Theodore "Ted" Nugent (born, December 13, 1948, Detroit, Michigan) (aka The Nuge, Uncle Ted, Terrible Ted, Sweaty Teddy, Deadly Tedly, Great Gonzos, Theodocious Atrocious and The Motor City Madman). Ted's music career started in a local Detroit teen band, the Lourds. He then went on to form 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 ten times over the years performing with such great bands as Aerosmith, KISS, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Slaughter Alcatrazz and ZZ Top. I have been a fan since I was in grade school. I can still remember my mother freaking out after she discovered that Ted Nugent's live opus contained a few expletives. Anyhow, I had wanted to meet this man in person forever and despite having seen him in concert so many times, I never had the opportunity until May 2003. I finally met Ted and his wife Shamane at a book signing for her new book "Married to a Rockstar." Ted was very pleasant and even took a few minutes out to talk to my son and warn him to 'stay away from drugs, alcohol and tobacco.' He then gave my son a guitar pick.

Longtime Ted Nugent drummer and producer, Cliff Davies passed away on Sunday Morning, April 13, 2008 in Dallas, Georgia. He was 59 years old.

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. "Stormtroopin'" [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)

(Derek St. Holmes, Uncle Ted, Cliff Davies and Rob Grange)

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 reissue 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.

"Stranglehold" has been covered by Cross Canadian Ragweed.

Many longtime fans hail this as one of Nugent's best, but to be honest, for years it was one of my least favorites. There are some great songs on this disc but some of the vocals annoyed me. inger/rhythm guitarist Derek St. Holmes' departed from the band just as recording of the album began due to constant arguing with the Nug 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. This was what threw me for a loop for so long. However, one day, while in one of my Ted Nugent binges, I was listening to this CD and it just clicked. I guess I just had to get over the fact that St. Holmes wasn't singing on it. I still think 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. However, there is no denying Meatloaf's power in a heavy, melodic song like "Together". It has become one of my favorite Nugent songs. Also, 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 reissues 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 of records without being a chart topper or trend hopper. Standouts include such underrated songs as "Live It Up," "Workin' Hard, Playin' Hard," and "Out of Control," and the oh, so subtle "Wang Dang Sweet Poontang." There is also the exquisite and surprisingly melodic instrumental titled "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).

Double Live Gonzo! is perhaps one of the greatest live albums of all time. In 1978 Circus Magazine described the album as "The brashest LP ever" while Sounds made the claim, "The madman's band is the greatest gonzoid heavy metal outfit to be found anywhere-but anywhere-on the whole of our beleaguered planet." As much as Ted Nugent's first three albums were spectacular in their own right, none of them have the aggression, the attitude, the energy and the punch of these live performances.

Ol' Sweaty Teddy is at home on the stage where he gets the chance to let it full-on rip, balls-to-the-walls. No studio walls to contain the spastic energy. Nugent and his band are in top form for these live outings, and why not after years of constant touring. The performances aren't perfect, but that's part of the live charm of this record. Rather than record one concert and sterilize the recording by over-dubs and massive re-recordings, Ted chose to record in multiple cities and pick out the best performance. So instead of a part live, part studio album, "Gonzo" is Ted Nugent loud and proud as you would see him on stage.

The track listing offers a sampling of songs from his three Ted Nugent solo albums. There are absolutely fierce versions of "Motor City Madhouse" and "Stranglehold", which are extended jams that never get boring. As well "Just What the Doctor Ordered" simply smokes. As well, there are a few Amboy Dukes classics such as a super-charged blues cover that the Dukes had been playing live since their first LP in 1967, "Baby, Please Don't Go". "Hibernation" is a noisy, later-day Amboy Dukes instrumental that originally appeared on "Tooth Fang & Claw" (1974). Oh, and lest I forget, "Double Live Gonzo!" contains the definitive version of "Great White Buffalo", which also originally appeared on "Tooth Fang & Claw". Also included are two new songs, "Yank Me Crank Me" and the title track "Gonzo". Of course there is also the humor of the Motor City Madman's stage banter as he introduces songs like "Hibernation" and "Wang Dang Sweet Poontang." Some of the banter is as memorable and entertaining as the music itself.

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. I earned detention.

The album has reached 3x Platinum status in the United States.

