Alice Cooper throws it back to his roots with the release of “Breadcrumbs,” a six-song EP that pays homage to the gritty garage rock scene of his Detroit stomping grounds. Originally a limited-edition vinyl release in 2019, “Breadcrumbs” has been re-released on CD in April 2024, complete with bonus tracks to entice longtime fans.
The EP is a raw, exhilarating trip down memory lane. Cooper dives headfirst into the unpolished energy of the late 60s and early 70s, eschewing the theatrics of his later work for a stripped-down, guitar-driven sound. This isn’t a greatest hits collection, though. “Breadcrumbs” features all-new recordings, with Cooper teaming up with a crew of Detroit musical royalty, including Johnny “Bee” Badanjek (Detroit Wheels), Mark Farner (Grand Funk Railroad), and Wayne Kramer (MC5). The chemistry is undeniable, with the veterans injecting the tracks with a dose of authentic Detroit swagger.
Opener “Detroit City 2020” reimagines Cooper’s classic anthem, stripping away the glam and replacing it with a punk-infused urgency. While some fans might miss the bombast of the original, this new version pulsates with a raw energy that perfectly captures the spirit of the EP.
Highlights include the fuzzed-out stomp of “Go Man Go” – easily the strongest original on the EP – and the bluesy swagger of “Fallen in Love.” However, the true gems lie in Cooper’s reimaginings of Detroit staples like The Stooges’ “I Wanna Be Your Dog” and The MC5’s “Looking at You.” Cooper delivers these covers with a reverence that borders on fanaticism, while still injecting his own signature snarl.
“Breadcrumbs” isn’t without its flaws. The two bonus tracks feel a bit tacked on. “Don’t Give Up,” a message of perseverance written during the COVID-19 pandemic, feels strangely out of place with the rest of the EP’s thematic focus. The live version of “Go Man Go” is energetic but ultimately unnecessary.
Minor quibbles aside, “Breadcrumbs” is a potent reminder of why Alice Cooper is a rock and roll legend. It’s a wild, exhilarating ride through Detroit’s musical underbelly, fueled by Cooper’s undeniable charisma and the stellar contributions of his fellow Detroit brethren. Whether you’re a longtime Alice Cooper fan or simply a lover of raw, unadulterated rock and roll, “Breadcrumbs” is a must-listen.
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