New Jersey native's bassist Britt Pennella and singer Kenny Price both moved to L.A. in the mid 1980's to "make it".
After playing in various bands they founded
Blackboard Jungle. In 1992
Blackboard Jungle made their debut with "I Like it a lot", which was produced by
Faster Pussycat guitarist Brent Muscat.
Blackboard Jungle toured the states and Japan continuing to record demos for upcoming albums.
"Welcome to the
Blackboard Jungle" is a compilation of various recordings from 1990 till the dissolution of
Blackboard Jungle in 1995.
The groovy
Caroline opens the album with a catchy chorus.
Caroline is one the first song ever written by
Blackboard Jungle along with
Angry Young Boy - both songs from their first demo recorded in 1990
. Kenny Price has a great tone, which makes the chorus for Angry Young Boy very enjoyable and Dave Zinc lays down a great solo on Caroline.
The best thing about this album is the diversity - this album has everything.
You And Me has a funky groove and understates that
Blackboard Jungle is not afraid to explore boundaries within the Rock genre. The highlights of "Welcome to
Blackboard Jungle" are the mid-tempo/power ballad songs, which all are unique:
Right Down Here With Me builds up and has several climaxes. Guitarist Dave Zinc plays some great notes and riffs. Zinc is a unique player and rarely just strums chords.
Blackboard Jungle has a distinctive ability to create emotions to these mid-tempo songs and that's probably a good reason why I fell totally for this band.
Just Like a Dog is another fantastic song with same emotional feel.
Blackboard Jungle structures these mid-tempo songs around a mellow verse, which kicks into an up-tempo chorus. Another great example of this is the moody mid-tempo rocker
Laughing at You Again, where Kenny Price fools around and tests his vocal range.
The emotional
Little Davey Boy is among album highlights. The guitars create a bombastic feel to the chorus. Originally recorded in 1993 at A&M studios, the song is the perfect rock power ballad. The guitar work from Dave Zinc and Kenny Price´s outstanding vocals makes this song a gem and future classic. Thanks to Suncity Records and
Blackboard Jungle for not letting this song be unheard and forgotten in some shoebox shelved in one of the band members garage.
These songs display the diversity of
Blackboard Jungle and prove lots of potential in this band, which sadly never reached the success their songs deserved.
Sister is also from the session at A&M studios in 1993 and what a shame that
Blackboard Jungle broke up soon after since they show lots of creativity and
Sister is yet another sparkling, inspired song.
Spring Showers has an irresistible drive and builds up for the chorus. There is a certain atmosphere and emotion to most of
Blackboard Jungle's melodies.
If you love 3-chord
AC/DC songs this album might not be for you. The songs have several layers to them and not just verse/chorus but have several hooks and bridges. Guitarist Dave Zinc spices the songs with tasty riffs and melody lines.
I never rate compilations of outtakes and old demos high, but this is something special and "Welcome to
Blackboard Jungle" is a revelation.
These are amazing songs that should not be unheard with fantastic song writing and superb musical performances.
The packaging from Suncity Records is great with great artwork and the booklet contains lyrics, the story of the band plus Britt Pennella comments on each song.
Written by
Michael Wednesday, July 25, 2007
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