No Life Til Metal - CD Gallery

Danish born vocalist/guitarist Henrik Ostergaard formed Dirty Looks in Erie, Pennsylvania before heading to the bright lights of San Francisco, California. While in California, and upon their return home, the group had a revolving door membership yet managed to release three independent (and hard to find) albums before Atlantic records came calling. The band then relocated to Rochester, NY. For their major label debut Dirty Looks consisted of Paul Lidel (guitar), Jack Pyers (bass) and Gene Barnett (drums). The resulting album, Cool From The Wire, proved to be one the band's biggest success and even found its way onto the Billboard charts.

In 1990 Gene Barnett left to join Lillian Axe, and a new rhythm section of Brian Perry (bass) and Jim Harris (drums) were recruited for Five Easy Pieces. The group broke up following this release, with Ostergaard forming Rumbledog, Lidel hooking up with Dangerous Toys (and later Broken Teeth) and Perry resurfacing in Bubble. Ostergaard began recording under the Dirty Looks moniker again in 1994 releasing several albums without any information on who was playing on them. The classic "Cool from the Wire" line-up reformed in 2007 to record "Superdeluxe".

1. "You Can't Take Me" (2:48)
2. "Crazy, Crazy" (3:38)
3. "Get Back" (2:38)
4. "She's A Rocker" (3:13)
5. "Get Off" (3:20)
6. "Wild Child" (2:37)
7. "Told You So" (3:20)
8. "Get Ready" (3:43)
9. "On Your Back" (3:41)
10. "I Love You" (3:06)

When I was in college in Rochester, NY in the mid-80's, I had a roommate that was from Pennsylvania who was friends with the Dirty Looks guys. He had one of the only copies of this record that I have ever seen to date. I believe this was the band's first recording, which features vocalist Henrik Ostergaard and two other musicians who would not move on with the band. This recording was supposedly done in California when Henrik moved out there to "make it in the music business." Of course it wasn't until he was on the East Coast with the band that they would get a record contract. Regardless, the music on this disc is still classic Dirty Looks boogie metal.

Originally released on cassette and vinyl on the bands own Sticky Records, this album was the one that got me hooked on Dirty Looks. Infectious as the flew with enough hooks to snag a whale, "In Your Face" is chock full of heavy, dirty, boogie metal. Of course this was the album that got the band their contract with Atlantic Records. Henrick was often accused of being a Bon Scott clone, and sure enough on songs like "Oh Ruby" that influence is apparent, but he also has a charm an charisma that is all his own. Much of the material on here would show up on the band's major label debut, however, I actually prefer the more raw recordings here. Perhaps it's nostalgia, or just the fact that I heard these versions first, but songs like "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You", "Tokyo" and "Oh Ruby" are awesome on this independent release. "She's A Rocker", a track that was also on the band's first LP, did not make it onto "Cool from the Wire" which is a shame because this song was a signature track by the band. I own a vinyl transfer on CDR as well as the original vinyl copy on Sticky Records.

I went to college in Rochester, NY where these guys ruled the scene. One of my roommates was from Pennsylvania (where D.L. originated) and already had a few independent releases from Dirty Looks. He hooked all of us up with copies of an awesome commercial metal album by Dirty Looks called "In Your Face." (I have yet to find another copy of that tape.) Fortunately some of the best songs from that album are on Dirty Looks first major label debut. "Cool from the Wire" has a big fat production thanks to knob turner Max Norman. (who also produced the fabulous "Countdown to Extinction" by Megadeth.) "Oh Ruby" was the single from the album and had a very cool Bon Scott era AC/DC vibe. Actually every song on this disc has a big hook. Why these guys never reached the level of some of the hair bands of the late 80ís I will never know. They had it all; the looks, the hooks, the label backing, the right producer and far more talent than bands like Poison or Warrant that sold millions. Go figure!

