The Spill Magazine The Spill Magazine
The Spill Magazine The Spill Magazine
The Spill Magazine The Spill Magazine
  • Reviews
    • Album Reviews
    • Features
    • Live Reviews
    • Festivals
  • Portraits
  • Headlines
    • News
    • Contests
    • Events
    • Entertainment Headlines
    • Concert Listings
    • Toronto Concert Venues
  • New Music
    • Premieres
    • Track Of The Day
  • Track Of The Month
  • Books + Movies
  • About
16
new
SPILL NEWS: THE MARS VOLTA ANNOUNCE RUN OF HEADLINE TOUR DATES WITH SUPPORT FROM TERI GENDER BENDER
SPILL NEW MUSIC: MELØ – “DON’T CHANGE”
SPILL NEWS: SPARKS ANNOUNCE BIGGEST NORTH AMERICAN HEADLINE TOUR IN THEIR MORE THAN 50-YEAR HISTORY | ‘THE GIRL CRYING IN HER LATTE’ ARRIVES MAY 26 VIA ISLAND RECORDS
SPILL NEWS: RENOWNED ALTERNATIVE SINGER/SONGWRITER LLOYD COLE SET TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM ‘ON PAIN’
SPILL NEWS: FINCH ANNOUNCE FIRST LIVE SHOWS IN 10 YEARS WITH 20th ANNIVERSARY RUN OF DEBUT ALBUM ‘WHAT IT IS TO BURN’
SPILL TRACK OF THE MONTH: ASTARI NITE – “BOWIE IN DAYDREAMS”
SPILL NEWS: RICKIE LEE JONES NEVER DID FOLLOW THE RULES | ‘PIECES OF TREASURE’ OUT APRIL 28 (BMG MODERN)
SPILL NEW MUSIC: INDIE POP SISTER TRIO JOSEPH RETURN WITH ANTHEMIC NEW ALBUM ‘THE SUN’ SET FOR RELEASE APRIL 28 ON ATO RECORDS
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: H.C. McENTIRE – EVERY ACRE
SPILL NEW MUSIC: BODYWASH ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM ‘I HELD THE SHAPE WHILE I COULD’ + SHARES NEW SINGLE
SPILL NEW MUSIC: THE BOO RADLEYS RELEASE NEW SINGLE AHEAD OF NEW ALBUM
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: JERRY LEGER – LIVE FROM PARADISE
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: BOB DYLAN – FRAGMENTS – TIME OUT OF MIND SESSIONS (1996-1997) THE BOOTLEG SERIES VOL. 17
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: MARIANNE FAITHFULL – KISSIN’ TIME (REISSUE)
SPILL NEWS: YOUNG THE GIANT ANNOUNCES NORTH AMERICAN TOUR WITH MILKY CHANCE STARTING MAY 30
SPILL VIDEO PREMIERE: TEARING UP – “SAID SOMETHING”
  • Reviews
    • Album Reviews
    • Features
    • Live Reviews
    • Festivals
  • Portraits
  • Headlines
    • News
    • Contests
    • Events
    • Entertainment Headlines
    • Concert Listings
    • Toronto Concert Venues
  • New Music
    • Premieres
    • Track Of The Day
  • Track Of The Month
  • Books + Movies
  • About
  • Spill Menu
    • Reviews
      • Album Reviews
      • Features
      • Live Reviews
      • Festivals
    • Portraits
    • Headlines
      • News
      • Contests
      • Events
      • Entertainment Headlines
      • Concert Listings
      • Toronto Concert Venues
    • New Music
      • Premieres
      • Track Of The Day
    • Track Of The Month
    • Books + Movies
    • About
Album Reviews
3035
previous article
SPILL NEW MUSIC: THE JOY FORMIDABLE ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM AAARTH + NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES
next article
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: GORILLAZ - THE NOW NOW

SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: GUNS N’ ROSES – APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION REMASTERED

Guns N’ Roses
Appetite For Destruction Remastered
Universal Music Group (Originally Geffen Records)

It goes without saying that Guns N’ Roses’ seminal 1987 album, Appetite For Destruction, is a near flawless debut album that set the bar for rock ‘n’ roll bands much in the same fashion that Led Zeppelin had done in 1969. This was an album that changed everything and catapulted the band to unprecedented heights in a very short period, establishing them as the most dangerous band in the world. Even to this day, a whole thirty-one years later, the album is regarded with such reverence and significance that few works are.

Following a monumental reunion in 2016 – while not a complete reunion, it was a feat that certainly seemed impossible for most of my lifetime – the band has been an unstoppable force touring across the globe and have now released a remastered version of their quintessential album. Numerous versions and packages are available with a standard one disc that includes the classic album, a Deluxe Edition that includes a second disc that includes a best of selection from the much larger editions, a 2LP 180 Gram vinyl edition, the Super Deluxe Edition which includes a whopping 51 tracks (27 of which have not been released) – including remastered tracks from their early EP’s and B-Sides and 25 unreleased tracks from their 1986 Sound City Sessions – along with a string of memorabilia and a Blu-ray audio disc with the albums and music videos. The final, Locked N’ Loaded Edition is both epic in proportions and controversial for its price ($999 American) and includes all the music and memorabilia of the Super Deluxe, along the vinyl for the original album and packaged nicely in a stunning leather crate. Thankfully, all of the music can be found on Spotify.

