3 LEGGED DOGG

This one grew on me, which basically means that after the first couple of spins it seemed nothing more than mediocre, radio-friendly rock pablum and turned into something more palatable. Maybe it had something to do with beginning the listening sessions only hours away from the SLAYER show. Who knows? As I've mentioned before, frame of mind has much to do with initial impressions at the very least.

3 LEGGED DOGG's "Frozen Summer" is radio-friendly, the first three tracks in particular, but a sizeable chunk of it does rise above mediocre. The band is essentially a "supergroup," consisting of guitarist Carlos Cavazo (QUIET RIOT),bassist Jimmy Bain (DIO, RAINBOW),vocalist Chas West (BONHAM, LYNCH MOB),guitarist Brian Young (DAVID LEE ROTH),and drummer Vinny Appice (DIO, OZZY, BLACK SABBATH). That aspect of the act may also explain the initial dashed expectations. "Give and Take Away", "Rain on My Parade", and the title track are laid back songs with airy guitar work and heartfelt singing. The title track and "Give and Take Away" (with its acoustic guitar) are slightly better than average rock radio fare with snippets of Chris Cornell's solo work, but do work fairly well from the standpoint of feeling and lush atmosphere. "Rain on My Parade" is the best of the three mellower tracks. At times, the song even reminds of later period LIFE OF AGONY.

The remainder of the album consists of five blues-based rockers that while not generic are certainly familiar and somewhat re-treaded, "One Good Reason" and the down 'n' dirty "Bring the Hammer Down" two prime examples. Both are basically solid, but not overly memorable. However, the mid-paced "Wasted Life" sports a tough riff and a motoring bass line with hot soloing, harmonica, and a '70s-era bluesy delivery from West. "Long Way Back from Hell" (no, not the DANZIG tune) and "Left for Dead" continue in a similarly blues-inflected vein.

In the end, "Frozen Summer" is nowhere near the 4 rating with which I started, but never moves into essential territory. Still, it is not a bad album by any stretch, just one that should offer a little more to the discerning hard rock fan, considering the musicians involved. Better than average, but not by much.