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Theodore "Ted" Nugent (born, December 13, 1948, Detroit, Michigan) (aka The Nuge, Uncle Ted, Terrible Ted, Sweaty Teddy, Deadly Tedly, Great Gonzos, Theodocious Atrocious and The Motor City Madman). Ted's music career started in a local Detroit teen band, the Lourds. He then went on to form the Amboy Dukes in 1965/66. After a few mildly successful Amboy Dukes albums, Nugent went solo in 1975. Throughout the 70's Ted released a number of chart topping albums and continued to sell out large stadiums across the globe. In the mid-80's his popularity began to dwindle so in 1990 he put his solo career on hold to become a member of the Damn Yankees. He resumed his solo career in 1995 with "Spirit of the Wild." and a succession of highly successful tours. Ted Nugent is a guitar legend!
I have been lucky enough to have been able to see the Nug over ten times over the years performing with such great bands as Aerosmith, KISS, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Slaughter Alcatrazz and ZZ Top. I have been a fan since I was in grade school. I can still remember my mother freaking out after she discovered that Ted Nugent's live opus contained a few expletives. Anyhow, I had wanted to meet this man in person forever and despite having seen him in concert so many times, I never had the opportunity until May 2003. I finally met Ted and his wife Shamane at a book signing for her new book "Married to a Rockstar." Ted was very pleasant and even took a few minutes out to talk to my son and warn him to 'stay away from drugs, alcohol and tobacco.' He then gave my son a guitar pick.
Ted Nugent (Epic) 1975
| 1. "Stranglehold"
(8:22) 2. "Stormtroopin'" (3:07) 3. "Hey Baby" (3:59) 4. "Just What The Doctor Ordered" (3:39) 5. "Snakeskin Cowboys" (4:30) 6. "Motor City Madhouse" (4:28) 7. "Where Have You Been All My Life" (4:03) 8. "You Make Me Feel Right At Home" (2:51) 9. "Queen Of The Forest" (3:34) BONUS TRACKS 10. "Stormtroopin'" [live] (6:36) 11. "Just What the Doctor Ordered" [live](4:52) 12. "Motor City Madhouse" [live] (8:38) 13. "Magic Party" [studio outtake] (2:55) |
 (Derek St. Holmes, Uncle Ted, Cliff Davies and Rob Grange) |
Ted Nugent-s/t Ted Nugent was actually created as a band with singer/guitarist Derek St. Holmes, bassist Rob Grange, and drummer Cliff Davies. Ted Nugent, the album is one of the finest hard rock releases to come out of the 70's. The raw recording actually works for Ted's music making classics like "Stormtroopin'," "Just What the Doctor Ordered," and the testosterone injected "Stranglehold" even stronger. St. Holmes penned "Hey Baby" has a bit of funk and groove and "You Make Me Fell Alright" is a cool jazz power ballad. Nugent himself hails "Ted Nugent" as his best work and I agree. This is simply a must have hard rock classic.
BONUS TRACKS: How do you get thousands of Ted Nugent fans to trade in their old copies of timeless classic discs and buy new copies? Add on some essential bonus tracks, including a rare studio outtake of "Magic Party" and three bone crushing live songs. The live tracks were recorded at the Hammersmith Odeon, London, England in 1977. "Magic Party" was originally only released on "Out of Control," the Nugent box set. I have no idea why this song was left off the album in 1975. I do wish they would have put this studio cut as track 10 on the disc, making it part of the whole studio album. Putting it after three charged up live tracks makes the song seem a bit weak in comparison. The reissue also contains an excellent booklet with an insightful essay on this new era of Ted Nugent's solo career and tons of cool photos from '75.
"Stranglehold" has been covered by Cross Canadian Ragweed.
Ted Nugent - Free For All (Epic) 1976
| 1.
"Free-For-All" (3:20) 2. "Dog Eat Dog" (4:02) 3. "Writing On The Wall" (7:08) 4. "Turn It Up" (3:36) 5. "Street Rats" (3:36) 6. "Together" (5:52) 7. "Light My Way" (3:00) 8. "Hammerdown" (4:07) 9. "I Love You So I Told You A Lie" (3:47) BONUS TRACKS 10. "Free-for-all" [live] (5:14) 11. "Dog Eat Dog" [live](6:22) 12. "Street Rats" [studio outtake w/ Derek St. Holmes on vocals] (4:15) |
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I know most people hail this as one of Nugent's best, but to be honest, it's one of my least favorites. There are some great songs on this disc but some of the vocals annoy me. Singer/rhythm guitarist Derek St. Holmes' departed from the band just as recording of the album began due to constant arguing with the Nug about who would sing what song. So, without a singer, producer Tom Werman convinced a singer by the name of Meat Loaf to handle the vocal chores on the songs. GAK! Songs like "Street Rats" and "Hammerdown" would have been so much stronger with St. Holmes' behind the mic. "Turn It Up," a turbo charged speed rocker is the only track that St. Holmes sings on but is one of the best. The title track is one of Ted's all-time best as well, as Ted takes over both guitar and vocal duties. "Free-for-all" has a vicious, monster groove. The 1999 reissues has a cool essay on this era of Nugent and his band, as well as three cool bonus tracks. The bonus version of "Street Rats" w/ Derek St. Holmes on vocals blows the doors off the album version.
