"Alice Cooper ...  routines are really just as old-hat as everybody elses. Fling dead chickens and carting around props of every size and shape, utilizing splintery deluges of screaming feedback (Velvet Underground, 1965) to attack the nervous systems of the presumably uptight, latent or whatever section of the audience whilst raping their libidos with an outrageous blitz of shifting sexual identities and "perversions"thats just the old epater le bourgeois riff again, and for all the talk of Artaud and audiences convulsed with certain unstable souls in frothing fits, it still and frever will remain that A.C. is putting on a show in the hoary DC manner, and with fewer and fewer people game for sprained sexual sensibilities, since nobody gives a fuck anymore anyway, a seemingly futuristic band like this must fall back on its music, which is too bad, because theres not much happening there outside the context of the act, as their records bear out." - Lester Bangs 1970

http://tinyurl.com/ALICE-COOPER

UPDATE:

If Alice does it for you, that's great, but he hasn't impressed me since I first saw his act at Max's Kansas City in 1969.  

Magick Circle from Otto von Ruggins on Vimeo.

This guy is a true legend of music. His theatrical performances are fun and he has put out a ton of quality albums. One of the few guys who has been around forever that is still almost as good as his classic years.

There is a lot of filler in Alice Cooper's material but every 6-8 years he releases something great. Few have had as much influence on hard rock.

Personally I love Alice Cooper. While AC/DC is my favorite band, the Coop is up there. He puts on great live shows, has a wicked singing voice, and has a ton of great albums. I love the old and newer albums. I just bought his new one out today and I am already in love with it. He is a true legend.

Anyone who gives this guy a bad rating, is doing it for meanness, and isn't familiar with one of rock's true originals. This guy has not just a few quality albums, but dozens, and his lastest project is one of the best of his long career. He is a pure genious, and if you doubt that, I challenge you to buy one of his albums, and check it out for yourself. You may be surprised at how great it is.

He definately is one of the most influential artists in the business and he's still going strong today! Can't wait for his new album 'Along Came A Spider' coming out July 29th.

One of the all-time greats. Great lyrics, fun shows, and catchy tunes. Alice has influenced everyone.

Generally I'm not a big fan of his hard rock efforts but I cant fault the more melodic tunes e.g. Poison and Elected. However, he's a great DJ (check out his show on Planet Rock) not because of the music (which is pretty banal IMO) but his witty banter. He's a funny guy and praps has been wasted on rock. Rock musicians are generally a bunch of self-indulgent and boringly self-important bunch of c***s at the best of times  (hello Metallica!) but AC stands out as someone who brings humour to the table and doesnt take himself seriously.

Got to give a five to one of the classics.

Most of Cooper's songs are catchy from the second you listen to them. But sadly, this also means they grow old fast. I outgrew the likes of 'School's Out' and 'Poison' a while ago, but in researching some of his lesser-known tracks (to the mainstream, at least) like 'Billion Dollar Babies' and 'No More Mr Nice Guy', then you will see that Alice has produced many gems. A rock legend.

Alice is the greatest of all time!!!

Most underrated musician ever!

The man's a genius. I've been a fan since I was a little kid and still love his work to this day. Seen him live twice, including my first concert ever on the Brutal Planet tour. A very very under-rated artist.

First there was the band Alice Cooper led by singer Vincent Damon Furnier, and then Furnier absconded with the name for his subsequent solo career. The result is an artist that must be reviewed in two clearly separate phases. Cooper (band or singer) were leaders of the early 1970's glam rock period. The band released consistently strong efforts from "Pretties For You" (1969) to "Muscle Of Love" (1973). For most fans, the compilation "Alice Cooper's Greatest Hits" (1974) will suffice for this prolific period, as it includes all the better-known singles (eg "I'm Eighteen," "School's Out," and "No More Mr. Nice Guy"). Cooper's solo efforts have much more hit or miss. "Welcome To My Nightmare" (1975) remains an undisputed masterpiece, but he could not maintain anything close to this release in later years. A few latter singles are notable, namely "I Never Cry," "You And Me," and "Clones."

A great guy and I love his music!

Love his music and had the pleasure of meeting him on a few occasions. He is one of the most genuine people you'd ever want to meet.

I discovered Alice when he was on the Muppet Show--loved his music since (at least his earlier albums). My all time favorite albums are Da Da and From the Inside.

Definitely a pivotal figure in hard rock. His old stuff was clearly much better. Some of his 80's material was decent but any more recent works have been average.

i have not seen alice cooper since 1990 but one of the great live acts and great albums

Alice Cooper is GOD!!!!! The Cooper created shock rock, he's one of the most influential musicians ever. just look at the list of bands he has influenced: KISS, Motley Crue, Marilyn Manson, Murderdolls, Twisted Sister, Hanoi Rocks, Guns N' Roses, Metallica, Poison, Gwar, W.A.S.P., Rob Zombie, and so many more. Alice Cooper truly is the greatest person to ever walk this earth.

i grew up around 2 uncles that were teenagers in the late 60s and 70s and cuz them i grew up around alice cooper and more great rockers from that time. iloved billion dollar babies album.

