Mötley Crüe
Dr. Feelgood (BMG)
Limited Edition 35th Anniversary Deluxe Vinyl Box Set
It's hair metal week in Vinyl Minded this week, and we kick off with a bit of a doozy. Dr. Feelgood is arguably Motley Crue's best album (at least tied with Shout at the Devil), and this 35th anniversary box is packed with delights.
The album itself is packed with some of the Crüe's best tunes, including the riot-inciting title track, "Kickstart My Heart" and the prophetic "Time for Change."
The live disc features five of the album tracks, showcasing their energy back in 1989. We also get a third disc of demo tracks, including the previously unreleased "Get it for Free." All three LPs sound superb, and they're presented on green/black colored vinyl.
The box is jam-packed with other goodies too, including a lyric book (which also has some great pics inside), a poster of the iconic tattoo album art, a printed press release and band photo from the album's promo period, a tour booklet, a flyer for a show at the Whisky, a replica backstage pass, an iron-on patch, and a guitar pick.
So many goodies.
Bon Jovi
Greatest Hits (Universal/Island)
2LP Set
This isn't the first compilation album released by New Jersey giants Bon Jovi; indeed, it was first released back in 2010. Even so, they released Crossroad in '94, Australian and Japanese comps, and another one where they recorded some of their better songs.
So it might be fair to say that, if you want "Livin' on a Prayer," you probably own it at this point.
That said, this makes for a, excellent career summary. It's also a reminder that songs such as "It's My Life" and "Have a Nice Day," songs that feel recent by Bon Jovi standards, are a decade and a half old.
The inclusion of Jon Bon's solo "Blaze of Glory" is interesting. Of course, we get the biggest hits. But it's tunes like "We Weren't Born to Follow," "What Do You Got?" and "No Apologies" that helps the comp sound so fresh.
Like Dr. Feelgood, we have a tattoo-inspired sleeve design, which looks great. And the album sounds incredible.