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1.
"Cat Scratch Fever" (3:41) |
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Derek returns and the world is good again. "Cat Scratch Fever" is a first-rate rock 'n roll classic. This set of brash hard rockers come very close to matching the intensity of the self titled debut. Of course the title track is the one and only Top 30 single that Ted ever produced in the 70's, which just goes to show you that you can still sell millions of records without being a chart topper or trend hopper. Standouts include such underrated songs as "Live It Up," "Workin' Hard, Playin' Hard," and "Out of Control," and the oh, so subtle "Wang Dang Sweet Poontang." There is also the exquisite and surprisingly melodic instrumental titled "Home Bound." "Fist Fightin' Son of a Gun" opens with a Chuck Berry inspired riff. There is not a bad song on this disc. Once again, with the 1999 reissue, there are some nice bonus tracks and a well laid out booklet that make replacing that old vinyl record worth while.
"Cat Scratch Fever" has been covered by Motorhead, Nitro, and Pantera (on the "Detroit Rock City" soundtrack).
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"Just What the Doctor Ordered" (5:26) |
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As much as I liked Ted Nugent's first three albums they didn't have the aggression, the attitude, and sonic punch of these live performances. Double Live Gonzo! is perhaps my all time favorite live album. Ted is at home on the stage where he gets the chance to let it rip. Both Nugent and his band are in top form for these live outings, and why not after years of constant touring. My favorite songs are the one's from Nugent's self-titled album. "Just What the Doctor Ordered" smokes! The fierce versions of "Motor City Madhouse" and "Stranglehold" are extended jams that never get boring. Of course there is also the humor of the Motor City Madman in the intros to "Baby Please Don't Go" and "Wang Dang Sweet Poontang." Oh, and lest I forget, Double Live Gonzo!" contains the definitive version of "Great White Buffalo." Paid full price for this CD and it was worth every penny.
Funny story about this one. When I was in Junior High, I brought this record in for "music appreciation day." Played the opening for "Hibernation." "This guitar right here I've been told, as matter of fact I did it one time on safari, this guitar is guaranteed to blow the balls off a charging rhino at sixty paces..." Needless to say, my teacher didn't appreciate my music and she didn't even let the stupid song play. I got detention.
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"Need You Bad" (4:20) |
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It had been years between the time I got rid of my vinyl copy of this and the time I finally picked up a CD copy. When I put it on in my car I realized that the first five songs sounded a bit foreign to me. However, when "Smokescreen" came on, it was like seeing an old friend. I remembered the words to every song and thoroughly enjoyed listening to it. Just goes to show that I must have listened to side 2 of the record more than side 1. This is another of those albums that I grew up listening to and still love today.
Ted Nugent - State of Shock (Epic) 1979
1. "Paralyzed"
(4:09)
2. "Take It Or Leave It" (4:07)
3. "Alone" (5:23)
4. "It Don't Matter" (3:08)
5. "State Of Shock" (3:25)
6. "I Want To Tell You" (4:52)
7. "Satisfied" (5:49)
8. "Bite Down Hard" (3:21)
9. "Snake Charmer" (3:19)
10. "Saddle Sore" (3:16)
The Nug still at the top of his game here. "Paralyzed" has been a concert favorite for years, and is still played by Ted today. There are a ton of classics on this disc, however. "Snake Charmer" has a hooky chorus that sticks in your head for days. "Alone" is a nice slow blues jam (dirge). Nugent has cool album covers as well.
Ted Nugent - Live at Hammersmith '79 (Epic/Legacy) 1997
1. "Stormtroopin'"
(5:57)
2. "Just What the Doctor Ordered" (4:57)
3. "Free-for-all" (8:17)
4. "Cat Scratch Fever" (5:52)
5. "Need You Bad" (4:08)
6. "Paralyzed" (5:17)
7. "Wang Dang Sweet Poontang" (5:03)
8. "Stranglehold/Smokescreen" (3:19)
9. "Motor City Madhouse" (8:05)
10. "Gonzo" (10:29)
Ted and his band at their Gonzo best! Recorded live at the final night of Ted's 1979 "State of Shock" European tour. What else can I say, Nugent rules the stage!
