Ahhh Meat Loaf you're fun. From the title of this his 11th studio album 'Hang Cool Teddy Bear' to the always amazing cover art you just know you're in for a treat. To use the word epic is a big call but from the opening track 'Peace on Earth' where the Loaf declares that he in fact doesn't want it that he just wants to go home, well mate I hope you don't because there's plenty of album to go. And all your friends that helped you on this record don't want you to go yet either. Let's see... Brian May, Steve Vai, Jack Black, James Michael, Kara Dioguardi, House and Justin Hawkins and throw in a track written by Jon Bon Jovi and Desmond Child you pretty much have no idea how this album will turn out. I'm excited and eager.
But I say that loosely because it's Meat Loaf. His vocals are unmissable, it's playful, tongue in cheek and exactly why people love Marvin. Check out some of these song titles. 'Los Angeloser' ha ha 'Love is not real' wow such optimism 'song of madness' yeah sounds about right 'California isn't big enough (Hey there girl)' which is my personal favourite due to the brackets and of course 'Elvis in Vegas' well what do you say to that?
Ha, well I'll be... This album is based on the short story funnily enough titled 'Hang Cool Teddy Bear' by Kilian Kerwin. That's actually a good name for an album. Wait... Oh yeah.
These songs are really really catchy. I'm here foot tapping to all of them and loving it all. Some amazing talent on this album musically as it sounds so tight and so full. I mean when you have Rob Cavallo (worked with Adam Lambert, Kid Rock, Fleetwood Mac, Shinedown and more ) produce and Chris Lord Alge (Greenday, Daughtry, Slipknot, Darren Hayes and more) mix the album who are both the 'go to' guys at the moment you're pretty much set and seriously, this is a polished album. It also runs at 1 hour and 5 minutes. Gotta love that for 13 songs. Pure Meat Loaf.
Overall a quality record that is what it is. If you're a fan of the Loaf you need this. If you're not, give it a listen. It'll make you happy.
