August 2005. The twins had yet to reach their first birthday, so I was a little busy. My pop culture consumption was limited to things that truly interested me. So little nuggets like this escaped my attention:
I know, right? Network TV, baby!
I’m not a reality show guy, but I was aware of the big ones at the time – Survivor, Big Brother, even Joe Millionaire and the others that seemed like real-life 30 Rock bits.
But I had no clue that Tommy Lee, erstwhile and current Mötley Crüe drummer, had a reality show about “attending” the University of Nebraska. Back then, as far as I knew, his on-screen appearances involved, uh, other stuff.
(You didn’t think I’d actually seek out THAT video, did you?)
I was also, until recently, blissfully unaware that he released a solo album the week before the debut of Tommy Lee Goes to College called Tommyland: The Ride, which contained music from the reality show and was designed in part (or primarily) to promote said show. That album is now back in the form of a reissue called Tommyland Rides Again (the promotional material calls it a “reimagining” that “invites you to take a ride inside [Tommy’s] twisted musical world”).
The original album wasn’t well received. The “reimagining” is essentially a rehash plus one new track featuring a singer named Chad Tepper with whom I’m frankly unfamiliar. Previous songs featuring Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger, Good Charlotte’s Joel Madden, then-Backstreet Boy Nick Carter, and current Train guitarist and longtime Zelig of glam metal Butch Walker remain largely the same bland, corporate promo pop-rock with the occasional heavy riff sprinkled in.
The existence of this “reimagining” is proof of lack of respect for the consumer. Just as Tommyland: The Ride was a promotion for a reality show, the rationale behind Tommyland Rides Again is surely to generate enthusiasm for the upcoming summer Crüe tour while maybe squeezing out a few extra bucks.
I’m sure some of my fellow Gen Xers are happy to jump on the Tommyland ride again (the jokes are way too easy). But if this is your thing, save your money on this blatant cash grab. Instead, head to your nearest exurban amphitheater and let the Crüe kickstart your heart (this now has multiple meanings given the fanbase’s age). If you’re fine with a cynical nostalgia play, at least opt for one that will give you a fun night out. (Brian)
The original wasn't very great, but the mixing is far better. The new "remaster" sounds like they downmixed the Atmos bed to stereo, so they didn't have to create a separate stereo mix. I f**kin hate it.