By Ruben Mosqueda // Album available April 15
Lita Ford issued her most ‘classic’ sounding record in years in 2012 with Living Like A Runaway while not a ‘home run’ it was a return to form and got people excited again about her music. After 2009’s horrific Wicked Wonderland and a well documented divorce, there was no other way to go but up.
Time Capsule opens up with the most embarrassing and ridiculous intro I have probably heard-- ever. Chris Holmes (W.A.S.P.) plays an teenage Lita Ford’s verbally abusive father who rants and raves before we hear what is believed to be Lita squealing away in her dear old dad’s muscle car. That is followed by an extraordinary mediocre Where Will I Find My Heart Tonight which had me disinterested, already.
Things however improved with the clear standout and gem of Time Capsule: KIlling Kind. The song features special appearances by Billy Sheehan on bass, Dave Navarro on of all things mandolin and signature background vocals by Cheap Trick’s Robin Zander and Rick Nielsen. KIlling Kind has a melodic hook big enough to catch a whale. The ballad War of the Angels isn’t too shabby either it’s pure vintage Lita Ford circa 1988. Lita’s rendition of Jimi Hendrix’s Little Wing is splendid and it’s featured in an instrumental form no less. Makes me curious wonder what an all instrumental Lita Ford record would sound like.
Other notable tracks are: Rotten to the Core where KISS’ Gene Simmons makes a special appearance playing bass, Black Leather Heart, and Anything For A Thrill. The latter song, along with KIlling Kind or War of Angels would make welcome additions to Lita’s live set. I’m curious why Lita didn’t use her touring band on this album; they are ferocious live and would be brilliant on record---I’m sure of it. While Time Capsule won’t topple Lita’s classic back catalog there’s enough here worthy of your time---you’ll just have to search for it.