Alice Cooper is an artist who needs no introduction... almost everyone who listens to rock is atleast acquainted with Cooper's early production. Regardless, it wasn't until the release of his Brutal Planet album (2000), when Mr. Cooper really managed to impress me (it proved that after all these years he still has some aces up his sleeve). With Dragontown (2001), it seemed as if he had changed his style permanently to metal (however, it wasn't as good an album as Brutal Planet is). Therefore, it wasn't too big of a surprise that he went back to the roots with his previous album "The Eyes of Alice Cooper". As well it might, Dirty Diamonds continues that back-to-the-roots expedition.

Although I prefer Cooper's Brutal Planet phase, I also enjoy listening to his classic rock songs. Unfortunately, the quality of material on this album isn't that steady. Thus I find myself favouring some tracks over the others. For example, my favourites amongst Cooper's unpolished dirty diamonds are the title track "Dirty Diamonds", "Pretty Ballerina", "Six Hours" and "Run Down the Devil". In addition, the bonus track "Stand" is also quite good... it provides a surprise in the form of rap & rock crossover (the rap vocals are performed by Xzibit).

Sonically Dirty Diamonds is gritty and dirty, just like the title implies. Nonetheless, the sounds are rather fitting when one takes into account the style of material on this album. However, at times the drums are slightly too paper bag-like to my liking. Overall, this is fairly good album that has its moments, but there's quite a bit of fill included as well. Give it a listen though, in case you've listened to Alice Cooper in the past.

Release date: June 29th, 2005

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- MAGE (June 29th, 2005)

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LINE-UP:
Cooper, Alice: Vocals Boston, Rick: Guitars Elizondo, Mike: Bass Zigzag, Teddy: Keyboards Clufetos, Tommy: Drums Xzibit: Guest Vocals on "Stand"
Producer:	Unavailable
Mixing by:	Unavailable
Mastering by:	Unavailable

	TRACKLIST:
	01. Woman of Mass Distraction 02. You Make Me Wanna 03. Perfect 04. Dirty Diamonds 05. Pretty Ballerina 06. Sunset Babies (All Got Rabies) 07. Zombie Dance 08. The Saga of Jesse Jane 09. Six Hours 10. Steal That Car 11. Run Down the Devil 12. Your Own Worst Enemy Bonus 13. Stand Length: 46:51