BLACK 'N BLUE - Rarities (2011)

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In 2007, Crash Music released BLACK 'N BLUE "Rarities", a collection of rare demos, live cuts and previously unreleased songs from the band's back catalogue.
Out of print, now it has been re-issued by Goomba Music.
"These tracks are classic demos and live rockers that I have salvaged and re-mastered from my original tapes to be enjoyed today," says Black 'N Blue frontman Jaime St. James. "I have also thown in my 2002 'Hell Yeah' demos to round out a very rare BNB rock 'n' roll blast from the past."

The most interesting stuff are the demos from the early 80's pre-1st album, as the opening cut "Violent Kid". This one is described as being a representation of a heavier sound the band had before being signed. A really cool song that deserves a finished studio version. Tommy Thayer really jams on this track.
"Sign In Blood" early track that never made it on an album. It's slightly heavier than much of their debut, a bit in Ratt’s style of hard rock.
Every Black ‘N Blue fan recognizes "Wicked Bitch" as one of the band's biggest anthems. This version is slightly different that the original studio version.
"Cold Heart" is a demo that didn’t really cut it for me. They could rework this song a little bit, and improve it, but I could see why this one didn't get released. The sound quality is noticeably lower than the other tracks from 1983.
"Hold on To 18" is a little different than the version on the band’s self titled album from 1984, more raw and direct.

"Lickety Split" is a cool upbeat tune, that seems to capture Black ‘N Blue having a lot of fun. This one is from 1986 so I guess it was done during the sessions for "Nasty Nasty". I like it a lot because has a real party feel to it and it's fairly unique. It would have fit in fine on that year's album.
"Serious Drag" is a raw sounding cut that has some good sounding guitar parts and catchy arrangements.
"So Long" and "Hell Yeah" are demos of songs appeared on the recent album of the band. It's cool to hear these pre-production takes.
The live versions of both "Autoblast" and "I'm the King" are the same included on the band's 'Live in Detroit 1984' record, but the good thing is a sound quality far superior here, clearly remastered. For that reason, it's nice to have these songs here.
Also included as bonus is the recent pre-production version of "You're My Monkey" (re-entitled on this year's new album simply as 'Monkey').


"Rarities" is a good collection of rare songs of Black 'N Blue, showing how they sounded before stardom, and on the second half, how the new 2011 album songs were conceived.
It's a nice package, with good quality sound and remastering. Essential for fans but also a pleasant listen to any American melodic hard rock enthusiast.


01. Violent Kid (1982)
02. Sign In Blood (1983)
03. Wicked Bitch (1983)
04. Cold Heart (1983)
05. Hold On To 18 (1983)
06. Lickety Split (1986)
07. Serious Drag (2002)
08. So Long (2002)
09. Hell Yeah (2002)
10. Autoblast (1984) Live
11. I'm The King (1984) Live
12. You're My Monkey (2010 demo) [hidden bonus track]


Jaime St. James - vocals and drums
Tommy Thayer - guitar
Jeff Warner - guitar
Patrick Young - bass
Pete Holmes - drums

Additional Musicians:
Billy Morris - guitar (7, 8 & 9)
Joe Frietchen - bass (7, 8 & 9)
Danny Morris - keyboards (7, 8 & 9)





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