Alice Cooper – Easy Action (1970): Album Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts
Alice Cooper, the godfather of shock rock, first rose to prominence in the late 1960s and 1970s with his theatrical, hard-hitting rock style. Known for blending gritty rock riffs with dark theatricality, Alice Cooper has influenced generations of rock and metal musicians worldwide. Easy Action, released in 1970, is the band’s second studio album, showcasing their raw energy and early experimentation with theatrical rock.
About Alice Cooper (Band & Artist Bio)
Alice Cooper originally began as a band in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1964, fronted by Vincent Furnier, who later legally adopted the stage name Alice Cooper. The group’s early sound blended psychedelic rock, garage rock, and blues influences. Their live performances were known for macabre theatrics, including guillotines, fake blood, and horror-inspired props—elements that would become synonymous with Alice Cooper’s style. By 1970, the band had released their debut album Pretties for You (1969) and were beginning to refine their signature sound, paving the way for the breakthrough albums of the early 1970s.
Album Overview: Easy Action
Released in 1969/1970 (dates vary due to international releases), Easy Action is often overlooked in Alice Cooper’s discography but represents an important transitional period. The album captures the band experimenting with melodic structures, harmonies, and theatrical storytelling while still rooted in psychedelic and hard rock foundations. Unlike their later hits, Easy Action leans more towards bluesy and garage rock riffs, with occasional quirky, avant-garde touches.
Tracklist – Alice Cooper: Easy Action (1970)
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Mr. & Misdemeanor – 2:43
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Mr. and Mrs. School Days – 2:12
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Return of the Spiders – 3:04
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Lay Down and Die, Goodbye – 3:21
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Some Folks – 2:53
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Shoe Salesman – 2:57
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Jack Knife – 3:32
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Big Boy – 2:38
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Talk to Me – 2:32
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Never Been Sold Before – 2:31
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The Ballad of Dwight Fry – 5:16
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Refrigerator Heaven – 3:01
Note: Tracklists can vary slightly between US and European releases.
Album Review
Easy Action is an experimental and raw record that shows Alice Cooper before the fully-formed shock rock era. The standout track, Mr. & Misdemeanor, opens with tight riffs and sharp vocal delivery, hinting at the darker theatrics to come. Return of the Spiders and The Ballad of Dwight Fry foreshadow the dramatic storytelling style that would define later classics like Love It to Death and School’s Out.
Vocally, Alice Cooper’s gritty delivery is paired with strong harmonies from the band, and Glen Buxton’s guitar work shines on tracks like Jack Knife. While some tracks feel uneven compared to their later polished albums, the experimental nature and raw energy of Easy Action make it a fascinating listen for fans and historians of rock. The production is relatively sparse, allowing the band’s chemistry and musical inventiveness to take center stage.
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know
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• Fun Fact: Easy Action was originally produced by David Briggs, who also worked with Neil Young, adding a subtle folk-rock touch to some tracks.
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• Trivia: The album was largely overshadowed by the band’s later breakthrough with Love It to Death (1971), but it has since gained cult status among hardcore fans.
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• Did You Know? Alice Cooper’s theatrical elements, hinted at in Easy Action, were inspired by the band’s fascination with horror films and vaudeville, which would become a signature part of their live shows.
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• Fun Fact: “The Ballad of Dwight Fry” would later become a live favorite, often performed with Alice in full makeup portraying a disturbed character.
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• Did You Know? The album’s blend of psychedelic rock, garage rock, and early hard rock reflects the musical experimentation of the late 1960s, just before heavy metal fully emerged.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
While Easy Action did not achieve commercial success upon release, it is an important snapshot of Alice Cooper’s evolution. It demonstrates the band’s willingness to experiment with different sounds, theatricality, and storytelling, elements that would later become hallmarks of rock and metal performances worldwide. For fans and collectors, Easy Action is considered a hidden gem, revealing the roots of a band that would redefine rock theatrics.
