Bang, Zoom, Crazy… Hello
Cheap Trick
Big Machine, 2016
Cheap Trick are still at it and that’s somewhat re-assuring. In a world where technology and trends now come and go 
in the blink of an eye, we continue to have crunch-pop powerhouse and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Cheap Trick doing the second thing they do best.
Live, CT can’t be touched. Their most famous recorded document, “Live at Budokan;” is a dramatic and monumental release, which stands as testament to what an amazing live band can be. Their studio albums are another story. With a legendarily hit or miss track record, this is the band’s 17th album and the first without Bun E. Carlos behind the drums. Daxx Nielsen, Rick Nielsen’s son, has taken Carlos place onstage and here, and his playing is deeply complimentary of the songs. Apparently, Daxx had been paying attention.
Poppy and pleasant, there aren’t any dark moments on this disc. A lot of the songs sound like really good knock offs of other CT songs. “Heart on the Line” come out swinging, feeling like a mid 60’s Beatles number that’s been given a healthy dose of nitro.”When I Wake Up Tomorrow,” fields some interesting lead guitar work in the midst of an otherwise restrained tune. “Roll Me” pushes forward an agreeably aggressive tune that shows what the band does best. From start to finish this is affable rock with a timeless quality.