Search - Dan Network Reed :: Slam

One of my Top-3 fav records of All-Time...

Jeff Edwards | Twin Falls, Idaho | 03/07/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I grew up in Portland, Oregon where the Dan Reed Network first formed, but I have to admit that I never really got into their stuff until after their 2nd record came out--which of course is Slam. I have worked in radio for almost 17 years now, and I have been fortunate to have seen more than my share of live concerts...and two of my top 5 favorite are live performances by the Dan Reed Network (for what its worth, my #1 choice is the Eagles--hands down the best I have ever seen). My first exposure was a free concert they did in downtown Portland as they celebrated being hand-picked by Bon Jovi to open up for them on their European leg of their world tour (I could be wrong, but I think it was the summer of 1989 or '90). Man what a great show that was. I was hooked instantly.



I immediately went out and bought their first album, and by the end of the day I grabbed Slam, too. What can I say? A very electronic-sounding hard rock band is a great way to describe their overall sound. Kind of if Prince merged with Def Leppard...yeah, I realize that is an odd combination, but TRUST me, it works. Working in radio we look for songs that have that instant listener appeal, and I can name at least 5 songs that were never released to the American charts--but SHOULD HAVE BEEN. My personal fav has GOT to be 'Rainbow Child', a song I dedicated to my daughter the night of her birth in 1992. Immediately after the song finished, I got a TON of calls wanting to know, 'Who sang that song??' Not many people in Idaho had been exposed to the Dan Reed Network, and THAT'S a shame. Radio friendly is a great way to describe this record. From the title track to 'Tiger In A Dress' to a song that my wife and I have agreed is *Our Song*, 'Stronger Than Steel'. If you want rockin' dance appeal, check out, 'Under My Skin' and the list goes on. Once again, I am stumped that these boys never hit the mainstream the way that others did who are obviously less talented. Take a listen to this record and you'll know why. I don't even know if the guys are even still together, but if you EVER get the opportunity to see them perform, you absolutely MUST buy a ticket. Outstanding is the best word I can use, in fact the only band I can honestly say sounded better on stage were The Eagles. If I were stranded on an island and had to pick five CD's to bring with me, 'Slam' is an absolute no-brainer for my personal list. I could listen to this record over and over for a very long time--and had my son not accidentally broke my original CD, I would STILL be listening to it today. Absolutely AWESOME."