Dee Snider – Dee Does Broadway

Label: Razor & Tie Records

Release Date: May 8, 2012

Rating: 8.5/10

Reviewed by: ToddStar

Kinda odd, but not really. I mean,Dee did take a stab at a track on the Frank SIN-atra tribute disc in the past. Not to mention,Dee Actually took a spin on Broadway with a role in Rock of Ages. It is easier to picture him rocking out to classic rock, not these tracks, but with the help of Bob Kulick, these tracks take on a TSO [He means Trans-Siberian Orchestra!!! – Editor Shane] sound and rock.

“Cabaret” kicks the disc off in good fashion, as the rocking version of this track is really good. “The Ballad of Sweeney Todd” comes from a show that I actually walked out on. Not a big fan of Sweeney Todd or its music, but Dee flexes his vocal chords a bit and makes this one shine a little. “Big Spender” is a real high point on this disc. Guest Cyndi Lauper plays well with Dee. Their voices seem to mesh well and the song fits both their attitudes. “Mack the Knife” has a killer video. I love the lounge act intro and the way Dee actually sings the song as if he were warming up for Dean Martin or any of the Rat Pack. It shifts to a metal version, but I actually love the way the two come together on this version.

“Whatever Lola Wants (Lola Gets)” is another song that a lot of people are familiar with. He does well and pulls this one off. Bebe Neuwirth adds her $.02 on this track, but I don’t think there is the same give and take between the two on this duet as there was on the duet with Lauper. “Music of the Night” is a tough one, as I loved seeing this show with Paul Stanley in the lead role.Dee does well, but in my opinion, he ain’t no Paul Stanley. “The Joint Is Jumpin'” is another great track that has a special guest.Dee’s son Jesse Blaze Snider helps out on this track. I have to be honest, the kid has chops. “Luck Be a Lady Tonight” is a real surprise here. Clay Aiken joins Dee here. Aiken kinda lets it all hang out and rocks it up a little. Snider really knew what he was doing when he got some others to track these songs with him. On this duet, Dee and Clay compliment each other and the arrangement with their voices.

“I Get a Kick Out Of You” is solid, but nothing I would run to put on. To be fair to Dee, I am in no hurry to hear the original either. “There Is Nothin’ Like A Dame” is a better track and has odd guest vocals compliments of Will Swenson, Tony Sheldon, and Nick Adams, who all took a break from Priscilla Queen of the Desert to help out on this classic track from South Pacific. It’s fun and playful, but I still don’t see how the arrangement fits the track. “Razzle Dazzle” has the energy and pomp that one expects from Dee. This is one of the better tracks on this disc that Dee performs solo, next to “Mack the Knife.” This song has the lyrics and vibe that fitDee’s persona and should please most of his fans. “Tonight/Somewhere” is another unexpected gem here. First, I don’t believe anyone ever expected to see Patti LuPone on a metal album. See kills it on her duet withDeeon these tracks from West Side Story. Their voices blend well, asDeeactually sings again. He shows off his range and stretches the imagination of what anyone would ever expect from him.

DeeSnider. A man of a thousand hats, that’s for sure. We can only hope he has more tricks up his sleeve that include original music. I wondered if this was in the back of his mind way back, when he heard the question: “What do you want to do with your life?”

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Tags: Bebe Neuwirth, Broadway, Clay Aiken, Cyndi Lauper, Dee Snider, Twisted Sister

Category: CD Reviews