CRAMPS
Fiends Of Dope Island (Vengeance)
Reviewed by Alan Wright

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To say I am a Cramps fan is an understatement, so it was with bated breath that I awaited the new CD from these cats and a kitten. It's been five years since Big Beat From Badsville, and the word was the Cramps were carefully crafting this mysterious new release. Returning, or still with Lux and Ivy since around late '92 is drummer Harry Drumdini. Making his recorded debut is bassist Chopper Franklin, formerly of Mr. Badwrench. "Yeah, yeah," I hear you say "Enough of the history lesson, how's it sound?" It fucking rocks! This is even better than Big Beat, full of fuzz, screaming and demented lyrics. There's even one song, a cover of "Taboo," that really harkens back to the old days of the Cramps, as it features both Ivy and Chopper on guitars (no bass), and it's a great version of this oft-covered classic. Other covers include raging versions of the Wailers' "Hang Up" and Jerry Reed's "Oowee Baby." Another cover of sorts is "Color Me Black," which utilizes the riff from Link Wray's "Rumble," grafting great lyrics on top of it. Every song on here kicks ass, from "Big Black Witchcraft Rock" to "Wrong Way Ticket." In between are insane tunes like "Dr. Fucker, M.D.," "Dopefiend Boogie" and "Elvis Fucking Christ." Good use of the Theremin on a few songs, too. For a couple now in their '50s, Lux and Ivy really do know how to rock still! The band looks absolutely twisted in the pics, and Ivy's looking as great as ever. I love Lux's pseudo-Frankenstein's monster get up. This is excellent, go buy it! Oh, and there's a single around as well that pairs Big Black Witchcraft Rock with an awesome non-CD cover of Roy Brown's Butcher Pete, which is also worth checking out.

© 2003 - Alan Wright