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1.
"Wango Tango" (4:50) |
 1980 European "Frenzoid Tour" Book |
This is one spectacular heavy metal opus. I mean Ted cranks it up to 11 on this one. The lyrics on some of the songs are as freakin' hilarious as the front cover art picturing Ted with guitars for arms and hands. TED RULES! "Wango Tango" is, of course, a FM rock radio staple. "Scream Dream," well, it screams. "Hard as Nails" is as hard as nails!, "I Gotta Move" makes you wanna move. Are you catching a pattern here? "Terminus Eldorodo" is a tale of teenage rebellion put to a screaming guitar riff. "Don't Cry" is a swinging, short and speedy tune and "Flesh & Blood" is a heavy a sin boogie monster with distorted vocals. "Scream Dream" is one of my favorite platters of all times. Oh, and did I mention that TED RULES!?
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"Put up or Shut Up" (3:21) |
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"Intensities in 10 Cities" is a live album featuring all new material, which is where Ted excels. When it comes to live performances, few could touch the Nug's over-the-top charisma and energy. "Spontaneous Combustion," Jailbait," and "My Love Is Like a Tire Iron" are prime Ted! "Land of a Thousand Dances" is a cover song, by whom I know not. Nugent has always been inspired by guys like Chuck Berry, and the material presented here has a lot of that inspiration. However, "Intensities" is not Ted's finest hour. I have read that this disc was basically recorded to get out of his contract with Epic Records. I can't recall ever hearing Ted play any of these songs during any tour. "Intensities" is probably the least played Nugent disc in my collection, second only to "Penetrator".
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"No, No, No" (3:38) |
 Promotional 45RPM single |
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One of the most underrated Ted Nugent albums. 'Nugent' is also the last great Nugent disc for some time as the 1980's sound would soon hurt the powerful Nugent style for the next two records. "Tailgunner," my favorite song on this disc is a seven minute guitar romp. "Bound & Gagged" is a political song, something that would become a staple of Ted's from here on out. "No, No, No" and "Habitual Offender" are equally good rockers. What also makes this a good album is the return of Derek St. Holmes on vocals. Both Derek and Ted have the strongest voices of anyone to have sang on a Nugent album. For a long time this disc was out of print and was fairly hard to find, but in 2001 Spitfire Records released this disc along with the rest of Nugent's 1980's catalogue. Fortunately the re-release version is remastered and has a extensive booklet. Unfortunately, I don't have it yet and am still holding on to my original Atlantic Records release.
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1. "Tied up
in Love" (4:24) |
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This is not Ted Nugent. This was aliens who were pretending to be Ted trying to take over the world with their 80's pop rock crap. It has to be the case because the keyboards (no, say it ain't so) drown out the guitars. Seriously, if it didn't say Ted Nugent on the cover, I never would have guessed it was him, except for perhaps the five second guitar solo opening and the Nugent-esque "Thunder Thighs." Other than that, where are the gonzo guitar antics? Where is the blazing leads, the extended jam songs, where are the balls? Ahhhhh! Run away, run away!
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1. "High Heels
in Motion" (3:34) |
 Ted Nugent sporting a fetching mohawk. This photo appeared on the inside of the Little Miss Dangerous album. |
Ted is still dabbling in 80's pop-rock on this platter, but "Little Miss Dangerous" is still 100x better than it's predecessor. At least on this disc, the keyboards aren't mixed above the guitars. As a matter of fact, "Little Miss Dangerous" and "Painkiller" are both Nugent classics. "Little Miss Dangerous," the song, is actually one of my all time Nugent favorites. The song is slow and has a nasty groove to it with some mean guitar solos. I was lucky enough to catch this one live a few times. It's noteworthy that all the good songs on this disc were written by Nugent himself, without the help of Sony's "professional" songwriters. I'd be willing to bet that Sony had a big part in the change in style on these last album. Anyhow, I still really enjoy this disc and it does frequent my CD player, despite the fact that it is not on the same level as Nugent's 70's outputs. For a long time this disc was out of print and relatively hard to find, but in 2002 Spitfire Records remastered and re-released all for Atlantic recordings. Oh, one other thing, there is a hilarious picture of Ted with a mohawk on the inside cover.
