Sea Hags-s/t, 1989

San Francisco's Sea Hags only recorded one album, but have a little bit of a cult following. I used to have this on cassette, but it got eaten by a hungry and cheap tape deck. I was slightly excited when I heard that it was getting re-released on CD this year. However then I found out it was going to be on an import label and sure enough it's going for over $20 so I won't be buying it. However I did get to hear it again recently. This band tends to be known more for their connections and drug problems than for the music that's here. Kirk Hammett produced their demo and G-n-R producer Mike Clink produced this album. Reportedly their drug addictions caused a delay for this album and the tour. Bass player Chris Schlosshardt died of a heroin overdose in 1991 ending the band. The music here is normally labeled as sleaze glam and that's probably right. It's basic hard rock not completely removed from early Faster Pussycat with maybe touches of blues rock tossed in. There are a few parts where they sound like AC/DC and even some bits that remind me of 80's ZZ top. I love the vocals here as they are gritty and nothing is held back. The music although straight forward sometimes lacks enough punch and twists to really make it interesting. They normally start well, but were not able to sustain the energy for every song. It also seemed like the stronger tracks were towards the beginning of the album. They certainly were not an "A" list glam band like Skid Row or Faster Pussycat. It comes across as being good with some definite potential. Potential that unfortunately never got a chance to grow or at least as a group. There are some sparks here, but I wouldn't recommend spending $20+ bucks on the CD unless you have already heard it and know you love it. I love the band name though.