Misplaced Pages

Play Games (Dog Eat Dog album): Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 22:57, 27 December 2024 editWolferstein (talk | contribs)76 edits search engineTag: Visual edit← Previous edit Latest revision as of 21:29, 30 December 2024 edit undoStarcheerspeaksnewslostwars (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users, Page movers, New page reviewers, Pending changes reviewers459,035 edits added Category:Hardcore punk albums by American artists using HotCat 
(26 intermediate revisions by 10 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Play Games }}
{{Infobox album {{Infobox album
| name = Play Games | name = Play Games
Line 7: Line 7:
| released = June 2, 1996 | released = June 2, 1996
| studio = | studio =
| genre = *] | genre = *]
*] *]
*] *]
*] *]
| length = 37:07 | length = 37:07
| label = ] | label = ]
Line 18: Line 18:
| prev_year = 1994 | prev_year = 1994
| year = 1996 | year = 1996
| next_title = ] | next_title = ]
| next_year = 1999 | next_year = 1999
| chronology = ] | chronology = ]
Line 24: Line 24:
| name = Play Games | name = Play Games
| type = studio | type = studio
| single1 = ] | single1 = ]
| single1date = 1996 | single1date = 1996
| single2 = ] | single2 = Rocky
| single2date = 1996 | single2date = 1996
| single3 = ] | single3 = Step Right In
| single3date = 1997 | single3date = 1997
}} }}
}} }}


'''Play Games''' is the second studio album by American band ]. It was released on June 2nd, 1996 by ].<ref>{{Citation |title=Play Games - Dog Eat Dog {{!}} Album {{!}} AllMusic |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/play-games-mw0000185449 |access-date=2024-12-27 |language=en}}</ref> The album shows a change of sound in the band, shifting from their raw ] sound that they had on their previous album ] to a more distinct ] sound. The album was a success in ], the music videos for the songs Isms and Rocky were on rotation on tv. The album peaked in top 20 in 4 countries, with the highest position being no. 12 in ] and ] (]). The album also peaked at no. 5 in the UK Rock & Metal charts. The album would go to be certified gold in ] 2 months after the release of the album. ] legend ] as well as ] from ] make a appearence on the album. This album is the first album they recorded with Brandon Finley '''''Play Games''''' is the second studio album by American band ]. It was released on June 2, 1996, by ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Doge Eat Dog – ''Play Games'' |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/play-games-mw0000185449 |publisher=] |access-date=December 27, 2024 |language=en}}</ref> The album shows a change of sound in the band, shifting from the ] sound they performed on their previous album, '']'', to a more ] sound. The album was successful in ] and the music videos for the songs "Isms" and "Rocky" received heavy rotation on TV. The album charted within the top 20 in four countries, with the highest position being number 12 in Austria and Belgium (]). The album peaked at number 5 in the UK Rock & Metal chart. The album was certified gold in Belgium two months after the release of the album. ] of ] and ] of ] make vocal appearances on the album. ''Play Games'' is the first of the band's albums to feature Brandon Finley on drums.


== Recording and production == == Recording and production ==
Tracks 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 were recorded and mixed at the Studio 4 and Big Zone Studios in ]. The tracks mentioned were produced, mixed and recorded by the ], known for working with artists like ], ], ] and more.<ref name=":0">{{Citation |title=Dog Eat Dog - Play Games |date=1996 |url=https://www.discogs.com/master/28427-Dog-Eat-Dog-Play-Games |access-date=2024-12-27 |language=en}}</ref> Tracks 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 were recorded and mixed at the Studio 4 and Big Zone Studios in ]. The tracks mentioned were produced, mixed and recorded by the ], known for working with artists like ], ], ] and more.<ref name=":0">{{Citation |title=Dog Eat Dog - Play Games |date=1996 |url=https://www.discogs.com/master/28427-Dog-Eat-Dog-Play-Games |access-date=December 27, 2024 |language=en}}</ref>


Tracks 3, 7, 9 and 11 were recorded and mixed at the ] in ]. The tracks mentioned were produced, recorded and mixed by ], known for working with artists like ], ], ] and more.<ref name=":0" /> Tracks 3, 7, 9 and 11 were recorded and mixed at the ] in ]. The tracks mentioned were produced, recorded and mixed by ], known for working with artists like ], ], ] and more.<ref name=":0" />