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)

I swear just the other night I played a solo in my sleep–I was doing a solo on stage–but my guitar was a rifle. I swear it was a bolt-action riffle. and I was stretching notes over the barrel. Now I don't look at my guitar as a weapon; I look at it as an implement of mass communication; an implement of my wildest fantasies coming out audibly.-Ted Nugent, Circus Magazine, Issue 177, 1978

The follow-up to the massively successful Double Live Gonzo was by all accounts a big success, though it didn't bear any big hit singles. Nugent was a road warrior and a popular concert draw, which helped sell records without the "hits". The album featured a new vocalist in Charlie Huhn, who replaced the sacked Derek St. Holmes.

I was a bonafide Nugent fanatic when this came out in 1978. I played "Smokescreen" over and over and over again. This is a brilliant track with some smokin’ lead work from 'ol Uncle Ted. The title track has long been a fan favorite and one that Nugent has resurrected on the stage over the years. "Good Friends and A Bottle of Wine" is on of those wonderful sing-along anthems that reminds us of the good times.  "Venom Soup" is one of the more vicious metal romps. "I Got the Feelin'" is a fast speed metal rocker, that is unfortunately one of the forgotten gems of the Nugent catalog. "Need You Bad", which featured Huhn on vocals, could easily have been a hit single with it's catchy chorus.

When I originally sold off my vinyl collection in 1990, this album was one that I sold. I didn’t finally picked up a CD copy until nearly a decade later. 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 again that I hadn't seen in a long time. I remembered the words to every song and thoroughly enjoyed listening to it.  It occurred to me at that point how much more I must have listened to side two of the record than side one.

Unfortunately Nugent's manic sound didn't quite translate to wax as well in the studio as it did live. The production on "Weekend Warriors" is a bit thin. However, growing up with this album, this wasn’t something I really cared much about back then. As such, the production doesn’t really bother me now either. Despite the thin recording and the sterile studio environment there is an energy that was captured here.

The album cover is one of Nugent's best. The image of Nugent straddling the Fender amp with the guitar turned shotgun is incredible and has long been one of my favorite albums covers. The image was painted by by British artist Jeff Cummins.

"Weekend Warriors" is another classic LP in the long Nugent catalog.

Had this CD signed by Ted when I met him Ted in Beaver Dam, WI in 2008.

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)

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)

1980 European "Frenzoid Tour" Book

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 freakin' hilarious as the front cover art picturing Ted with guitars for arms and hands. TED RULES! "Wango Tango" is, of course, a FM rock radio staple. "Scream Dream," well, it screams. "Hard as Nails" is as hard as nails!, "I Gotta Move" makes you wanna move. Are you catching a pattern here? "Terminus 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. "Scream Dream" is one of my favorite platters of all times. Oh, and did I mention that TED RULES!?

Had this CD signed by Ted when I met him at a book signing in Albuquerque, NM in 2002.

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" [instrumental] (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 excels. When it comes to live performances, few could touch the Nug'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. Nugent has always been inspired by guys like Chuck Berry, and the material presented here has a lot of that inspiration. However, "Intensities" is not Ted's finest hour. I have read that this disc was basically recorded to get out of his contract with Epic Records. I can't recall ever hearing Ted play any of these songs during any tour. "Intensities" is probably the least played Nugent disc in my collection, second only to "Penetrator".

Ted Nugent - Great Gonzos! The Best of Ted Nugent (Epic) 1981/1999

1. "Cat Scratch Fever" (3:40)
2. "Just What the Doctor Ordered" (3:43)
3. "Free For All" (3:21)
4. "Dog Eat Dog" (4:02)
5. "Motor City Madhouse" (4:32)
6. "Paralyzed" (4:09)
7. "Stranglehold" (8:22)
8. "Baby Please Don't Go" [live] (6:00)
9. "Wango Tango" (4:50)
10. "Wang Dang Sweet Poontang" [live] (6:26)
BONUS TRACKS (1999 Remastered version)
11. "Yank Me, Crank Me" [live] (4:39)
12. "Homebound" [instrumental] (4:41)
13. "Give Me Just a Little" (3:49)

