DEF LEPPARD – Slang [Japan SHM-CD new remaster / Limited Release] (2023) *HQ*

A few days ago Universal Music Japan started a new reissue campaign of DEF LEPPARD albums pressed on SHM-CD, a Limited Edition release on miniLP faithfully replicating the album first edition LP in miniature and the original Japanese OBI. This reissue differs from the previous (now sold out) SHM-CD reissues, as features a new remastering.
“Slang” is Def Lepp first record with guitarist Vivian Campbell following the death of Steve Clark in 1991. The album saw the band reacting to the grunge era by moving away from the ultra-polished sound masterminded by Mutt Lange – and although it didn’t sell as well as had their previous records it has come to be regarded as their most underrated work.
Truth is that many melodic rockers never appreciated “Slang” in detail. A pity, because it’s a damn fine record.

They’ve got rid of the uber produced sound from the previous recordings and instead there’s a more natural feel to it, more reflective of a live performance than their earlier studio work.
I must admit that this album passed me by when it was first issued, and coming after ‘Hysteria’ and ‘Adrenalize’ I can see it would have been a shock to the fans, but listening to it now I do like the raw sound the band have used on this album.

One that was overlooked by many people at the time of its original release, and well worth a revisit. This new remaster sounds fabulous on SHM-CD.
Highly Recommended

ＵＮＩＶＥＲＳＡＬ ＭＵＳＩＣ ＪＡＰＡＮ / ＵＩＣＹ～80349
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01 – Truth?
02 – Turn to Dust
03 – Slang
04 – All I Want Is Everything
05 – Work It Out
06 – Breathe a Sigh
07 – Deliver Me
08 – Gift of Flesh
09 – Half Way In
09 – Blood Runs Cold
10 – Where Does Love Go When It Dies
11 – Pearl of Euphoria

Joe Elliott – lead vocals, additional guitar and bass
Phil Collen – electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin, vocals
Vivian Campbell – electric and acoustic guitars, dulcimer, vocals
Rick Savage – bass, acoustic guitars, synth bass, vocals
Rick Allen – drums, percussion

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cdjapan.co.jp/product/UICY-80349