The song "Step Right in" was recorded at RPM Studios in ]. The song was produced by ] from ], who also makes a vocal appearence on the song. The song was mixed by Steve Ett at Chung King Studios in ].<ref name=":0" /> The song "Step Right in" was recorded at RPM Studios in ]. The song was produced by RZA from Wu-Tang Clan, who also makes a vocal appearance on the song. The song was mixed by Steve Ett at Chung King Studios in New York City.<ref name=":0" /> The collaboration with RZA happened as a result of vocalist John Connor sharing a lawyer with the rapper. The two met at the waiting room of the lawyer's office and discussed music. After the discussion, Connor explained that his band was interested in working with a hip-hop producer, to which RZA replied that he was looking to work with a live band. Dog Eat Dog and RZA met at RPM Studios in New York City and after hours of jamming, "Step Right In" was recorded.<ref name=":1" />


The album was mastered by ] at the ] in ].<ref name=":0" /> The album was mastered by ] at the ] in ].<ref name=":0" />


This is the first album that has Scott Mueller credited as the member of the band, instead as a additional musician.<ref name=":0" /> This is the first and only album in which Scott Mueller credited as the member of the band, instead of as an additional musician.<ref name=":0" />


When recording the song "Games", the band joked about John Connors vocals sounding like ]. The label overheard the idea and decided to contact Dio's management. Eventually, Dio came and recorded the song with them.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Biography 1996 - 1997 - Dog Eat Dog official fansite |url=https://www.dogeatdog.nl/biography/1996-1997.php |access-date=2024-12-27 |website=www.dogeatdog.nl}}</ref> When recording the song "Games", the band joked about John Connor's vocals sounding like ]. The label overheard the idea and decided to contact Dio's management. As a result, Dio recorded the song with them.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Biography 1996 - 1997 - Dog Eat Dog official fansite |url=https://www.dogeatdog.nl/biography/1996-1997.php |access-date=December 27, 2024 |website=www.dogeatdog.nl}}</ref>


⚫ Dave Neabore wrote and composed the song "Rocky". When he arrived at the studio to record the song, Connor had to leave the studio early. As a result, the band decided to record the song with Neabore on vocals.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=April 12, 2013 |title=The Moshville Times - Interview Archive: Dave "Rocky" Neabore (Dog Eat Dog) |url=https://www.moshville.co.uk/interview/2013/04/interview-archive-dave-rocky-neabore-dog-eat-dog/ |access-date=December 27, 2024 |website=The Moshville Times |language=en-GB}}</ref>
The collaboration with ] happened because bands lead singer John Connor shared the same lawyer as the rapper. The 2 met at the waiting room of the lawyers office and started discussing music. After the discussion, John said that his band was interested in working with a hip-hop producer, to which RZA replied that he was looking to work with a live band. Dog Eat Dog and RZA met at the RPM Studios in NYC and after hours of jamming, "Step Right In" was made.<ref name=":1" />


⚫ On the song "Games", American sports announcer ], makes an appearance.<ref name=":0" />
⚫ The bassist of the group Dave Neabore wrote and composed the song "Rocky", when he came to the studio to record the song with the band, John had to leave the studio early, so the band decided to record the song with Dave on vocals. The rest of the band thought that the song sounded better with him on vocals, so they decided to record it like that.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2013-04-12 |title=The Moshville Times - Interview Archive: Dave “Rocky” Neabore (Dog Eat Dog) |url=https://www.moshville.co.uk/interview/2013/04/interview-archive-dave-rocky-neabore-dog-eat-dog/ |access-date=2024-12-27 |website=The Moshville Times |language=en-GB}}</ref>

⚫ On the song "Games", American sports announcer ], makes a appearence.<ref name=":0" />


== Music and lyrics == == Music and lyrics ==
Line 60: Line 58:


== Release and promotion == == Release and promotion ==
Play games was released on June 2nd, 1996 by ] on ], ] and ]. The album was made available in ], ], ] and ].<ref name=":0" /> ''Play Games'' was released on June 2, 1996, by ] on ], ] and ]. The album was made available in North America, Europe, South America, and Asia.<ref name=":0" />


