The Good time Rock and Roll of ‘Get a Rock and Roll Record’ that opens the latest offering by Sweden’s legendary Diamond Dogs might be a little too Quo meets 70’s dance party for me, but saying that it’s right on the mark for the good time cheesy vintage 70’s chart bothering rock that you never hear anymore these days!
After a mixed reaction to that opener the violin that opens ‘Blight the Life’ is far more my thing – a little bluesy, a little Faces (especially in the intro) and with a definite swagger that you can’t help falling far. ‘Wring It Out’ has a riff that sounds like to was stolen from Mud and rolls out that feelgood 70’s party rock again before ‘Gurus Gangsters’ ups the ante with another slightly more refined 70’s sing along. It might not be the grandest opening run for a Diamond Dogs record but it’s bloody good vintage fun!
For me the album changes five songs in. There’s a darker strut to ‘Down on the Debris Field’ and a wash of harmonies in the chorus that really hit the spot; and the half way mark is met by the wonderful balladry of ‘Only a Whim’ which has a touch of Ian Hunter’s melancholy in the mix. And in those two tracks the album really lifts off for me and sees Sulo at this best. Brilliant! And love that guitar too!
‘Desiree, Yet Another Lonely Night’ has an even harder edge and that barroom swagger that instantly gets the foot tapping; before ‘Keep Drippin’ Down’ keeps things moving with a pop infused piano-led rocker and ‘Old Timer’ with its familiar refrain and folky stomp really brings it on home! This is quietly turning into a bit of a classic!
And it gets even better – ‘Heart’s Gone Wrong’ is classic bluesy rock and roll, with a great riff and killer refrain, and as we play out, ‘Blowout Game’ adds another gem to an album studded with them. It might even be my favourite here. We’re coming home with a wet sail for sure!
The last word lies with ‘Rising From the Ruins (Of Rock ‘N’ Roll)’ which in a way echoes the opening track, but which is far more effective and whilst it has that same vibe essential, sonically it’s somehow far less cheesy.
If you love the Diamond Dogs you’ll know what to expect. For me the album is one that I wasn’t sure about after the first couple of songs but once they hit their stride it’s all gold. Maybe a couple of songs here I can live without but the rest is getting played to death! 14 albums in you still can’t go wrong with the Dogs…
8 / 10