Shakin Street - s/t (1980)

This is a record that has always intrigued me as well as rewarded me with its uptempo groove. The band features the talents of one Ross(The Boss) who went on to flex muscle in Manowar. Shakin Street are a French act who combine melodic rock, punk and New Wave dreams, reminding me of Blondie in parts, especially the vocal of Fabienne, who is a sultry queen who seems at home bathed in the pacy riffs and clattering drums. Album opener 'No Compromise' features a killer melody that is punk at its purest, fuelled by a driving guitar - amazing to think these guys toured with Sabbath and the equally mystical Blue Oyster Cult. 'Solid As A Rock' has a real glam rock stomp to it, particularly with the boyish chants, these guys wold have seemed more at home crossing swords with the likes of The Damned. It's all infectious candy that rocks hard in places, but is made all the more sneering by that wicked vocal sound. This may not appeal to all you metal fans, but like The Ramones and The Dictators, it's the sort of music that is just as wild as anything satanic. Shakin Street offer great bubblegum rock.
7/10