Alice Cooper Group: "Battle Axe" Album (1977)

Billion Dollar Babies’ Battle Axe was released as an LP album in the US by Polydor Records (catalog number PD-1-6100) in April 1977 and in the UK (catalog number 2391 273) in August 1977.

The debut album was created by a band featuring former Alice Cooper members Michael Bruce, Dennis Dunaway, and Neal Smith, along with Mike Marconi and Bob Dolin. Recorded at the Record Plant in New York City and produced by Lee DeCarlo and the band, it featured twelve original tracks initially intended as a follow-up to Alice Cooper’s Muscle of Love (1973). Promoted with a Billboard ad and a sampler LP (Polydor PRO 022), it included a bio, promo picture, and “birth certificate” in some copies but gained limited traction, despite hitting Billboard’s “Hits of the Week.” Its gladiator-themed stage show, with a boxing ring setup, was performed at four live shows, starting in Flint, Michigan, on July 6, 1977. A 2001 Complete Battle Axe 3-CD set and a 2020 Cherry Red Records (HNE) re-release included demos and live recordings, though the 2001 set was controversial due to unauthorized demos and a flawed vinyl-sourced master, per Neal Smith. A 1977 Sounds review noted its energetic hard rock but critiqued its lack of Cooper’s theatrical flair.Tracklist:

A1. Too Young – 3:16

A2. Shine Your Love – 3:25

A3. I Miss You – 3:28

A4. Wasn’t I the One – 4:22

A5. Love Is Rather Blind – 3:08

A6. Rock ’n’ Roll Radio – 2:58

B1. Dance with Me – 3:22

B2. Rock Me Slowly – 3:30

B3. Ego Mania – 3:05

B4. Battle Axe – 4:00

B5. (Sudden Death) – 0:45

B6. Winner – 4:30 Note: The tracklist reflects the original 1977 vinyl release (Polydor). Later reissues, like the 2001 3-CD set and 2020 Cherry Red edition, include additional demos and live tracks. I