Ted Nugent started in a local Detroit teen band, the Lourds, and formed the Amboy Dukes in 1965/66. After a few mildly successful Amboy Dukes albums, Nugent went solo in 1975. Throughout the 70's Ted released a number of chart topping albums and continued to sell out large stadiums across the globe. In the mid-80's his popularity began to dwindle so in 1990 he put his solo career on hold to become a member of the Damn Yankees. He resumed his solo career in 1995 with "Spirit of the Wild." and a succession of highly successful tours. Ted Nugent is a guitar legend! I have been lucky enough to have been able to see the Nug over six times over the years playing with such great bands as Aerosmith, KISS, and Alcatrazz. Been a fan since I was in grade school and I had to trick my parents into buying me Gonzo! "No mom, he doesn't cuss on that album. I think Auntie must have been talking about somebody else like Blondie, not Ted Nugent." HA! It worked! Anyhow, have wanted to meet this man forever. Well, may be someday.

Ted Nugent-Ted Nugent (Epic) 1975

1.   "Stranglehold" (8:22)
2.   "Stormtroopin'" (3:07)
3.   "Hey Baby" (3:59)
4.   "Just What The Doctor Ordered" (3:39)
5.   "Snakeskin Cowboys" (4:30)
6.   "Motor City Madhouse" (4:28)
7.   "Where Have You Been All My Life" (4:03)
8.   "You Make Me Feel Right At Home" (2:51)
9.   "Queen Of The Forest" (3:34)
BONUS TRACKS
10. "Stormtrooper" -live (6:36)
11. "Just What the Doctor Ordered" -live (4:52)
12. "Motor City Madhouse" -live (8:38)
13. "Magic Party" -studio outtake (2:55)

Ted Nugent-s/t Ted Nugent was actually created as a band with singer/guitarist Derek St. Holmes, bassist Rob Grange, and drummer Cliff Davies. Ted Nugent, the album is one of the finest hard rock releases to come out of the 70's. The raw recording actually works for Ted's music making classics like "Stormtroopin'," "Just What the Doctor Ordered," and the testosterone injected "Stranglehold" even stronger. St. Holmes penned "Hey Baby" has a bit of funk and groove and "You Make Me Fell Alright" is a cool jazz power ballad. Nugent himself hails "Ted Nugent" as his best work and I agree. This is simply a must have hard rock classic.

BONUS TRACKS: How do you get thousands of Ted Nugent fans to trade in their old copies of timeless classic discs and buy new copies? Add on some essential bonus tracks, including a rare studio outtake of "Magic Party" and three bone crushing live songs. The live tracks were recorded at the Hammersmith Odeon, London, England in 1977. "Magic Party" was originally only released on "Out of Control," the Nugent box set. I have no idea why this song was left off the album in 1975. I do wish they would have put this studio cut as track 10 on the disc, making it part of the whole studio album. Putting it after three charged up live tracks makes the song seem a bit weak in comparison. The re-issue also contains an excellent booklet with an insightful essay on this new era of Ted Nugent's solo career and tons of cool photos from '75.

Ted Nugent-Free For All (Epic) 1976

1.   "Free-For-All" (3:20)
2.   "Dog Eat Dog" (4:02)
3.   "Writing On The Wall" (7:08)
4.   "Turn It Up" (3:36)
5.   "Street Rats" (3:36)
6.   "Together" (5:52)
7.   "Light My Way" (3:00)
8.   "Hammerdown" (4:07)
9.   "I Love You So I Told You A Lie" (3:47)
BONUS TRACKS
10.  "Free-For-All" -live (5:14)
11.  "Dog Eat Dog" -live (6:22)
12.  "Street Rats" -w/ Derek St. Holmes on vocals (4:15)

I know most people hail this as one of Nugent's best, but to be honest, it's one of my least favorites. There are some great songs on this disc but some of the vocals annoy me. Singer/rhythm guitarist Derek St. Holmes' departed from the band just as recording of the album began due to constant arguing with the Nuge about who would sing what song. So, without a singer, producer Tom Werman convinced a singer by the name of Meat Loaf to handle the vocal chores on the songs. GAK! Songs like "Street Rats" and "Hammerdown" would have been so much stronger with St. Holmes' behind the mic. "Turn It Up," a turbo charged speed rocker is the only track that St. Holmes sings on but is one of the best. The title track is one of Ted's all-time best as well, as Ted takes over both guitar and vocal duties. "Free-For-All" has a vicious, monster groove. The 1999 re-issues has a cool essay on this era of Nugent and his band, as well as three cool bonus tracks. The bonus version of "Street Rats" w/ Derek St. Holmes on vocals blows the doors off the album version.

