NICE 'N' GREASY [AKA: IV]

Nice 'N' Greasy was the fourth album for Atomic Rooster after many changes in both lineup and musical invention. It is one of the most overlooked albums of the band and for good reason. The album comes in various covers, some poor such as the fried egg and ciggie butt, others innovative such as the Rooster and jet over Planet Earth (I opted for this version and was able to twist the booklet in such a way it is now the front cover).

Some of the tracks on this offering are very commercial in their sound and as a result lack the incredible innovative talents of the virtuoso musicians. Having said this, such is the greatness of the band, there are still many tracks that are excellent additions to the band's repertoire.

One such track is the hard driving 'All Across The Country' with it's relentless riff and pounding drums. Other highlights include 'Save Me', which is really a revamped version of 'Friday 13th' but still as great. 'Can't Find A Reason' is a great ballad and another favourite is 'the rocking 'Satan's Wheel' that switches time signatures from 10/8, 4/4, 7/8, 6/8, 5/8 and then returns to 10/8 if you can believe it. 'Ear In The Snow' is also adequate.

The bonus tracks are quite good including the atmospheric 'Moods', featuring Crane at his best, and a so- called live version of 'Devil's Answer', though there have obviously been some post production tampering.

The album works as a final epitaph for Vincent Crane who took his life swallowing 400 Anadin capsules thus ending a brilliant but short lived career as a musician/songwriter. Overall, the album is good enough but this would be the last time the Rooster would shine, with Crane out of the picture the disappointing 'Headline News' was soon to follow, and it effectively ended the Rooster until their reunion days.