Ted Nugent - If You Can't Lick 'Em-Lick 'Em (WEA) 1988
1. "Can't
Live with 'Em" (4:18)
2. "She Drives Me Crazy" (2:42)
3. "If You Can't Lick 'Em...Lick 'Em" (6:03)
4. "Skintight" (3:08)
5. "Funlover" (4:42)
6. "Spread Your Wings" (5:56)
7. "Harder They Come (The Harder I Get)" (3:38)
8. "Separate the Men from the Boys, Please" (3:52)
9. "Bite the Hand" (2:55)
10. "That's the Story of Love" (2:58)
Now this is Ted Nugent! "Lick 'Em" is 100% pure Ted, just the way we like him. In-your-face, ferocious, all guns blazing rock 'n roll. My favorite track is "If You Can't Lick 'Em...Lick 'Em." Ted struts his stuff a bit on this track, with some blazing guitar antics.There are several other standout cuts as well.. "Can't Live With 'Em", "She Drives Me Crazy", "Skintight", "Funlover" and "Harder They Come" are all excellent Nugent rockers. "Spread Your Wings" is also a standout track, although this particular song is a rare mellow moment for the Motor City Madman. As usual the sexual innuendoes are spread throughout, in usual Ted Nugent fashion and there is little of Ted's political and social ideas presented. Mr. Big's Pat Torpey performs the drums on this album and Chuck Wright (Giuffria/Magdalen/Quiet Riot/Impellitteri) plays bass. Overall, "If You Can't Lick 'Em" is a solid Ted Nugent album. Welcome back the Motor City Madman. Long live Ted!
Ted Nugent - Out of Control (Epic)
| DISC
ONE 1. "Baby Please Don't Go" (5:38) 2. "Journey to the Center of Your Mind" (3:34) 3. "You Talk Sunshine, I Breathe Fire" (2:43) 4. "Gloria" [unreleased] (6:07) 5. "Call of the Wild" (4:46) 6. "Great White Buffalo" (4:57) 7. "Stanglehold" (8:22) 8. "Stormtroopin'" (3:04) 9. "Hey Baby" (3:59) 10. "Motor City Madhouse" (4:33) 11. "Free-For-All" (3:20) 12. "Dog Eat Dog" (4:03) 13. "Turn It Up" (3:36) 14. "Street Rats" [alternate w/ Derek St. Holmes] (4:14) 15. "Magic Party" [unreleased] (2:42) 16. "Hammerdown" (4:07) |
DISC
TWO 17. "Cat Scratch Fever" (3:38) 18. "Wang Dang Sweet Poontang" (3:15) 19. "Live It Up" (3:59) 20. "Homebound" (4:43) 21. "Out of Control" (3:27) 22. "Carol" [live] (4:02) 23. "Just What the Doctor Ordered" [live] (5:27) 24." Yank Me, Crank Me" [live] (4:42) 25. "Walking Tall" [live] (3:53) 26. "Need You Bad" (4:17) 27. "Weekend Warriors" (3:05) 28. "Paralyzed" (4:01) 29. "State of Shock" (3:21) 30. "Wango Tango" (4:48) 31. "Scream Dream" (3:18) 32. "Terminus Eldorado" (4:14) 33. "Jailbait" [live] (5:16) 34. "Little Miss Dangerous" (4:48) |
"Out of Control" is an excellent career retrospective, albeit far from extensive. The 34 songs range from all stages of the madman's guitar slinging career, tracing chronologically from his day with the Amboy Dukes through the '70s right up to the 80's. (Tracks 1-6 are Amboy Dukes songs.) Unfortunately, there is only one song from his four Atlantic recordings; "Little Miss Dangerous." There are a few rare tracks, unreleased live songs and alternate takes, but there is not to much to speak of. Had I not found this set for a mere $7, I probably would not have picked it up since I already own a majority of this material. With all the unreleased live material that Ted has, I wish Epic would have included another disc of just live recordings. I know that they have the entire Ted Nugent show from California Live Jam 2 in their vaults, as well as all the Hammersmith material that they put as bonus tracks on the remastered re-releases. Shoot, they could have at least released the two songs that were originally on the Cal Jam 2 record, that have yet to see light of day on CD. It would also have been nice if they could have dedicated one whole disc to the Amboy Dukes material since there is so much of it, and most of it is hard to find on disc. There is a nice full color book included with liner notes by Ted himself.
Ted Nugent - Ted Nugent Hunt Music (World Bowhunters) 1992
1. "Sunrise"
[instrumental] (4:33)
2. "Fred Bear" (7:41)
A short EP that was released to help promote the Ted Nugent's World Bowhunters organization. "Sunrise" is just Ted and his electric guitar. No drums, no bass, no overdubs, just Ted. "Fred Bear" is a song that celebrates the spirit of the outdoors and hunting. This version sounds identical to the version that eventually appeared on "Spirit of the Wild".
