BANG TANGO – Rock And Roll Est. 1988 [Best Of + Rarities Ltd numbered edition]

“Rock And Roll Est. 1988 [Best Of + Rarities]” is the collector’s edition career retrospective from cult L.A. hard rockers BANG TANGO featuring their massive hit “Someone Like You” and fan favorites “Untied And True,” “Dressed Up Vamp,” “Love Injection” – plus bonus rare tracks.
While this release may work as a ‘Best Of’, in fact features ‘inside tracks’ – songs from their official albums selected by the band + the fans, and a lot of rarities. Only 600 CDs made and each comes packaged in a hand-numbered mini-LP gatefold wallet, while the LP pressing is limited to just 300 red colored vinyls.

Founded by guitarist Mark Knight and bassist Kyle Kyle in 1988, both wanted a second guitarist and recruited Kyle Stevens. At the suggestion of Rough Cutt’s Amir Derakh, vocalist Joe Leste’ joined the band as its frontman which led to Leste’s childhood friend, Tigg Ketler, completing the 5 piece line up as Bang Tango’s drummer.
The band then began to play shows and would gain a following on the Sunset Strip scene in Hollywood, packing all the popular clubs and venues at the time, which led to a bidding war with many major labels.
Bang Tango were then signed to MCA Records.

The band’s first album with the label – their Howard Benson produced full-length debut Psycho Cafe’ – topped off at number 58 on the Billboard top 200 chart. The music video for the single ‘Someone Like You’ was a popular staple on early 90’s MTV programming such as Headbanger’s Ball.
A video was also made for the single ‘Breaking Up a Heart of Stone. The band would tour extensively during this period with the likes of Cheap Trick, LA Guns, Ratt, and Bulletboys.

Their 1991 sophomore release, the John Jansen produced ‘Dancin’ on Coals’ spawn the single ‘Untied and True’ and the album peaked on the Billboard top 200 chart at number 113. The band then released their second live EP Ain’t No Jive… Live! in 1992.
In 1993, the band’s label still honored Bang Tango’s record contract with a third LP. Hoping to recapture the success of their first album, the band decided to re-team with Psycho Cafe’ producer Howard Benson for ‘Love After Death’.

The album ended up being shelved by MCA due to the label feeling a return would not be possible with how much was already invested monetarily for the recording. After recording was complete, guitarist Kyle Stevens made the decision to leave the band.
The album would see a release in the UK and Japan through the Music For Nations label. Though to this day the band still perform songs from this album during their live set, Love After Death has yet to see a release in the U.S.

The break up of the original line up of Bang Tango occurred in 1995 after returning from a European tour in support of Love After Death. In 2003 Joe Leste’ would once again reform the band, this time as its sole original member, which still continues active today.
Bang Tango rocks, and rocks greatly. “Rock And Roll Est. 1988 [Best Of + Rarities]” includes some of the best from this underrated act, as well as collectors, good rarities.
Highly Recommended

01 – Someone Like You
02 – Daddy
03 – Children Of The Revolution
04 – Cuts You Down
05 – Can You Boogie
06 – My Favorite 9
07 – Soul To Soul
08 – Dressed Up Vamp
09 – I’m In Love
10 – Untied And True
11 – Do What You’re Told
12 – Love Injection
RARITIES BONUS TRACKS:
13 – The Zoo
14 – Rock Brigade
15 – Mr. Brownstone
16 – Shoot To Thrill
17 – Even Better Than The Real Thing (Julian Beeston Mix)
18 – Just What I Needed (Live at Cathouse)
19 – 20th Century Boy (Live at Cathouse)
20 – Midnight Struck (Live at Cathouse)

Joe Lesté – lead vocals
Steve Favela – guitar
Lance Eric – bass
Timmy Russell – drums

Try here:
www.amazon.co.uk/Rock-Roll-Est-1988-Tango/dp/B07QSPJXC6