=== Singles === === Singles ===
The band released the song "Isms" as the lead single in 1996. The song got significant airplay on TV and debuted at no. 19 in ].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://finnishcharts.com/search.asp?cat=s&artist=Dog+Eat+Dog&artist_search=starts&title=&title_search=starts |access-date=2024-12-27 |website=finnishcharts.com}}</ref> It also debuted at no. 3 in UK Rock & Metal chart. In the same year the band released the song "Rocky" as the second single. The music video didn't had much airplay at MTV, however the song got significant airplay on ].<ref name=":2" /> The song "Step Right In" was released in 1997 as the third single. The band released the song "Isms" as the lead single in 1996. The song received significant airplay on TV and debuted at no. 19 in Finland. It also debuted at no. 3 in UK Rock & Metal chart. In the same year the band released the song "Rocky" as the second single. The music video didn't get much airplay on MTV; however, the song got significant airplay on ].<ref name=":2" /> The song "Step Right In" was released in 1997 as the third single.


=== Touring === === Touring ===
The band toured US and Europe as well as Asia in support of the album. In United States they opened for ] and they became really good friends with the band.<ref name=":1" /> They also took part in the ] in 1996. In Europe they played concert halls and festivals, most notable ones being ], ], ], ] and ] where they played in front of 75,000 people and is the third largest crowd Dog Eat Dog has ever played in front of.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=003AyEU-MD8 |title=Dog Eat Dog - Studioreport NYC 1996 + Landgraaf 27.05.1996 "Pink Pop Festival" (TV) Live & Interview |date=2017-05-10 |last=Old School VHS |access-date=2024-12-27 |via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1997 |url=https://www.pukkelpop.be/en/geschiedenis/1997 |access-date=2024-12-27 |website=www.pukkelpop.be}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Roskilde Festival 1996 |url=https://festivalhistorik.dk/festival/roskilde-festival-1996 |access-date=2024-12-27 |website=festivalhistorik.dk |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Édition 1996 - Eurocks Memories |url=https://memories.eurockeennes.fr/edition/1996/ |access-date=2024-12-27}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Monsters of Rock 1996 - 17/08/1996 - Castle Donington - Donington Park - United Kingdom |url=https://en.concerts-metal.com/concert_-_Monsters_of_Rock_1996-185158.html |access-date=2024-12-27 |website=en.concerts-metal.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> During the tour, they shared stages with much more important acts than before like: ], ], ], ], ] and ] The band toured US and Europe as well as Asia in support of the album. In United States they opened for ] and they became really good friends with the band.<ref name=":1" /> They also took part in the ] in 1996. In Europe they played concert halls and festivals, most notable ones being ], ], ], ] and ] where they played in front of 75,000 people and is the third largest crowd Dog Eat Dog has ever played in front of.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=003AyEU-MD8 |title=Dog Eat Dog - Studioreport NYC 1996 + Landgraaf 27.05.1996 "Pink Pop Festival" (TV) Live & Interview |date=May 10, 2017 |last=Old School VHS |access-date=December 27, 2024 |via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1997 |url=https://www.pukkelpop.be/en/geschiedenis/1997 |access-date=December 27, 2024 |website=www.pukkelpop.be}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Roskilde Festival 1996 |url=https://festivalhistorik.dk/festival/roskilde-festival-1996 |access-date=December 27, 2024 |website=festivalhistorik.dk |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Édition 1996 - Eurocks Memories |url=https://memories.eurockeennes.fr/edition/1996/ |access-date=December 27, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Monsters of Rock 1996 - 17/08/1996 - Castle Donington - Donington Park - United Kingdom |url=https://en.concerts-metal.com/concert_-_Monsters_of_Rock_1996-185158.html |access-date=December 27, 2024 |website=en.concerts-metal.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> During the tour, they shared stages with much more important acts than before like: ], ], ], ], ] and ]


