There is something about the Australian approach to Rock N' Roll.
AC/DC led the way with their brand of powerful straight ahead Rock N' Roll. Now newcomers
Airbourne tastes success with the same recipe and in the between these two bands were
Rose Tattoo. Linking
Rose Tattoo to
AC/DC is Phil Rudd, who briefly did drum for
Rose Tattoo and Bon Scott was the one who put a good word in for
Rose Tattoo at the label.
When listening to this greatest hits compilation you discover one unique trademark of
Rose Tattoo compared to the before mentioned fellow country men; Slide guitar. Guitarist Pete Wells bouncy slide guitar are best displayed on
Rock N' Roll Outlaw, which also is the best song
Rose Tattoo ever written.
The records spans through 4
Rose Tattoo albums. The debut album "Rock N' Roll Outlaw", released in 1980, "Assault and Battery" from 1981, "Scarred from Life" 1982 and "Southern Stars" from 1984. You also sense that the spark has gone out of
Rose Tattoo when you near the "Southern Stars" album. The band toured heavily, which started to wear out members and they had some line up changes, which led to lead singer Angry Anderson being the only original member on "Southern Stars", which was released only 4 years after the debut.
In 1998
Rose Tattoo reformed for the "All
Hell Breaks Loose" tour and ever since the band has been active touring and also released records. Several of the founding members including Pete Wells and Ian Rilen have passed away. Singer Angry Anderson has remained the main character of
Rose Tattoo and in 2007
Rose Tattoo supported
Guns N' Roses on their Australian tour. Namely
Guns N' Roses are huge
Rose Tattoo fans. During
Guns N' Roses height of popularity they actually asked
Rose Tattoo to reform in 1992 to support them on their Australian tour. The song
Nice Boys is also included on this compilation and while lots may not be familiar with the
Rose Tattoo original you might recognize it from the
Guns N' Roses "Lies" album.
This best of compilation proves that
Rose Tattoo is a fine exponent for Boogie rock.
Rose Tattoo's simple bluesy boogie Hard Rock gets a bit restrained at times, but they deliver the goods with passion, guts and enthusiasm.
Written by
Michael Saturday, July 26, 2008
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