RAVEN
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
The title of this CD pretty much spells out what's on it. As stated clearly on the back cover of the CD package, "Raw Tracks" is "a compendium of demo/live/bootleg material - all previously unreleased - RAW RAVEN!"
"Raw" is the key word here. These 19 tracks are as rough edged as it comes. According to the liner notes by vocalist John Gallagher, "90% of this has been pulled from various tapes festering in our basements (I kid you not) and some serious emergency room tactics had to be used to bring 'em back alive - so any pops/clicks/hisses/etc. etc. etc. is part of the deal."
John's not kidding. The vast majority of the tracks on "Raw Tracks" sound like they were recorded on a handheld cassette recorder. But you know what? That actually adds to their impact. And most of the tracks are pretty good. Solid, harder-edged 80s style rockers with real grit and gut. Of the songs that never made it to the expensive studio sessions, this ultra raw format is probably where they sound best - with the band performing them way before they got slick and repetetive.
Is "Raw Tracks" a necessary part of hard rock / heavy metal history? Probably not. Is it fun to listen to? You bet. And fans of Raven will especially think so.
Raven: John Gallagher - vocals/bass; Mark Gallagher - guitar/vocals; Joe Hasselvander - drums/percussion. Drums on tracks dated 1984 - 1986 - Rob "Wacko" Hunter."
For more information, check out http://www.ravenlunatics.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the
cover makes you wanna hurl.
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Copyright © 2002 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
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Revised: 18 Jun 2005 16:11:38 -0500.
