1997

For four-on-the-floor flamejob and skull ring, fuel-injected action rock, there's no band like THE HELLACOPTERS. 1997's "Payin' The Dues" harkens back to classics like MC5's "Kick out the Jams", KISS' "Alive" or anything by the SONIC RENDEZVOUS BAND. It's a short, potent album with absolutely no filler; not a single wasted lick. "Payin' the Dues" is nothing radically new, it's not progressive, or musically ambitious -- it's just a practically perfect in-yer-face rock record. Song titles like "Where the Action Is" and "Psyched Up and Furious" lay the groundwork for the barnstorming rock experience contained herein. Yes, it's most likely an import. It may cost you $20.00 for this baby on vinyl or CD. Just don't eat for a couple of days, and save your money for this crusher. Fasting is good for the soul, and so is squealing feedback and jumps off the drum riser. Just be sure watch for low-hanging chandeliers.

Picks of the litter, 1997: