SAXON – Innocence Is No Excuse [remastered + bonus]

Parlophone is releasing “The Complete Albums 1979-1988” from British legends SAXON, a limited edition 10-CD box set featuring digitally remastered and expanded editions of the pioneer metal band studio albums from the period between 1979 and 1988, including Saxon, Wheels of Steel, Strong Arm of the Law, Denim and leather, The Eagle has Landed, Power and the Glory, Crusader, Innocence is No Excuse, Rock the Nations and Destiny.
Apart from the original albums remastered and with cardboard sleeves that replicate the original front and back artwork of the vinyl LP’s, you have 67 BONUS tracks of B-sides, live cuts and rarities.

I have chosen from the bunch 1985’s “Innocence Is No Excuse“, one of the most commercial sounding Saxon albums ever and one that questioned the band’s ‘street-level credibility’. Well, at least when released, because now “Innocence Is No Excuse” is considered by many (including rabid fans) the strongest record in Saxon’s discography.

This is my favorite Saxon album of all time. It’s more commercial than the previous NWOBHM material and the in-between radio-friendly sound from the ’80s / ’90s.
“Innocence Is No Excuse” is ‘arena rocking’ in formula and has a polished production job, but still retaining its heavy metal roots: the best of both worlds.

The glossy production with the guitars and their crystalline sustain, the fat bass lines and drums echo louder than ever, enhanced the best written pack of songs included into a Saxon album since its foundation. It’s a vast sound that increases the scope and atmosphere. At the forefront, Byford’s lead vocals are not only more fine-tuned, but they’re actually singing catchy choruses.
From the cryptic opening of “Rockin’ Again” to the cheerful “Back On The Streets” and to the spirited “Everybody Up” (used in the 1985 Italian horror movie Demoni), this is like listening to a re-invigorated band.

There’s not a single weak song on this album, all are great, but if I have to highlight one, the midtempo “Broken Heroes” is probably my favorite Saxon song ever.
Of all the gloomy, solemn songs this band wrote, this one is the best at capturing its themes without compromising the music. Byford’s sullen delivery is exemplary, as well as the accompanying guitar leads that ring fervently with that clean distortion. Behind it all is Glockler’s artillery-loud pounding, as well as the flabby bass gliding along with it. Such an intense song with an infectious chorus to match.

If you never heard Saxon’s “Innocence Is No Excuse” you’re missing a great ’80s album. This is a great opportunity to ride into it as the remaster is awesome, and the 6 bonuses a very nice addition including the fantastic “Back On The Streets (12” Club Mix)”

“The Complete Albums 1979-1988” is a highly recommended purchase to re-discover this talented band, and if you’re a fan and don’t yet have the separate remasters, get this box pronto because it’s out at a really nice price and you would pay a lot more for them separately.
In my book, A Classic.

01 – Rockin’ Again
02 – Call Of The Wild
03 – Back On The Streets
04 – Devil Rides Out
05 – Rock ‘N’ Roll Gypsy
06 – Broken Heroes
07 – Gonna Shout
08 – Everybody Up
09 – Raise Some Hell
10 – Give It Everything You’ve Got
BONUS TRACKS :
11 – Back On The Streets (12” Club Mix)
12 – Live Fast Die Young (B-Side)
13 – Krakatoa (B-Side)
14 – The Medley (Live) ;
I – Heavy Metal Thunder
II – Stand Up And Be Counted
III – Taking Your Chances
IV – Warrior
15 – Gonna Shout (Live)
16 – Devil Rides Out (Live)

Biff Byford – vocals
Graham Oliver – guitar
Paul Quinn – guitar
Steve Dawson – bass
Nigel Glockler – drums

BUY IT !
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-complete-studio-album-collection-1979-1988-saxon/27396968
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