Recorded during the 2020 lock down, The Sweet’s ‘Isolation Boulevard’ is a reimaging of past 70’s classics given a modern makeover by this experienced lineup.
Written by: gdmonline
ARTIST: The Sweet
ALBUM: Isolation Boulevard
LABEL: Self Released
SERIAL: Digital Only
YEAR: 2020
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: England
LINEUP: Andy Scott – guitars, synthesizers, backing vocals, production * Paul Manzi – vocals * Lee Small – bass, vocals * Bruce Bisland – drums, backing vocals
Additional Musician: Steve Mann – keyboards (#2)
TRACK LISTING: 01 Fox On The Run * 02 Still Got The Rock * 03 Action * 04 Love Is Like Oxygen * 05 Hellraiser * 06 The Six Teens * 07 Blockbuster * 08 Set Me Free * 09 Teenage Rampage * 10 Turn It Down * 11 New York Groove * 12 Ballroom Blitz
RATING: 85/100
WEBLINKS: Site Link
Background
Andy Scott’s version of The Sweet reads like a who’s who of the British Hard Rock scene. Just about anybody who is anybody has played in this band since its split from the original band and formation back in 1985.
Fast forward decades into the future and Andy Scott is the only original surviving member, and his current version of the band has recently put out a digital only version of their latest effort ‘Isolation Boulevard’, though a physical version on CD will be forthcoming in 2021.
The album was recorded under the duress of lockdowns during 2020, and made available a week before Christmas, and looking at the track listing many of these tunes will be familiar to Sweet fans.
The Songs
It would be fair to say that these versions are a 2020 reimaging of their 70’s glam/pop classics, but the modern vigour applied to the overall delivery should be commended. Having two capable vocalists in Paul Manzi and Lee Small means they lose nothing and gain significantly more due to their inclusion.
Hearing chestnuts like ‘Fox On The Run’, ‘(Piece Of The) Action’, ‘Hellraiser’, ‘Blockbuster’, ‘Ballroom Blitz’ and ‘Love Is Like Oxyven’ makes this album feel more like a quasi Greatest Hits package. Hearing these revamped versions made for an early Christmas present.
In Summary
‘Isolation Boulevard’ might not be introducing new material from this more than capable line-up, but I’m always up for a little musical confectionery as The Sweet back catalogue is a treasure trove of gems to be mined, which is what has happened here.
A good harmless listen and an easy addition to the digital collection.
Video
Still Got The Rock
