Reading Festival in 1988. It was a stunning show, he is a master showman. Some great songs too.

[@cooperbsd]

Not all Breadcrumbs tracks are included here, "Your Mama Won't Like Me" and "Devil With A Blue Dress". Very good record, I enjoyed it so much, that "I Hate You" song is funny and "Social Debris" is a great song with the original band, 9/10!!

[@joesantiago9062]

great review as always. I'm digging the record a lot. some favorites include Social Debris (classic Alice sounding song), Rock & Roll, Hail Mary, Detroit City, and Sister Anne.

[@jcanada9405]

I dig the album... recent interview with Ezrin said he would love to produce a full album with the original group, but some issues would have to worked out that is beyond him. I suspect it has something do between Micheal Bruce and Alice. I would love to see that be the next album. Alice did say in response that anything is possible...BTW, my faves are $1000 High Healed Shoes, Social Debris, and Drunk and in Love. Ezrin has always been the right man for the job, whether that be the old-school stuff, his early solo records, Constrictor, and the recent few releases.

[@Danimal77]

Alice has actually been recording music for closer to 60 years. His band The Spiders formed in 1964 and recorded their first single in 1965 and their last single in 1968, which was the same year he recorded his first album with The Alice Cooper Band.

[@SteveAuger2021]

Play it loud and fast make that guitar blast you go Alice

[@denniscook9032]

Another strong release from Alice Cooper. I find the song "Detroit City 2021" is a fantastic song.

[@gamleskalle1]

Better than Detroit rock City, Kiss 1977?!

[@denniscook9032]

@@gamleskalle1 Both are great in their own right. Tough to say which is better. Long history with Detroit Rock City (1976 Destroyer). Newly released Detroit City 2021 (2021 Detroit Stories). Time will need to pass in order for me to decide which is best.

[@johnmichaelwilliams6694]

The perfect co-captain to discuss anything Alice. Thanks Sydney and Pete for your review of this album. Watched this after your dream setlist for Alice and now I need to listen to the new album and Alice Cooper today. Thanks again!

[@gemini2012100]

Detroit Stories is Cooper's 28th studio album. (I don't know if Sydney said that. There was skip or something so all I heard was "20") He sounds the same at 73 as he did in his heyday.

[@meanmrmusician9469]

Hard to believe he's 73 (although he certainly looks it).

[@gemini2012100]

@@meanmrmusician9469 Tell me about it. He still sounds good though, I do think it might be time to drop the makeup. I mean, it was cool in the 70's but not much now that he's in his 70's. I feel the same way about Kiss. Keep the music but drop the make up. Well, Kiss is retiring, so I guess the point is moot there.

[@paulharper9711]

This is keeping the steady run of great classic rock band releasing strong albums. AC/DC, BOC, Ace Frehley and soon... Cheap Trick. Just to name a few. 👍🏻

[@robbjj1]

Two great CDs in a row! Thank you Alice

[@Cour-des-etoiles]

fun album! Although, at 50 minutes long, they probably could have trimmed a bit off and had it more solid all around. I didn't buy this when it came out as i thought it was an all-covers album.. but when i found out last week that sure, there are 4 covers, but the rest is all original, then i got it and i'm happy i did. Random thoughts: Hail Mary gives me the late 80s early 90s thrash era vibe, and Shut up and rock totally could have been on Raise your fist and yell. Wonderful World, when it starts you could think Jim Morrison was singing. I totally could have done with Independence Dave and that horrible horrible Covid song. (not sure who thought it would have been a good idea to have this as a song instead of just something written on the record sleeve.. lol) Highlights after a few listen are the whole Side B, Wonderful World, and Sister Anne as the best cover. Overall, fun record!!

[@jdmcd3873]

Love the new album.

[@Danimal77]

Pete, you should post a link to Sydney's channel.

[@bloppysloppy4057]

Classic album. This album needed to happen.

[@sydneyhalliwell2513]

I was surprised by how much of a throwback this album is. And not in a cheap kinda hipster way but it’s completely legit. Please keep up the work, Alice. You never fail to disappoint

[@PontusWittenmark]

I'm not really feeling this one (or really anything since Welcome 2). It's all very lush and expensive sounding but not much there that actually grabs you.... I love how he's still putting out albums tho - hoping for another banger sooner or later 👍

[@LarryFleetwood8675]

Same here, it's fine for what it is and the title track's good overall though nowhere near the best of classic era Alice, maybe a bit on the ordinary side with nothing particularly standing out as a high point a very simple and basic rock'n'roll album intended as such. I'm actually reminded of his early '80s albums here stylistically, I really like those a lot but think this is far from as good creatively as any of those gems (Alice physically/mentally blacked-out or not). I expected something a bit more extraordinary so for retro Alice, I much prefer say Dirty Diamonds that one was bang on stupendous.

