Accept-I'm a Rebel (Platinum Edition)

AFM Records

2017

 

"I'm A Rebel" was the second full-length from Germany's Accept. Along with the group's self-titled release,  1981's "Breaker", and 1982's "Restless And Wild" it is getting the platinum treatment from AFM records. I've already posted my review of  "Accept" (Platinum Edition) and unless something dramatic happens, AMF Record's reissues of "Breaker" and "Restless And Wild" will be covered in the same manor. Initially released in the summer of 1980, Accept's second album is a huge improvement over their self-titled debut. It was the first album to feature Stefan Kaufmann on drums and it found the group working with producer Dick Steffens. Opening with the insane title track* (a instant classic and essential Accept number!), "I'm A Rebel" shows the band moving in the direction of a more consistent sound. Along with that consistent sound, Accept suddenly had quality material to perform and a handful of song lyrics that actual made sense! Udo was starting to come into his own and Accept was starting to sound like a band that could get things done. Honestly, the HUGE leap in talent between "Accept" and "I'm A Rebel" is like nothing else out there. This 1980 LP was so good that it almost makes you forget all about it's predecessor! Whereas "Accept" had only one song that was worthy of recognition ("Lady Lou"), "I'm A Rebel" is a record with a heartbeat and a vision. There is a lot to love about songs like "Save Us", "Thunder And Lightning", "China Lady", "I Wanna Be No Hero", and "Do It". They are all slightly different and yet they all rock in their own right. "I'm A Rebel" is an album full of catchy material. It doesn't really matter if it is rock, hard rock, or heavy metal music that Accept is playing on this album. No matter the exact genre, Accept had it covered. Everything about the album is an improvement over "Accept". Udo's voice is better and so is the guitar playing. The bass parts are heavier and more Stefan Kaufmann's drumming is consistent. Even the two ballads work. They are "No Time To "Lose" and "The King". Just like he did on Accept's debut album, bassist Peter Baltes handles the vocals on these softer moments. As much as I love Udo's work on this album (and man do I ever!), Peter does an admirable job as a front-man. The two ballads on "I'm A Rebel" show off the melodic side of early Accept and they offer a nice contrast to Udo's gruff voice. Ultimately, "I'm A Rebel" is a really solid release on it's own. It's essential for Accept fans no matter how you slice it. That being said, AFM's exclusive digipak edition is a nice upgrade on the 1980 album. Due for release on the 14th of this month, I'm a Rebel (Platinum Edition)  comes with a live version of the title track. This bonus cut was recorded on the latest “Dirkschneider” tour and it is legitimately awesome! For as old as Udo is now (65?) he still sounds incredible!  Yes, it is a shame that he isn't fronting Accept anymore. These things happen. Does it take anything away from this disc? No. If anything it just makes this 2017 edition that much more special. It serves as a constant reminder of how the legend of Udo got started and how Accept became every one's favorite German metal band. Both of those events are worth celebrating and what better way is there to do that than picking up a copy of AFM's Platinum Edition of "I'm A Rebel"? 

*"I'm A Rebel" was written by Alexander Young (the older brother of Malcolm and Angus Young)

Accept-Accept (Platinum Edition)