Alice is a legend in his own right. He stuck at what he believed in and came out on top. He has paved the way for many groups to follow. His stage shows are as spectacular and theatrical as ever. He sings and performs as if the experience is still relatively new to him. And most importantly he appears to be having fun while doing it.

The advent of Alice Cooper in the early 70's not only transformed rock music and the way music was performed live, it also transformed society as a whole. Alice Cooper was a cultural force that changed peoples attitudes not only on music, fashion and sexuality but moved the dividing line between right and wrong.

Underrated is an understatement.

I've been a fan of Alice Cooper since I was about thirteen or fourteen. That was way back when dinosaurs roamed and music came on records, cassettes or 8-track! In the thirty odd years that covers, I have never found another artist who so consistantly commands my interest, attention and respect. Alice's music is possibly the most ecletic in Rock. On one album you can expect to find both hard and soft Rock, Jazz, Showtunes and even the odd bit of Rockabilly. I'm always amazed by the versitility of the man. Alice is certainly not an artist content to cling to past glory either, as shown by his extremely strong current album, The Eyes Of Alice Cooper. Critically acclaimed as some of his best work, the album contains songs that will stand up against any of the newer bands. I have no hesitation whatsoever in giving Alice Cooper a five star rating.

Potch incorrectly stated two things. One.. Alice Cooper had OVER a dozen hit singles (one of them was one of the biggest selling singles in history for a long time) and several hit albums. Two, David Bowie copied off of Alice with the whole glam thing. It is a widely known fact that Bowie went to a Cooper concert in the early 70s and made comments to people around him who reported it themselves that he wanted to do something like Alice except more extreme. But Bowie wanted publicity and took it further by coming out of the closet. For Longer? No, don't think so. Better? How about took it way too far. Alice Cooper is a pioneer indeed. He introduced something that was never brought about before.. many mimiced, but no one could duplicate him. And Alice had a few hits in the 90s before moving onto a much smaller record label in England. He has more creativity there. His sales have suffered due to lack of publicity because of this move to the smaller company, but we hear he is in talks with someone right now who might get him back up where he wants.

Bad ass plus he is a legend in Phoenix and is very active around here.

LONG LIVE THE COOP! ALice Cooper is one of the most innovative rockers of all time. Thanks to Alice Cooper KISS began wearing makeup.(thank god)Thanks to Coop rock as we know it has been able to endure time. I have seen him live and the energy and the passion he puts into everything he does is staggering. Schizophrenia does not even come close to describe the man that is Alice Cooper. Off stage a family man who love golf - On stage every persons dark side embodied

Very smart guy for as evil and twisted as some of his songs got.

It has been said before, but Alice Cooper really is the most underrated rock 'n roll performer ever. It doesn't get better than the teathrics he brought into the ring. Nowhere can you find such a fine blend of teathre and rock the way Alice does it. Sad thing that people don't give him the credit he deserves. If it wasn't for the Coop we'd still be listening to 'nice' bands in suit (like The Beatles) or bands in jeans (like The Rolling Stones and Bowie in his beginning years before he went over to glam rock after seeing Alice)

What can you say about Alice he made Ozzy look like a choir boy.

A true legend in hard rock and metal. Cooper brought theatrics into rock and contrary to some people's belief still puts out high quality albums. His last three, The Last Temptation, Brutal Planet, and Dragontown show that the man can still get it done. Much better than Ozzy, Aerosmith, or Metallica are doing these days. Can't wait for his new album on Sept.23rd, 2003. It is said to ve very old school.

Oh my goodness! This guy is the most underrated performer in the history of hard rock/metal. Almost every band cites this guy as an influence. For those of you who don't know. Cooper was the first to use theatrics in music and continues to record to this day. There is a misconception that Alice hasn't made any great albums since his 70's hedyday and that is untrue. His 80's music was somewhat uninspired with the exception of Dada and Raise Your Fist and Yell. However, the 90's saw his return to excellence with the underrated Hey Stoopid and the excellent Last Temptation (perhaps his best album since WTMN.) However, it was 2000 that Coop shocked the world with the brilliant Brutal Planet. The album got his strongest reviews in twenty years. The next album, Dragontown, while not quite as strong proved that Alice was back. I cannot wait for his new album coming out Sept.23rd, 2003 called The Eyes of Alice Cooper. It was recorded in all school fashion and is said to be in the Love It To Death/Billion Dollar Babies vein with heavier guitar. Very underrated performer

An influential part of music history. Not a burn-out like the pop and rap stars of todays generation. A true rock legend. Unfortunately, another target of christian groups that are so unhappy with their own lives that they have a desire to manipulate others.

