There have indeed been countless
Judas Priest compilations issued over the years. But if you're a
Priest collector, then the 2011 release
Single Cuts has to be one of the most intriguing archival releases the group has ever issued. That said, this observation only pertains to the pricier 52-song/20-disc (!) box set version, not the lighter-on-the-wallet single-disc version, which serves as another
Priest "best-of." The former version is comprised of the group's complete U.K. CBS/Columbia singles (from 1977-1992), and each CD single is an exact replica -- cover and all -- of the original vinyl single. And while there were plenty of throwaway B-sides (in other words, merely another studio track plucked from the single's respective album), there were also quite a few non-album/live versions of classics included as B-sides, which get their chance to shine once more. Tops of the list have to be "Starbreaker," "White Heat Red Hot," and "Beyond the Realms of Death," all of which were recorded in concert during the late '70s. Elsewhere, you'll also find great live readings of "Breaking the Law," "Freewheel Burning," and "You've Got Another Thing Comin'." And as far as the single-disc version of
Single Cuts goes, it's certainly one of the more interesting
Priest compilations from a track listing perspective, as such oft-overlooked tunes as "Before the Dawn," "Evening Star," "Don't Go," "(Take These) Chains," and "Some Heads Are Gonna Roll" are featured alongside the expected classics. Whether you're a longtime collector looking for a one-of-a-kind release, or a newcomer searching for a smartly assembled collection of
Priest classics, both versions of
Single Cuts are winners. ~ Greg Prato