Even though I don't own it and have never seen it, Dirty Looks supposedly have an album another independent album called "I Want More.The track listing is as follows: I Want More - I Want More/Tokyo/Oh Ruby/Put A Spell On You/Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You/Too Bad/The Way You Rock/It's A Bitch/Let Me Go/Undercover.

Dirty Looks also used to do a killer live version of "So Happy Together" by the Turtles that was, unfortunately, never recorded.

From what I have read, the band was fighting over the direction they should take after the success of "Cool from the Wire" but their record company was pressuring them for a new album. When "Turn of the Screw" was released, it did well initially but sales stopped quickly because the music just didn't have the immediate hooks that "Cool from the Wire" had. There are a few exceptions like the title track and "Nobody Rides for Free," which was getting some airplay on rock radio. Likewise, "Hot Flash Jelly Roll" could have been released as a single with it's infectious, sing-along chorus. Frankly, I think "Turn of the Screw" is a great album full of that greasy, heavy swagger that Dirty Looks are known for. I own this one on CD and vinyl.

1. "Speed Queen" (3:24)
2. "Dude, Where's The Money" (3:19)
3. "Fade Away" (3:20)
4. "In Black & White" (2:51)
5. "Loveless" (4:01)
6. "Only Tomorrow" (4:12)
7. "The Last Forever" (4:35)
8. "Fool For You" (3:21)
9. "Fang and the Love Pig" (2:31)

With the exception of "The Last Forever" and "Only Tomorrow" I don't think any of this material has been released on any of Dirty Look's other albums. "Bootlegs" is a compilation of material that was "written before and after 'Cool From the Wire' and 'Turn of the Screw'." As with those two albums, the material on this disc is excellent and surprisingly well recorded, considering that this disc was produced without the help of Max Norman. "Bootlegs" was released in 1991 and is now almost impossible to find. I rarely see this one on eBay or on anyone's trade lists. I even checked Shrapnel's page and this disc wasn't listed on it either. The few copies I have seen on eBay sell for an average of $15-$20. A good friend of mine picked up this one for me fairly cheap in Germany at a used store.

I wonder had this been the follow up to "Cool from the Wire" if Dirty Looks would have continued to climb up the ladder of success rather than plummeting to the status as permanent bar band? Not that it really matters as far as the music is concerned because, despite the fact that Dirty Looks were not selling millions, the music continued to impress. "The Last Forever" should have been blasting from every FM station in the US as it is a great power ballad with a very hooky vocal melody and chorus. Of course in 1992 nobody was listening to this sleazy, AC/DC inspired pop metal anymore anyhow. Dirty Looks, like similar sleaze rockers KIX never really could catch a break. Favorite cuts are album opener "Blue Tequila," the bluesy title track and "Violence in Blue" and album closer "Cardiac Arrest." The album's production is superb as Max Norman is once again hired to turn the knobs. Also of note is that David Krebbs, former Aerosmith manager, is listed as Executive Producer which simply means he put up the money for the band to record. Too bad he didn't put more money into promotions as I didn't even hear about this release until it was relegated to the cut out bins. Found this one along with 'Chewing on the Bit" in the same cut out bin for $2.99 each. They both sell for much more on ebay now.

1. "This Way" (4:02)
2. "Love Train" (3:46)
3. "Chewing on the Bit" (4:32)
4. "Falling Down" (4:54)
5. "You Can't Take It Back" (2:59)
6. "Trip the Light" (3:14)
7. "Dead, White & Blue" (3:13)
8. "Killing Time" (3:47)
9. "My Shallow Grave" (4:05)
10. "Last Cigarette" (3:18)
11. "Encore" (5:07)

1994 and Dirty Looks are still doing the sleaze metal thing despite the lack of interest from everyone. Could it be Dirty Looks are not just in it for the fame and fortune but actually have some integrity? Could I be they like the style of music they play as opposed to following the the trends? Once again, Max Norman is brought in to produce for Henrik Ostergaard and Co. (Henrik is the only remaining original member at this point.)

