Rock Star God

A vainglorious, aggressive concept album, Rock Star God is far and away the Makers' best record. With Michael Shelley's snarl recalling vintage David Johansen, and the band ripping into a sleazy set that could have been the soundtrack for Rocky Horror II, the album consummates their identity as born-again glam rockers while showing remarkable artistic growth. Deeper and more textured than Psychopathia Sexualis, it experiments with fresh instrumentations and effects, adding strings, piano, and various eccentric touches to a smokin' hard rock base. In the process, the Makers produce their tightest batch of songs and considerably broaden their appeal. Sex Is Good Food and Better Way Down are as raunchy and fun as anything released in the '70s, while God's Playing Favorites is a depraved gothic prowl worthy of Iggy Pop. Not to be pigeonholed by their bad boy image, the second half explores more introspective thoughts, with the yearning Texture of a Girl and Byrds-esque Give Me Back Yesterday. One of the best records of 2000. ~ Jim Smith, All Music Guide