As mentioned, Appetite For Destruction naturally holds up by any of today’s standards musically. What has always surprised me in the past is how quiet the final mix for the original album always was when compared to the other works released from that period – despite all the attitude and raw energy that pulsated through the grooves. Immediately, upon hearing the building riffs of “Welcome To The Jungle”, I was pleased to hear how big the album sounded. This is the most apparent difference between the original and the newly remastered versions of Appetite For Destruction and ultimately – unlike many modern remasters –makes for a more powerful final product.

The B-Sides and EP tracks, while all having been released previously at one point or another – many off of the band’s Lies double EP collection released in 1988 – is an excellent addition to the overall package. Not only does it include classics such as “Patience”, “Nice Boys”, an early acoustic version of “You’re Crazy”, and a cover of Aerosmith’s “Mama Kin”, but it includes other tracks that were released as rare B-sides to international releases, including live covers of Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” and a blistering version AC/DC’s “Whole Lotta Rosie”. “Shadow Of Your Love” and a live version of “It’s So Easy” both make appearances here as well, seeing as the band released music videos for both tracks in the last two months to promote the remastered album. While there is not much new here – most diehard fans have heard the rare tracks online before – this is a collection of work that often gets overlooked by Appetite For Destruction and is definitely worth revisiting – if not for “Whole Lotta Rosie” alone.

The Sound City Sessions prove to be just as exceptional as listeners get to peer behind the curtain at some early demos – acoustic, electric, and sometimes instrumental – of the band’s material. Many of the tracks are slowed down (“Welcome To The Jungle” and “Nightrain”) while others such as “Paradise City” and “You’re Crazy” feature slightly different arrangements. This segment of the collection also features never heard songs like “New Work Tune”, “The Plague”, and “Ain’t Goin’ Down No More” along with a hard hitting cover of Elvis’ “Heartbreak Hotel” and an acoustic take on The Rolling Stones’ “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”. Two very early versions of “November Rain” also appear the first being just piano with Axl singing a place holding melody that clocks in at ten minutes, and a second acoustic band version that is half as long. While these may not be for everyone, they certainly illustrate the songwriting process while also expanding the repertoire of Guns N’ Roses at their prime. The recordings may be a touch rough but it adds to the grit, style, and soul that made them the epitome of rock ‘n’ roll.

While the quality of their follow-up double album, Use Your Illusion I & II, is hotly debated between fans, there is no denying the sheer power of Appetite For Destruction. As a debut, there are few that are more impressive; the band defied all odds by taking hard hitting blues with a punk aggression to create an album that is remains incredibly influential in the course of modern rock. Guns N’ Roses have struck gold with Appetite For Destruction, not once, but twice now with this remastered edition that once again solidifies – as if we needed any reminder – just why this is one of the best bands in the history of popular music. From Axl Rose’s screaming howls to the slithery solos of Slash and his chemistry with Izzy Stradlin, along with the brick-house rhythm section that is Duff McKagan and Steven Adler, this is an album that redefined classic in an era when rock was slowly becoming a parody of itself. The additional content makes for a true treasure trove that even the most casual of fans can enjoy while proving to be something much more special for the diehard fans as it gives two albums worth of unreleased content from the band’s golden era, ultimately – despite the outrageous pricing – making Guns N’ Roses’ remastered Appetite For Destruction a perfect collection.



Artist Links

website_flat_2016 facebook_flat_2016 twitter_flat_2016 instagram_flat_2016

close

STAY UP-TO-DATE
WITH OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER!

* Mandatory Field

Check your inbox or spam folder now (just in case!) to confirm your subscription.

Item Reviewed

SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: GUNS N’ ROSES – APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION REMASTERED

Author

Gerrod Harris

Here's what we think...
Spill Rating
Fan Rating
Rate Here
New Criteria
10
7.1
10
Total Spill Rating
7.1
Total Fan Rating
9 ratings
You have rated this
Album Reviews
album reviewalbum reviewsappetite for destructionguns n' rosesuniversal music group
album review, album reviews, appetite for destruction, guns n' roses, universal music group
About the Author
Gerrod Harris
A passion for music has always been a part of Gerrod’s life. As a young boy, he was raised on a steady diet of the music from The Chili Peppers, Aerosmith, The Stones, Prince, and others from his mum. Raised in the GTA, Gerrod continued to foster his love for music by attending a wide range of concerts and learning the drums. His unapologetic passion for music has no bounds and has spread to a wide variety of styles, whether it be the 90’s rock that sound tracked his teenage years, the jazz he studied in university, or his newfound love for hip-hop. He recently received his bachelors in music and education from York University and is passionate about writing and reviewing good (and less than good) music. Gerrod is also the drummer and songwriter for a Toronto based rock & roll band, One In The Chamber.
RELATED ARTICLES
album reviewalbum reviewsappetite for destruction
 
8.0
H.C. McEntire

SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: H.C. McENTIRE – EVERY ACRE

by Ljubinko Zivkovic on January 27, 2023
H.C. McEntire Every Acre Merge Records Durham, North Carolina might not exactly be a renowned music center, but that there is quite a good chance that singer-songwriter H.C. McEntire and her latest release, Every Acre, might give that city a [...]
 