"Great Gonzos!" was Epic's attempt to cash in on the "best of" boom in the early 1980's. Aerosmith's "Greatest Hits" was a huge mega-seller. I don't exactly know how "Great Gonzos!" fared as far as sales, but it is a good collection of songs from the early years of Ted's solo career. I never really cared much about the original release as it contained nothing I didn't already own from Ted. In 1999 when Sony re-released the CD with bonus tracks, including the one new song, the Ted fanatic in me couldn't pass it up for the one new track. "Give Me Just A Little" was co-wrote by Ted with ex-Journey guitarist Neal Schon and his Damn Yankees bandmates Jack Blades and Tommy Shaw. However, I still managed to avoid buying this cash cow for quite some time by purchasing the highly collectible "Give Me Just A Little" CD/radio single instead. Of course being a Nugent fanatic, I eventually purchased a copy of the remastered CD, as well as an original vinyl pressing of the 1981 release. So, I currently own the original vinyl version of "Great Gonzos!", the expanded/remastered version of the CD and a CD single of "Give Me Just A Little" (See below). The remastered CD version also contains the bonus tracks "Yank Me, Crank Me" and "Homebound".

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)

Promotional 45RPM single

One of the most underrated Ted Nugent albums. 'Nugent' is also the last great Nugent disc for some time as the 1980'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. "No, No, No" and "Habitual Offender" are equally good rockers. What also 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. For a long time this disc was out of print and was fairly hard to find, but in 2001 Spitfire Records released this disc along with the rest of Nugent's 1980's catalogue. Fortunately the re-release version is remastered and has a extensive booklet. Unfortunately, I don't have it yet and am still holding on to my original Atlantic Records release.

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 drown out the guitars. (NO! Say it ain't so!) Seriously, if it didn't say Ted Nugent on the cover, I never would have guessed it was the Motor City Madman, except for perhaps the five second guitar solo opening. 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!

OK, seriously though, there are some redeeming moments on "Penetrator" such as the boogie-rocker "No Man's Land", the Nugent-esque rocker "Thunder Thighs" and the bluesy "Take Me Home". Also, there are some pretty choice licks buried underneath the keyboards on "Tied Up In Love". "Tied Up In Love" is actually a pretty catchy song and should have been a radio hit in '84. Likewise "Draw the Line" is a pretty strong pop rocker, despite the gloss of the recording. This particular song was written by Bryan Adams and songwriter Jim Valance, who has also written some hits for Aerosmith. Vocalist Brian Howe has a strong, slightly raspy voice and sounds great on this 80's sounding pop stuff. Still, this is Ted Nugent. If some of this material had been released under a different band name, such as Ted did only a couple years later with the Damn Yankees, some of these songs could have been hits.

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 Nugent sporting a fetching mohawk. This photo appeared on the inside of the Little Miss Dangerous album.

Ted is still dabbling in 80's pop-metal 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. I was lucky enough to catch this one live a few times. The song was used in an episode of Miami Vice, in which Ted appeared as a guest on the show

"High Heels in Motion" and "When Your Body Talks" should have been big hits in 1986. Both songs have an infectious hook and those smooth, radio-ready vocals. "Crazy Ladies" is a fun little, speedy rocker. Also, "Little Red Book" isn't a bad cover tune.

Overall, "Little Miss Dangerous" is a fine Nugent platter. Many, many years later and I still really enjoy this disc and it does frequent my CD player, despite the fact that I don't consider it to be on the same level as Nugent's 70's outputs. For a long time this CD was out of print and relatively hard to find, but in 2002 Spitfire Records remastered and re-released all for Atlantic recordings. The logo was changed on the reissue to the classic Nugent logo.

Oh, one other thing, there is a hilarious picture of Ted with a mohawk on the inside cover (pictured above).

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. In-your-face, ferocious, all guns blazing rock 'n roll. My favorite track is "If You Can't Lick 'Em...Lick 'Em." Ted struts his stuff a bit on this track, with some blazing guitar antics.There are several other standout cuts as well.. "Can't Live With 'Em", "She Drives Me Crazy", "Skintight", "Funlover" and "Harder They Come" are all excellent Nugent rockers. "Spread Your Wings" is also a standout track, although this particular song is a rare mellow moment for the Motor City Madman. As usual the sexual innuendoes are spread throughout, in usual Ted Nugent fashion and there is little of Ted's political and social ideas presented. Mr. Big's Pat Torpey performs the drums on this album and Chuck Wright (Giuffria/Magdalen/Quiet Riot/Impellitteri) plays bass. Overall, "If You Can't Lick 'Em" is a solid Ted Nugent album. Welcome back the Motor City Madman. Long live Ted!

Ted Nugent - Out of Control (Epic)

"Out of Control" is Ted Nugent's first box set and is a decent 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.) Unfortunately, there is only one song from his four Atlantic recordings; "Little Miss Dangerous."

