Ted Nugent - "Cat Scratch Fever" (1977) - Epic Records
Buckle-up fuckers and iron those loin clothes, we've got some classic Nugent on the turntable tonight!
Cat Scratch Fever is the Nuge's third solo album. Unfortunately, we've been so spoiled by Ted's great self-titled solo debut from 1975 that this record, which by all standards was better well-received, seems to pale by comparison.
Cat Scratch Fever does mark the return of vocalist & rhythm guitarist, Derek St. Holmes, back into the fold (he was replaced by none-other-than Meatloaf on 1976's Free For All LP!)
Cat Scratch Fever does mark the return of vocalist & rhythm guitarist, Derek St. Holmes, back into the fold (he was replaced by none-other-than Meatloaf on 1976's Free For All LP!)
Of course, this album owes its ubiquity in no small part to its lead-off track, the titular "Cat Scratch Fever". Sleaze rock at its absolute best!
Side One is also home the thought-provoking, "Wang Dang Sweet Poontang" and "Death By Misadventure", an ode to the death of Rolling Stones' founding member, Brian Jones.
"Live It Up" is just OK and the side closes with the terrific instrumental (and Nugent live staple), "Home Bound". No matter what your opinion of old Ted may be these days, there's no denying he was one of the best in-your-face, blues-based hard rock lead guitarists. Sort of like a redneck Jeff Beck.
Side Two kicks off with the galloping buzzsaw guitar sounds of "Workin' Hard, Playin' Hard".
"Sweet Sally" is forgettable, but "A Thousand Knives" is pretty amazing.
"Fist Fightin' Son of a Gun" seems to have Nugent doing his best Chuck Berry impression and the closer, "Out of Control" is decent, but by this point, the cock-rock schtick is getting a little tedious. Its certainly not a bad album by any stretch. Its a great record to put on while crushing beers, changing your oil and burnin' some steaks. If you're feeling existential and seeking out some answers to life's great mysteries, well then, Cat Scratch Fever is probably not the best place to start!
RATING: 3.5 gettin' it from some kitty next door out of 5
Side One is also home the thought-provoking, "Wang Dang Sweet Poontang" and "Death By Misadventure", an ode to the death of Rolling Stones' founding member, Brian Jones.
"Live It Up" is just OK and the side closes with the terrific instrumental (and Nugent live staple), "Home Bound". No matter what your opinion of old Ted may be these days, there's no denying he was one of the best in-your-face, blues-based hard rock lead guitarists. Sort of like a redneck Jeff Beck.
Side Two kicks off with the galloping buzzsaw guitar sounds of "Workin' Hard, Playin' Hard".
"Sweet Sally" is forgettable, but "A Thousand Knives" is pretty amazing.
"Fist Fightin' Son of a Gun" seems to have Nugent doing his best Chuck Berry impression and the closer, "Out of Control" is decent, but by this point, the cock-rock schtick is getting a little tedious. Its certainly not a bad album by any stretch. Its a great record to put on while crushing beers, changing your oil and burnin' some steaks. If you're feeling existential and seeking out some answers to life's great mysteries, well then, Cat Scratch Fever is probably not the best place to start!
RATING: 3.5 gettin' it from some kitty next door out of 5
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