Many metal fans will remember the big hair metal of the late 80s, most with an embarrassing grimace. And rightly so, as this set shows that some bands are barely best remembered by an original album, let alone a compilation that tries to over play any achievements.

Make-up, hair spray, feminine names, big party metal sounds that put Motley Crue to shame, it’s no wonder the first album didn’t do a great deal. The scene had its moments but Pretty Boy Floyd were just too cliché and too ordinary; poorly recorded demos really should be left in the vaults.

Various line-up changes and reformations later and they’re still going strong, but the early material is easily forgettable, despite the enthusiastic sleevenotes.

Leather Boys With Electric Toys, indeed. Just a shame they were plugged in.

*

Review by Joe Geesin

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly