THE LAST TEMPTATION is a concept album by rock singer, Alice Cooper, released in July 1994 via Epic Records. THE LAST TEMPTATION is based on a three-part comic book series, created by Neil Gaiman, author of the comic SANDMAN. It centres around a boy named Steven (also the name of the protagonist in Cooper's earlier work, WELCOME TO MY NIGHTMARE), and a mysterious showman. The showman, with apparent supernatural abilities, attempted with the use of twisted versions of morality plays to persuade Steven to join his travelling show, "The Theatre Of The Real - The Grand-est Guignol!", where he would "never grow up".
In 1994, coming off the commercial disappointment of HEY STOOPID, Alice Cooper decided to switch gears and composed his first concept album since the 70's. Cooper worked with a trio of producers - Andy Wallace (Slayer), Don Fleming (Hole), and Duane Baron (Ozzy Osbourne) - to create an interesting sonic balance. A number of renowned rock artists again lend their songwriting talents to this collection. However, only Chris Cornell actually plays on the album, unlike the all-star cast of musicians who appeared on Cooper's last release. While the album wasn't a major hit in the United States, it was Alice's third top-10 release in England and easily his best and most satisfying work in years. The pair of songs that Cornell co-wrote with Cooper, "Stolen Prayer" and "Unholy War," are the album's best. It's a headbanger's dream come true to hear these two exceptional singers share the mic. Other highlights include the opening epic "Side Show", the dramatic album closer "Cleansed By Fire" and the melancholy "It's Me." Although THE LAST TEMPTATION was a great return to form for Alice, his failure to promote it with a tour made it one of his most overlooked albums.
Personnel: Alice Cooper, Chris Cornell (vocals); Stef Burns (guitar, background vocals); Dan Wexler (guitar); Derek Sherinian (keyboards, background vocals); John Purdell (keyboards); Greg Smith (bass, background vocals); David Vosikkinen (drums); Lou Merlino, Mark Hudson, Craig Copeland, Brett Hudson (background vocals).
Recorded at Music Grinder Studios, Hollywood, California; Sony Recording Studios, Santa Monica, California; Record One Studios, Sherman Oaks, California; Devonshire Studios, North Hollywood, California.
Engineers: John Agnello, Duane Baron, Andy Wallace. Producers: Duane Baron, John Purdell, Don Flemming, Andy Wallace.
Track Listing:
1. Sideshow - 6:39 2. Nothing's Free - 5:01 3. Lost in America - 3:54 4. Bad Place Alone - 5:04 5. You're My Temptation - 5:09 6. ...Prayer - 5:37 7. Unholy War - 4:10 8. Lullaby - 4:28 9. It's Me - 4:39 10. Cleansed by Fire - 6:12
The Last Temptation (1994)
ReplyDeleteAlice Cooper
Album Description:
THE LAST TEMPTATION is a concept album by rock singer, Alice Cooper, released in July 1994 via Epic Records. THE LAST TEMPTATION is based on a three-part comic book series, created by Neil Gaiman, author of the comic SANDMAN. It centres around a boy named Steven (also the name of the protagonist in Cooper's earlier work, WELCOME TO MY NIGHTMARE), and a mysterious showman. The showman, with apparent supernatural abilities, attempted with the use of twisted versions of morality plays to persuade Steven to join his travelling show, "The Theatre Of The Real - The Grand-est Guignol!", where he would "never grow up".
In 1994, coming off the commercial disappointment of HEY STOOPID, Alice Cooper decided to switch gears and composed his first concept album since the 70's. Cooper worked with a trio of producers - Andy Wallace (Slayer), Don Fleming (Hole), and Duane Baron (Ozzy Osbourne) - to create an interesting sonic balance. A number of renowned rock artists again lend their songwriting talents to this collection. However, only Chris Cornell actually plays on the album, unlike the all-star cast of musicians who appeared on Cooper's last release. While the album wasn't a major hit in the United States, it was Alice's third top-10 release in England and easily his best and most satisfying work in years. The pair of songs that Cornell co-wrote with Cooper, "Stolen Prayer" and "Unholy War," are the album's best. It's a headbanger's dream come true to hear these two exceptional singers share the mic. Other highlights include the opening epic "Side Show", the dramatic album closer "Cleansed By Fire" and the melancholy "It's Me." Although THE LAST TEMPTATION was a great return to form for Alice, his failure to promote it with a tour made it one of his most overlooked albums.
Personnel: Alice Cooper, Chris Cornell (vocals); Stef Burns (guitar, background vocals); Dan Wexler (guitar); Derek Sherinian (keyboards, background vocals); John Purdell (keyboards); Greg Smith (bass, background vocals); David Vosikkinen (drums); Lou Merlino, Mark Hudson, Craig Copeland, Brett Hudson (background vocals).
Recorded at Music Grinder Studios, Hollywood, California; Sony Recording Studios, Santa Monica, California; Record One Studios, Sherman Oaks, California; Devonshire Studios, North Hollywood, California.
Engineers: John Agnello, Duane Baron, Andy Wallace.
Producers: Duane Baron, John Purdell, Don Flemming, Andy Wallace.
Track Listing:
1. Sideshow - 6:39
2. Nothing's Free - 5:01
3. Lost in America - 3:54
4. Bad Place Alone - 5:04
5. You're My Temptation - 5:09
6. ...Prayer - 5:37
7. Unholy War - 4:10
8. Lullaby - 4:28
9. It's Me - 4:39
10. Cleansed by Fire - 6:12