Ted Nugent-Cat Scratch Fever (Epic) 1977

1.   "Cat Scratch Fever" (3:41)
2.   "Wang Dang Sweet Poontang" (3:17)
3.   "Death My Misadventure" (3:31)
4.   "Live It Up" (4:02)
5.   "Home Bound" -instrumental (4:46)
6.   "Workin' Hard, Playin' Hard" (5:44)
7.   "Sweet Sally" (2:34)
8.   "Thousand Knives" (4:48)
9.   "Fist Fightin' Son of a Gun" (2:51)
10. "Out of Control" (3:38)
BONUS TRACKS
11.  "Cat Scratch Fever" -live (4:52)
12.  "Wang Dang Sweet Poontang" -live (5:44)

Derek returns and the world is good again. "Cat Scratch Fever" is a first-rate rock 'n roll classic. This set of brash hard rockers come very close to matching the intensity of the self titled debut. Of course the title track is the one and only Top 30 single that Ted ever produced in the 70's, which just goes to show you that you can still sell millions without being a chart topper. Standouts include such underrated songs as "Live It Up," "Workin' Hard, Playin' Hard," and "Out of Control," and the oh, so suddle "Wang Dang Sweet Poontang." There is also the exquisite and surprisingly melodic instrumental "Home Bound." "Fist Fightin' Son of a Gun" opens with a Chuck Berry inspired riff. There is not a bad song on this disc. Once again, with the 1999 reissue, there are some nice bonus tracks and a well laid out booklet that make replacing that old vinyl record worth while.

"Cat Scratch Fever" has been covered by Motorhead, Nitro, and Pantera (on the "Detroit Rock City" soundtrack).

Ted Nugent-Double Live Gonzo! (Epic) 1978

1.   "Just What the Doctor Ordered" (5:26)
2.   "Yank Me, Crank Me" (4:29)
3.   "Gonzo" (4:00)
4.   "Baby Please Don't Go" (5:55)
5.   "Great White Buffalo" (6:21)
6.   "Hibernation" -instrumental (6:55)
7.   "Stormtroopin'" (8:43)
8.   "Stranglehold" (11:11)
9.   "Wang Dang Sweet Poontang" (6:19)
10. "Cat Scratch Fever" (4:50)
11. "Motor City Madhouse" (10:35)

As much as I liked Ted Nugent's first three albums they didn't have the aggression, the attitude, and sonic punch of these live performances. Double Live Gonzo! is perhaps my all time favorite live album. Ted is at home on the stage where he gets the chance to let it rip. Both Nugent and his band are in top form for these live outings, and why not after years of constant touring. My favorite songs are the one's from Nugent's self-titled album. "Just What the Doctor Ordered" smokes! The fierce versions of "Motor City Madhouse" and "Stranglehold" are extended jams that never get boring. Of course there is also the humor of the Motor City Madman in the intros to "Baby Please Don't Go" and "Wang Dang Sweet Poontang." Oh, and lest I forget, Double Live Gonzo!" contains the definitive version of "Great White Buffalo." Paid full price for this cd and it was worth every penny.

Funny story about this one. When I was in Junior High, I brought this record in for "music appreciation day." Played the opening for "Hibernation." "This guitar right here I've been told, as matter of fact I did it one time on safari, this guitar is guaranteed to blow the balls off a charging rhino at sixty paces..." Needless to say, my teacher didn't appreciate my music and she didn't even let the stupid song play.

Ted Nugent-Weekend Warriors (Epic) 1978

1.   "Need You Bad" (4:20)
2.   "One Woman" (4:06)
3.   "I Got the Feelin'" (3:03)
4.   "Tight Spots" (2:55)
5.   "Venom Soup" (5:50)
6.   "Smokescreen" (4:15)
7.   "Weekend Warriors" (3:07)
8.   "Cruisin'" (3:27)
9.   "Good Friends and a Bottle of Wine" (4:05)
10. "Name Your Poison" (4:28)

It had been years between the time I got rid of my vinyl copy of this and the time I finally picked up a cd copy. When I put it on in my car I realized that the first five songs sounded a bit foreign to me. However, when "Smokescreen" came on, it was like seeing an old friend. I remembered the words to every song and thoroughly enjoyed listening to it. Just goes to show that I must have listened to side 2 of the record more than side 1. This is another of those albums that I grew up listening to and still love today.