I have that pack at home, fantastique stuf ' , the blue-ray isn't zoned for Europe FRANCE and dont work but the CD MASK LAMP STICKERS are so great!

The tee shirt is GREAT

I have see the concert day before at SALLE PLEYEL- PARIS this is magic... what sound and spectacle !

[@ronnelson1979]

Isn't Bob Seger a Detroit guy? I think Seger and Alice collabing would be great, two of my favorite writers. I had to get this new album, but honestly, it may have to grow on me as I'm digging the bonus DVD much more right now. Super pumped his touring band is supposed to be involved in writing his next album, they're fantastic players.

[@trevorbullock281]

My thoughts (track by track) Rock n Roll: It’s a fine song. Not happy that it opened the album, overall the songs good but not a good opener. Go Man Go: AWESOME TRACK!!!! Cool fun song Our Love Will Change The World: I didn’t like it when it had first came out, but I see the sarcasm and I dig it. Social Debris: Really freaking awesome! 3rd favorite track off the album, nice single but I Honeslty think it should’ve been the first or 2nd single. 1000$ High Hell Shoes: Just a really fun track. Hail Merry: BEST TRACK OFF THE RECORD! Detroit City 2021: SECOND BEST TRACK!! Drunk And In Love: Not a fan. The opening line makes me laugh but just not into this song Independence Dave: Probably my least favorite I really hate this song. I Hate You: hated this track first listen. But now I dig it, not a stand out but it’s good. Wonderful World: don’t get the love for this song just boring Sister Ann: love this track... enough said 😂 Hanging By A Thread: eh don’t love it don’t hate it... Shut Up and Rock: This song should’ve opened it up... LOVE IT!! East Side Story: GREAT ENDED! Overall really good record! My favorite he’s done since Last Temptation

[@grooveyerbouti]

I was pleasantly surprised really good album he appears to be on roll at moment I loved paranormal but I think this one betters it. I hate you is for me a nod to nobody likes me a fun track. Alice doesn't disappoint.

[@paulcropper9655]

His best album in 20 years

[@larryhughes4058]

Welcome 2 My Nightmare

[@dartholy]

There are 2 songs From "Breadcrumbs " that are not on "Detroit Stories".

[@neugey]

I was expecting a little more of a concept album, but the Detroit thing is actually quite a broad theme. The songs don't necessarily fit well together, the whole thing is fairly tongue in cheek. But all in all the record sounds pretty good, considering Alice's age and it's cool that he's still experimenting and trying to cook up a few surprises.

[@paulmoss8938]

Hi. I think Alice missed a trick! Why didn't he record this album with the sound of early albums in mind. I was also expecting something more. Sonically average and lyrics unmemorable.

[@GonzoAmerican]

Pete, what happened to Sydney? She hasn’t uploaded anything to her KZbin channel in over a year. Hope she’s ok.

[@samhouston1979]

i bought it about a week ago...and it may take another listen or two...i liked Paranormal more.

[@parishofrock2963]

Doesn’t sound like a traditional AC record. Definitely has a punky / new wave sound. Took a couple of listens but I like it.

[@LarryFleetwood8675]

It's kind of like those criminally underrated 'blackout' albums.

See the concert of Alice Cooper at Olympia PARIS 👍

[@claxton1959]

Alice...the ultimate showman.

[@rexbrumbelow1550]

Great album

[@stilettos9]

Im the same as Sydney in that my fave album is from the inside, and i prefer the bigger production albums by Bob Ezrin, 'babies',killer' nightmare etc, and wasnt keen on his early 00's records including the disappointing Nightmare 2. It sounds to me like this new record will be too garagey for me, and ive never understood why he went that way. Alice is better with dark concepts and spooky longer numbers for me.

[@jeffspicoli763]

I just got done listening to all his albums, and I thought this was his best one since The Last Temptation! Honestly, a lot of his more recent albums were a bit of a slag to get through.

[@steelmonkey7609]

Most of the songs from the EP are on the album but not all...

