SKID ROW – Skid Row [Japan SHM-CD Limited Release remastered +4]

We have many requests on the blog, but without a doubt this was at the top: self-titled debut from SKID ROW in its Japanese Edition on high quality SHM-CD, remastered, featuring 4 bonus tracks and in a Cardboard Sleeve / mini LP replica of the original album art.
Sadly, this was a strictly Limited Release, now out of print and reaching impressive prices at eBay.

“Skid Row” is probably one of the best US melodic hard rock / hair metal CD’s ever.
Make no mistake. This album rocks aloud with screaming guitar licks and powerful vocals from frontman Sebastian Bach. The album contains all killer/no filler hard rocking tracks that have a borderline metal feel particularly from some of the guitar solos by Dave “The Snake” Sabo & Scotti Hill.
But the band packed all with a terrific sense for awesome melodies, and quite interesting lyrics too.

“18 and Life” was the perfect song to define the band. Angry and a little rough around the edges, but with crisp guitars and drums set off by one of the best voices in the scene. It had one of those videos that made you sit and watch it all the way through because it had a sincerity that made it seem honest rather than preachy.
But then songs like, “Here I Am,” which was just this cheeky little number that seemed so simple but was so damn catchy, would be such a direct contrast. It kept a good balance between hot-headed self-righteousness and just fun hair metal rush.

“I Remember You” has the honor of being one of the stronger power ballads ever written. Mostly because it’s not really a ballad. The guitar solos never veer into overblown, masturbatory territory and Bach’s vocals are just… there are no words. I once attempted the really long “You” note around 4:33 into the song and almost passed out.
The glory that is “Youth Gone Wild” represents the perfect anthem for disgruntled folks, or, you know, just going through puberty. I have yet to meet a person who doesn’t involuntarily yell ‘Skid Row’ listening to this assassin song.

This Japanese remaster of “Skid Row” on SHM-CD delivers an impressive sound. The guitars wail, the rhythm section come punchier than never before and you feel the sensation to have Sebastian Bach shouting in your living room.
The bonus tracks are recordings taken in a show at the Marquee in 1989 showcasing how aggressive, hot & crunchy Skid Row sounded live at their beginnings. Without a doubt a worthwhile material.
If you find a copy at a reasonable price, buy it with eyes closed.
Essential

You’ve seen it first here, at 0dayrox

Warner Music Japan ~ WPCR-13577
【ＳＨＭ－ＣＤ】 ＨＲ／ＨＭ

01 – Big Guns
02 – Sweet Little Sister
03 – Can’t Stand The Heartache
04 – Piece Of Me
05 – 18 and Life
06 – Rattlesnake Shake
07 – Youth Gone Wild
08 – Here I Am
09 – Makin’ A Mess
10 – I Remember You
11 – Midnight/Tornado
BONUS TRACKS:
12 – Makin’ A Mess (Live at the Marquee, 1989)
13 – Big Guns (Live at the Marquee, 1989)
14 – Here I Am (Live at the Marquee, 1989)
15 – Youth Gone Wild (Live at the Marquee, 1989)

Sebastian Bach – lead vocals
Dave “The Snake” Sabo – lead and rhythm guitars, backing vocals
Scotti Hill – lead and rhythm guitars, backing vocals
Rachel Bolan – bass, backing vocals
Rob Affuso – drums, percussion
Produced, engineered & mixed by Michael Wagener

OUT OF PRINT
www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/WPCR-13577
.