Search - Iron City Houserockers :: Have a Good Time But Get Out Alive

A CLASSIC ROCK ALBUM

Reed | New Castle, PA | 06/21/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Back in the late 70's, the Iron City Houserockers released a couple of albums that should have propelled them into rock 'n roll stardom. Although their success remained mostly regional,this CD release of a classic rock album is long overdue. (Their other album, "Blood On The Bricks" is still unreleased as a CD.)The Iron City Houserockers are billed as "the world's greatest bar band", and these 12 songs go a long way towards proving that claim. Lead singer and main songwriter Joe Grushecky rocks out big time on the first three cuts, slows the tempo slightly with "Price Of Love," then kicks it in again. "Old Man Bar" and "Junior's Bar" are mirror opposites of every night in your favorite local tavern. "Pumping Iron" contains a tribute to the Houserocker's hometown of Pittsburgh. "Don't Let Them Push You Around" and "We're Not Dead Yet" are the anthems of rebellious youth. Grushecky shows the early promise of becoming a great songwriter, as evidenced by his more recent CD's (listed as Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers). For fans of the old Iron City Houserockers, this is a long overdue treat. For any of Grushecky's newer fans, this CD gives you a glimpse into his beginnings. And for anyone lucky enough to just stumble upon this recording, crank up the volume and get ready to "Have A Good Time.""

Great Steeltown Rock

Reed | 01/05/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"HAVE A GOOD TIME BUT GET OUT ALIVE is one of the greatest records to come out in the late 70s/early 80s, and it's a shame that it didn't reach a wider audience, because the lyrics could teach a lot of people a lot of things. The title track provides a warning for anyone about to act in a dangerous manner, reminding us that fools rush in where angels fear to tread; "Don't Let Them Push You Around" and "We're Not Dead Yet" have inspired me not to say yes to everyone who offers me unhealthy foods; and "Blondie" is an indictment of musical commercialism. There's lots more where these come from, so by all means, go out and pick up HAVE A GOOD TIME BUT GET OUT ALIVE."

One of the best rock albums in 1980

D. A. Dudus | 06/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Rolling Stone Magazine wrote that this was one of the best rock albums to come out in 1980."