Pornograffitti

There's not many CDs I own that I have made sure to seek out the vinyl version of. The first one was HYSTERIA. I've already written about it and you can read it again at your leisure. This is another I simply had to have. Its just one of those albums you have to listen to right through. Not because of it being a "concept album", but the fact that the songs are brilliant on their own, but best heard altogether. Let me introduce you to Extreme

If you don't have this in your collection, you really are missing out. You're very probably aware of the biggest hit, More Than Words, which was a real, classy love song highlighting how a single, mature voice and brilliantly played acoustic guitar could make a fantastic combination. You may also be aware of the other big hit, Get The Funk Out, which takes Queen's Another One Bites The Dust to another level of boogie and rock. If you're not moved to at least tap your toes, then there's something wrong.

The story contained within the concept is that of "lost innocence and uneasiness". Pretty heavy subjects to try and bring entertainment to the table, but this is achieved throughout. Its one of those "NOT A SINGLE BAD TRACK" releases. My only comment being that the CD contains one more song than the vinyl. Hole Hearted is missing from the album and it is a lovely tune. Its surprising to use the word "lovely" about a rock album. Extreme however, are more than just a rock band. They seem to be able to include different styles at ease. Hard Rock, Funk, Boogie, Ballads all turn up on the tracks, sometimes at the same time. This can only be achieved through being an excellent musician and my goodness, Extreme have talent in abundance.

I'm prepared to kick off the argument by saying that Nuno Bettencourt is one of the best guitarists around. Be it the rock of opener Decadence Dance, or the gentle beauty of the previously mentioned More Than Words, Bettencourt is equally at home. To prove his versatility, he was touring lead guitarist for Rihanna for almost 10 years. A bit of a far cry from just a metal player. The rhythm section of Pat Badger on bass and Paul Geary on drums provide a rock-solid foundation for the songs to build from. Badger's lines are worth following. He's not just keeping the rhythm, but growing a tune all on his own. Geary is far from a typical rock drummer, driving the songs forward at pace. Some of his fills you need to keep an ear out for. An extra flick here, held back beat there. Its impressive stuff musically. all round. To top it all off, the wide range and breadth of Gary Cherone complete the ensemble. Cherone can do sweet and soft through to hard and throaty. A very versatile range.

Worth noting here that when they sing together, the layers produced are very Queen-like. Its no surprise that they were all great fans of the band and played a set of Queen snippets at the Freddie Mercury Memorial concert. It was well played, well constructed and very well received. But then if you are part of an outstanding set of musicians it would be nothing less than you'd expect.

Like I said earlier, it was the CD I had first so I've had a long time to think of what would be my favourite track. Hard to choose, actually. The aforementioned singles are great songs, Riffs throughout, especially on It('s A Monster),Suzi (Wants Her All Day What), When I'm President....................... I could just name them all in fact. I finally took ownership of the vinyl thanks to my friend Aileen at maidinvinyl.co.uk who knew I was looking for it and called me to say she had taken one into stock. I was through in a shot (at least quicker than it took me to collect Solo In Soho (she'll know))!

Extreme are still active today, this album having been released in 1990. Their most recent issue was titled "SIX" and was out in 2023. It too, is a great album and showed that despite being 15 years on from their last release, they still had the energy, power and fun that was evident on PORNOGRAFFITTI. I can recommend this too.

Its rare to find an album you enjoy from beginning to end and then immediately want to hear again. This is one of them. Please don't be put off by the use of the phrase "concept album". This is no prog rock escape. This is a bona-fide, no holds barred, A+ hard rock album. Definitely one you can Lie Back And Enjoy It.

Track Listing

Decadence Dance

Li'l Jack Horny

When I'm President

Get The Funk Out

More Than Words

Money (In God We Trust)

It('s A Monster)

Pornograffitti

When I First Kissed You

Suzi (Wants Her All Day What?)

He-Man Woman Hater

Song For Love

Members:

Pat Badger - Bass, Backing Vocals

Nuno Bettencourt - Guitars, Keyboards, Backing Vocals

Gary Cherone - Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals

Paul Geary - Drums, Percussion