== Critical reception == == Critical reception ==
{{Music ratings {{Music ratings
| rev1 = ] | rev1 = ]
| rev1score = {{rating|3|5}} | rev1score = {{rating|3|5}}
| rev2 = Visions | rev2 = Visions
| rev2score = {{rating|6|12}} | rev2score = {{rating|6|12}}
}} }}
The album was met with mostly good reviews from critics. In the ] review, ] said that "with their second album, the band improved their crunching fusion of metal, punk, hip-hop and reggae from their debut album, offering a more muscular production and more developed songwriting"<ref>{{Citation |title=Play Games - Dog Eat Dog {{!}} Album {{!}} AllMusic |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/play-games-mw0000185449#review |access-date=2024-12-27 |language=en}}</ref> The album was met with mostly good reviews from critics. In the ] review, ] said that "with their second album, the band improved their crunching fusion of metal, punk, hip-hop and reggae from their debut album, offering a more muscular production and more developed songwriting"<ref>{{Citation |title=Play Games - Dog Eat Dog {{!}} Album {{!}} AllMusic |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/play-games-mw0000185449#review |access-date=December 27, 2024 |language=en}}</ref>


German music magazine Visions in their review said that "The album isn't amazingly innovative, however that doesn't make "Play Games" a bad album"<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dog Eat Dog: Play Games |url=https://www.visions.de/review/dog-eat-dog-play-games/ |access-date=2024-12-27 |website=VISIONS.de |language=de}}</ref> German music magazine Visions in their review said that "The album isn't amazingly innovative, however that doesn't make "Play Games" a bad album"<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dog Eat Dog: Play Games |url=https://www.visions.de/review/dog-eat-dog-play-games/ |access-date=December 27, 2024 |website=VISIONS.de |language=de}}</ref>


== Commercial performance == == Commercial performance ==
Like the previous album ], the album didn't had much mainstream recognition, though it had solid success in Europe, peaking at top 20 in 4 countries, with the highest position being in ] and ] (]) where it peaked at no. 12.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://austriancharts.at/showitem.asp?interpret=Dog+Eat+Dog&titel=Play+Games&cat=a |access-date=2024-12-27 |website=austriancharts.at}}</ref> The album also debuted at no. 40 in ] as well as no. 5 in UK Rock & Metal chart.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1996-07-27 |title=PLAY GAMES |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/dog-eat-dog-play-games/ |access-date=2024-12-27 |website=Official Charts |language=en}}</ref> The album would go to be certified gold in Belgium in 1996, 2 months after the release of the album for selling 25,000 copies.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ultratop.be - ULTRATOP BELGIAN CHARTS |url=https://www.ultratop.be/nl/goud-platina/1996/albums |access-date=2024-12-27 |website=www.ultratop.be}}</ref> They also made their second appearence in the French talk show Nulle Part Ailleurs.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wVR1KaEgs0 |title=Dog Eat Dog - Rocky - NPA Live - Nulle Part Ailleurs |date=2020-03-29 |last=MonsieurValentineFR |access-date=2024-12-27 |via=YouTube}}</ref> With the release of the album, the band expanded its fanbase to Asia, performing in countries like ], ], ] and more. Like the previous album '']'', the album didn't receive significant mainstream recognition in USA, though it saw success in Europe, peaking at top 20 in four countries, with the highest position being in ] and ] (]) where it peaked at no. 12. The album also debuted at no. 40 in ] as well as no. 5 in UK Rock & Metal chart. The album would be certified gold in Belgium in 1996, two months after the release of the album, for selling 25,000 copies.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ultratop.be - ULTRATOP BELGIAN CHARTS |url=https://www.ultratop.be/nl/goud-platina/1996/albums |access-date=December 27, 2024 |website=www.ultratop.be}}</ref> They also made their second appearance in the French talk show Nulle Part Ailleurs. With the release of the album, the band expanded its fanbase to Asia, performing in countries like ], ], ] and more.


== In popular culture == == In popular culture ==
The song "Rocky" was featured in a ] commercial in ] and ] in 1996. The song "Rocky" was featured in a ] commercial in the United Kingdom and Ireland in 1996.


== Track listing == == Track listing ==
Line 120: Line 118:
'''Dog Eat Dog''' '''Dog Eat Dog'''


* John Connor - Vocals * John Connor - vocals
* Sean Kilkenny - Guitar * Sean Kilkenny - guitar
* Marc DeBacker - Guitar * Marc DeBacker - guitar
* Dave Neabore - Bass, vocals * Dave Neabore - bass, vocals
* Scott Mueller - Saxophone, keyboard, vocals * Scott Mueller - saxophone, keyboard, vocals
* Brandon Finley - Drums * Brandon Finley - drums


'''Additional musicians''' '''Additional musicians'''


