Alice Cooper – Breadcrumbs (2019): Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts
Although not a full studio album in the traditional sense, Breadcrumbs is an important EP release from Alice Cooper that connects his iconic shock‑rock legacy with the roots of rock and garage music. Released on September 13, 2019, this project serves as a tribute to the garage rock heroes of Detroit, the singer’s hometown and one of the key cities shaping early punk and hard rock.
Unlike many of Cooper’s concept albums or hard rock solo releases, Breadcrumbs reflects raw rock & roll spirit and cultural homage, celebrating Detroit’s vibrant musical heritage from the late 1960s and early ’70s.
EP Overview
Breadcrumbs was originally released as a limited and numbered 10‑inch vinyl, with only 20,000 copies pressed worldwide, making it a unique collectible for fans. Produced by Cooper’s longtime collaborator Bob Ezrin, the EP features a blend of covers and one original track, performed with several legendary Detroit rock figures.
Rather than focusing on polished mainstream production, the EP embraces the gritty, high‑energy garage rock sounds that influenced Cooper’s early musical development.
Tracklist – Alice Cooper: Breadcrumbs (2019)
-
Detroit City 2020 – an updated rewrite of Cooper’s own Detroit City from The Eyes of Alice Cooper (2003), paying homage to Detroit’s grit and heritage.
-
Go Man Go – a brand‑new Alice Cooper original with punk attitude and driving energy.
-
East Side Story (Bob Seger cover) – a classic Detroit rock nod from Seger’s early catalog.
-
Your Mama Won’t Like Me (Suzi Quatro cover) – Cooper’s fun take on the proto‑punk anthem.
-
Devil With a Blue Dress On / Chains of Love (Mitch Ryder/The Dirtbombs medley) – rock and R&B fusion reflecting Detroit’s eclectic scene.
-
Sister Anne (MC5 cover) – a high‑energy tribute to the MC5’s raw garage power.
Many editions now include bonus tracks like Don’t Give Up (a message of hope during the COVID‑19 pandemic) and a live version of Go Man Go recorded at Hellfest 2022, especially on later CD releases.
EP Review
Breadcrumbs is a brief but potent rock release that strips back theatricality in favor of muscular, guitar‑driven performances. The opener, Detroit City 2020, reimagines the Motor City anthem with fresh urgency, celebrating Cooper’s roots and showcasing hard‑charging rock energy.
The original Go Man Go leans toward punk‑leaning aggression, while the carefully chosen covers highlight Detroit’s broad impact—from Suzi Quatro’s proto‑punk swagger to MC5’s garage ferocity.
What makes Breadcrumbs especially enjoyable is not just the performance but the all‑star lineup of Detroit musicians, including MC5’s Wayne Kramer, Grand Funk Railroad’s Mark Farner, and Detroit Wheels’ Johnny “Bee” Badanjek, reinforcing the EP’s authenticity and hometown pride.
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know
-
• Fun Fact: Breadcrumbs was initially released as a limited 10” vinyl with just 20,000 copies worldwide—making original pressings highly collectible.
-
• Trivia: The EP celebrates Detroit’s garage rock heroes—many of whom influenced Alice Cooper’s own musical beginnings.
-
• Did You Know? Besides covers, Breadcrumbs includes an original song (Go Man Go), a rare non‑album new track from Cooper during this era.
-
• Fun Fact: The track Detroit City 2020 updates Cooper’s earlier Detroit anthem with a renewed rock energy, bridging decades of his career.
-
• Did You Know? The EP served as a creative prelude to Cooper’s later Detroit Stories project, which expanded on the same theme of honoring Motor City music.
While short in length, Breadcrumbs is rich in historical context and rock heritage, making it an excellent listen for fans of Alice Cooper, Detroit rock, and raw, rootsy guitar music.
