Britny Fox Albums (5)
'Springhead Motorshark'
Release Date 7/28/2003
Tracks 11
Label Spitfire
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Cinderella was often criticized as being too derivative of Aerosmith, so you know the pop-metal scene of the late '80s was getting spread thin when a band that modeled itself after Cinderella appeared on the scene, Britny Fox. Comprised of several members that were actual early members of Cinderella, Britny Fox's star burned out quickly, although they managed to score a Top 40 hit with their 1988 self-titled debut (which spawned such oh-so-challenging MTV favorites as "Girlschool" and "Long Way to Love"). But with outlets like VH1 Classic reintroducing many forgotten hair metal bands of the '80s to the early 21st century, Britny Fox was back in business, resulting in all-new studio albums, like 2003's Springhead Motorshark. The group's original focal point, singer/guitarist Dean Davidson, is still absent from the proceedings, as his replacement, Tommy Paris, remains onboard. In a similar move as many other '80s era hair metal bands resurfacing in the 21st century, Britny Fox has toughened up their sound considerably. While they certainly won't be mistaken for Slayer anytime soon, heavy riffs replace the melodicism of their earlier albums, especially on such tracks as the album opening "Pain" and the title track (which contains some nifty Zeppelin-esque guitar work). ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Due to membership upheavals and the genocide of hair metal, you're messing with a leaner, meaner son of a Britny Fox on the quartet's first live disc. Opening strong with a Dirty Harry sound bite, "Six Guns Loaded" and quasi-smash "Long Way to Love," diminutive Johnny-come-lately frontman Tom Paris holds the crowd with his funny and cool stage patter (naturally relying on a common four-letter colloquialism). He tucks the Fox chestnut "Dream On" into Supertramp's glittering "Give a Little Bit" (long before the Gap commercial). The band still subsists on those early tracks somehow, but many songs come from the charmingly titled Bite Down Hard, and the boys whip up a metal maelstrom by mid-show with "Closer to Your Love" and "Black and White." Obviously a very visual assemblage, Britny Fox turns out a sonically satisfying live work, admirable simply because of the band's survival. Billy Childs is an amiable bassist who looks like C.C. DeVille's mellow older brother (If you don't know who C.C. is, why are you reading?) and acoustically opens "Over and Out" (not the Drill song), which starts like "Find Your Way Back" (the Jefferson Starship song). Drummer Johnny Dee's solo is wisely omitted, as these are aural wastes, live or on disc. German guitarist and Fox founder Michael Kelly Smith throws out some fire from the cityscape painted on his BC Rich, but, by his prolonged solo, no one really cares. Luckily, Tommy always wins the crowd back. The show wraps with Fox's raison d'etre "Girlschool" and "Midnight Moses," a sensational Alex Harvey discovery that defines what a remake should be: a powerful rekindling of a forgotten flame. Burn on! This brilliant blue-collar rummage through the smoldering ashes of the brilliant music that led up to the heady daze of tight trous and high hair hopefully indicates the future of the Fox. ~ Doug Stone, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Having replaced lagging talent Dizzy Dean Davison with soundalike vocalist Tommy Paris, Britny Fox find themselves back in the running. Unfortunately, they're still not fated to bring home the trophy, as their renewed enthusiasm is offset to a large degree by their out-of-shape songwriting. Melodically, songs such as "Louder" and "Over and Out" carry the torch better than anything since the first album, but elsewhere the vocals are left to carry the hooks while the guitars coast on power chord cruise control. Another complaint: sexual innuendo only works when it's clever, which leaves hormone rockers like "Shot from My Gun" coming off as cheap crotch grabbers. There are guest appearances by Zakk Wylde and Rikki Rockett, but you'll need a doctorate in Hollywood Glam to recognize their contributions to this lukewarm affair. ~ Jeremy Ulrey, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
One of the brighter debuts to emerge in the late '80s, Britny Fox established themselves early on as hard-hitting contenders, only to expose a glass jaw in subsequent bouts. Often labeled clones of sister band Cinderella (whence they got their image, guitar player, and record contract), the quartet overcame expectations by filling their first album with song after song of top-flight '80s glam, marred only slightly by the cliché-ridden lyrics. The boys each play to their strengths here, which results in killer riffs and licks from Michael Kelly Smith and impassioned howling from Dizzy Dean Davidson. On later platters, they would overextend their talents and become just another struggling bar band, so enjoy the chemistry while it's still there. Among the many highlights are "Long Way to Love," "Girlschool," and a cover of Slade's "Gudbuy t'Jane." ~ Jeremy Ulrey, All Music Guide
