Life, Sex & Death’s “Silent Majority” – Rock’s Lost Classic

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LSD THE SILENT MAJORITY ROCK MUSIC

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When you first pop this disc The Silent Majority into your player, you’re hit with a sonic cocktail that’s like Cheap Trick caught in a torrid affair with early Van Halen, while the Sex Pistols and a hint of Tom Waits look on in amusement. 

But then, out steps the lead vocalist, Stanley, and you can’t help but think he’s taken a detour from Skid Row to front this outfit. 

By Skid Row – we don’t mean Snake Sabo and company. Think: homeless winos that have given up on life.

I mean, my man Stanley’s got a voice that could shatter glass, but his ensemble screams “homeless chic.” It’s a sight that’ll make you question your own fashion choices, believe me.

This band had it all — an unusual ace vocalist, infectious tunes that’ll stick to your eardrums like glue, a rhythm section so tight it could pickle a cucumber, and a guitar slinger who knew how to cast some catchy hooks.

So what in the name of rock ‘n’ roll went sideways? 

Was it a wrong turn on tour with a semi-hair metal band, a misguided image choice with their odoriferous frontman, or perhaps the wrong singles hitting the airwaves? Or not enough true singles?

As for breakout songs, “Schools for Fools” was the ONE. Great tune. Fun video. It just wasn’t quite the chosen one by MTV or big market radio programmers. 

Yet Bon Jovi lived on through this era. Think about it. You can take a moment to yourself.

People just couldn’t wrap their heads around a trio of rough-hewn pretty boys fronted by a rotten-toothed troubadour who could belt it out with the best of them and clear a room with his aroma. What a crying shame!

Now, let’s get down to business. The Silent Majority, unfortunately, is the band’s only release and was captured in its raw, unadulterated glory, mainly recorded live at Cain’s Ballroom in Oklahoma. 

Remember, this was the same hallowed ground that once bore witness to the Sex Pistols’ mayhem during their legendary first U.S. tour in the ’70s. LSD chose this battleground deliberately, hoping to channel the chaotic energy of punk’s pioneers.

And channel it, they did. The Silent Majority serves up a smorgasbord of sounds, from the Cheap Trick-infused opener “We’re Here Now,” complete with a Tom Waits-style intro on “Blue Velvet Moon,” to the gut-punching, Alice In Chains-esque “Jawohl Asshole,” “Tank,” and “Train.”

“School’s For Fools” and “Telephone Call” offer up some Van Halen-ized earworms that could’ve set the airwaves ablaze had they been unleashed as singles. Then there’s the acoustic gem “Farm Song,” a number that could’ve easily slipped off Van Halen’s “Women And Children First” album.

But let’s not overlook “Fuckin’ Shit Ass,” boasting the catchiest, chant-along drum intro and harmonies you’d never hear on MTV or the radio – a true sing-along forbidden fruit.

Amongst this auditory tapestry, you’ll find two stellar ballads: “Hey Buddy” and “Rise Above.” The latter, featuring some top-notch piano work by the enigmatic Stanley, was reportedly the track that sealed their record deal with WB Records.

These tunes should’ve propelled Life, Sex & Death into the stratosphere, no doubt about it. There isn’t a clunker to be found here, folks.

The Silent Majority was a tempestuous tempest of dirty, catchy rock ‘n’ roll – one of the few rays of light piercing the murky cloud cover of the 1990s. This album’s become a holy grail for collectors, fetching princely sums on eBay. I’d strongly suggest hunting it down to add to your sleaze rock collection, or if you’re lucky, snagging that elusive “Live In San Diego” bootleg DVD that surfaces every so often.

As for the fate of these rock warriors, the word on the Sunset Strip is that Stanle WAS plotting a Hollywood comeback. Rumor has it, he’s been gazillionaire (thanks to some smart business moolah) all along, even during his days with L.S.D. (that’s The Silent Majority , not hallucinogens, folks). Common sense might dictate that he just moved on to the business life after the rock star bubble burst.

Stanley – if you can still sing – reunite for a show or two. Aside from Jellyfish and The Georgia Satellites, it would be a historic event to get the band back together (for no matter how long). The band has picked up fans along the way – thanks to word of mouth.

Meanwhile, Alex Kane, another face from the ensemble, famously fronted Anti-Product in England. Joined Enuff Z’Nuff for a tour or two. Put together the GREAT Shark Island “Bloodline.” And is now touring the infamous Dick Manitoba.

Oh, and playing dates with the one-and-only Donnie Vie.

The rest? Well, they’re like phantoms in the night, vanished from the annals of rock ‘n’ roll history. A shame, really, ’cause this crew was the ’90s’ best-kept secret.

Stream on Amazon.com*

Stream The Silent Majority on Spotify

Reviews:

 “Life Sex & Death’s ‘Silent Majority’ is a raw and uncompromising blast of alternative rock, fueled by Stanley’s distinctive vocals and the band’s gritty, grunge-infused sound. Tracks like ‘Tank’ and ‘The Way I Feel’ are visceral and immediate, showcasing a band unafraid to push boundaries.” – AllMusic

 “This album is a sonic assault on the senses, a collision of punk energy, metal riffs, and alternative angst. Stanley’s raw, unhinged vocals are a force of nature, and the band’s musicianship is tight and explosive. ‘Silent Majority’ is not for the faint of heart, but for those seeking a jolt of adrenaline, it’s a must-listen.” – Trouser Press

 “Life Sex & Death’s debut is a dark and disturbing journey into the depths of human emotion.  The band’s sound is heavy and chaotic, yet strangely melodic.  ‘Silent Majority’ is a challenging but rewarding listen, and a testament to the band’s unique vision.” –  Amazon customer review

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Szul