Ted Nugent-State of Shock (Epic) 1979

1.   "Paralyzed" (4:09)
2.   "Take It Or Leave It" (4:07)
3.   "Alone" (5:23)
4.   "It Don't Matter" (3:08)
5.   "State Of Shock" (3:25)
6.   "I Want To Tell You" (4:52)
7.   "Satisfied" (5:49)
8.   "Bite Down Hard" (3:21)
9.   "Snake Charmer" (3:19)
10. "Saddle Sore" (3:16)

The Nug still at the top of his game here. "Paralyzed" has been a concert favorite for years, and is still played by Ted today. There are a ton of classics on this disc, however. "Snake Charmer" has a hooky chorus that sticks in your head for days. "Alone" is a nice slow blues jam (dirge). Nugent has cool album covers as well.

Ted Nugent-Live at Hammersmith '79 (Epic/Legacy) 1997

1.   "Stormtroopin'" (5:57)
2.   "Just What the Doctor Ordered" (4:57)
3.   "Free-For-All" (8:17)
4.   "Cat Scratch Fever" (5:52)
5.   "Need You Bad" (4:08)
6.   "Paralyzed" (5:17)
7.   "Wang Dang Sweet Poontang" (5:03)
8.   "Stranglehold/Smokescreen" (3:19)
9.   "Motor City Madhouse" (8:05)
10. "Gonzo" (10:29)

Ted and his band at their Gonzo best! Recorded live at the final night of Ted's 1979 "State of Shock" European tour. What else can I say, Nugent rules the stage!

Ted Nugent-Scream Dream (Epic) 1980

1.   "Wango Tango" (4:50)
2.   "Scream Dream" (3:19)
3.   "Hard as Nails" (3:39)
4.   "I Gotta Move" (2:18)
5.   "Violent Love" (2:54)
6.   "Flesh and Blood" (4:45)
7.   "Spit It Out" (3:53)
8.   "Come and Get It" (3:18)
9.   "Terminus Eldorado" (4:14)
10. "Don't Cry (I'll Be Back Before You Know It)" (2:19)

This is one spectacular Heavy Metal opus. I mean Ted cranks it up to 11 on this one. The lyrics on some of the songs are as freaking hilarious as the front cover. TED RULES! "Wango Tango" is of course a FM rock radio staple. "Scream Dream," well, it screams, "Hard as Nails" is, "I Gotta Move" makes you wanna move, "Terminous Eldorodo" is a tale of teenage rebellion put to a screaming guitar riff, "Don't Cry" is a swinging, short and speedy tune and "Flesh & Blood" is a heavy a sin boogie monster with distorted vocals.

Ted Nugent-Intensities in 10 Cities (Epic) 1981

1.   "Put up or Shut Up" (3:21)
2.   "Spontaneous Combustion" (3:53)
3.   "My Love Is Like a Tire Iron" (5:48)
4.   "Jailbait" (5:15)
5.   "I Am a Predator" (3:16)
6.   "Heads Will Roll" (4:07)
7.   "Flying Lip Lock" (4:07)
8.   "Land of a Thousand Dances" (4:39)
9.   "TNT Overture" (4:31)
10. "I Take No Prisoners" (3:30)

"Intensities in 10 Cities" is a live album featuring all new material, which is where Ted excells. When it comes to live performances, few could touch the Nuge's over-the-top charisma and energy. "Spontaneous Combustion," Jailbait," and "My Love Is Like a Tire Iron" are prime Ted! "Land of a Thousand Dances" is a cover song, by whom I know not.

Ted Nugent-Nugent (Atlantic) 1982

1.   "No, No, No" (3:38)
2.   "Bound and Gagged" (4:32)
3.   "Habitual Offender" (3:06)
4.   "Fightin' Words" (4:01)
5.   "Good and Ready" (4:20)
6.   "Ebony" (4:30)
7.   "Don't Push Me" (2:33)
8.   "Can't Stop Me Now" (2:34)
9.   "We're Gonna Rock Tonight" (3:20)
10. "Tailgunner" (7:00)

The last great Nugent disc for some time as the 80's sound would soon hurt the powerful Nugent style for the next two records.. "Tailgunner," my favorite song on this disc is a seven minute guitar romp. "Bound & Gagged" is a political song, something that would become a staple of Ted's from here on out. What really makes this a good album is the return of Derek St. Holmes on vocals. Both Derek and Ted have the strongest voices of anyone to have sang on a Nugent album. This one is on Atlantic/Sony but it's still a bear to find.

