Def Leppard To Release Special Edition Of Arguably Their Best Album

It’s no surprise that WDHA listeners love Def Leppard.  They’re a legendary band with so many hits and very strong deep cuts.  When I do my First Call Last Call Question Of The Day feature at the DHA Facebook page, there are always comments of Def Leppard.  Now, to mark the 40th Anniversary, Def Leppard is set to release a special Edition of arguably their best Album!

When it comes to the debate of what album is the greatest from Def Leppard, it usually comes down to Hysteria vs. Pyromania.  And I have to say, for DHA listeners, Pyromania seems to win out.  At least in the data I’ve collected.  It’ such a stellar release, really showcasing the direction that the band was headed in, but also maintaining that edge that came across on the first two records.  From “Photograph” to Fuh, Fuh, Fuh, “Foolin” this one has some bangers.  And it is really well produced as well.  And now, to mark the 40th anniversary, we’re getting a special release.  Of course, it will come in various forms/packages. And you have the opportunity to get a bunch of cool stuff along with the standard album.

It’s got unheard demos recently re-discovered by singer Joe Elliott while combing through the vaults.  Plus the deluxe version has two live shows from that era. One show is from the Forum in Inglewood, California, and the other from Westfalen Halle in Dortmund, Germany. As if that wasn’t enough, how about a blu ray with an Atmos mix of the album, and of course a book with the history of the album and rare photos?

This is jam-packed with cool stuff that any Def Leppard fan would appreciate, and it comes out on April 26th.  I can’t wait for it.  You can head to the official Def Leppard website for full details.  But I suggest you get your hands on this thing and just sit back and enjoy all the audio, video and photos that come along with it!

Alice in Chains is one of my favorite bands. After Layne Staley passed, I didn’t think they could press on, but they did with Wiliam Duvall and they still sound excellent. Alice In Chains' catalog is so diverse and well done. Thankfully, their EP “Jar of Flies” is getting reissued on March 22nd. We’re going to take a look at 5 reasons you should pick up the reissue of Jar of Flies by Alice in Chains.

Alice in Chains knows how to turn it up and get heavy, dark, and rockin’. But on Jar of Flies, they proved they weren’t a one-trick pony. The EP showed their acoustic side and it was a hit. Jar of Flies became the first EP to top the Billboard 200 album chart. That’s a pretty impressive feat.

What we’re looking at for the reissues of this album are various packages to choose from. There’s a standard black 12-inch vinyl available from all retailers. Plus, the band’s official website offers tri-colored vinyl, a cassette, and a clear variant with “flies” embedded in the vinyl. And if that wasn’t enough for you, there's a deluxe box set.

The deluxe version features the following:
The EP on tri-colored vinyl
a logo-embossed jar with touch-activated red LED and faux flies
a 60-page hardcover book a double-sided poster

If you’re a fan of AIC, there’s a bunch to choose from. To go along with celebrating the 30th anniversary of the EP, there’s also exclusive merch coming out as well. You can get limited-edition clothing, a poker set, and even a skate deck.

Besides Alice in Chains showing off their “Lighter” side, this album has it all- emotion, great playing, and beautiful singing. The band showed that they could do something like this on their EP SAP and "Jar of Flies" takes it to another level.

Let’s take a look at 5 Reasons why you should pick up the reissue of Jar Of Flies by Alice In Chains.

The song starts off with that same darkness we love from Alice In Chains, but it's just a tad lighter and shows where the album's headed.

It's something about Jerry Cantrell's riff and the way Layne vocalizes over it.  I get chills.  Every damn time!

That opening drum beat by Sean Kinney is killer.  And this acoustic jam just fits perfectly, showing off AIC's skills.

There's been many times bands have put together a long or even short instrumental and I get bored.  But this one was meant to be on this EP.  So beautiful yet haunting.  It' very intriguing!

I get the feel of a country tinge to this one.  I also get heartbreak and emotion, and sadness.  It's a beautiful song and the layered harmonies are gorgeous.