1. "Point of View" (3:52)
2. "One Bad Leg" (3:40)
3. "Hello It's Me" (4:08)
4. "The Rotten Kind" (3:21)
5. "Lamb's Breath" (4:49)
6. "Anesthesia" (3:29)
7. "Loveless" (4:02)
8. "YMI" (2:58)
9. "Better off Dead" (3:14)
10. "Anyway You Want It" (4:05)
11. "Raining in the Sun" (3:27)
12. "Like I Do" (3:53)
13, "Quite So High" (3:06)
14. "Oh Ruby" [live] (5:08)
15. "Cool from the Wire" [live] (5:27)

When I originally purchased the Rockworld version of "One Bad Leg" I was disappointed a bit. First of all, the cover was a single page insert with no photos, no credits and no lyrics, and there were only eight new songs. I assumed that lack of sales from the past albums caused lackluster label interest. Apparently this was somewhat true as the band was dropped shortly after the release of "O.B.L." Several years later I received the Music For Nations (European) version of "O.B.L.". Not only does it have a proper booklet with lyrics, but also contains several songs not on the Rockworld release. It contains better produced versions of four songs that made it onto the "Slave to the Machine" CD and 1 song ("Like I Do") that wasn't released anywhere else that I am aware of. The booklet, while being far better than the original, still contains no information of who played what on these songs, although it is nice to finally have the lyrics. So, I said all that to say, if you are looking to acquire this CD, you would be better off purchasing the Music For Nations version as you will get far more for your money.

The music still sounds like the AC/DC-inspired, boogie and blues heavy metal that they have always done. Dirty Looks, despite their lack of popularity and label backing continues to stare the music industry in the face and give it the finger. I guess they know what they like and what they do best. I had read somewhere that these songs were b-sides from other albums, which actually makes sense. As a whole, this isn't Dirty Looks best, but there are several standout tracks including the title track, "Loveless", "My Shallow Grave" and "YMI". "Raining in the Sun" is very similar musically to "Cool from the Wire". The last two songs are supposed to be live versions of "Oh Ruby" and "Cool from the Wire." They may have been recorded live but the crowd seems like it has been added in the studio.

1. "Open Wide" (4:23)
2. "Something in You" (4:02)
3. "Rite of Way" (3:06)
4. "Eye to the Sky" (3:40)
5. "Therapeutic Drinking" (3:08)
6. "Too Much for Granted" (4:12)
7. "I Want More" (2:56)
8. "Half as Much" (3:59)

Now relegated to status as an indie band, Dirty Looks, despite trends and all odds, continues to pursue the same type of sleazy metal they have been playing since the early 80's. Well, if there is one thing you can say for them, they stick to their guns. Henrik sounds so much like Bon Scott in "Something In You" that it's uncanny. I could have done without the "F*** You" chant in "I Want More." Otherwise a good, but very short, disc. Original guitarist Paul Lidel is back in the fold. This one sells for over $20 on Ebay. Ouch!

1. "Slave in the Machine" (4:12)
2. "Hole" (3:57)
3. "Rotten Kind" (3:20)
4. "Better Way" (4:17)
5. "Quite So High" (3:05)
6. "Better Off Dead" (3:20)
7. "Murder for Money" (4:13)
8. "Droperidol" (4:08)
9. "Jaw Breaker" (4:12)
10. "Anesthesia" (3:31)
11. "Getting Even" (3:34)
12. "Feelings of Dread" (4:12)
13. "Last Crack" (3:52)