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"Thighraceous" (3:48) |
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"Spirit of the Wild" is one of Ted Nugent's finest moments in a long time because it sounds like the Wackmaster. The lyrics have changed over the years from sex to the wilderness and conservative issues, which fits right in with his '90s reinvention as a conservative family-values spokesman. (Who would have thunk it, huh?) Now don't go thinking that "Call of the Wild" is a tame record, it just means that Nugent sounds committed again, since that passion for hunting and family flows throughout his music. Highlights are "Thighraceous" (OK, there are some sex lyrics), the hilarious "Kiss My Ass" (dedicated to Janet Reno and President Clinton), and "Fred Bear" (a song that he uses as a platform to speak for having pride in America during his shows). Oh, I almost forgot, Derek St. Holmes is back at the mic. Can you feel the spirit?
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1. "Give Me Just a Little" (3:48) |
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I think a buffalo must have shoved a horn in the Nuge's backside, 'cause this is one supercharged song. This is the stuff that "State of Shock" and "Scream Dream" were made up of. Too bad it's just a one song CD. single. Paid premium for this one. Probably paid more for this per song than just about any other disc in my collection at $5 plus a whopping $4 shipping. $9 for one song, that' pretty steep, but the Nug is worth every penny. This song is also available on the "expanded" edition of "Great Gonzos."
Since '98 I have seen Ted Nugent four times (two times opening for KISS and twice as the headliner w/ Slaughter and Night Ranger opening) and each time he has been awesome, playing mostly his early to mid 70's material. Can't wait for a new one Ted!
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1. "Fred Bear"
[live] (10:47) |
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A collection of Nugent oddities. "Fred Bear" live is actually recorded live in the studio and is an extended jam version of the '95 classic. "Sunrise" is the same instrumental that was released on the 1992 two song EP "Hunt Music". "KLSTRBK" is also an instrumental that eventually turned into "KLSTRPHK" on Full Bluntal Nugety, then "KLSTRPHNKY" on Craveman. This version is a bit less 'heavy' sounding due to the raw recording. The second version of "Fred Bear" is the same version that was on the original "Hunt Music" EP. "I Just Wanna Go Huntin'" and "My Bow & Arrow" sound like songs Ted might have made up sitting around some camp fire with friends and family. The Definitive version "Great White Buffalo" is a newly recorded version of the Amboy Dukes classic, although the recording here is raw, bare minimum. It doesn't have the fullness of the "Gonzo" version, although the actual guitar playing is excellent. A nice collector's disc that I am sure is in very limited supply, although last I checked were still available through TedNugent.com.
Ted Nugent - Full Bluntal Nugity (Spitfire) 2001
| 1.
"KLSTRPHK" [instrumental] (3:59) 2. "Paralyzed" (4:28) 3. "Snakeskin Cowboys" (5:58) 4. "Wang Dang Sweet Poontang" (6:44) 5. "Free For All" (4:10) 6. "Yank Me Crank Me" (2:44) 7. "Hey Baby" (4:13) 8. "Fred Bear" [acoustic] (8:12) 9. "Cat Scratch Fever" (5:27) 10. "Stranglehold" (9:48) 11. "Great White Buffalo" (5:20) 12. "Motorcity Madhouse" (6:59) |
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Yet another killer live offering from 'ol Nugent. Well, you'll never hear me complain about purchasing another live album. Ted Nugent is all about playing live and loud. Ted Nugent is all about playing live and loud. I've actually seen him four times over the last couple years (2000-2001) twice opening for Kiss, once headlining the Can't Stop the Rock Tour (with Night Ranger, Quiet Riot and Slaughter opening) and once co-headlining with Lynyrd Skynyrd. If he were coming to town tomorrow, I'd go see him again too. Ted rules the stage. The production on this disc is outstanding. Somehow they really managed to capture the live in the big arena sound, yet everything sounds crystal clear. I was hoping there would be a bunch of live rarities on this disc, and to my dismay there were only a couple; a live romp through Derek St. Holmes' "Hey Baby," a song I don't remember ever hearing live. Marco Mendoza handles the vocals on this song. The other is an acoustic version of "Fred Bear." I always dig "Fred Bear" although I have to confess I wouldn't have minded hearing the electric version since that is the version I have seen him perform several times over the years. I can still "feel the spirit" and the campfire flames from those shows. I'm really surprised that "Kiss My Ass" didn't make it onto this disc. I would imagine that he played it but for reasons unknown to me, it was left off. Anyhow, all the standards are present as well-"Great White Buffalo," "Free For All." "Stranglehold," "Snakeskin Cowboys," etc.. Shoot Ted really knows what his fans want to hear in concert. Helping Ted along through this massive tour over the last couple of years is drummer extraordinare Tommy Aldridge, and bassist Marco Mendoza (Thin Lizzy/Sykes). This particular performance, recorded live without any overdubs, was recorded live at The Palace Of Auburn Hills on December 31, 2000 at the 13th Annual Whiplash Bash in Detroit, MI. Ted recorded a video several years ago from another Whiplash Bash in Detroit. Long live Ted!
