The Streetwalkin' Cheetahs Guitars, Guns and Gold
By
Vinnie Apicella,
Contributor
Monday, March 25, 2002 @ 2:47 PM
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Guitars, Guns and Gold… seems like it'd be a good name for a pawnshop, let alone a new record filled with early gems, rarities and live cuts… and in fact it is, both.
The 'Cheetahs began life in the mid '90s. Since the time they've accumulated a steady flowing stream of songs covering two full lengths, a live release and several singles -- so in between touring and recording, they've answered the call of the fans to produce some of these hard to find obscurities, and the result is one for the highlight reel. Capturing the essence of rock n' roll's dirtier days, circa 1973, when the likes of The Dolls and Iggy's Stooges ran rampant with their scathing style of pressurized power chords, sharp hooks and on stage outrage, The Streetwalkin' Cheetahs were conceived to be all of those things and some six years later they continue to impress -- by way of a fist-sized dent in the temple of corporate “yes men” and otherwise.
"Small Town Killer" crashes through the starting gate with a pummeling riff and full volume, making for a great introduction to truancy and another twelve sweat-stained trend stomping selections; the title track throws down an anthemic verse amidst a wall of grungy guitars and fist-pumping appeal; "Generator's" classic '70s mod-Rock with a twisted riff and raucous chorus, originally produced by MC5's Wayne Kramer. "Those Days Are Gone" lights a quick burning Punk fuse; "Kamikaze" is a tear it up version of The Boys' original and "Sanctuary" is a previously-unreleased live cut of the Maiden classic that's pleasantly raw and true to form. "I Wanna Die For X-Mas" is worth mentioning simply for it's old school punk appeal and overall brattiness and balls-a top tier candidate for one of their best. Plus, there's enhanced video footage of the band rippin' it up live in Boston last year, for all you hardcore Cheetah-heads.
Overall, there's something for everyone on this career spanning mover -- head banging, hair pulling, ass-kicking heavy rock with the subtlety of a knee to the gut that for all their line up changes, doesn't miss a beat. From goofy covers to Guitars, Guns & Gold, in only a few short years -- not a bad transgression for a still-climbing band of thrill-seeking six-stringing scofflaws.
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