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The Boomtown Rats - The Boomtown Rats With 6 CD's and a DVD to review is it difficult to know where to start. How about at the beginning? OK. The Rats self-titled debut album has never before been released on CD. Fans will have only have known some of the songs complete with vinyl snap, crackle and pops (breakfast cereal anyone?). Many will have ditched their record players long ago, so a refresher course on CD is most welcome. Much has been said about the brilliant original album, so I will concentrate on the bonus tracks. The bonus tracks are earlier than the rest of the album. These provide a valuable reference as to where the Rats roots sprang into action - from R&B. The presence of these tracks alters the tone of the overall album to the extent that if they had been on the original album, then The Rats would have been perceived as a blues band from the outset. 'Oh Yeah' is a honky tonk blues party song that the Black Crowes (not to be confused with Rats drummer Simon) and The Stones would be proud of. 'My Blues Away' is very fast R&B (complete with harmonica) that you'd expect from a 70's Rock band akin to very early Status Quo, The Stones, and Dr Feelgood. Think of a faster version of 'She's Gonna Do You in'. 'Sad Boys' is similar to The Rats 'I Can Make It If You Can' which itself leans towards The Stones song 'Angie'. It is also reminisant of early Dr Hook. You could imagine this song being an early 70's hit in the USA. If Geldof is planning on a new album, then he should re-record this, although even Eric Clapton would struggle to match Gerry's classy solos. 'Fanzine Hero' is demented Elvis in Vegas on fast-forward. Good ol' fast 'n' furious 60's rock 'n' roll. Ideal if you are planning a Porkys, or Animal House type toga party (OK, my house next weekend, bring a bottle... and a white sheet). These 4 songs have never before been made available in any format, so to Rats fans they are essentially NEW songs. All 4 new songs are excellent. This will ensure that this album will be the first on the shopping-list amongst record collectors. One notable omission from the CD is 'Born to Burn'. Back in 1977, 100 album promos were printed with the song included, but the track never made it onto the original release. The song would have made a good bonus track on this CD to complete this chapter of The Rats music. This album serves as a vital milestone in the evolution of what was soon to be regarded as New Wave. Click on the links below and you can pre-order the CD's for just £7.99. The Boomtown Rats [ Click here to buy for just £7.99 ] 1. Lookin' After No. 1 Bonus tracks: 10.
Oh Yeah- 1975 Demo |
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