[@chrisflood9205]

bought the deluxe set it’s really good love I hate you and thousand dollar high heel shoes don’t like the suicide song already skipping it

[@brucefranklin6295]

I love Alice Cooper and not only the 70's stuff.I liked albums in the 90's,2000's and thought Welcome 2 My Nightmare was good overall. Having said all that, I was somewhat disappointed with this record. I like about half the songs pretty well, but half the songs just don't do it for me.

[@davidlear2372]

I'll check out .channel got Pete got me hudge into Alice I think from album rankings hey stupid trash and raise dust yell are favorites

[@sudicalwig]

I miss Dick Wagner. R.I.P

[@garretbielaniec1420]

Great interview you two... there’s a lot of smokin guitar on this album, just sayin ;)

[@billtaylor4897]

Yeah,Yeah,Yeah... Is school still out ? :)

[@sspbrazil]

Listened to this album a few times, I’m from Detroit and Cooper hasn’t lived in Detroit for well over 40 years, so I thought it was a an odd concept and after listening to the album I find it just meh. “Sister Anne” isn’t a bad cover of the MC5 song, “Rock and Roll” was definitely better done by Mitch Ryder and Detroit Wheels as well as the best version which is on Lou Reed’s live album “Rock and Roll Animal” which was the tour he had both Dick Wagner and Steve Hunter in his band. The rest of the album is just bland nostalgia, kind of falls flat, interesting he does an old Bob Seger and The Heard song too.

[@danielsimmons4856]

Glad that Alice is still putting out music, but this album just didn't click with me. Loved Welcome 2 My Nightmare and Paranormal, but Detroit Stories just seemed like a big step down from those two IMO.

[@kylei703]

Shut up and rock is really good.

[@jazzpunk]

Still kickin' myself that I passed on the BDB Holiday/Christmas Tour in the '70s. Did see AC as a solo act on the initial Welcome To My Nightmare tour. Too much fluff, IMO. Sydney has some great picks..."Caught In A Dream", "Luney Tune", "Be My Lover", etc. That said, I am no fan of hired guns playing the classic stuff. Bruce-Dunaway-Smith-GB (Wagner, Derringer, Mashbir) did them the best. YMMV.

[@jazzpunk]

Thank you, Pete...you came through! The bonus disc to BDB comes close to your set. Sorta. Personally, I woulda liked the entire School's Out album. Love "Gutter Cat", "Blue Turk", Public Animal", " Luney Tune", "My Stars"...phenomenal stuff! You guys are correct. "Generation Landslide" kills. Steve Hunter's guitar near the end gets me every time.

[@arturoalmazan5262]

I'll skip. Alice hasnt been the same since Trash and Hey stoopid his best last albums from the late 80s and early 90s. I wont buy it. I still like his older stuff better

[@stilettos9]

Im the same. this garage sound is a cop out. he always did better than this, and theres no reason to compromise, so i just dont get it.

[@arturoalmazan5262]

@@stilettos9 I just dont think sounds that great. AC/DC still makes awesome stuff. with Power up it's a must buy. but Alice was great then now hes not impressive anymore

[@wintersTEELE108]

Coop \,,/

[@TheMafrand]

Do you think this will be his last album?

[@jayjaytee9944]

No he has already said his next album will be with his touring band and Desmond Child came out last year saying he and Alice are doing something together in 2021.

[@LarryFleetwood8675]

Hmm, I certainly hope it's nothing like Trash which disappointed me big time back then, I also remember the reviewer in People Magazine wondered what the hell was up with his voice on that one.

[@jayjaytee9944]

@@LarryFleetwood8675 I think if Desmond Child is involved it will be more commercial in direction. In what little press I have read he has been talking it up, like he thinks it will be a big album for him....so who knows?. I was disappointed with Trash too, but at this point in his career he has earned the right to do what he likes and as a fan I will still support it.

[@LarryFleetwood8675]

@@jayjaytee9944 I agree, he should do whatever he wants now and not care about any image or critics, if he wants to do a say pop album (his friend Iggy Pop did before) he should just do it, after all the image Alice had in the '70s wasn't exactly that of a heavy metal artist but rather slightly dare I say avant-garde hard rock.

[@MaterLacrymarum]

Dude, if you're going to have a guest, maybe give them time to speak? 😀

[@sotdude7]

Not sure what you are talking about. We both spoke equally about the album.

[@gypsyfreek]

one......

[@payazokoki]

Why no Nita on the whole record?? That’s sinful.

[@CaretakerWanted]

Everything was pure Detroit on the record, including the players. If that "Road" record they've talked about happens, then we'll have the band on that one.