Faster Pussycat emerged from the wild Sunset Strip scene of the 80s, which gave birth to legendary bands such as Quiet Riot, Van Halen, and Ratt. The band introduced a more intense dose of glam and sleaze, which helped them secure a major label deal alongside their peers Guns N’ Roses and L.A. Guns. Taime Downe, a Seattle native, fronted the band, and their debut album showcased a bluesy, pop-glam sound similar to The Rolling Stones and Hanoi Rocks.

This post is public so feel free to share it.

Downe teamed up with Brent Muscat (guitar), Greg Steele (guitar), Eric Stacy (bass), and Mark Michals (drums) to work with producer Ric Browde and craft a classic album that became a staple of the era. The album, released on Elektra Records, includes MTV favorites like “Bathroom Wall” and “Don’t Change That Song,”. As Faster Pussycat embarked on the first tour, they supported a diverse range of artists, from Alice Cooper to David Lee Roth to Motorhead, honing their versatility and undeniable stage presence.

Our deep dive into Faster Pussycat's self-titled debut on Dig Me Out reveals the highs and lows of an album that's as synonymous with the Sunset Strip's glam metal scene as teased hair and leather pants. We explore the tracks that define, delight, and sometimes divide, offering listeners a comprehensive look at an album that continues to resonate.

In our exploration, we highlight the album’s key tracks, noting "Bathroom Wall" and "Don’t Change That Song" for their enduring appeal and MTV staple status, while "Babylon" stands out as an innovative yet ambivalent rap-rock hybrid. Despite its varied reception, the album embodies the rebellious spirit, chaotic nightlife, and unfiltered fun that marked rock 'n' roll's golden era on the Sunset Strip.

Wrapping up the episode, special guest Sebastian Bach drops in to recommend an album for our review, adding another layer of rock authority to our discussion. Join us as we revisit this iconic slice of rock 'n' roll history, celebrating the sleaze, glam, and raw energy that defines an unforgettable decade in music. This isn't just a retrospective; it's a tribute to the timeless allure of rock music and the lasting legacy of Faster Pussycat and its Sunset Strip contemporaries.

Songs in this Episode

* Intro - Babylon

* 10:22 - I Was Made for Loving You (KISS cover)

* 27:50 - Bathroom Wall

* 30:30 - Bottle in Front of Me

* 35:25 - Ship Rolls In

* 36:16 - Smash Alley

* 40:55 - Shooting You Down

* 41:09 - Look What The Cat Dragged In (Poison)

* 43:34 - Cathouse

* 46:00 - No Room for Emotion

* 48:05 - Babylon

* 1:04:20 - Special guest - Sebastian Bach

* Outro - Bathroom Wall

Make Your Metal Voice Heard!

In our quest to explore the depths of 80s metal, we rely on you, our listeners. Your suggestions drive our show – be it an underrated classic or a forgotten gem. By joining our DMO Union on Patreon, you help us stay independent and ad-free and gain the power to vote on and choose the albums we dive into each year. Let's unearth the treasures of 80s Metal, one listener-powered episode at a time.

Suggest an Album → | Support the Mission →

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit digmeout.substack.com/subscribe