Many a fine band has been relegated to metal's scrap heap over the years – some for no apparent reason. Such is the case with Scotland's Heavy Pettin, an apparent victim of a risqué name and record-company politics. (After all, these guys were signed to the same label as the almighty Bon Jovi, back when both bands were seeking an audience.) While some critics predicted Heavy Pettin would be the heir to Def Leppard's throne, the 13 tracks on Prodigal Songs – a collection of previously unreleased material from 1982-1987 – more often than not recall Dokken, Krokus, Motley Crue and Foreigner.
They also prove why Heavy Pettin should have been huge, at least in the United States. Song like "Break It Down," "I Don't Care What You Say Anymore," "My Love For You" "Hot Women" and "Keep On Believing" pack the kind of monstrous hooks, gang choruses and mindless lyrics that made pop-metal so fun and memorable back in the day. Well-produced and more fun than they have a right to be, these tunes (though previously unreleased) can hardly be considered rejects and should encourage new listeners - and face it, that's most of us - to dig back into the band's catalog. The logical place to start is Majestic Rock's recently released three-CD/one-DVD set Pettology, which includes Heavy Pettin's two Polydor albums, plus audio and video versions of a 1984 gig at London's Astoria. An album of new material from the reunited group is reportedly in the works, too.
Track Listing:
1) Break It Down
2) Don't Blow Your Chances
3) I Don't Care What You Say Anymore
4) Keep on Believing
5) Merry Go Round
6) Don't Walk Away
7) Hot Women
8) Speed Kills
9) Knock 'em Dead
10) My Love For You
11) Nightmare
12) Once is Enough
13) That's the Way
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