Tormé: The Bernie Tormé Archives Vol 2 – 1985-1993, 5CD Box Set Review
5th August 2024The Bernie Tormé Archives Vol 2 – 1985-1993 is a goldmine for all you Bernie Tormé fans.
It’s like finding a treasure chest full of rock ‘n’ roll. Bernie Tormé is a legend who sadly passed away on 17th March 2019 and this album perfectly captures his finger-licking, mind-blowing guitar work. His riffs and solos are so good, you’ll forget your name. And let’s not forget his vocals – they’re as gritty and rough around the edges as an unshaven chin. Pair that with some stellar musicians who jammed with Bernie over the years, and you’ve got a concoction that’s spicier than a ghost pepper.
When it comes to production quality, we’ve got a mixed bag. Some tracks sound like they were recorded in a garage (in a good way), while others are more polished than your grandma’s silverware. It’s a mishmash of styles that’s so authentic and diverse, it’s like a musical buffet. Overall, The Bernie Tormé Archives Vol 2 – 1985-1993 is a rollicking celebration of the man himself. With all previously released material remastered by Eric Tormey
It’s like a time machine that takes you on a wild ride through Bernie’s rock ‘n’ roll legacy. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newbie to Bernie’s world, this album is a one-way ticket to a-rockin’ good time!
Score 8/10
DISC ONE
BACK TO BABYLON (1985)
1 All Around The World
2 Star
3 Eyes Of The World
4 Burning Bridges
5 Hardcore
6 Here I Go
7 Family At War
8 Front Line
9 Arabia
10 Mystery Train
BONUS TRACKS
11 T.V.O.D
12 Kerrap
13 Love, Guns And Money
14 My Baby Loves a Vampire (Live at The Marquee)
15 New Orleans (Live at The Marquee)
16 Word Up (Cameo Cover)
17 Bo Diddly
DISC TWO
DIE PRETTY, DIE YOUNG (1987)
1 Let It Rock
2 The Real Thing
3 Ready
4 Sex Action
5 The Ways Of The East
6 Killer
7 Memphis
8 Louise
9 Crimes Of Passion
10 Ghost Train
BONUS TRACKS
11 All Around The World
12 Chain Gang
13 Mystery Train
14 Let It Rock (Alternate Take)
15 Crimes of Passion (Live at The Marquee)
16 Memphis (Live at The Marquee)
17 Born To Rock (Demo)
18 Mystery Train (Demo)
DISC THREE
OFFICIAL BOOTLEG (1987)
1 Frontline
2 Turn Out The Lights
3 Hardcore
4 Star
5 Burning Bridges
6 T.V.O.D
7 My Baby Loves A Vampire
8 New Orleans
9 Love, Guns And Money
10 All Around The World
11 Mystery Train
12 Frontline
13 Come The Revolution (Live at Brunel)
14 Arabia (Live at Brunel)
15 My Baby Love A Vampire (Studio Version)
DISC FOUR
DEMOLITION BALL: DISC 1 (1993)
1 Fallen Angel
2 Black Sheep
3 Action
4 Ball & Chain
5 Slip Away
6 Long Time Coming
7 Spinnin’ Your Wheels
8 Don’t Understand
9 Industry
10 Draw The Line
11 U.S. Maid
12 Let It Go
13 Walk It
14 Man O’means
DISC FIVE
DEMOLITION BALL: DISC 2 (1993)
1 Monkey Business
2 My Darlene
3 Coast to Coast (Band Demo)
4 Can’t Stop The Rain (Band Demo)
5 Action (Demo)
6 Shoot The DJ (Demo)
7 Coast to Coast (Demo)
8 Snakeskin (Demo)
9 How Long (Demo)
The Last Time (Demo)
Label – HNE
Release – 26th July 2024
