A vainglorious, aggressive concept album,
Rock Star God is far and away
the Makers' best record. With
Michael Shelley's snarl recalling vintage
David Johansen, and the band ripping into a sleazy set that could have been the soundtrack for Rocky Horror II, the album consummates their identity as born-again glam rockers while showing remarkable artistic growth. Deeper and more textured than
Psychopathia Sexualis, it experiments with fresh instrumentations and effects, adding strings, piano, and various eccentric touches to a smokin' hard rock base. In the process,
the Makers produce their tightest batch of songs and considerably broaden their appeal. "Sex Is Good Food" and "Better Way Down" are as raunchy and fun as anything released in the '70s, while "God's Playing Favorites" is a depraved gothic prowl worthy of
Iggy Pop. Not to be pigeonholed by their bad boy image, the second half explores more introspective thoughts, with the yearning "Texture of a Girl" and
Byrds-esque "Give Me Back Yesterday." One of the best records of 2000. ~ Jim Smith