* Paul Vercesi - Horns * Paul Vercesi - horns
* Jon Vercesi - Horns * Jon Vercesi - horns
* Keene Carse - Horns * Keene Carse - horns
* Kevin Batchelor - Horns * Kevin Batchelor - horns
* Heartbeat - Percussion on "Rise Above" * Heartbeat - percussion on "Rise Above"
* Jeannie Brooks - Vocals on "Isms" * Jeannie Brooks - vocals on "Isms"
* ] - Vocals on "Games" * ] - vocals on "Games"
* Danny Ilchuk - Vocals on "Getting Live" * Danny Ilchuk - vocals on "Getting Live"
* Chippy Love - Vocals on "Getting Live" * Chippy Love - vocals on "Getting Live"
* ] - Vocals on "Step Right In" * ] - vocals on "Step Right In"


'''Production''' '''Production'''


* ] - Production, recording and mixing * ] - production, recording and mixing
* ] - Production, recording and mixing * ] - production, recording and mixing
* RZA - Production * RZA - production
* Steve Ett - Mixing * Steve Ett - mixing
* Dirk Grobelny - Engineer * Dirk Grobelny - engineer
* David Voigt - Engineer * David Voigt - engineer
* Jim Caruana - Assistant engineer * Jim Caruana - assistant engineer
* Jay Nicholas - Assistant engineer * Jay Nicholas - assistant engineer
* ] - Mastering (At the ]) * ] - mastering (at the ])


== Charts == == Charts ==
Line 170: Line 168:
|- |-
{{album chart|Switzerland|22|date=|artist=Dog Eat Dog|album=Play Games|rowheader=true}} {{album chart|Switzerland|22|date=|artist=Dog Eat Dog|album=Play Games|rowheader=true}}
|-
{{album chart|Finland|14|date=|artist=Dog Eat Dog|album=Play Games|rowheader=true}}
|- |-
{{album chart|UK|40|date=|artist=Dog Eat Dog|album=Play Games|rowheader=true}} {{album chart|UK|40|date=|artist=Dog Eat Dog|album=Play Games|rowheader=true}}
Line 180: Line 180:
=== Year-end charts === === Year-end charts ===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
!Chart (1995) !Chart (1996)
!Position !Position
|- |-
! scope="row" |German Albums (]) ! scope="row" |German Albums (])<ref>{{Cite web |title=Offizielle Deutsche Charts |url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/charts/album-jahr/for-date-1996 |access-date=December 27, 2024 |website=www.offiziellecharts.de}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;" |94 | style="text-align:center;" |94
|} |}


== Certifications == == Certifications ==
{{Certification Table Top}}{{Certification Table Entry|region=Belgium|title=Play Games|artist=Dog Eat Dog|type=album|award=Gold|certyear=1996|salesamount=25,000}} {{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Belgium|title=Play Games|artist=Dog Eat Dog|type=album|award=Gold|relyear=1996|certyear=1996|access-date=December 28, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|noshipments=true}} {{Certification Table Bottom|noshipments=true}}


== References == == References ==
<references /> <references />

__INDEX__
]
]
]
]
]

Latest revision as of 21:29, 30 December 2024

1996 studio album by Dog Eat Dog
Play Games
Studio album by Dog Eat Dog
ReleasedJune 2, 1996
Genre
Length37:07
LabelRoadrunner
Producer
Dog Eat Dog chronology
All Boro Kings
(1994) 		Play Games
(1996) 		Amped
(1999)
Singles from Play Games
  1. "Isms"
    Released: 1996
  2. "Rocky"
    Released: 1996
  3. "Step Right In"
    Released: 1997

Play Games is the second studio album by American band Dog Eat Dog. It was released on June 2, 1996, by Roadrunner Records. The album shows a change of sound in the band, shifting from the hardcore punk sound they performed on their previous album, All Boro Kings, to a more pop-punk sound. The album was successful in Europe and the music videos for the songs "Isms" and "Rocky" received heavy rotation on TV. The album charted within the top 20 in four countries, with the highest position being number 12 in Austria and Belgium (Flanders). The album peaked at number 5 in the UK Rock & Metal chart. The album was certified gold in Belgium two months after the release of the album. Ronnie James Dio of Dio and RZA of Wu-Tang Clan make vocal appearances on the album. Play Games is the first of the band's albums to feature Brandon Finley on drums.