Ted Nugent - Noble Savage (Snapper/Recall) 2001
| DISC
ONE 1. "No No No" (3:42) 2. "Bound and Gagged" (4:35) 3. "Habitual Offender" (3:11) 4. "Fightin' Words" (4:01) 5. "We're Gonna Rock Tonight" (3:23) 6. "Tailgunner" (7:02) 7. "Tied Up in Love" (4:22) 8. "Knockin' at Your Door" (3:54) 9. "Don't You Want My Love" (3:31) 10. "Go Down Fighting" (4:43) 11. "Thunder Thighs" (4:09) 12. "Lean Mean Rock 'N' Roll Machine" (3:57) 13. "High Heels in Motion" (3:35) 14. "Little Miss Dangerous" (4:50) 15. "Crazy Ladies" (3:43) 16. "When Your Body Talks" (3:17) |
DISC
TWO 17. "My Little Red Book" (3:06) 18. "Angry Young Man" (3:58) 19. "Painkiller" (6:03) 20. "Can't Live With Em" (4:21) 21. "She Drives Me Crazy" (2:46) 22. "Skintight" (3:10) 23. "Funlover" (4:45) 24. "Spread Your Wings" (5:59) 25. "The Harder They Come (The Harder I Get)" (3:39) 26. "That's the Story of Love" (3:02) 27. "Fred Bear" [live] (8:19) 28. "Cat Scratch Fever" [live] (5:26) 29. "Stranglehold" [live] (9:55) |
This is one of many, many Ted Nugent compilation CDs. However, unlike the others which just rehash the same songs from Ted's 70's releases, "Noble Savage" focuses on the more obscure 1980's releases. Being a fan of Nugent since the 70's I invested in each of his albums ever since I became a fan in grade school. However, even being the mega-fan I am, not even I would admit that all Ted's 80's albums were up to snuff. However, even the worst albums had some redeemable tracks, and "Noble Savage" does a good job of focusing on the best tracks from those albums. The disc starts off strong with songs off "Nugent" which in my opinion is one of Ted's most underrated discs. All six tracks from that album are strong, energetic and as rebellious and brash as anyone would expect from 'ol Uncle Ted. The lineup for this disc also featured original Ted Nugent vocalist Derek St. Holmes as well as Vanilla Fudge drummer Carmine Appice. The next few tracks, however, are from the keyboard drenched "Penetrator" which featured Brian Howe on vocals. With the exception of "Thunder Thighs" none of this material really sounds like the energetic and wild Ted of old. Still, the four more commercial tunes are not bad and sound as good as anything that was popular on MTV during that decade, especially "Tied Up in Love". Unfortunately this only proves that Ted was being a follower rather than the leader he is and was. Next up are six tracks from the more aggressive "Little Miss Dangerous." These tracks find Ted returning to the lead vocal position for some of the tracks and toning down the keyboard crap. The track "Little Miss Dangerous" is actually one of my favorite Ted Nugent compositions. "High Heels In Motion" is also a standout track, although this song is a bit more in the commercial 80's direction. The second disc finishes off with tracks from "If You Can't Lick 'Em" and "Full Bluntal Nugety" which had Ted back to his usual outrageous, energetic, Gonzo guitar antics for the most part. However, the Nugent/Bon Jovi/Sambora collaboration "That's The Story of Love" is a obvious attempt at a radio single. Overall, a spectacular two disc collection focusing on the later and for the most part neglected eras of Ted's career. Personally I think this disc could have, and should have been, discs number three and four of the Nugent box set, which was far from being a fair representation of the Nuge's career.
