Dead Daisies is a rock project founded in 2012.   The band is centred around David Lowy – who is the son of Australian Westfield mogul, Frank Lowy, and a revolving door of hired guns, currently including Doug Aldrich, John Corabi, Deen Castronovo and Marco Mendoza.

After four full length albums and a couple of EPS, the Dead Daises have chosen to release their own collection of cover songs, Locked and Loaded- The Covers Album.  How does it fare?  Well, like a lot of covers albums, it’s a bit hit and miss.

Opening the record is a cover of The Sensational Alex Harvey Bands “Midnight Moses”.  It’s a lesser known gem, by an artist that inspired Bon Scott, and the potential is huge here.  Unfortunately, while John Corabi is an exceptional singer, he fails to capture the attitude of the original.  Musically it’s a pretty good tribute.

Corabi’s version of Howlin’ Wolfs Evil is a little more believable.  His voice has a bit of blues about it, and that works for the song.  The band turn a classic blues number into a pretty massive rock song here, and I like the reworking.

Dead Daisies version of Fortunate Son is a pretty loyal rendition.  It’s slightly sped up, and definitely rockier, but very recognisable.  Next they tackle The Who, and do a pretty good job with Join Together – again, Corabi’s voice is well suited to the loose feel of this track.  Doug Aldrich’s lead guitar work is impeccable.

Helter Skelter is up next.  They do a good job, but personally, I would have avoided covering this song – it’s been done to death.  Bitch provides us with a fantastic version of The Rolling Stones classic.  Another highlight.

A live version of Grand Funk Railroads We’re An American Band is up next, it’s another track that’s been covered to death, but it’s a fun song.  Then we’re given another Beatles cover – this time it’s Revolution, and it goes to great lengths to demonstrate why some songs are simply untouchable.

Closing out the album is a pretty cool live version of Neil Young’s Rockin’ In the Free World, and an equally cool version of Deep Purples Highway Star – both stay true to the source material.

Covers albums are difficult.  Sure, it gives fans a bit of insight into a bands influences, but when you chose such iconic songs, it’s not easy to live up to the original.  This is not a bad album, it’s just not great..

6/10

Review by Shayne McGowan