Recording and production

Tracks 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 were recorded and mixed at the Studio 4 and Big Zone Studios in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. The tracks mentioned were produced, mixed and recorded by the Butcher Bros, known for working with artists like Anthrax, Cypress Hill, Fugees and more.

Tracks 3, 7, 9 and 11 were recorded and mixed at the Sony Recording Studio in New York City. The tracks mentioned were produced, recorded and mixed by Robert Musso, known for working with artists like Jimi Hendrix, Blondie, Ozzy Osbourne and more.

The song "Step Right in" was recorded at RPM Studios in New York City. The song was produced by RZA from Wu-Tang Clan, who also makes a vocal appearance on the song. The song was mixed by Steve Ett at Chung King Studios in New York City. The collaboration with RZA happened as a result of vocalist John Connor sharing a lawyer with the rapper. The two met at the waiting room of the lawyer's office and discussed music. After the discussion, Connor explained that his band was interested in working with a hip-hop producer, to which RZA replied that he was looking to work with a live band. Dog Eat Dog and RZA met at RPM Studios in New York City and after hours of jamming, "Step Right In" was recorded.

The album was mastered by Chris Gehringer at the The Hit Factory in New York City.

This is the first and only album in which Scott Mueller credited as the member of the band, instead of as an additional musician.

When recording the song "Games", the band joked about John Connor's vocals sounding like Ronnie James Dio. The label overheard the idea and decided to contact Dio's management. As a result, Dio recorded the song with them.

Dave Neabore wrote and composed the song "Rocky". When he arrived at the studio to record the song, Connor had to leave the studio early. As a result, the band decided to record the song with Neabore on vocals.

On the song "Games", American sports announcer Ian Eagle, makes an appearance.

Music and lyrics

The album shows a change of sound in the band, shifting from their raw hardcore punk to a more distinct pop-punk sound. Despite that, this album contains wide range of genres including rap metal ("Bulletproof", "Step Right In"), hardcore punk ("Numb") and more.

Unlike their previous album, some songs from the album talks about social issues. The song "Bulletproof" talks about gun violence, while the song "Isms" talks about racism, sexism.

Release and promotion

Play Games was released on June 2, 1996, by Roadrunner Records on CD, vinyl and audio cassette. The album was made available in North America, Europe, South America, and Asia.

Singles

The band released the song "Isms" as the lead single in 1996. The song received significant airplay on TV and debuted at no. 19 in Finland. It also debuted at no. 3 in UK Rock & Metal chart. In the same year the band released the song "Rocky" as the second single. The music video didn't get much airplay on MTV; however, the song got significant airplay on VIVA. The song "Step Right In" was released in 1997 as the third single.

Touring

The band toured US and Europe as well as Asia in support of the album. In United States they opened for No Doubt and they became really good friends with the band. They also took part in the Vans Warped Tour in 1996. In Europe they played concert halls and festivals, most notable ones being Pinkpop, Pukkelpop, Roskilde, Eurockéennes and Monsters of Rock where they played in front of 75,000 people and is the third largest crowd Dog Eat Dog has ever played in front of. During the tour, they shared stages with much more important acts than before like: Sepultura, Deftones, Rage Against the Machine, Kiss, Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic
Visions

The album was met with mostly good reviews from critics. In the AllMusic review, Stephen Thomas Erlewine said that "with their second album, the band improved their crunching fusion of metal, punk, hip-hop and reggae from their debut album, offering a more muscular production and more developed songwriting"

German music magazine Visions in their review said that "The album isn't amazingly innovative, however that doesn't make "Play Games" a bad album"

Commercial performance

Like the previous album All Boro Kings, the album didn't receive significant mainstream recognition in USA, though it saw success in Europe, peaking at top 20 in four countries, with the highest position being in Austria and Belgium (Flanders) where it peaked at no. 12. The album also debuted at no. 40 in UK as well as no. 5 in UK Rock & Metal chart. The album would be certified gold in Belgium in 1996, two months after the release of the album, for selling 25,000 copies. They also made their second appearance in the French talk show Nulle Part Ailleurs. With the release of the album, the band expanded its fanbase to Asia, performing in countries like Singapore, Thailand, Japan and more.

In popular culture

The song "Rocky" was featured in a Guinness commercial in the United Kingdom and Ireland in 1996.