8.0
Jerry Leger

SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: JERRY LEGER – LIVE FROM PARADISE

by Bryan Williston on January 27, 2023
Jerry Leger Live From Paradise Latent Recordings Toronto singer-songwriter Jerry Leger is one of those artists who does not sit still for too long. With his solid motivation and work ethic, it’s little wonder that he is releasing some choice [...]
 
9.0
Bob Dylan
10

SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: BOB DYLAN – FRAGMENTS – TIME OUT OF MIND SESSIONS (1996-1997) THE BOOTLEG SERIES VOL. 17

by Aaron Badgley on January 27, 2023
Bob Dylan Fragments – Time Out Of Mind Sessions (1996-1997) The Bootleg Series Vol. 17 Legacy/Colombia/Sony Bob Dylan continues his bootleg series with number 17. For this box set, Fragments – Time Out Of Mind Sessions (1996 – [...]
 
8.0
Marianne Faithfull

SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: MARIANNE FAITHFULL – KISSIN’ TIME (REISSUE)

by Aaron Badgley on January 27, 2023
Marianne Faithfull Kissin’ Time (Reissue) BMG By 2002 Marianne Faithful was eager to return to a more contemporary sound following albums in which she focused on Kurt Weill. These include Weill recording and performing his opera The Seven [...]
 
8.0
Kevin Morby

SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: KEVIN MORBY – MUSIC FROM MONTANA STORY

by Ljubinko Zivkovic on January 25, 2023
Kevin Morby Music From Montana Story Dead Oceans If there’s an artist who can come up with a soundtrack for a neo-Western film today, Kevin Morby might not be the usual choice, but just might be a great one. Scott McGehee and David Siegel [...]

Latest Album Reviews
View All
 
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: H.C. McENTIRE – EVERY ACRE
8.0
 
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: JERRY LEGER – LIVE FROM PARADISE
8.0
 
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: BOB DYLAN – FRAGMENTS – TIME OUT OF...
9.0
10
 
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: MARIANNE FAITHFULL – KISSIN’ TIME (...
8.0
 
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: KEVIN MORBY – MUSIC FROM MONTANA STORY
8.0

STAY UP-TO-DATE
WITH OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER!

* Mandatory Field

Check your inbox or spam folder now (just in case!) to confirm your subscription.

Tweets by @spillmagazine

SPILL MAGAZINE MENU
  • Home | The Spill Magazine
  • Premieres
  • Track Of The Month
  • Album Reviews
  • Books + Movies
  • Features
  • Live Reviews
  • Festivals
  • Portraits
  • News
  • Events
  • Entertainment Headlines
  • Concert Listings
  • Toronto Concert Venues
  • About Us
  • Contests
  • New Music
  • Contributors
  • TOTD
  • Privacy Policy
  • The Scene Unseen
  • Newsletter

Copyright © 2023 | The Spill Magazine
All Rights Reserved.

TRENDING RIGHT NOW
   
 
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: QUADECA – I DIDN’T MEAN TO HAUNT YOU
2321
 
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: THE HUMAN LEAGUE – THE VIRGIN YEARS
1833
 
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: SHRIEKBACK – BOWLAHOOLA
764
 
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: ELVIS PRESLEY – ELVIS ON TOUR
747
 
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: BOB DYLAN – FRAGMENTS – TIME OUT OF MIND SESSIONS (1996-1997) THE BOOTLEG SERIES VOL. 17
542
 
SPILL LIVE REVIEW: SUEDE AND MANIC STREET PREACHERS @ THE COMMODORE BALLROOM, VANCOUVER
521
 
SPILL NEWS: RICKIE LEE JONES NEVER DID FOLLOW THE RULES | ‘PIECES OF TREASURE’ OUT APRIL 28 (BMG MODERN)
508
 
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: CHEAP TRICK – LIVE AT THE WHISKY 1977
496
 
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: DAVID CROSBY & THE LIGHTHOUSE BAND – LIVE AT THE CAPITAL THEATRE
354
 
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: NAZZ – LOST MASTERS & DEMOS
332
 
SPILL MUSIC PREMIERE: GRAMERCY ARMS – “YESTERDAY’S GIRL” FT. LLOYD COLE
319
 
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: LITTLE RIVER BAND – ULTIMATE HITS/MASTERPIECES
318
 
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: JOAN ARMATRADING – LIVE AT ASYLUM CHAPEL
308
ENTERTAINMENT HEADLINES