NELSON – Before The Rain (2010)

the ‘Real’ one, remastered

Former chart-topping melodic rock band NELSON has come roaring back in recent months.

In addition to the brand new studio album “Lightning Strikes Twice” and the live album “Perfect Storm: After the Rain World Tour 1991”, the band has opened the vaults and put together a collection of the original demo recordings that earned them their first record contract.

Titled “Before The Rain”, this 18-song collection is a fascinating look back at the band’s earliest days.

The songs on “Before The Rain” that made it to the ‘After the Rain’ album are all quite familiar, but subtly different.

Obviously there’s a difference in production values, but it’s fascinating to hear the little changes that were made between demo stage and the final recordings. Different solos, vocal melodies and even lyrics show the evolution of these classic songs.

If it were just a collection of demo versions of the ‘After The Rain’ songs, this album would be an interesting, but not essential release. But this collection boasts demos for a further 10 songs that never made it to any Nelson studio album.

That’s what makes this album an essential purchase for serious Nelson fans.

These songs, even in demo form, are outstanding, and have the same spirit as the ‘After The Rain’ material, not to mention brilliant vocal harmonies, captivating melodies and hooks galore.

It’s like hearing an complete Nelson album that the band somehow forgot to release in 1991.

If you’re a serious Nelson fan (and if you love this kind of early ‘90s melodic rock you should be), then “Before The Rain” is a must-have release.

It’s a great look back at the earliest versions of Nelson’s best-known songs as well as a chance to hear vintage songs that never made the album (but were more than good enough to).

A MUST HAVE

1. After The Rain

2. Bits And Pieces

3. (Can’t Live Without Your) Love And Affection

4. Will You Love Me

5. You’re All I Need Tonight

6. More Than Ever

7. (It’s Just) Desire

8. I Can Hardly Wait

9. Senorita

10. Everywhere I Go

11. Lets Get This Show On The Road

12. Far Away From Home

13. It’s Gotta Get Better

14. I Wish

15. That’s Love

16. Avalon

17. Runnin’ Outta Time (The Silence Is Broken)

18. Love Is All We’ve Got

Matthew and Gunnar Nelson (all vocals and instruments)

IF YOU LIKE IT, BUY IT!