AFM Records
2017


Originally released in 1979 to little fanfare, Accept's self-titled debut is just one of the four albums by this classic German heavy metal band that will be getting a Platinum Edition upgrade courtesy of AFM Records. Along with the (much better) albums, "Breaker", "I'm A Rebel", and "Restless and Wild", "Accept" will be reissued as a Digipak edition with bonus material. This album features an audio interview with former lead vocalist and founder, Udo Dirkschneider. The other three reissues with come with previously unreleased live tracks that were recorded on the latest "Dirkschneider" tour. Ultimately I hope to cover all four of these reissues, but we will just have to wait and see how much free time I can muster. Even as we speak I have at least five CDS that I need to listen to and review, but with Accept being one of my all time favorite (true) heavy metal bands...well, I feel obligated to trek forward. With that brief introduction out of the way, "Accept" is an album that not even the band is crazy about. From what I've previously read on the topic (and from what Udo says in the bonus interview that comes with this reissue), "Accept" was a collection of older materiel that had no real direction or focus. It was all the songs that the band had worked on during it's formative years and they were just happy to be able to get into a studio and record a album. As can be heard on "Breaker", Accept's material got a whole lot better as they went along and settle on a more permanent sound. Or at least that was the case up until the release of "Balls To The Wall"*, but that is a different topic that is better saved for another time!  Anyway, "Accept" opens with the album's first single and arguable the best track of the lot, "Lady Lou". In another band's hands (oh, let's say a seventies British hard rock band) this 3 minute rocker could have been a long lost single from the early days of the N.W.O.B.H.M. scene. It is catchy number that will get stuck in your head and it is pretty easy to see why it appears on future Accept compilation releases. From there we have more misses than hits. Please don't mistake me. By "hits" I really mean passable numbers. "Tired of Me" is a decent stab at heavy metal and so is "Helldriver". Then you have the shortest track of the bunch in "Street Fighter". Strange as it is, "Street Fighter" is like a punk rock take on Bon Scott's AC/DC. It is raw, ugly, and noisy. It's a weird way to end this under-produced album, but I kind of like it. God knows why. If you were to give extra points for just going there, "Seawinds" is this odd ballad that is sung by bassist Peter Baltes. It has a progressive rock vibe and it sticks out like a sore thumb, but all the same I guess you could make an argument for it's existence. For those of you who are keeping count that is five tracks out of ten. And to be brutally honest folks, "Lady Lou" is the only song that I would ever hit replay on. As much as it kills me to say this, "Accept" is only for purists who absolutely & positively must have everything that has the German band's name on it.  

 

 

 

 

*I'm getting on in my years so you will have to forgive the nostalgia some here, but "Balls To The Wall" is the very definition of (pure/unfitted) heavy metal! Yes, it is Accept going on a  AC/DC bender and all but forgetting about their (previous) stint as early pioneers of German speed metal. And sure enough everyone that is a causal fan of Accept says it is their best album. I get all of that. Maybe it is because it was my first taste of the group or maybe it's those rich lyrics by Gaby Hoffmann. It could even be the whole AC/DC vibe ("Who Made Who" being the first ever cassette tape that I bought). Whatever it is, "Balls To The Walls" redefined "true heavy metal" to me. From that first Accept tape I went went backwards and filled in the gaps by way of LPs. Even so I didn't hear "Accept" until years later. This 2017 reissue brings back a wave of emotions while simultaneously showcasing the band's eventual growth. It is a humble recording that shows you just how far Udo and company were able to go.

Accept-Stalingrad

Nuclear Blast America

2012

Considering the fact that Accept's first album came out in 1979 and that they originally owed a huge debt to AC/DC one can't help but marvel at how this band has changed over the years. Musically these German legends are heavier than ever and as "Stalingrad" proves there is still plenty of fight left in the band. 2010's "Blood of the Nations" may have introduced new singer Mark Tornillo to the world in grand fashion. For many it was one of the best comeback albums of 2010. Since then Mark has really stepped into the role of leader of the band and now they have returned with an album that is bound to be on many critic's album of the year awards come next December. This one is nothing short of heavy thrash metal goodness and Mark really shines on tracks like opener "Hung, Drawn and Quartered" and "Hellfire". If you liked 2010's effort I have no doubt that you'll find a lot to enjoy about numbers like "Revolution”, “Against The World” and “The Quick And The Dead”. Thrash metal has never shined so bright and Wolf Hoffman and Herman Frank’s guitar work is as good as ever. The lead work is classic Accept meets modern heavy metal and if one didn't know better you'd swear these guys saved some of the better riffs for Mark's second album with the band. Never forget UDO of course as he made Accept the band it is. Lets give Mark credit though as tracks like the slower "Twist Of Fate" showcase his range and give "Stalingrad" that extra push it needs to be great. Slowly Mark is making the case that Accept can carry on without UDO. "Stalingrad" is Accept in all it's glory and proof enough why they guys are real metal legends. One last note though before I go. If I didn't know better I would swear that "The Quick And The Dead" was "inspired" somewhat by Mötley Crüe's "Wild Side". Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I have only had one cup of coffee and need at least two cups to function in the morning. It could be as simple as that because Accept wouldn't be caught dead listening to Mötley Crüe right?

Clash of the album covers

Here you go.


Accept-Russian Roulette

vs.


Van Halen-Woman and children first

***Which cover do you prefer?

Clash of the album covers

Last clash of 2010. It is....


Accept-Blood of the nations

vs.


TT Quick-Metal of honor


***Which cover do you prefer?

Top albums of 2010 I have yet to hear, but want to

Continuing with some more year end lists are the top albums of 2010 that I want to hear, but just have not gotten around to getting a copy yet.

