SHAMELESS – The Filthy 7

The Filthy 7 is the ninth album from Munich, Germany based Shameless. Bassist and founding member Alexx Michael, Lead Vocalist Steve Rachelle (Tuff), a guitarist known only as B.C., guitarist Michael Thomas, and drummer Tommy Wagner comprise the core of Shameless, but the record features a long list of guest contributors that reads like a who’s who of early ’80s bands. Featuring guest vocalists Steve Summers (Pretty Boy Floyd), Philip Lewis (LA Guns), and Frankie Muriel (Kingofthehill), and a host of guest musicians that includes other recognizable names from the Hair Metal genre. Songs like “How The Story Goes” and “Can’t Get Enough” typify the Blues-based sloppy swagger that defined the genre, and the Rock ‘n’ Roll party lyrics round out the style. Five of the songs on the record are sung by Rachelle, Philip Lewis joins the party for the very Ramonesy “I Don’t Wanna Know”, Steve Summers sings on 3 songs including “Wild In The Night” and “Change Your World”, and Frankie Muriel sings the album’s one ballad “It Can’t Be That Bad” along with the rocking cover of Billy Ocean’s 1988 #1 “Get Outta My Dreams, Get into My Car”.

At times, the record almost sounds like a compilation, the differences in vocalists make certain songs sound like other bands entirely. There are mix issues throughout, and some of the performances definitely outshine others. It’s not a perfect record, but it does capture the essence of the early ’80s Sunset Strip vibe very well. Fans of early ’80s Hair Metal/Sleaze Rock will most certainly find something to enjoy on this record.

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