A rock and roll avatar from Guitar God heaven

When Billy Idol recorded "White Wedding," I was 30 years old and already beyond the reach of punk and "alternative" rock. I liked the video for its over-the-top histronics, and I liked the follow-ups like Rebel Yell. But I had no idea how good the guy was, and how much Steve Stevens contributed to his sound, until I heard "Flesh and Fantasy" while driving to Boulder one day with my wife. That song has some of the tastiest, finest lip-smacking guitar embellisments - never mind a solo - I have ever heard. You want to warm up your lovely lady for a night in heaven? Play "Flesh and Fantasy." I bought the album, took it home and listened over and over and over. But here's the real gem for you guitar cranks. Even though Stevens' sound is full of electronica, he's one hell of a riffer. He needs no tricks. And "Blue Highway" will leave you breathless. His solo on this song ranks with Eric Clapton's "Crossroads," and even Jeff Beck's best work - I'd dare say that Hendrix would find this guy OK to jam with - it is that hot. Well structured, impeccibly toned and Gawdalmighty good. Crank this up. If you're 50 years old and looking for a guitar god from the days when men played rock and roll, this is your album.

Stevens and Idol brought the best out of each other in this album, and I hope they get together again.

A Strong Follow-Up

This is Billy Idol's second full-length U.S. album. Here's a look at each song. 1) Rebel Yell - about a woman that comes to him at night. 2) Daytime Drama - having a crush on a soap opera star. 3) Eyes Without a Face - about a woman that he loved that ran off with his money. 4) Blue Highway - riding with a girl. 5) Flesh For Fantasy - about having sex. 6) Catch My Fall - asking for help if he stumbles. 7) Crank Call - getting mad about a crank call. 8) (Do Not) Stand in the Shadows - trying to not hide. 9) The Dead Next Door - worried about dying. Overall, this is a great album and a strong follow-up to his first U.S. LP.

This And CHARMED LIFE Are Among Billy Idol's Best Albums

REBEL YELL, the self-titled debut, CHARMED LIFE, and GREATEST HITS are Billy Idol's best albums. This one has five standout tracks, with the rest being filler, but these five are so outstanding that the whole album gets five stars.