Total 13 - Backyard Babies (Sweden)

Label:	Scooch Pooch Records
Released:	1999
Highlights:	Made Me Madman Highlights Look At You Subculture Hero Robber Of Life
Rating:	9/10

The history of the Backyard Babies is a confusing one. Whilst many people will have heard of the band through lead guitarist Dregen's previous band, The Hellacopters, it turns out that he formed the Backyard Babies prior to playing in The Hellacopters, during which time they released their disappointing debut album. Some 5 years later, Dregen and lead singer Nicke Borg have reformed the Backyard Babies and released their second album, Total 13, one of the years best hard rock records that more than makes up for their embarrassing debut.

Compared to The Hellacopters, The Backyard Babies have a heavier, more glam rock sound, which has lead to some people comparing them with bands like Hanoi Rocks, Guns & Roses and Motley Crue. While the band probably won't dispute such statements (indeed lead singer Nicke Borg cites Hanoi Rocks as a major influence) they are definitely not a bunch of cock rock posers. To my ears, they have taken the anthem like qualities of The Clash and mixed it with the glam rock sleaze of The New York Dolls as well the full on rock sounds of bands like Iggy & The Stooges and Bored! Total 13 is filled with uncompromising, compelling and memorable songs and undoubtably puts the Backyard Babies up there with Gluecifer as one of the best hard rock band in the world at the moment.

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