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Metal/Prog Metal CD Reviews

Twisted Sister

Come Out And Play

Review by Larry Toering

In this remastered collection of re-releases, Twisted Sister are very well revitalised. The sound is fantastic and really brings them into the present with nothing lost besides perhaps the years. That proves, if anything, that some things can be improved with age. This is still a very enjoyable record after all this time thanks to the re-production work. Not that it wasn’t enjoyable before, but the re-mastering really helps in the case of this fun band, where some things don't stand the test of time so well. It has a very crisp and clean sound that renders these recordings very bright. It’s nice to have an opportunity to revisit one of these (remastered)CD's. I don't get the usual effect here from the remastering that I usually do, as mastering these days can be absolutely disastrous sounding because of the regulated levels being what they are in the whole sound war. For interesting insight on that one need look no further than the great Kevin Shirley for a full understanding of what's going on there. This job was done by Scott Hull, and done very well. One of the better selling points along with remastering, is we get a bonus track as well.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2011  Volume 2 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Track by Track Review
Come Out And Play

I always loved the usage of the Warriors movie bit with the pop bottles in the intro to this, and it reaches out and grabs the ears much better than the original release. This title track stands the test of time thanks once again to the remastering job. So it sounds to me like the remastering has been taken good care of in terms of awareness and I'm so glad to say a grand effort was made here, hats off to the great Scott Hull at Masterdisk.

Leader Of The Pack
This has held up surprising well. In fact, I like it much better and can finally give due credit to it now. I really enjoyed listening to it again, as it seems to have been in much need of an upgrade to reach that conclusion.
You Want What We Got
After the first two this doesn't register as quite as exciting for some reason. It must be that it just isn't one of the best tracks on the disc then or now. The sound still helps it for all its worth.
I Believe In Rock And Roll
This gets things right back on track, with another fantastic upgrade factor. I always liked this tune. and now I like it even more. It has the type of honesty one looks for in a band these days. Looking back it wasn't such an important thing in the 80s. I do believe it is now, and I'm glad to be reminded of that.
The Fire Still Burns
The question here is, “does the fire still burn now that it’s remastered?” The answer is a resounding, “yes,” indeed. Everything is brought up front and that really helps with most of these cuts. I find myself liking it all the more, which is the case with most of the tracks on Come Out And Play.
Be Chrool To Your Scuel
This is another one that I always liked, and, of course, the feeling remains the same. One thing I do have to mention is that they made a printing error in the liner notes by leaving the titles out for this and the next three tracks. So that is only of the only detected flaws on the disc. I always loved the addition of saxophone here. In fact, that’s one of the reasons I always respected this band.
I Believe In You
If you like your rock of the fun loving sort, this will please as much or more as it did back then. I for one like it and a good example in the lyrics would be: "Why won't someone say these words / are they really so absurd?/ should they always go unheard?"
Out On The Streets
This is the only track where the mastering levels reach the white noise factor, but I think it’s because the track itself is so powerful to begin with. It's one of my favorite tracks on the album so that is a little bit of a let down but not really stopping it from being enjoyed. Dee Snider in particular has this one all in his hands. It makes me want to hit “repeat” again and again. It has that classic appeal that is irresistible. This is a great album track that should’ve gotten more exposure. I love it!
Lookin' Out For Number #1
This is another hard cut with brash lyrics and features Dee Snider once again. The attitude he displays is harmless but not charmless. Plenty of excellent guitar work continues to be displayed here as well.
Kill Or Be Killed
Back in the 80s there was a lot of leaving the worst track for the end of the record, which I always found to be a bad way to construct and arrange tracks for a record. That is not the case here, as this could just as well be the opener. Once again, this contains excellent lead guitar work from both Eddie Ojeda and Jay Jay french.
King of The Fools (Bonus Track)
This fine power ballad is a bonus track.
 
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