There are a handful of rare tracks, unreleased live songs and alternate takes, but there is not too much to speak of. It's unfortunate. 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. As it stands, the 35 tracks included are a good listen though there have been better retrospective compilations released since this box set.

There is a nice full color book included with liner notes by Ted himself.

Ted Nugent - Ted Nugent Hunt Music (World Bowhunters) 1992

1. "Sunrise" [instrumental] (4:33)
2. "Fred Bear" (7:41)

A short EP that was released to help promote the Ted Nugent's World Bowhunters organization. "Sunrise" is just Ted and his electric guitar. No drums, no bass, no overdubs, just Ted. "Fred Bear" is a song that celebrates the spirit of the outdoors and hunting. This version sounds identical to the version that eventually appeared on "Spirit of the Wild".

"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 - 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. Capturing that manic energy that Ted emits is nearly impossible in the studio, but on the stage it is explosive and dangerously infectious. Whereas "Double Live Gonzo" was a compilation of different shows, this was a full Ted Nugent show from a classic era in the band's history. What else can I say, Nugent rules the stage!

Ted Nugent - Give Me Just a Little (Epic/Legacy) 1999 1. "Give Me Just a Little" (3:48)

I think a buffalo 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. Ted's band for this song is Neal Schon-guitars, Jack Blades-bass, Jonathon Cain-keyboards and Ted himself on lead guitar and vocals. 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 numerous times (two times opening for KISS, twice as the headliner w/ Slaughter and Night Ranger opening and several times with Ted as the headliner and only act) 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 - Hunt Music 2000 (independent) 2000 1. "Fred Bear" [live] (10:47) 2. "Sunrize [instrumental] (4:57) 3. "KLSTRBK" [instrumental] (2:50) 4. "Fred Bear" [The Original American Hunter's Theme Song] (7:42) 5. "I Just Wanna Go Huntin'" (7:40) 6. "Sunrize" [narrated version] (5:21) 7. "Great White Buffalo" [The Definitive version] (8:10) 8. "My Bow and Arrow" (5:14)

A collection of Nugent oddities. "Fred Bear" live is actually recorded live in the studio and is an extended jam version of the '95 classic. "Sunrise" is the same instrumental that was released on the 1992 two song EP "Hunt Music". "KLSTRBK" is also an instrumental that eventually turned into "KLSTRPHK" on Full Bluntal Nugety, then "KLSTRPHNKY" on Craveman. This version is a bit less 'heavy' sounding due to the raw recording. The second version of "Fred Bear" is the same version that was on the original "Hunt Music" EP. "I Just Wanna Go Huntin'" and "My Bow & Arrow" sound like songs Ted might have made up sitting around some camp fire with friends and family. The Definitive version "Great White Buffalo" is a newly recorded version of the Amboy Dukes classic, although the recording here is raw, bare minimum. It doesn't have the fullness of the "Gonzo" version, although the actual guitar playing is excellent. A nice collector's disc that I am sure is in very limited supply, although last I checked were still available through TedNugent.com.

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 four times over the last couple years (2000-2001) ­ twice opening for Kiss, once headlining the Can't Stop the Rock Tour (with Night Ranger, Quiet Riot and Slaughter opening) and once co-headlining with Lynyrd Skynyrd. 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 Nugent - Noble Savage (Snapper/Recall) 2001

This is one of many, many Ted Nugent compilation CDs. However, unlike the others which just rehash the same songs from Ted's 70's releases, "Noble Savage" focuses on the more obscure 1980's releases. Being a fan of Nugent since the 70's I invested in each of his albums ever since I became a fan in grade school. However, even being the mega-fan I am, not even I would admit that all Ted's 80's albums were up to snuff. However, even the worst albums had some redeemable tracks, and "Noble Savage" does a good job of focusing on the best tracks from those albums. The disc starts off strong with songs off "Nugent" which in my opinion is one of Ted's most underrated discs. All six tracks from that album are strong, energetic and as rebellious and brash as anyone would expect from 'ol Uncle Ted. The lineup for this disc also featured original Ted Nugent vocalist Derek St. Holmes as well as Vanilla Fudge drummer Carmine Appice. The next few tracks, however, are from the keyboard drenched "Penetrator" which featured Brian Howe on vocals. With the exception of "Thunder Thighs" none of this material really sounds like the energetic and wild Ted of old. Still, the four more commercial tunes are not bad and sound as good as anything that was popular on MTV during that decade, especially "Tied Up in Love". Unfortunately this only proves that Ted was being a follower rather than the leader he is and was. Next up are six tracks from the more aggressive "Little Miss Dangerous." These tracks find Ted returning to the lead vocal position for some of the tracks and toning down the keyboard crap. The track "Little Miss Dangerous" is actually one of my favorite Ted Nugent compositions. "High Heels In Motion" is also a standout track, although this song is a bit more in the commercial 80's direction. The second disc finishes off with tracks from "If You Can't Lick 'Em" and "Full Bluntal Nugety" which had Ted back to his usual outrageous, energetic, Gonzo guitar antics for the most part. However, the Nugent/Bon Jovi/Sambora collaboration "That's The Story of Love" is a obvious attempt at a radio single. Overall, a spectacular two disc collection focusing on the later and for the most part neglected eras of Ted's career. Personally I think this disc could have, and should have been, discs number three and four of the Nugent box set, which was far from being a fair representation of the Nuge's career.

