6 Reasons Every Songwriter Should Listen to POISON by Alice Cooper

[Ted]

This similar to the discussion of the modal and chord techniques used by the Beatles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avGwer5njg0

Here's the song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qq4j1LtCdww

Even better live version (Alice in his 70s):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pf6w1Na3NGU

About once a year I have to remind Songcrafters (as if it has any significance) that I went to the same high school as Alice Cooper, so this is it.

[Farrell Jackson]

A great post Ted! Thanks for sharing. I've done similiar chord progressions like that before but not on purpose and certainly couldn't expalin why  This isa great song!!!!

[Geir]

Always loved this song.  Now I know why 

Been meaning to watch this for a while. Thanx for the reminder. It's really educational

[Ted]

Always loved this song.  Now I know why

Even though he's a hometown hero, I tend to lean towards the "classics" of Alice Cooper – the 1970s. So this is a "new" song for me. I didn't really like the studio version, which is why I went looking for the live version – which blew me away.

[Zoltan]

Even better live version (Alice in his 70s):

Everytime i've seen Alice singing this tune he's been struggling with it a bit. It's one of the few he's having any trouble singing and in this live version you posted he's making some changes to make it work.

He's certainly lasted a long time and done good. As harsh as it sounds... Keeping the band a-fresh is adding some sparkle into his performance(s). Some things one can't choose, but some of it is by choice. If the band were closer to his age the show certainly wouldn't be the same.
 

[Ted]

he's making some changes to make it work.

His voice, such as it is, seems to have survived because of his willingness to accept that his range has changed, rather than thrashing it by going for notes he can't really hit anymore.