Alice Cooper - Easy Action (1970)

Alice Cooper - Easy Action - Release Year 1970

Album Covers, Info, Fun Facts and Trivia

Overview

"Easy Action" is the second studio album by American rock band Alice Cooper, released on March 16, 1970 by Straight Records, the same label that issued their debut Pretties for You. The album marks a transitional phase for the band, moving slightly away from surreal psychedelia toward a heavier, more theatrical rock style that would define their early '70s sound.

While Easy Action was not a commercial success, it showcased improved songwriting and performance, hinting at the classic Alice Cooper identity soon to emerge.

Tracklist

Mr. and Misdemeanor

Shoe Salesman

Still No Air

Below Your Means

Return of the Spiders

Laughing at Me

Refrigerator Heaven

Beautiful Flyaway

Lay Down and Die, Goodbye

Album Information

Artist: Alice Cooper (band)

Album: Easy Action

Release Date: March 16, 1970

Label: Straight Records

Genre: Psychedelic rock, hard rock, proto-glam

Length: 31:06

Producer: David Briggs (known for his work with Neil Young)

Notable Songs & Highlights

“Return of the Spiders” is a tribute to Frank Zappa and features heavy riffs and chaotic rhythms—an early sign of the theatrical rock Alice Cooper would embrace later.

“Refrigerator Heaven” and “Beautiful Flyaway” explore surreal and emotional themes, wrapped in dreamy psychedelia.

“Shoe Salesman” is one of the band’s first tracks to lean into quirky storytelling—a songwriting style that would become a signature.

Fun Facts & Trivia

Producer Conflict: David Briggs reportedly disliked working with the band, calling them "a bunch of losers," which led to tension during production.

Frank Zappa’s Role: Though Zappa didn’t produce the album, his influence lingered through the label and the experimental freedom he encouraged.

Underground Status: Easy Action didn't chart on the Billboard 200, but it has become a cult favorite among die-hard fans of early Alice Cooper.

Name Confusion Continues: Like the debut, this album was released under “Alice Cooper” as the band’s name—not yet as Vincent Furnier’s solo identity.

Theatrical Seeds: The final track, “Lay Down and Die, Goodbye,” features a dramatic spoken-word intro and abstract sound collage—an early taste of the horror-inspired rock theatrics the band would become famous for.

Legacy

Though often overlooked in the Alice Cooper discography, Easy Action is an essential listen for those interested in the band’s roots. It captures the moment just before Alice Cooper transformed into a global shock rock phenomenon. For collectors, psychedelic rock historians, and hardcore fans, Easy Action represents a raw, evolving creativity—and a step closer to the classic Alice Cooper sound.

Keywords (Tags)

Alice Cooper Easy Action review, 1970 psychedelic rock album, early Alice Cooper albums, Alice Cooper discography, Return of the Spiders, Refrigerator Heaven lyrics, Straight Records Alice Cooper, David Briggs producer