The long anticipated Danzig cover album, Skeletons, finally makes its unholy rounds to his adoring public on November 27, 2015 via Nuclear Blast Records. Danzig has done covers since the band’s 1988 self-titled debut album – which features a rendition of the blues classic “The Hunter,” written by Booker T and the MGs – and has always managed to take classic songs and give them his own spin. This also includes his industrial doom metal rendition of Black Sabbath’s “Hand of Doom” on Danzig 5: Blackaciddevil (1996), as well as a cover of David Bowie’s “Cat People,” “Caught in My Eye” by The Germs, and his take on T. Rex’s “Buick McKane” on the 2007 compilation album, The Lost Tracks of Danzig. [columns] [column size=”1/3″]
Album Title: Skeletons
Release Date: 27 November 2015
Playing Time: 00:35:51
Label: Nuclear Blast Records
What the songs on this album have in common is that he respectfully placed his mark to the point that the original versions can rest in peace. Glenn Danzig is a renaissance man who has always been interested in many types of artistic expression. It is fitting that songs such as Dave Allan‘s “Devil’s Angels” and “Satan” (from “Satan’s Sadists”) by The Nightriders, are included in this collection. Both tracks originated as the title songs for respective 60’s Cult Biker movies. By covering these songs, he may be trying to shed light on the movies for which they were originally recorded. What makes this album warming to the ears are certain musical reminders of his previous groups, The Misfits and Samhain. Songs like “Satan” and The Troggs’ “With a Girl Like You” are both tracks that show the legacy of where the Misfits’ sound came from.
The stand out track on this album is definitely his cover of ZZ Top‘s “Rough Boy.” It shows the strength of Danzig’s crooning vocals, deeply rooted in the blues. This track will make fans reminisce of his days with collaborator Rick Rubin. In the past, Danzig, has penned songs for musical legends such as Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash, and his voice on these songs seems like a nod to both these musical legends, which they would surely approve.
No Danzig record would be complete without the tight musicianship, of Tommy Victor, Steve Zing, and Johnny Kelly. The Litter‘s “Action Woman” and Aerosmith‘s “Lord of the Thighs” are redefined by this trio, and would make a great addition to Danzig’s live shows. Unfortunately, Glenn Danzig recently announced that he probably won’t be touring much after the current “Blackest of the Black” outing with Superjoint comes to an end, and the Everly Brothers song, “Crying in the Rain,” feels like a fitting end to this chapter of his career.
As they have in the past, rumors of a Danzig collection of Elvis songs have surfaced, but in the meantime, let’s all check out these songs and do our homework by listening to the originals as well. Throughout his career, Glenn Danzig has pushed the envelope with every release, and it seems to be in the fabric of his being to evolve. If this album is any indication, he has a lot more to show the world. He is like a prophet, sharing his message, and his gift of music to the masses. Skeletons is a new avenue that should spread his gospel to acolytes new and old around the globe.
[7/10]