Ted Nugent - The Ultimate Ted Nugent (Epic) 2002

DISC ONE 1. "Stranglehold" (8:23) 2. "Stormtroopin'" (3:09) 3. "Hey Baby" (4:00) 4. "Just What the Doctor Ordered" (3:45) 5. "Snakeskin Cowboys" (4:34) 6. "Motor City Madhouse" (4:33) 7. "Where Have You Been All My Life" (4:05) 8. "Free-for-all" (3:22) 9. "Dog Eat Dog" (4:03) 10. "Writing on the Wall" (7:11) 11. "Turn It Up" (3:38) 12. "Street Rats" (3:37) 13. "Hammerdown" (4:09) 14. "Cat Scratch Fever" (3:39) 15. "Wang Dang Sweet Poontang" (3:16) 16. "Death by Misadventure" (3:29)

DISC TWO 17. "Out of Control" (3:28) 18. "Live It Up" (4:00) 19. "Homebound" (4:44) 20. "Need You Bad" (4:19) 21. "Weekend Warriors" (3:08) 22. "Smokescreen" (4:14) 23. "Paralyzed" (4:11) 24. "Take It or Leave It" (4:08) 25. "State of Shock" (3:23) 26. "Snake Charmer" (3:20) 27. "Wango Tango" (4:51) 28. "Scream Dream" (3:19) 29. "Jailbait" [live] (5:20) 30. "Yank Me Crank Me" [live] (4:35) 31. "The Flying Lip Lock" [live] (4:11) 32. "Baby, Please Don't Go" [live] (5:58)

Ted Nugent 2004

So, Epic decides they need to take advantage of all Ted's constant new millennial touring and regained popularity and release yet another 'best of' collection. While this collection does an excellent job of reviewing Ted's Epic years, it's far from exhaustive. First of all, I think that not including "Terminus Eldorado" from 1980's "Scream Dream" was a mistake. Second, why not include some of those rare live classics? The tracks Ted recorded for California Jam 2 in '78 have still not seen any sort of official release on CD. Also, where is "Great White Buffalo"? I mean, c'mon! Still, this two disc collection is actually quite a bit better than the lame box set released a decade earlier and is certainly better than "Great Gonzos," which had far to few songs. Imagine if this disc had been discs two and three of a five disc box set, with disc one having Amboy Dukes material and discs four and five containing tracks from the Atlantic years as well as some rare live and studio material. Now that would be a box set worth owning. The other complaint I have about "The Ultimate Ted Nugent" is the lame insert which lacks any liner notes, and is a bit shy on photos or any information, for that matter. A collection of classics like this is deserving of at least a good biography, or at least several shots of 'ol madman Ted over the years. There is a discography included, although it only includes albums that were released on Epic/Sony. To the casual fan, this might be the only Ted Nugent disc they ever need but to the die-hard Nugent fan, this disc really lacks any appeal as the packaging is weak and they will already own every single song on this compilation.

