Danger Danger - 'The Return of the Great Gildersleeves'

Released on Low Dice Records March 14, 2000

THE BAND:
Paul Laine -vocals & guitars
Bruno Ravel -bass, guitar, keyboard, vocals
Steve West -drums
Special guest appearances by: Andy Timmons, Tony Bruno, And Lance Quinn

TRACK FRAGMENTS:
1.) "Grind"- This song is similar to the material that Danger Danger released on "4 The Hard Way". The guys in the band always have picked one of their strongest songs to lead off their CD's, and this is no exception. This song kicks off with a small but powerful Andy Timmons lead scale. The first and third lines of the first and second verse are emulated. When Paul Laine sings the word for the second time the micing is a little different. This gives the effect of a one-person duet. During the choruses the backing vocals have an echo effect. Before the second verse there is another Timmons lead scale. This one is a bit more intense.
2.) "When She's Good She's Good (When She's Bad She's Better)" - Originally recorded for the yet to be released album "Cockroach", this track has a very syncopated Steve West drum pattern. The pre-choruses and choruses are catchy and have a lot of hooks. D2's band member harmonizing abilities are very apparent in this chorus. During the breakdown you can really hear some great single guitar picking abilities. At times you can definitely hear some "Eddie Van Halan/Sammy Hagar influences" within the music arrangement and backing harmonies of the ending chorus.
3.) "Six Million Dollar Man" - That's right, it's written about the Lee Majors television series. The song starts out just like the show did by explaining what happened to the character Steve Austin. Paul Laine not only sings on this track, but also plays guitar. During the verse there's a repeating overdubbed synthesized vocal line that really adds a bang-up effect to this song. At the breakdown section Steve West changes from a standard drum pattern to a rhythm pattern on his toms.
4.) "She's Gone" - This is the first ballad and, like all of their ballads in the past, it shows where the band shines. Bruno's and Steve's bass and drum patterns, along with the lyric arrangement, give this an almost "Whitesnake sound". This song has some notable backing harmonizing as well. Here's an excellent sample of Tony Bruno, who plays lead, showing his ability to really bring out the Danger Danger sound.
5.) "Dead Drunk & Wasted" - This up-tempo rocker is a lot like some of the songs from their last release. You can definitely hear influences of groups like The Gin Blossoms. The first thing I noticed were the huge guitar vibratos in the rhythm and that is was a lyrically well arranged song. There is a small guitar pattern change and pedal-effect towards the end that comes out of the middle of nowhere.
6.) "Dead Dog" - This song about a "love gone bad" has a very abstract guitar and bass pattern. That, added to the symphonic sound of a violin section, makes for an awesome music arrangement. The breakdown was very cool with a lot of harmonizing between the vocals and backing vocals.
7.) "I Do" - This is the second ballad on the CD. The opening lead scale really hits you in the chest, very laid back but powerful. With the vocal arrangement you can hear an early Bon Jovi influence, which I feel is definitely missed in today's music. Tony Bruno's guitar parts just blew me away on this track.
8.) "My Secret" - Paul Laine also plays double duty on this song. It sounds like Steve is using brushes instead of drumsticks to play the drum pattern on his snare, very nice subtle effect. There is a grand piano that is very apparent within the rhythm.
9.) "Cherry Cherry" - Bruno is a one-man band on this track, he not only plays bass but also sings lead, and plays guitar. At times he reminded me a lot of Ace frehley in vocal style. He's not that bad, he should sing more often.
10.) "Get In The Ring" - This is a real heavy rocker. I loved the vocal arrangement it has another one of those duet things. Andy Timmons the local boy from Evansville Ind. blows my mind.
11.) "Walk It Like Ya Talk It" - Another one that was taken from "Cockroach". The musical arrangement is very late 80's early 90's sounding. Andy really shows his playing ability all the way through the song.

. After thoroughly listening to this CD for two weeks now I have to say it is some of Danger Dangers greatest material. They really pulled out the red carpet on this one as far as song writing and music goes. Usually when I receive a CD to review, or purchase one for my personal collection there is at least one track I have to fast forward through. This is not the case with "Gildersleeves"! It is a CD you can listen to for all occasions.