Ted Nugent - The Ultimate Ted Nugent (Epic) 2002
| DISC
ONE 1. "Stranglehold" (8:23) 2. "Stormtroopin'" (3:09) 3. "Hey Baby" (4:00) 4. "Just What the Doctor Ordered" (3:45) 5. "Snakeskin Cowboys" (4:34) 6. "Motor City Madhouse" (4:33) 7. "Where Have You Been All My Life" (4:05) 8. "Free-for-all" (3:22) 9. "Dog Eat Dog" (4:03) 10. "Writing on the Wall" (7:11) 11. "Turn It Up" (3:38) 12. "Street Rats" (3:37) 13. "Hammerdown" (4:09) 14. "Cat Scratch Fever" (3:39) 15. "Wang Dang Sweet Poontang" (3:16) 16. "Death by Misadventure" (3:29) |
DISC
TWO 17. "Out of Control" (3:28) 18. "Live It Up" (4:00) 19. "Homebound" (4:44) 20. "Need You Bad" (4:19) 21. "Weekend Warriors" (3:08) 22. "Smokescreen" (4:14) 23. "Paralyzed" (4:11) 24. "Take It or Leave It" (4:08) 25. "State of Shock" (3:23) 26. "Snake Charmer" (3:20) 27. "Wango Tango" (4:51) 28. "Scream Dream" (3:19) 29. "Jailbait" [live] (5:20) 30. "Yank Me Crank Me" [live] (4:35) 31. "The Flying Lip Lock" [live] (4:11) 32. "Baby, Please Don't Go" [live] (5:58) |
So, Epic decides they need to take advantage of all Ted's constant new millennial touring and regained popularity and release yet another 'best of' collection. While this collection does an excellent job of reviewing Ted's Epic years, it's far from exhaustive. First of all, I think that not including "Terminus Eldorado" from 1980's "Scream Dream" was a mistake. Second, why not include some of those rare live classics? The tracks Ted recorded for California Jam 2 in '78 have still not seen any sort of official release on CD. Also, where is "Great White Buffalo"? I mean, c'mon! Still, this two disc collection is actually quite a bit better than the lame box set released a decade earlier and is certainly better than "Great Gonzos," which had far to few songs. Imagine if this disc had been discs two and three of a five disc box set, with disc one having Amboy Dukes material and discs four and five containing tracks from the Atlantic years as well as some rare live and studio material. Now that would be a box set worth owning. The other complaint I have about "The Ultimate Ted Nugent" is the lame insert which lacks any liner notes, and is a bit shy on photos or any information, for that matter. A collection of classics like this is deserving of at least a good biography, or at least several shots of 'ol madman Ted over the years. There is a discography included, although it only includes albums that were released on Epic/Sony. To the casual fan, this might be the only Ted Nugent disc they ever need but to the die-hard Nugent fan, this disc really lacks any appeal as the packaging is weak and they will already own every single song on this compilation.
Ted Nugent - Craveman (Spitfire) 2002
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1. "KLSTRPHNKY"
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 Meeting Ted Nugent for the first time. 5/03 |
The Gonzo Motor City Madman has returned with a fury, riding high on a buffalo with bow, arrow and Gibson Byrdland in hand. This is certainly the heaviest Nugent release ever! Take a listen and see if KLSTRPHNKY doesn't send shivers down your spine, like it did mine. Likewise, "Going Down Hard", "Crave" and "Rawdogs & Warhogs" are outrageous, heavy, over-the-top and kept me smiling all day. Album closer "Earthtone" is the only instrumental on the disc. This song is a tad more laid back and bluesy than the rest of the disc and features the stellar bass work of Marco Mendoza as well as plenty of guitar-de-Nuge! Laid back does not mean mellow however. When it comes to music, Nugent doesn't know that meaning of the word mellow. Perhaps I am just a Nugent die-hard, but within the first three days of owning this CD., I had already spun it about ten times. For those easily offended or weak at heart, 'ol Uncle Ted isn't exactly politically correct. Hyper-conservative politics, God, guns, sex, rock n roll and a great big salute to the 'ol U.S. of A are the subjects at hand. But would you expect anything different from Ted? The lyrics from "Crave" do a good job of summing up Ted Nugents philosophy, "I don't believe in the status quo/It kinda leaves me weak/A mountain high is what I climb/I swim the river deep/And if ya crave the time of your life/Try to keep up with me." "Anyone who wants to get mellow, you can just turn around and get the. . ."
Had this disc signed when I met Ted and his wife Shemane in Albuquerque at Shemane's "Married to a Rockstar" book signing. Afterwards I went to see Ted open up for ZZ Top. Of this disc, he played "Crave" and "Rawdogs & Warhogs". The guitar pick pictured was given to my son by Ted after he encouraged my son to practice hard and stay away from things like alcohol and drugs that will poison his body.
Ted Nugent - Extended Versions (BMG) 2005
1. "Stromptroopin'"
(5:57)
2. "Just What The Doctor Ordered" (5:18)
3. "Dog Eat Dog" (5:18)
4. "Yank Me Crank" (4:20)
5. "Stranglehold" (10:29)
6. "Cat Scratch Fever" (3:50)
7. "Put Up Or Shut-Up" (3:21)
8. "Land Of A Thousand Dances" (4:39)
9. "I Take No Prisoners" (3:30)
10. "Baby, Please Don't Go" (5:58)
Another in the long line of budget live CDs from Sony. As with all the "Extended Versions" CDs, the packaging is designed to look like a new CD, even though it is not. This particular one is made up of songs from "Double Live Gonzo" (Tracks 1, 2, 4, 5, 10), Intensities in Ten Cities (Tracks 7, 8, 9) and one track from the "Live At Hammersmith '70" CD (Track 3). Of course any live Nug' is great, so I can't really say much negative about the music. However, I wish that Sony would have at least dug out some rarities for it like they did on the Molly Hatchet - Extended Versions CD, or perhaps use a new show like they did for Cinderella. Shoot, they could have used the two tracks from California Jam 2 record, or perhaps some tracks that haven't seen the light of day on a live record such as "Scream Dream" or "Wango Tango". After all, these were Nugent hits. Well, I guess that is a lot to ask for a budget release I paid a whopping $5 for. At least they mixed the songs together so it sounds like one continuous show instead of fading in and out between songs. Also, it's nice to have the Gonzo tracks finally remastered. Hey Sony, how about re-releasing the whole album in a remastered version like you did the first three studio albums!