Ted Nugent - Craveman (Spitfire) 2002

1. "KLSTRPHNKY" (3:56) 2. "Crave" (6:20) 3. "Rawdogs & Warhogs" (3:37) 4. "Damned If You Do" (4:22) 5. "At Home There" (3:50) 6. "Cum N Gitya Sum O' This" (2:38) 7. "Change My Sex" (3:04) 8. "I Won't Go Away" (5:32) 9. "Pussywhipped" (3:00) 10. "Going Down Hard" (4:14) 11. "Wang Dang Doodle" (2:58) 12. "My Baby Likes Her ...............Butter on Her Gritz" (3:53) 13. "Sexpot" (3:11) 14. "Earthtones" (5:40)

Meeting Ted Nugent for the first time. 5/03

The Gonzo Motor City Madman has returned with a fury, riding high on a buffalo with bow, arrow and Gibson Byrdland in hand. This is certainly the heaviest Nugent release ever! Take a listen and see if KLSTRPHNKY doesn't send shivers down your spine, like it did mine. Likewise, "Going Down Hard", "Crave" and "Rawdogs & Warhogs" are outrageous, heavy, over-the-top and kept me smiling all day. Album closer "Earthtone" is the only instrumental on the disc. This song is a tad more laid back and bluesy than the rest of the disc and features the stellar bass work of Marco Mendoza as well as plenty of guitar-de-Nuge! Laid back does not mean mellow however. When it comes to music, Nugent doesn't know that meaning of the word mellow. Perhaps I am just a Nugent die-hard, but within the first three days of owning this CD., I had already spun it about ten times. For those easily offended or weak at heart, 'ol Uncle Ted isn't exactly politically correct. Hyper-conservative politics, God, guns, sex, rock n roll and a great big salute to the 'ol U.S. of A are the subjects at hand. But would you expect anything different from Ted? The lyrics from "Crave" do a good job of summing up Ted Nugents philosophy, "I don't believe in the status quo/It kinda leaves me weak/A mountain high is what I climb/I swim the river deep/And if ya crave the time of your life/Try to keep up with me." "Anyone who wants to get mellow, you can just turn around and get the. . ."

Had this disc signed when I met Ted and his wife Shemane in Albuquerque at Shemane's "Married to a Rockstar" book signing. Afterwards I went to see Ted open up for ZZ Top. Of this disc, he played "Crave" and "Rawdogs & Warhogs". The guitar pick pictured was given to my son by Ted after he encouraged my son to practice hard and stay away from things like alcohol and drugs that will poison his body.

Ted Nugent - Extended Versions (BMG) 2005

1. "Stromptroopin'" (5:57)
2. "Just What The Doctor Ordered" (5:18)
3. "Dog Eat Dog" (5:18)
4. "Yank Me Crank" (4:20)
5. "Stranglehold" (10:29)
6. "Cat Scratch Fever" (3:50)
7. "Put Up Or Shut-Up" (3:21)
8. "Land Of A Thousand Dances" (4:39)
9. "I Take No Prisoners" (3:30)
10. "Baby, Please Don't Go" (5:58)

Another in the long line of budget live CDs from Sony. As with all the "Extended Versions" CDs, the packaging is designed to look like a new CD, even though it is not. This particular one is made up of songs from "Double Live Gonzo" (Tracks 1, 2, 4, 5, 10), Intensities in Ten Cities (Tracks 7, 8, 9) and one track from the "Live At Hammersmith '70" CD (Track 3). Of course any live Nug' is great, so I can't really say much negative about the music. However, I wish that Sony would have at least dug out some rarities for it like they did on the Molly Hatchet - Extended Versions CD, or perhaps use a new show like they did for Cinderella. Shoot, they could have used the two tracks from California Jam 2 record, or perhaps some tracks that haven't seen the light of day on a live record such as "Scream Dream" or "Wango Tango". After all, these were Nugent hits. Well, I guess that is a lot to ask for a budget release I paid a whopping $5 for. At least they mixed the songs together so it sounds like one continuous show instead of fading in and out between songs. Also, it's nice to have the Gonzo tracks finally remastered. Hey Sony, how about re-releasing the whole album in a remastered version like you did the first three studio albums!

Ted Nugent - Love Grenade (Eagle) 2007 1. "Love Grenade" [radio edit] (4:15) Pre-release, picture disc single for Ted's "Love Grenade" album. The song is prime, hard-rockin', full blunatal Nugity. The single was given out on Ted's Summer 2007 tour that preceded the release of the album. According to the listing, this is the edit version of the song, which tells me that it's probably not the exact same version that will end up on the album.

Greg Smith & Ted Nugent, Albuquerque, NM Aug. 25, 2007 Shot from the front row with my cell phone.

