Americana music legends, The Blasters were recorded on their first international tour in May of 1982 at the Venue in London England. Six of those tracks were released on Slash Records as a 12-inch EP later that year. Four more tracks were uncovered and included on the Rhino/WB anthology “Testament” in 1997.

As part of a catalog deal for the Blasters recordings with Liberation Hall the label has uncovered thirteen more tracks to release the complete concert.

The band is firing on all cylinders as they were taking off in London after Shakin’ Stevens version of the Dave Alvin-written “Marie, Marie” hit the top 20 of the UK charts. It is quintessential listening, and a magical music moment uncovered for any fan of the band.

The CD booklet includes new liner notes from Chris Morris, rare photos and memorabilia images. Vinyl version is available exclusively for Record Store Day and available at indie retail shops.

1. This Is It
2. Crazy Baby
3. No Other Girl
4. What Will Lucy Do?
5. Border Radio
6. I Don’t Want To
7. Rock Boppin’ Baby
8. Tag Along
9. I Love You So
10. Got Love If You Want It
11. Walkin’ With Mr. Lee
12. I’m Shakin’
13. Hollywood Bed
14. Go, Go, Go
15. Stop The Clock
16. Marie, Marie
17. American Music
18. So Long Baby Goodbye
19. Roll ’Em Pete
20. High School Confidential
21. These Arms Of Mine
22. Keep A Knockin’
23. Barn Burning

After a very quick introduction, this brilliantly atmospheric flashback live album opens on the pop-rock bounce of This Is It, the frenetically traintrack-hued Crazy Baby, the feisty No Other Girl and the impassioned What Will Lucy Do?, and then we get the pop-rocker Border Radio, the rambunctious I Don’t Want To, the vibrant, Elvis-imbibed Rock Boppin’ Baby and the roustabout Tag Along, before the impulsive I Love You So, the harmonica-driven Got Love If You Want It and the horn-driven Walkin’ With Mr. Lee are unleashed.

One of the bedrock acts that formed the template for the “Americana” music movement, along next is the low slung blues rhythms of I’m Shakin’, the piano-driven Hollywood Bed, the guitar fest of Go, Go, Go and the rockabilly-grooved Stop The Clock, and they are in turn backed seamlessly by the perfectly formed rockabilly resonance of Marie, Marie, the foot-tapping rocker American Music, the propellant So Long Baby, Goodbye, the show rounding out on the piano blues of Roll ’Em Pete, the expressive rock ’n’ roll of High School Confidential, the low slung ballad These Arms Of Mine, closing on one of my own personal favorites, the foot to the floor rocker Keep A Knockin’ and the aptly-titled Barn Burning.

Musicians:
Phil Alvin: Vocals, Guitar
Dave Alvin: Lead Guitar
Bill Bateman: Drums
John Bazz: Bass
Lee Allen: Tenor sax
Steve Berlin: Baritone sax

Official Purchase Link

www.theblasters.com