Think of It’s Only Rock ’n’ Roll (due out October 11th via Rock Ridge Music) as Michael Des Barres’ musical autobiography, the soundtrack of his youth and the songs that shaped him in the spirit of classic cover albums like Bowie’s Pin Ups or Bryan Ferry’s These Foolish Things, both released within weeks of one another in October, 1973. That places it smack in the middle of the dozen covers on this album, all originally released between 1971 and 1975 (with the exception of the Velvet Underground’s “I’m Waiting for My Man,” which was arguably the inspiration for everything that followed on this collection).
Des Barres’ love letter to the ’70s and his own entry into the rock ’n’ roll circus includes stateside classics like Iggy and the Stooges’ “Search & Destroy” and Alice Cooper’s “I’m Eighteen,” along with U.K. stalwarts [Mike] Chapman & [Nicky] Chinn (Mud’s “Dyna-mite” and Sweet’s “Fox on the Run”), Roxy Music (“Love is the Drug”), Bowie (“Moonage Daydream”), T. Rex/Marc Bolan (“20th Century Boy”), Mott the Hoople (Bowie’s “All the Young Dudes”), the Faces (“Stay with Me”), Slade (“Cum on Feel the Noize”), and the Stones’ title track. All were released within a four-year period when Des Barres was forming Silverhead in London before leaving for Los Angeles and his soon-to-be-wife, Miss Pamela of GTO’s and I’m with the Band renown, to form Detective. And while he remains true to the songs’ hook-filled origins, he makes each track vocally his own.
Recorded at Paul Ill’s Psychedelic Shack in L.A.’s Valley, the album features a first-rate band with guitarist Eric Schermerhorn (Iggy Pop, David Bowie, The The, Seal, P!nk) alongside bassist Paul Ill and drummer David Goodstein, Linda Perry’s go-to rhythm section. “We cut it in 10 days, largely live in one room,” says Des Barres, who co-produced alongside engineer Chris Wonzer. “All you need is a rock ’n’ roll guitarist and an R&B rhythm section. You don’t have to do too much to make it sound great.”
The next steps for Des Barres include a live multimedia presentation, featuring the songs and images of the album narrated by someone who experienced it all first-hand. “The ’70s were primary for me; between the sex, drugs, and music, it really changed things for a lot of people,” he says. “Especially me. I want to turn on as many as I can to that era to show how memorable it was.”
It’s Only Rock ’n’ Roll… and Michael Des Barres doesn’t just like it, it’s made him who he is today… a certifiable legend.
Today Glide is excited to offer an exclusive premiere of Des Barres’ take on Roxy Music’s 1975 hit “Love Is The Drug.” While him and his band mostly stay faithful to the original, they inject this song with plenty of rock and roll spunk that is befitting of Des Barres’ general approach to music. There are big sharp guitars that carry a punk undertone while the background vocals also bring out Des Barres’ own straightforward approach to singing. We also get a viciously cool guitar solo at the tail end of the song that ends it all on a frenetic note to remind us that in Des Barres’ world, guitars are still king.
Check out Michael’s introduction to the premiere, as well as the song itself and our recent conversation…
What is the story behind selecting this song for the album? Why is it important to you and what about the song really speaks to you?
“Love is the Drug” made such sense to me. A strange and seductive concept. Romance reflecting in one’s heart. The notion of surrendering oneself to the perfection of love addicted to its mysteries.
What made you choose this song as the first single for this project?
I chose this particular song because I think both the love of rock ‘n’ roll music and the adoration of your lover go hand-in-hand. Hence the title of this heartfelt album.
Are there any lyric lines that you really love or that really speak to you? What do you feel makes them resonate, both back in the day and now?
“Can’t you see love is the drug for me.” I have always lived a life of emotionality. Love being at the top of the list. Then and now.
If listeners can take away one thing from having heard your version of this song, what do you hope that is?
I do hope that this music we have made awakens a sexy innocence and joy of rock ‘n’ roll, which, let’s face it, is a synonym of making love.
How does this song fit in among the others on the forthcoming album? How is it similar or different?
The profound heart of rock ‘n’ roll is a physical spiritualized feeling. Every song is simply a chapter in the book of sensual love.
If you could use only three words to describe your music, what would they be and why?
“Below the belt.“ One tends to become intellectualized with this music. Let’s not forget that rock ‘n’ roll is a physical celebration of life and love.
What made you want to record this album of covers now?
This record is profoundly important in many ways. A guitar, a bass, a drum kit, and the singer. No computers. No tricks. No nonsense. Just a band that knows how to rock ‘n’ roll in its purest form. No scientific frills, just thrills, and you, and me.