Ted Nugent-Penetrator (Atlantic) 1984

1.   "Tied up in Love" (4:24)
2.   "(Where Do You) Draw the Line" (3:27)
3.   "Knockin' at Your Door" (3:54)
4.   "Don't You Want My Love" (3:30)
5.   "Go Down Fighting" (4:40)
6.   "Thunder Thighs" (4:07)
7.   "No Man's Land" (3:24)
8.   "Blame It on the Night" (4:11)
9.   "Lean Mean R&R Machine" (4:00)
10. "Take Me Home" (5:04)

This is not Ted Nugent. This was aliens who were pretending to be Ted trying to take over the world with their 80's pop rock crap. It has to be the case because the keyboards (no, say it ain't so) drown out the guitars. Seriously, if it didn't say Ted Nugent on the cover, I never would have guessed it was him, except for perhaps the five second guitar solo opening and the Nugent-esque "Thunder Thighs." Other than that, where are the gonzo guitar antics? Where is the blazing leads, the extended jam songs, where are the balls? Ahhhhh! Run away, run away!

Ted Nugent-Little Miss Dangerous (Atlantic) 1986

1. "High Heels in Motion" (3:34)
2. "Strangers" (3:45)
3. "Little Miss Dangerous" (4:46)
4. "Savage Dancer" (3:50)
5. "Crazy Ladies" (3:38)
6. "When Your Body Talks" (3:12)
7. "Little Red Book" (3:02)
8. "Take Me Away" (3:00)
9. "Angry Young Man" (3:54)
10. "Painkiller" (5:51)

Ted is still dabling in 80's pop-rock on this platter, but "Little Miss Dangerous" is still 100x better than it's predecessor. At least on this disc, the keyboards aren't mixed above the guitars. As a matter of fact, "Little Miss Dangerous" and "Painkiller" are both Nugent classics. "Little Miss Dangerous" the song is actually one of my all time Nugent favorites. The song is slow and has a nasty groove to it with some mean guitar solos. Was lucky enough to catch this one live a few times. It's noteworthy that all the good songs on this disc were written by Nugent himself, without the help of Sony's "professional" songwriters. I'd be willing to bet that Sony had a big part in the change in style on these last two albums. Anyhow, I still really enjoy this disc and it does frequent my cd player, despite the fact that it is not on the same level as Nugent's 70's outputs. This disc is out of print and relatively hard to find. Oh, one other thing, there is a hilarious picture of Ted with a mohawk on the inside cover.

Ted Nugent-If You Can't Lick 'Em-Lick 'Em (WEA) 1988

1. "Can't Live with 'Em" (4:18)  
2. "She Drives Me Crazy" (2:42)  
3. "If You Can't Lick 'Em...Lick 'Em" (6:03)  
4. "Skintight" (3:08)  
5. "Funlover" (4:42)  
6. "Spread Your Wings" (5:56)  
7. "Harder They Come (The Harder I Get)" (3:38)  
8. "Separate the Men from the Boys, Please" (3:52)  
9. "Bite the Hand" (2:55)  
10. "That's the Story of Love" (2:58)

Now this is Ted Nugent! "Lick 'Em" is 100% pure Ted, just the way we like him. Now, I am not saying this disc is Ted's greatest moment, but it's far from his worst. Actually I kinda like this disc and it frequents my cd player. The title track is probably my favorite song as it allows Ted to strut his stuff a bit. The whole disc is a good listen though.

Ted Nugent-Out of Control (Epic)

"Out of Control" is an excellent career retrospective, albeit far from extensive. The 34 songs range from all stages of the madman's guitar slinging career, tracing chronologically from his day with the Amboy Dukes through the '70s right up to the 80's. (Tracks 1-6 are Amboy Dukes songs.) There is only one song from his four Atlantic recordings, "Little Miss Dangerous." There are a few rare tracks, unreleased live songs and alternate takes, but there is not to much to speak of. Had I not found this set for a mere $7, I probably would not have picked it up since I already own a majority of this material. With all the unreleased live material that Ted has, I wish Epic would have included another disc of just live recordings. I know that they have the entire Ted Nugent show from California Live Jam 2 in their vaults, as well as all the Hammersmith material that they put as bonus tracks on the remastered re-releases. Shoot, they could have at least released the two songs that were originally on the Cal Jam 2 record, that have yet to see light of day on cd. It would also have been nice if they could have dedicated one whole disc to the Amboy Dukes material since there is so much of it, and most of it is hard to find on disc. There is a nice full color book included with liner notes by Ted himself.