Slave to the Machine is heavier, angrier and darker than anything from Dirty Looks back catalogue. While I would not go so far as to say it was 'grunge" it is grungier than their more upbeat CDs like "Cool from the Wire" and "Five Easy Pieces". The title track, "Hole", "Jaw Breaker" and "Better Off Dead" are my favorite songs off this disc. The production unfortunately really hurts this one. While it's not terrible, it is a bit muddier than I would have liked to have heard. The packaging also is lacking. There is nothing printed inside the sleeve whatsoever. It's not even known who actually played on this CD other than Henrick, whose signature howl is still present. This would be Dirty Looks' last CD as the band was just crushed by the new waves of crap that came in the 90's. This independent CD is now out of print and VERY much out of circulation. If a copy shows up on Ebay, it is usually far overpriced. Ebay average price is $30+, however, in my constant search for this CD I have seen it go as high as $47, and one time it hit over $100. Ouch! Diry Looks are a great band, but no CD is worth that much.

1. "Doesn't Count the Juice" (3:10)
2. "Second Chance, (Didn't Take It)" (3:17)
3. "See You in the Morning" (3:19)
4. "Through your Eyes" (3:34)
5. "If the World Stopped Spinning" (3:21)
6. "Over Me" (3:43)
7. "Stick Around" (4:08)
8. "Wake the Sky" (3:44)
9. "I Am that I Am" (3:05)
10. "Everything is Gonna Be Alright" (4:11)

Well, what do you know, after nearly a decade off the scene, Henrik and company return with a platter of new material. I didn't think these guys would ever release something under the Dirty Looks name again. "Gasoline" is an independent release on the band's Mirror Records and is limited to 1000 digi copies. The album is being re-released in a jewel case with two "bonus" tracks as well on Perris Records. Musically, this sounds like exactly what you would expect from Dirty Looks, gritty, dirty, heavy, hard rock. The guitar work echoes their early material, but has a more modern recording giving the guitars more bite. Henrik sounds as good as ever, and perhaps even a bit grittier. In the past he was often compared to Bon Scott and indeed that sound is still there, but I'd say he now has a more whiskey soaked sound, not unlike a cross between Bon Scott, Steven Tyler and Lemmy. "Over Me" reminds me slightly of U.D.O. in both vocal approach and the song itself. "Gasoline" doesn't quite have the pop hooks of "In Your Face" or "Cool from the Wire", but has enough hook to keep your attention and pull you back for me. In my first day of owning this CD I listened to it twice and found myself already wanting to sing along. Long time Dirty Looks fans should be please. There is no attempt whatsoever here to pander to trends. Rather, Dirty Looks do what Dirty Looks do best. Dirty, raunchy, rock and roll.

1. "Bring Me Down" (3:21)
2. "A Million Miles" (3:28)
3. "Wide Glide" (3:04)
4. "Dead Movie Star" (4:16)
5. "Forever" (4:38)
6. "Fast Ride" (3:03)
7. "Blue Light" (3:41)
8. "Not Enough" (3:40)
9. "Thin Red Line" (2:58)
10. "Steppin Stone" (3:39)

Wow, another new Dirty Looks CD. I barely had time to completely digest "Gasoline" before I heard news of another Dirty Looks with a "reunited line-up". Superdeluxe features three members from the classic "Cool from the Wire" line-up; Henrik Ostregaard - vocals, Paul Lidel - guitars and Jack Pyers - bass. The line-up is complete with drummer Jeremy Hummel. Promises of a "vintage Dirty Looks sound" were attached to press release for this album. Superdeluxe picks up where Gasoline left off. The band sounds as greasy and aggressive as ever, yet the band sounds like they are having fun at the same time. I'm not sure that Superdeluxe has the same immediate hooks as "Cool from the Wire". Still, this is a rip-roaring rock and roll record. Henrik's vocals are as raspy as they ever have been and are certainly not phoned in. The man still has that same raw emotion that was present on those early Dirty Looks album. In other words, Dirty Looks still has that dirty, gritty, sleazy sound that they are known for and should satisfy and long-time die hard fan. The packaging is a bit lacking. Wrapped in a rather drab digi, there is not booklet, although at least the lyrics were included this time around.

Related Collections:
Dangerous Toys | Broken Teeth