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1. "Love Grenade" (4:15) Pre-release, picture disc single for Ted's "Love Grenade" album. The song is prime, hard-rockin', full blunatal Nugity. The single was given out on Ted's Summer 2007 tour that preceded the release of the album. According to the listing, this is the edit version of the song, which tells me that it's probably not the exact same version that will end up on the album. |
 Ted Nugent, Albuquerque, NM Aug. 25, 2007 Shot from the front row with my cell phone. |
Ted Nugent - Love Grenade (Eagle Records) 2007 1. "Love Grenade"
(5:03) Love him or hate him, Nugent is one who will always get a reaction. He refuses to back down from who he is, what he does and what he believes. Take a gander at the album title, the titles of these songs or the lyrics themselves. It's rock and roll baby, and it's suppose to be fun. Indeed! However, Nugent is sure to cause some waves with this release in a politically correct world. Ted's first studio album in 5 years, "Love Grenade" is exactly what I hoped for from the Motor City Madman. The album opens up with the first single from the album, the bombastic title track. This is prime Ted in my ever so biased opinion. "Still Raising Hell" and "FUNK U" continue the fast paced, rock and roll assault to the ears. All three songs are built around that full bluntal, signature Gibson guitar tone. "Girl Scout Cookies" is a novelty Nug track, not unlike "Terminus Eldorado" or "My Baby Likes Her Butter on Her Gritz". There is some sexual innuendo buried in these lyrics, but on the surface the song is literally an ode to Girl Scout Cookies. "Journey to the Center of the Mind" is an updated, hard rockin' celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Amboy Dukes classic hit song. This version sound much like the version that Sweaty Teddy's been performing in concert on the last few tours. "Geronimo & Me" is Ted screaming loud and proud about liberty, freedom and making a stand for what you believe. In the song Ted references some of the lyrics from "Great White Buffalo". "EagleBrother" is a melodic instrumental that flows out of "Geronemo & Me" and acts as a lengthy, atmospheric outro. "Spirit of the Buffalo" is a laid back celebration of the outdoors. This is probably the weakest song on the disc as it doesn't really do much. "Aborigini" is full thottle, rock 'n' roll, celebration of freedom in America. "Stand" is a yet another Motor City Madman rocker and continues in the same lyrical direction as "Kiss My Ass" with a big old finger in the air to big government and those who oppose freedom. "Bridge Over Troubled Daughters" is a Wackmaster, boogie rocker. The album finishes off with a heavy, slow blues number that features Jack Blades on bass. Also along for the hunt is bassist Barry Sparks and drummer Tommy Clufetos. "From the Motor City Funk University", Ted is still "alive and well, still raisin' hell". |
 My second time meeting Ted Nugent, Aug. 25, 2007 |
Other NUGENT appearances:
Ted does a great version of Aerosmith's "Rag Doll" on "Not the Same Old Song & Dance"
Ted teams up with Lemmy (Motorhead) for "Tie Your Mother Down" for the "Dragon Attack" Queen Tribute that also appeared as the b-side of a Motorhead limited edition vinyl single.
He also appears on the California Jam II album with Aerosmith and Frank Marino that has yet to see the light of day officially on CD.!
He makes a brief appearance playing lead guitar on "Milk Cow Blues" on Aerosmith's "Texas Jam 78" video and CD as well.
Ted recorded a live version of "Mississippi Queen" with Molly Hatchet , as well as a cover of Chuck Berry's "Around And Around" on Volunteer Jam VII.
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Ted Nugent - Cat Scratch Fever (Epic) 1977
Ted Nugent - Double Live Gonzo! (Epic) 1978
Ted Nugent - Weekend Warriors (Epic) 1978
Nugent (Atlantic) 1982
Ted Nugent - Penetrator (Atlantic) 1984
Ted Nugent - Hunt Music 2000 (independent)
2000
Ted
Nugent - Love Grenade (Eagle) 2007 