Cheap Trick [1977] (1977)

About this title: Cheap Trick's eponymous debut is an explosive fusion of Beatlesque melodic hooks, Who-styled power, and a twisted sense of humor partially borrowed from the Move. But that only begins to scratch the surface of what makes Cheap Trick a dynamic record. Guitarist Rick Nielsen has a powerful sense of dynamics and arrangements, which gives the music an extra kick, but he also can write exceptionally melodic and subversive songs. Nothing on Cheap Trick is quite what it seems. While the songs have hooks and attitude that arena rock was sorely lacking in the late '70s, they are also informed by a ... read more

Tracks:

1. ELO Kiddies [Nielsen]
2. Daddy Should Have Stayed in High School [Nielsen]
3. Taxman, Mr. Thief [Nielsen]
4. Cry, Cry [Nielsen/Zander/Pete]
5. Oh, Candy [Nielsen]
6. Hot Love [Nielsen]
7. Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace [Nielsen/Petersson]
8. He's a Whore [Nielsen]
9. Mandocello [Nielsen]
10. The Ballad of TV Violence (I'm Not the Only Boy) [Nielsen]
11. Lovin' Money[Outtake] [Nielsen]
12. I Want You to Want Me [Early Version] [Nielsen]
13. Lookout [Previously Unreleased Studio Version] [Nielsen]
14. You're All Talk [Previously Unreleased Studio Version] [Nielsen/Petersson]
15. I Dig Go-Go Girls [Nielsen]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.