I've listened to this CD a few times in the last couple of days in hopes of convincing myself it's a classic CD. While "Rebel Yell" is definitely a great CD, I can't say that it's a classic. That being said this is still a great early 80s rock time capsule. This CD has some of the best and most famous songs from the entire 80s. In fact I'm not even sure it's Idol's best CD, his best CD probably his late career CD "Devil's Playground". Both of those CDs should be in your collection if you love 80s music as much as I do.
It seems a Youtube video for the full album of "Rebel Yell" has yet to be made. Here's Billy Idol in concert from I believe 2009:
William Michael Albert Broad was born on November 30th, 1955 in England. He first gained fame as a member of the punk rock band Generation X. One of Generation X's best songs was a little ditty called "Dancing With Myself". Obviously that ended up being one of Idol's biggest solo hits. Working with ace guitarist Steve Stevens Idol crafted a sneering rock sound that produced so many great songs.
"Rebel Yell" was released on November 10th, 1983. According to Wikipedia, Idol said the name of the CD came from a party he went to with the Rolling Stones. People were drinking out a bottle of liquor named "Rebel Yell". He thought that would make a great name for an album. I completely agree with him, it's a great title for a great album. The album has sold over 2,000,000 copies since it's release. (Thanks to Wikipedia for all biographical information.)
Those who saw what was coming, including Idol, took full advantage of MTV with innovative videos. See the "Mad Max" feeling "Dancing With Myself" above. Idol used videos, great songs, his rugged good looks and Stevens snarling guitar to become one of the 80s biggest stars. "Rebel Yell" was rereleased in 1999 with 5 additional tracks. All songs were digitally remastered but frankly they did a poor job. The sound is recorded at a too low volume and many people complain about the "muddy sound". Although the 1999 release has 5 more songs, its $2 cheaper than the original CD at iTunes. Does that have something to do with the poor sound? As with all great rock songs, this should be cranked at least at a high enough volume to annoy your neighbors.
It's so much fun to listen to Idol's music again, I'd forgotten how many good songs Idol has. This CD features three of his most famous and best songs: "Rebel Yell", "Eyes Without A Face" and "Flesh For Fantasy". But there isn't a clunker on the entire CD.
1) "Rebel Yell":
"Rebel Yell" (Live):
2) "Daytime Drama":
3) "Eyes Without A Face" (featuring Steve Stevens with the requisite guitar solo):
"Eyes Without A Face" (live):
4) "Blue Highway" (although a lesser known song, one of my favorite of Idol's songs):
5) "Flesh For Fantasy":
6) "Catch My Fall" (Another great song, I wasn't aware this song had a video until now.):
7) "Crank Call":
8) "(Do Not) Stand In The Shadows":
9) "The Dead Next Door":
On June 17th, 1999 "Rebel Yell" was released with the bonus tracks:
10) "Rebel Yell" (Session Take)
11) "Motorbikin'" (Session Take)
12) "Catch My Fall" (Original Demo)
13) "Flesh For Fantasy" (Session Take)
14) "Blue Highway" (Original Demo)
As a bonus I think this could be my all-time favorite Billy Idol song:
As a bonus I think this could be my all-time favorite Billy Idol song:
themusicaddict
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