EX OVO OMNIA

Here we are again, another week , another post, another grab bag of the great & the good from musics dark rare past.
We'll begin tonight with a rare "import" compilation of rarities, b-sides & rerecordings from Welsh wizards, Budgie. This is "Back To The Egg", a 17 track compilation, which gathers together some of their rarest obscurities from 1971 to 2006. There are six alternate versions from 1971-1975, studio rerecordings of tracks from their glorious past by the current line up from 2003 & 2006, and a couple of acoustic versions from 2004 featuring Burke Shelley & original guitarist Tony Bourge. The rerecordings are excellent, they've really deconstructed many of the songs & given them radically different treatments. I know it sounds like heresy, but for the most part, the reworkings work terrifically well. Listen out for the blistering lead guitar work of Simon Lees, boy can he play! The alternate early versions are pretty similar to the originals to be honest, but worth having for completists, and the 2 acoustic tracks are a joy to hear, Bourge has lost nothing over the years, bringing fresh perspective to "Parents" in particular. Get it now, and watch the feathers fly!

BUDGIE - Back To The Egg (1971-2006) UK












Part One:
http://rapidshare.com/files/45644708/BUDGIE_-_Back_To_The_Egg_Part_1__UK_71-06_.rar
Part Two:
http://rapidshare.com/files/45792238/BUDGIE_-_Back_To_The_Egg_Part_2__UK_71-06_.rar

Ever wondered where Mike Portnoy from DREAM THEATRE cut his teeth? Nah, me either, but it just so happens that we now bring you his debut vinyl appearance, as the man behind the kit on Inner Sanctum's "12 am". A cracking example of the 1980s US Metal private pressing, this is their sole vinyl outing from 1986 which came out on their own Insan imprint. The production is a little odd & the waaay overdistorted guitars too high in the mix, but this only serves to give this one a unique feel and atmosphere. Musically, they mainly cover the grey area where Hard Rock becomes Heavy Metal, but they swing back & forth a little too, with interesting song structures, tempo changes and a lot of light & shade. A must have, especially for nothing. I warn you now, the last track has a few glitches, not my rip, not my fault, nothing i can do about it. I bet you barely notice.

INNER SANCTUM - 12 am (1986) USA

http://rapidshare.com/files/43080453/Inner_Sanctum_-_12_am__1986__USA.rar

Next one up is a really hard one to describe, i'll do my best, but i'm fully aware that i'll be struggling to do it justice. Imagine IRON MAIDEN, playing epic proto-thrash with prog rock leanings, in a cave possibly. That's not bad, but there's something really odd & slightly unsettling going on under the surface the whole time too, which i feel should put me off, but seems to only intrigue me further. This is the self titled Mini Lp from Spectral Incursion and it's plain barmy. I can't wait to see what y'all make of this one, it's definitely an acquired taste. Go acquire the taste!

SPECTRAL INCURSION - Spectral Incursion Mini LP (1989) USA

http://rapidshare.com/files/43085655/Spectral_Incursion_-_Spectral_Incursion_Mini_LP__1989__Canada.rar

Another Swedish treat next for your delectation, courtesy of Dom, this is "Caress Of Steel" by Paradize. Formed in 1978 in Karlshamn in 1978, Paradize initially began life as a covers band, finally getting round to recording original compositions for their one & only 7" from 1980. An intriguing mix of pomp styled Hard Rock and 1970's style Metal, the 2 songs here are memorably catchy & quite unique. They walk the line between the two contrasting styles with ease, never leaning too much in either direction. An interesting blend, i think you'll agree, members later went on to OVERDRIVE & LOCOMOTIVE BREATH. Welcome to Paradize!

PARADIZE - Caress Of Steel 7" (1980) Sweden

http://rapidshare.com/files/43090114/PARADIZE_-_Caress_Of_Steel_7____Swe-1980_.rar

Not to be confused with the Californian punk band of the same name, this China White were a trad Metal outfit from Albany New York who formed in 1983. In 1986, they brought us this sublime piece of wax, the awesome "Heavy Metal Thunder" 7". No, not the SAXON song, this shares a NWOBHM influence, but is a much harder hitter, with a great refrain that gets lodged in your head like bullets. The b-side is slightly more epic in feel and has an awesome breakdown section.They belatedly released their self titled debut album in 1997 and promptly split up straight after! After 14 years together, what the hell?

CHINA WHITE - Heavy Metal Thunder 7" (1986) USA

http://rapidshare.com/files/43074196/CHINA_WHITE_-_Heavy_Metal_Thunder_7____USA-1986_.rar

Two little crackers to finish with tonight from the NWOBHM, very different in style, but great in their own distinct ways.
Firstly, here's the much sought after "Running Blind" 7" from Bashful Alley, a Staffordshire based trio with a big biker following who specialized in no nonsense heads down boogie rawk. They split shortly after this was released, only for a compilation album, "It's About Time" featuring 10 tracks, (recorded at the same time as the 7"), to be released on the German High Vaultage label in the 1990's.

BASHFUL ALLEY - Running Blind 7" (1982) UK

http://rapidshare.com/files/43072198/BASHFUL_ALLEY_-_Running_Blind_7____UK-1982_.rar

Finally, here's the lone 7" from Barnsley quintet, Lotus Cruise, "Billy's Got A Gun". This 1983 release is very much influenced by American AOR, and as such may not be of interest to many of you. For the rest of you, this is tightly written, well played, slick rock music with killer choruses. The A-Side in particular, is one of those radio hits which never were, and when you've heard it a few times you'll be as stumped as i as to why.

LOTUS CRUISE - Billy's Got A Gun 7" (1983) UK

http://rapidshare.com/files/43088674/LOTUS_CRUISE_-_Billy_s_Got_A_Gun_7____UK-1983_.rar

That's yer lot folks, hope you find something amongst tonights selection to tickle your fancy!