Triptykon-Eparistera Daimones
Tom G. Warrior's new band is one I would love to here, but just have not bought it yet.

High on fire-Snakes for the divine
I had my finger on the buy button a few times online this year, but never clicked to purchase.

Electric Wizard-Black Masses
Been a fan for years, but the high price tag and lack of funds have kept me from it so far.

Crashdiet-Generation Wild
Probably not missing out on much, but my occasional love of glam has me interested.

Accept-Blood of the nations
I am interested, but unlikely I'd pay much to hear Accept without UDO.

Clash of the album covers

Here you go...


Accept-Breaker


vs.


Judas Priest-Stained Class

***Which cover do you prefer?

Battle of the bands

It's time for another round of battle of the bands. Two classic style metal bands are up in this contest. Both have made their contributions and both have had a few clunkers. It is...


Accept

vs.



Saxon


***Which band do you prefer and why?

Clash of the album covers

Here you go.



Accept-Predator


vs.



UDO-Mastercutor


***Which cover do you prefer?

Interview with David Reece of Bangalore Choir

David Reece sang with Accept on “Eat the heat” in 1989 and was in Bangalore Choir when they released “On Target” in 1992. Bangalore Choir are back together and have a new album due out soon plus David is also in Gypsy Rose who also have an album due in the near future. So recently I got to interview David about Bangalore Choir, Accept and his plans.

MM-How do the new songs compare with the material off “On Target”?
DR- The songs are heavier yet still melodic in short more of an epic feel.

MM- When did you get the band back together and how did you come to reform?
DR-I was asked by Khalil Turk of Escape music to reform for a new record with Bangalore while I was recording the Gypsy Rose record

MM-It seems like hard rock is making a comeback this decade. Do you agree with that and if so then why do you think that is?
DR-Fans who are into melodic rock seem to mature with you and pass it on down to friends and family and above all aren't affected by fads!!


MM-Everything seemed to happen pretty fast for you guys as I believe you formed in 1991 and had your album out in 1992. How did you manage to get signed so fast and did you play many shows before getting signed?
DR-After leaving Accept I made it my mission to hit L.A. and that’s where it came to be. That’s where I met John Kirk and was blown away by his playing and writing and after 9 shows we had offers from just about everyone until we settled with Giant



MM-Now Rob Armitage actually replaced UDO in Accept and you replaced Rob. How did you come to get the job in Accept?
DR-Yes, Rob was there a few months prior to me. I made some demos with guitarist Mitch Perry and Lucy Forbes knew Dieter Dirks the producer.

MM-What was it like being in Accept?
DR- At the time a nightmare as they have their own ways. I remember great times lately and I remain good friends with UDO I saw him last year at Sweden Rock Festival

MM-Why were you put out of Accept?
DR-I was fired for many reasons,but basically I wasn't right for the band as UDO is ACCEPT.

MM-“On Target” came out in 1992 and hard rock/ metal bands had already started to get pushed out of the way by grunge before 1992 rolled around. What did you think your chances of the album being a hit were?
DR-After grunge we were greatly disappointed!

MM-What were some of the biggest highlights for this band during your original run?
DR- Some of the Lynch Mob tour was way outta hand fuckin' crazy fan responses,Also we did some acoustic sets that were great

MM-Used copies of your CD go for good money on eBay and have been for several years. Any chance “On Target” will get re-released? Who owns the rights to it?
DR- Ahh yes e-bay very flattering


MM-You had some outside writing help on a few songs off “On Target” as Steve Plunkett (Autograph), Jon Bon Jovi and Aldo Nova all contributed. Did you know these guys and ask for their help or did someone outside the band bring them in to help?
DR- Steve Plunkett is a great writer and friend, Bon Jovi was working on the young guns thing at the studio and passed it on to us


MM-Pick the band from the following pair that you prefer and tell why you picked that band
-Bon Jovi or Whitesnake

-Autograph or Dokken

-Ratt or Skid Row

-Heart or Journey
DR- I would say Whitesnake and Bon Jovi simply because their commitment to there craft always shines through!!

MM-Is there anything else that you would like to say about your band or your music?
DR-I would like to thank from my soul to all the friends worldwide and we plan to release this summer and do some touring. Also please check out the new Gypsy Rose record out June 08 worldwide and the Gypsy Rose my space site far a little taste of what’s to come yours in Rock David L. Reece

http://www.myspace.com/latenitehistepper

http://www.myspace.com/gypsyrosesweden

***Thanks to David for doing the interview.