Def Leppard – “Slang – Deluxe Edition”

Okay, I admit it ….. I am obsessed. After years of dodging the “What is the one album you can’t live without?” question, in the last year I have firmly and decisively made up my mind that it is (currently) “Hysteria” and that my favourite band is (probably) Def Leppard. October saw them release the live CD/movie of the “Viva! Hysteria” Vegas residency and hot on the heels of that (and the announcement that they have started working on a new album) sees the Leppard boys release the deluxe edition of “Slang” on their own Bludgeon Riffola label.

Now, for me, “Slang” has always been their most underrated album. First released in 1996, it certainly is far more contemplative and darker than previous offerings, seeing them tarred with the “trying to be grunge” brush – which, perhaps, was the cause of the record being seen as less than essential listening. As Phil Collen stated in an interview with Metal Hammer UK, “We’ve all got personal things that have happened during the recording of Slang, and we’ve just ploughed on and some of it has come out on the record.”  However, as a fan, I bought it on the day it first came out and have since upgraded to “Special” editions and now I have the pleasure of hearing the two disc, “Deluxe Edition”. So, in addition to the original 11 track album, what do you get this time?

The CD Deluxe Edition and Digital Edition contains the original 11 album tracks re-mastered along with original rare bonus tracks made up of demos, alternate versions and mixes with a series of new songs recorded during the time the band was creating Slang. Most of these additional bonus tracks have never been released. A special iTunes Digital Edition will have everything from the Digital Edition, plus a further set of additional bonus tracks. A Double Vinyl Deluxe Edition will also be available and will feature the original album, and its own set of exclusive songs.

The band will release a special Slang Video Collection the same day (February 11th) exclusively on iTunes that will feature videos from singles “Slang,” “Work It Out,” and “All I’ve Ever Wanted.”

Slang was first released in May 1996 and is considered the band’s most underrated album. At the time of its release, the music industry was at the height of the 90s grunge scene and Def Leppard with bands like Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots and Pearl Jam were dominating the airwaves. Despite this musical shift, Slang charted on the Top Five UK Official Chart and the Top 15 in the US on Billboard’s Top 200 Chart. The album was also voted in the Top Ten Albums of 1996 by the UK’s prestigious Q magazine.

If you haven’t got “Slang” in your collection – now is the time! If you have, check out the new version and remind yourself what a great album it is.
Def Leppard Slang Deluxe Edition Cover

“Slang – Deluxe Edition” is released on 10th February via Bludgeon Riffola

Slang Deluxe Edition tracklistings:

CD/ Digital Edition
Disc 1
1. Truth?
2. Turn to Dust
3. Slang
4. All I Want Is Everything
5. Work It Out
6. Breathe a Sigh
7. Deliver Me
8. Gift of Flesh
9. Blood Runs Cold
10. Where Does Love Go When It Dies
11. Pearl of Euphoria
12. Move with Me Slowly
13. Truth? (Original Version)
14. Burn Out
15. Worlds Collide
16. Can’t Keep Away from the FlameDisc 2
1. Turn to Dust (1st Draft)
2. Raise Your Love
3. All I Want Is Everything (1st Draft)
4. Work It Out (1st Draft)
5. Breathe a Sigh (Rough Mix)
6. Deliver Me (Rough Mix)
7. Black Train
8. Blood Runs Cold (Rough Mix)
9. Where Does Love Go When It Dies (1st Draft)
10. Pearl of Euphoria (Rough Mix)
11. All on Your Touch (2012 Revisit)
12. Anger Me (Deliver Me -1st Draft)
13. Move on Up (Viv Demo)
14. Gift of Flesh (Phil Vocal)
Double 180g Vinyl
Side 1
1. Truth?
2. Turn to Dust
3. Slang
4. All I Want Is Everything
5. Work It OutSide 2
6. Breathe a Sigh
7. Deliver Me
8. Gift of Flesh
9. Blood Runs Cold
10. Where Does Love Go When It DiesSide 3
11. Pearl of Euphoria
12. Move with Me Slowly
13. Truth? (original version)Side 4
14. Burn Out
15. Worlds Collide
16. Can’t Keep Away from the Flame
17. All on Your Touch (2012 Revisit)
18. Black Train

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