Ted Nugent - Love Grenade (Eagle Records) 2007 1. "Love Grenade" (5:03) 2. "Still Raising Hell" (3:21) 3. "FUNK U" (4:00) 4. "GirlScout Cookies" (3:56) 5. "Journey to the Center of the Mind" (4:03) 6. "Geronimo & Me" (4:51) 7. "EagleBrother" [instrumental] (4:44) 8. "Spirit of the Buffalo" (7:29) 9. "Aborigini" (3:22) 10. "Stand" (2:43) 11. "Broadside" (3:36) 12. "Bridge Over Troubled Daughters" (3:36) 13. "Lay With Me" (6:23) Love him or hate him, Nugent is one who will always get a reaction. He refuses to back down from who he is, what he does and what he believes. Take a gander at the album title, the titles of these songs or the lyrics themselves. It's rock and roll baby, and it's suppose to be fun. Indeed! However, Nugent is sure to cause some waves with this release in a politically correct world. Ted's first studio album in 5 years, "Love Grenade" is exactly what I hoped for from the Motor City Madman. The album opens up with the first single from the album, the bombastic title track. This is prime Ted in my ever so biased opinion. "Still Raising Hell" and "FUNK U" continue the fast paced, rock and roll assault to the ears. All three songs are built around that full bluntal, signature Gibson guitar tone. "Girl Scout Cookies" is a novelty Nug track, not unlike "Terminus Eldorado" or "My Baby Likes Her Butter on Her Gritz". There is some sexual innuendo buried in these lyrics, but on the surface the song is literally an ode to Girl Scout Cookies. "Journey to the Center of the Mind" is an updated, hard rockin' celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Amboy Dukes classic hit song. This version sound much like the version that Sweaty Teddy's been performing in concert on the last few tours. "Geronimo & Me" is Ted screaming loud and proud about liberty, freedom and making a stand for what you believe. In the song Ted references some of the lyrics from "Great White Buffalo". "EagleBrother" is a melodic instrumental that flows out of "Geronemo & Me" and acts as a lengthy, atmospheric outro. "Spirit of the Buffalo" is a laid back celebration of the outdoors. This is probably the weakest song on the disc as it doesn't really do much. "Aborigini" is full thottle, rock 'n' roll, celebration of freedom in America. "Stand" is a yet another Motor City Madman rocker and continues in the same lyrical direction as "Kiss My Ass" with a big old finger in the air to big government and those who oppose freedom. "Bridge Over Troubled Daughters" is a Wackmaster, boogie rocker. The album finishes off with a heavy, slow blues number that features Jack Blades on bass. Also along for the hunt is bassist Barry Sparks and drummer Tommy Clufetos. "From the Motor City Funk University", Ted is still "alive and well, still raisin' hell". Had this CD signed by Ted Nugent, "Wild" Mick Brown, and Greg Smith when I met him Ted in Beaver Dam, WI in 2008.

My second time meeting Ted Nugent, Aug. 25, 2007. In the photo from left to right: Rob Whitlock (Ultimatum), my brother Todd, Ted Nugent, my son Joshua and me.   VIP Pass

Ted Nugent – Motor City Mayhem (Eagle) 2009

Second live album/DVD in a row from old Uncle Ted, and this Nugent fanatic couldn’t be happier. Nugent is his best when he is on the stage. He’s loud, obnoxious, brash, bombastic, hyper, opinionated, and downright entertaining. Besides all that he can play a mean guitar as well. This particular concert was recorded and filmed in front of 20,000 screaming fans in Nugent’s hometown of Detroit. The show celebrated Nugent’s 6,000th concert performance. The production here is quite good, capturing the raw, live energy coming from the stage, yet each and every instrument is clearly heard. I actually think the production on this release is better than on last year’s “Sweden Rocks” CD. Ted and his band sound fantastic. For a man in the 60’s, Nugent puts to shame many artists that are 40 years younger than him.

The tracks chosen for this special Independence Day celebration don’t offer a huge variety from the norm, although there are a few surprises. The live version of  the underrated “Love Grenade” is quite nice. Why this song wasn’t being played on every rock station across the country is a mystery. “Honkey Tonk” is a short bluesy instrumental allowing Ted to trade off leads with his former guitar teacher Joe Podorsik. It was very cool to hear the return of “Baby Please Don’t Go”, a song Ted originally recorded with the Amboy Dukes, but was immortalized on the classic “Double Live Gonzo”. The version here is made into a medley with “Geronimo And Me” being sandwiched in the middle of the song. “Weekend Warriors” is another classic resurrected on this live release. “Jenny Take A Ride” is a cover of Detroit’s Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels and features drummer Johnny Bee and a firey guitar solo by Nug. On again, off again vocalist guitarist Derek St. Holmes is brought on stage to sing and play rhythm guitar on “Hey Baby” and “Stranglehold”.

