Digital Roundup: 5/27/2015
New this week in the Rhino Room at iTunes:
Sick of it All, Dragon Power: If you’ve been paying close attention to our past Digital Roundups, then you might’ve noticed that this live EP – originally released as a promotional item in Japan, oddly enough – was supposed to have hit our digital catalog some time back, but for reasons best known to folks well beyond this writer’s pay grade, it didn’t happen…until now. This unique release technically features nine tracks, but five of them are actually two-fers, although two of those two-fers are the same songs, just recorded in different locations. Y’see, the first four tracks were recorded in New York, the next two tracks were recorded in Nagoya, and the final three tracks were recorded in Osaka. Look, just trust us: if you’re a Sick of it All fan, you’ll want it all.
Taj Mahal, Brothers: Original Soundtrack: You’re probably about as likely to have seen the film as you are to have heard Taj Mahal’s soundtrack to 1977’s Brothers, which is to say that it’s not very likely at all, but if you liked the stuff that Mahal was releasing during this era of his career, then you’re likely to find this worth your time, particularly “Brother’s Doin’ Times.” Also, 100 bonus points for including a song called “Funky Butt,” just because.
Various Artists, Superman III: Original Soundtrack: Yes, the film was a creative misfire (although nowhere near as bad as Superman IV would prove to be), but when it comes to the soundtrack, we’d understand if you came for the John Williams score, but for heaven’s sake, be sure you stick around for the material that Giorgio Moroder contributed, including songs by Roger Miller and Chaka Khan. Oh, and don’t forget Marshall Crenshaw’s “Rock On,” a great little rave-up from the man who brought you “Someday, Someway.”
Testament, Very Best of Testament: Got thrash? If not, then here’s a handy-dandy collection that’ll serve as a nice starting point. This 15-track compilation from the boys from Berkeley is a solid sampling of their years on Atlantic Records, touching on every one of their albums for the label save 1990’s Souls of Black. (No, we don’t know why that one was omitted, but we’re sure there’s a great story behind it.)
The Zeros, 4-3-2-1…Zeros / Names, Vol. 1: A little bit glam, a little bit punk, and a little bit power pop, The Zeros came roaring out of Los Angeles in the early ‘90s with their debut album, 4-3-2-1…Zeros, and followed up with an EP, Names (Vol. 1). Both are fun, but the full-length effort has the edge when it comes to overall memorability, although it’s hard to forget any band whose members go by the names Sammy Serious, Joe Normal, Danny Dangerous, and Mr. Insane.
