By 1995, grunge had well and truly obliterated the scene. What chance was there for Tattoo Rodeo’s opportunity with their second album ‘Skin’? Virtually nil. Particularly in the USA.
Written by: gdmonline
ARTIST: Tattoo Rodeo
ALBUM: Skin
LABEL: Mausoleum
SERIAL: 71278-60004-2
YEAR: 1995
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
LINEUP: Dennis Churchill-Dries – lead vocals * Rick Chadock – guitars * Robert Berg – bass * Michael Lord – piano, mellotron, hammond organ * Richard Wright – drums
TRACK LISTING: 01 Too Daze Gone * 02 Feels Like Love * 03 Chamber Of Mary’s Gun * 04 Can’t Keep My Woman Down * 05 Charity * 06 Train * 07 Sure Enough * 08 Waiting For You * 09 Blackened
WEBLINKS: NA
Tattoo Rodeo Background
For some bands, the transition from the 80’s to the 90’s was a difficult one. The music industry was on a tidal sweep heading out to sea. And it took a few casualties along for the ride. This included one of GDM’s favourite bands: White Sister.
The 80’s hard rock scene splintered into several sub-genres. One of which was the cowboy themed hard rock direction. This was made popular during the 1989-1992 period. Probably before grunge truly took off. Bands/artists included Tesla, Tangier, D*A*D and Tattoo Rodeo. Let’s not forget the transformed New Jersey cowboy: Jon Bon Jovi.
For Tattoo Rodeo, we reviewed their 1991 debut ‘Rode Hard Put Away Wet’ some time ago. It was an album that confused many, but ultimately, it was pretty good for what it was. By 1995, grunge had well and truly obliterated the scene. What chance was there for Tattoo Rodeo’s opportunity with their second album ‘Skin’? Virtually nil. Particularly in the USA.
The Songs
Firstly, in parts this is a heavier fusion of classic rock with southern influences. But not all the way through. I can hear bits of Led Zeppelin, Kingdom Come and Beggars And Thieves. Perhaps a bit of Little Caesar too.
Secondly, when the pure southern influences kick in, bands like the Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers rear their head. This becomes more noticeable as you work through the album.
The first two tracks ‘Too Daze Gone’ and ‘Feels Like Love’ should confirm my first comparison almost immediately. The barroom piano balladry of ‘Chamber Of Mary’s Gun’ is straight out of the wild west lore.
The retro distorted vocal from Dennis introduces ‘Can’t Keep My Woman Down’. This is definitely a throwback to whiskey soaked southern rock from decades earlier. ‘Charity’ takes the soft approach, a mellow ballad.
‘Train’ is an interesting track. It was a co-write with former Brother Bait main man Ron Bloom. It’s another gritty southern rocker with enough mouth harp to get Blackfoot curious.
‘Sure Enough’ has the brakes applied. This is steeped in the delta blues style, you’d be wondering if this is the right record you’re listening to.
‘Waiting For You’ is a classic old school southern ballad. Along the way I was reminded of Bob Dylan‘s chestnut ‘Knocking On Heavens Door’.
Tattoo Rodeo finish up with the hard southern rock/blues of ‘Blackened’. The verses are mild, but the chorus and solo section are as hard as nails.
In Summary
As per my review of Tattoo Rodeo’s first album, which I grudgingly conceded was quite good. ‘Skin’ on the other hand is not really an album with music that I typically listen to. That’s not to say it’s bad. It’s good for what it is, but not really my cup of tea.
This was the final platform for the band, exiting the scene after two albums. White Sister would be reunited in the noughties. Dennis would release a solo album in 2015 but other than that, things seem to have come to an end.
Tattoo Rodeo on Video
Click to go to YTM album page.