Having seen and met Ted Nugent on this tour with Greg Smith on bass and Mick Brown on drums, this CD is an excellent reminder of a killer tour.  I’m looking forward to checking out the DVD of this show as well. “Motor City Mayhem” is also available on Blue Ray Disc.

Ted Nugent - Ultralive Ballisticrock (Frontier Records) 2013

Ted Nugent ‎- The Music Made Me Do It (Round Hill Music) 2018

DISC ONE (CD)
1     The Music Made Me Do It (3:28)
2     Where Ya Gonna Run to Get Away from Yourself     (3:05)
3     Cocked, Locked & Ready to Rock     (3:37)
4     Bigfundirtygroovenoize     (1:55)
5     I Love Ya Too Much Baby     (1:52)
6     Backstrap Fever     (3:28)
7     I Just Wanna Go Huntin'     (5:37)
8     Fred Bear     (6:22)
9     Sunrize     (3:06)
10   Sunrize Fender (Fender Bass VI Solo)    (4:56)

DISC TWO (DVD)
Bonus Live DVD at Freedom Hill Amphitheater
1     Light My Campfire     
2     Star Spangled Banner     
3     Baby Please Don't Go     
4     Free-For-All     
5     Gonzo     
6     Paralyzed     
7     Wang Dang Sweet Poontang     
8     Good Friends and Bottle of Wine     
9     Blues on the Grill     
10     Need You Bad     
11     Hey Baby     
12     I Still Believe     
13     Fred Bear     
14     Motor City Madhouse     
15     Cat Scratch Fever     
16     Stranglehold     
17     Don't Tread On Me     
18     Great White Buffalo     

I am a self-professed Nugent fanatic. Have been since discovering "Double Live Gonzo" as a kid in grade school in the 70's. I've purchased every new Nugent album as a new release and have found much to like about them all. (Well, except for "Penetrator", but that one has grown on me over the years.) The last few Nugent studio albums have been fantastic. "Craveman", "Love Grenade" and "Shut Up And Jam" are all fantastic platters from everyone's favorite crazy Uncle. With "The Music Made Me Do It" I am a disappointed.

The first five songs are prime Ted. "The Music Made Me Do It", "Where Ya Gonna Run" and "Cocked, Locked & Ready to Rock" are all fine Gonzo-rock. Exactly what I hope to hear from Ted. "Bigfundirtygroovenoize" and "I Love Ya Too Much Baby" are both fun songs, both clocking in at under two minutes each. The rest of the album is all re-tread. A parody of "Cat Scratch Fever" titled "Backstrap Fever" is a fun b-side type song but out of place on a new album. Yet another re-record of "Fred Bear" is included as well as two re-recorded version of the hunting instrument "Sunrize". Now there is nothing wrong with these songs other than they have been released before and again seem like filler on a new album. Perhaps rather than a new album this should have been advertised as a new EP from Ted Nugent as it's quite short as well.

Aside from the complaints, Ted and company sound as good as they ever have. I just would have liked more "new" songs and perhaps a few longer jams as well.

Disc two is a live DVD recorded live at Freedom Hill, Sterling Heights MI in 2017.

Other NUGENT appearances:

Ted does a great version of Aerosmith's "Rag Doll" on "Not the Same Old Song & Dance"

Ted teams up with Lemmy (Motorhead) for "Tie Your Mother Down" for the "Dragon Attack" Queen Tribute that also appeared as the b-side of a Motorhead limited edition vinyl single.

He also appears on the California Jam II album with Aerosmith and Frank Marino that has yet to see the light of day officially on CD.!

He makes a brief appearance playing lead guitar on "Milk Cow Blues" on Aerosmith's "Texas Jam 78" video and CD as well.

Ted recorded a live version of "Mississippi Queen" with Molly Hatchet , as well as a cover of Chuck Berry's "Around And Around" on Volunteer Jam VII.

Ted Nugent & the Amboy Dukes Ted Nugent Bootlegs Ted Nugent DVD Damn Yankees CD Collection Ted Nugent Vinyl Ted Nugent Collectibles

Related collections: Whitford/St. Holmes

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