Ted Nugent-Spirit of the Wild (Atlantic) 1995

1.   "Thighraceous" (3:48)
2.   "Wrong Side Of Town" (5:15)
3.   "I Shoot Back" (3:50)
4.   "Tooth, Fang & Claw" (6:49)
5.   "Lovejacker" (4:32)
6.   "Fred Bear" (7:41)
7.   "Primitive Man" (5:56)
8.   "Hot Or Cold" (4:31)
9.   "Kiss My Ass" (3:20)
10. "Heart & Soul" (4:44)
11. "Spirit Of The Wild" (4:22)
12. "Just Do It Like This" (6:08)

"Spirit of the Wild" is one of Ted Nugent's finest moments in a long time because it sounds like the Wackmaster. The lyrics have changed over the years from sex to the wilderness and conservative issues, which fits right in with his '90s reinvention as a conservative family-values spokesman. (Who would have thunk it, huh?) Now don't go thinking that "Call of the Wild" is a tame record, it just means that Nugent sounds committed again, since that passion for hunting and family flows throughout his music. Highlights are "Thighraceous" (ok, there are some sex lyrics), the hilarious "Kiss My Ass" (dedicated to Janet Reno and President Clinton), and "Fred Bear" (a song that he uses as a platform to speak for having pride in America during his shows). Oh, I almost forgot, Derek St. Holmes is back at the mic. Can you feel the spirit?

Ted Nugent-Give Me Just a Little (Epic/Legacy) 1999

1. "Give Me Just a Little" (3:48)

I think a buffulo must have shoved a horn in the Nuge's backside, 'cause this is one supercharged song. This is the stuff that "State of Shock" and "Scream Dream" were made up of. Too bad it's just a one song cd single. Paid premium for this one. Probably paid more for this per song than just about any other disc in my collection at $5 plus a whopping $4 shipping. $9 for one song, that' pretty steep, but the Nug is worth every penny. This song is also available on the "expanded" edition of "Great Gonzos."

Since '98 I have seen Ted Nugent four times (two times opening for KISS and twice as the headliner w/ Slaughter and Night Ranger opening) and each time he has been awesome, playing mostly his early to mid 70's material. Can't wait for a new one Ted!

Ted Nugent-Full Bluntal Nugity (Spitfire) 2001

1. "KLSTRPHK" instrumental (3:59)
2. "Paralyzed" (4:28)
3. "Snakeskin Cowboys" (5:58)
4. "Wang Dang Sweet Poontang" (6:44)
5. "Free For All" (4:10)
6. "Yank Me Crank Me" (2:44)
7. "Hey Baby" (4:13)
8. "Fred Bear" -acoustic (8:12)
9. "Cat Scratch Fever" (5:27)
10. "Stranglehold" (9:48)
11. "Great White Buffalo" (5:20)
12. "Motorcity Madhouse" (6:59)

Yet another killer live offering from 'ol Nugent. Well, you'll never hear me complain about purchasing another live album. Ted Nugent is all about playing live and loud. I've actually seen him three times over the last couple years--twice opening for Kiss and once headling with Night Ranger and Slaughter opening. If he were coming to town tomorrow, I'd go see him again too. Ted rules the stage. The production on this disc is outstanding. Somehow they really managed to capture the live in the big arena sound, yet everything sounds crystal clear. I was hoping there would be a bunch of live rarities on this disc, and to my dismay there were only a couple; a live romp through Derek St. Holmes' "Hey Baby," a song I don't remember ever hearing live. Marco Mendoza handles the vocals on this song. The other is an acoustic version of "Fred Bear." I always dig "Fred Bear" although I have to confess I wouldn't have minded hearing the electric version since that is the version I have seen him perform several times over the years. I can still "feel the spirit" and the campfire flames from those shows. I'm really surprised that "Kiss My Ass" didn't make it onto this disc. I would imagine that he played it but for reasons unknown to me, it was left off. Anyhow, all the standards are present as well-"Great White Buffalo," "Free For All." "Stranglehold," "Snakeskin Cowboys," etc.. Shoot Ted really knows what his fans want to hear in concert. Helping Ted along through this massive tour over the last couple of years is drummer extraordinare Tommy Aldridge, and bassist Marco Mendoza (Thin Lizzy/Sykes). This particular performance, recorded live without any overdubs, was recorded live at The Palace Of Auburn Hills on December 31, 2000 at the 13th Annual Whiplash Bash in Detroit, MI. Ted recorded a video several years ago from another Whiplash Bash in Detroit. Long live Ted!

Ted does a great version of Aerosmith's "Rag Doll" on "Not the Same Old Song & Dance" and teams up with Lemmy (Motorhead) for "Tie Your Mother Down" for the "Dragon Attack" Queen Tribute. He also appears on the California Jam II album with Aerosmith and Frank Marino that has yet to see the light of day on CD! He makes a very brief appearance playing lead guitar on "Milk Cow Blues" on Aerosmith's "Texas Jam 78" video and cd.

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