Artist: Motorhead
Title: “Rock ‘N Roll” (Deluxe Edition)
Label: Sanctuary Records
Release Date: 11/16/2010
Genre: Hard Rock/Heavy Metal
Rating: 4/5
In 2006, Sanctuary Records was celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the band Motorhead by re-issuing and remastering their back catalog. The double CD sets come with the original album in a sonically upgraded form and a second CD that is loaded with bonus and unreleased tracks. When these editions first came out in 2006 they featured a slipcase cardboard sleeve while a later re-issue found a massive double foldout packaging with a clear sleeve keeping it in place. In 2010 we again get a double CD in a single CD casing, and the branding of Deluxe Edition is a raised imprint on the actual case and not a sleeve. They each include booklets that offer up topical information on the release as well as photos that are relevant to the timing of the particular album. While I am not sure about the reasoning in doing a re-issue for the third time I will admit that it is nice to have such a sleek edition on the shelves. My views of the remaster remain the same and are presented for you below.
“Rock ‘N Roll” marked the return of Phil Taylor to the band on drums (he replaced Pete Gill), and followed the popular “Orgasmatron” album in 1987. It was a solid effort that firmly reminded followers that this was not a typical Metal band but instead a group that played Rock & Roll louder than Hell. Guitars were shared by Wurzel and Phil Campbell and the duo brought the band a little more flexibility in terms of guitar work. However, it didn’t change the overall sound since both Lemmy and Philthy are such “full” players and guide the course of the music anyway. Rock Music was facing a lot of issue around this time with the PMRC causing a ruckus for Metal bands and their releases. Despite this nonsense Motorhead never steered off course and continued doing what they did best. There was some good stuff on this album, such as “Blackheart”, “Rock ‘N Roll” and “Eat The Rich” but since Motorhead had a signature sound a lot of their riffs gave an overall familiarity and consistency to their songs. To some this seemed repetitive but it was truly not the case. “Rock ‘N Roll” is more for the established fans as newcomers should seek an older release before jumping into the area of the catalog. While it is a heavy album it does not fall in line with the same year releases as Judas Priest and Iron Maiden. If you liked your rock fast and loud, Motorhead would be interested in giving it to you, but if thrashing Metal or hair bands were your cup of tea you would be smart to keep moving.
Bonus CD: Cradle To The Grave, Just ‘Cos You’ve Got The Power. Live At The Monsters Of Rock 8/16/1986 (Iron Fist, Stay Clean, Nothing Up My Sleeve, Metropolis, Doctor Rock, Killed By Death, Ace Of Spades, Steal Your Face, Bite The Bullet, Built For Speed, Orgasmatron, No Class, Motorhead).
*** Those who have seen Motorhead in concert in the past realize that this is the best way to experience them. The inclusion of the “Monsters Of Rock” appearance from 1986 makes this re-issue all the more worth it. The concert CD is loaded with Motorhead standards and tracks from the album that preceded this one. Sanctuary has done an amazing job with these releases and they make fine additions to your CD collection.
Track Listing:
1. Rock ‘N Roll
2. Eat The Rich
3. Blackheart
4. Stone Deaf In The USA
5. The Wolf
6. Traitor
7. Dogs
8. All For You
9. Boogeyman
Official Website: http://www.iMotorhead.com