The greatest showman of alltime. His last three albums (The Last Temptation(1994), Brutal Planet (2000) and Dragontown (2001) are even better than his classic material from his 70's peak. The guy still has it.

His stage presence is one for challenging but as far as his music, it's mostly forgettable, but he did capture thunder with "Billion Dollar Babies"

"Love It To Death" is the truly classic dark rock album. Guitar works from Michael and Glen challenge and surpass their rock hereos of Jeff Beck & The Yardbirds. Dennis and Neal are the background of bass playing and drumming, playing to this macabre lryics. Then there is Alice, sweet innocent child, who by chance stumble into this act. Soon would be drive wild and commit acts of live performance you'll never forget. For this Alice must suffer by electrocute by array of lights and buzzers. He gone now.....but will arise. SUNRISE!

lace and whiskey was best album ever!

Theatrics to rock music! This is where it all started. More than just eye liner, the world was his stage. When each new album came new stage acts for every tour since "Love It To Death" a 5 star album. With "Killer", "School's Out" and "Billion Dollar Babies" these are the heart soul of Alice and the band. When he went as a solo act, the same theme continue with pop hits into mid to late 70's. With new energy with the eighties, heavy metal music fan rediscover their old school master in top form with the release of "Trashes The World". To my astonishment, Alice Cooper still write and performs into the new century. As a fan since 1971 from the "Killer" album, my personal favorite, I bought this record so I would not to miss out on all excitement with all those rumours go around about Alice. It turn out to be many were false. Alice has many concept albums that are over looked such as"From The Inside", "Flush The Fashion", "Special Forces", "Zipper Catches Skin" and "DADA" to name a few. Alice Cooper is a performer and does not live out his music themes, we all have a dark side, but as most people keep it hidden and lock away. Alice Cooper is a hollywood celebrity in his own right and enjoy golf. His lyrics and vocals are what keep me coming back for more. His rendition of The Beatles' "Because" sent chills thru me when I first heard this song from his box set "The Life and Crimes of Alice Cooper". I enjoy many bands of the 70's and 80's hard rock and heavy metal bands, and Alice Cooper is top hat, cane and tails in the rock world. Thanks "Wayne's World".

I have heard he is pretty scary live. Marilyn Manson of the 1970s.

Alice looks like he'd be a lot of fun to hang out with, but come on... He has like, what, 4 hits? And none in at least a decade or two? A pioneer, sure. But is more of a caricature than a rock star. David Bowie did it better, and for longer.

best danm thing a child could lisen to in this world.

Alice Cooper is that rarest of rock and roll phenomena: A truly original and exciting onstage personna with the musical and lyrical talent to have fueled a trail-blazing career that has spanned the better part of many of his fans' lives! Alice Cooper set the standard for the "concert" to become the "show" - it is to Cooper's credit that from the 70's forward, performers on the road have presented onstage spectacles with dancers, special effects, pyrotechnics. More than just a visual performance distraction, Alice's music has continued to challenge and to conquer (on the charts or not) musical styles from heavy metal to lush ballads. Alice has not had to depend on "shock" rock theatrics to satisfy an audience because the music and his choice of musicians has always been stellar. Of course, Alice onstage is when the character comes alive (usually twice!), but his music alone can stand proudly and loudly on its own. School's OUT!

was fantastic in the early 70's when Alice Cooper was the bands name and he was the frontman. was even pretty stellar when he branched off on his own. BUT--has been lackluster to lame for the past 20 years. although i did like his turn on the G'nR Use Your Illusions discs. still hasn't aged as creatively as others in his genre(OZZY for example) my 3 stars are for Billion Dollar Babies alone!

No need to comment! The music and theatrics speak for themselves.

The Alice Cooper Group was the ONLY rock band consistently getting hard rock played on both AM & FM radio, in the early 70's. During the disco scare of the 70's - the Cooper's saved radio - for rock fans like me. Their 1970 - 1971 records heavily influenced bands that came after like Ziggy-era David Bowie, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Kiss, Metallica, Grand Funk, Talking Heads, Elton John (when he was a band...) - and all of the 'hair bands', for better or worse. With the possible exception of Ray Davies and The Kinks, the most underrated influence in popular rock music. A true original - accept no substitute!

This guy is absolutely amazing. Some people criticize him for changing his sound of music but who wants to stay the same? That's just plain boring. Brilliant songs and brilliant albums this guy is as original and experimental as they come.

Alice should get more air play people don't realize what a fantastic singer/song writer he really is. He's the best!!!!!

Alice is an extremely entertaining artist! I have enjoyed seeing him in concert numerous times. Killer is my favorite album of his.

He really set the stage for acts like Marilyn Manson. His outlandish theatrical stage shows were going a bit over the line, but were entertaining. Not all of his music is horrible, though, so I give him a 2.