Track listing

All tracks are written by Dog Eat Dog

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Bulletproof" 3:14
2."Isms" 3:11
3."Hi-Lo" 3:02
4."Rocky"Dave Neabore2:26
5."Step Right In"RZA3:50
6."Rise Above" 2:46
7."Games" 5:25
8."Getting Live" 3:10
9."Buggin'" 3:12
10."Numb" 3:07
11."Sore Loser" 3:48
Total length:37:07

Personnel

Dog Eat Dog

  • John Connor - vocals
  • Sean Kilkenny - guitar
  • Marc DeBacker - guitar
  • Dave Neabore - bass, vocals
  • Scott Mueller - saxophone, keyboard, vocals
  • Brandon Finley - drums

Additional musicians

  • Paul Vercesi - horns
  • Jon Vercesi - horns
  • Keene Carse - horns
  • Kevin Batchelor - horns
  • Heartbeat - percussion on "Rise Above"
  • Jeannie Brooks - vocals on "Isms"
  • Ronnie James Dio - vocals on "Games"
  • Danny Ilchuk - vocals on "Getting Live"
  • Chippy Love - vocals on "Getting Live"
  • RZA - vocals on "Step Right In"

Production

  • Butcher Bros. - production, recording and mixing
  • Robert Musso - production, recording and mixing
  • RZA - production
  • Steve Ett - mixing
  • Dirk Grobelny - engineer
  • David Voigt - engineer
  • Jim Caruana - assistant engineer
  • Jay Nicholas - assistant engineer
  • Chris Gehringer - mastering (at the The Hit Factory)

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (1996) Peak
position
Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria) 12
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders) 12
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia) 20
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100) 13
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100) 26
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade) 22
Finnish Albums (Suomen virallinen lista) 14
UK Albums (OCC) 40
Scottish Albums (OCC) 67
UK Rock & Metal Albums (OCC) 5

Year-end charts

Chart (1996) Position
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100) 94

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
Belgium (BEA) Gold 25,000

Sales figures based on certification alone.

References

  1. "Doge Eat Dog – Play Games". AllMusic. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  2. ^ Dog Eat Dog - Play Games, 1996, retrieved December 27, 2024
  3. ^ "Biography 1996 - 1997 - Dog Eat Dog official fansite". www.dogeatdog.nl. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  4. ^ "The Moshville Times - Interview Archive: Dave "Rocky" Neabore (Dog Eat Dog)". The Moshville Times. April 12, 2013. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  5. Old School VHS (May 10, 2017). Dog Eat Dog - Studioreport NYC 1996 + Landgraaf 27.05.1996 "Pink Pop Festival" (TV) Live & Interview. Retrieved December 27, 2024 – via YouTube.
  6. "1997". www.pukkelpop.be. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  7. "Roskilde Festival 1996". festivalhistorik.dk. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  8. "Édition 1996 - Eurocks Memories". Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  9. "Monsters of Rock 1996 - 17/08/1996 - Castle Donington - Donington Park - United Kingdom". en.concerts-metal.com. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  10. Play Games - Dog Eat Dog | Album | AllMusic, retrieved December 27, 2024
  11. "Dog Eat Dog: Play Games". VISIONS.de (in German). Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  12. "ultratop.be - ULTRATOP BELGIAN CHARTS". www.ultratop.be. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  13. "Austriancharts.at – Dog Eat Dog – Play Games" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved August 27, 2013.
  14. "Ultratop.be – Dog Eat Dog – Play Games" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
  15. "Ultratop.be – Dog Eat Dog – Play Games" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  16. "Longplay-Chartverfolgung at Musicline" (in German). Musicline.de. Phononet GmbH. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  17. "Dutchcharts.nl – Dog Eat Dog – Play Games" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved August 27, 2013.
  18. "Swisscharts.com – Dog Eat Dog – Play Games". Hung Medien.
  19. "Dog Eat Dog: Play Games" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland.
  20. "Dog Eat Dog | Artist | Official Charts". UK Albums Chart.
  21. "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  22. "Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company.
  23. "Offizielle Deutsche Charts". www.offiziellecharts.de. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  24. "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – albums 1996". Ultratop. Hung Medien. Retrieved December 28, 2024.
Categories: