For years,
Your Face or Mine could only be found on the bootleg circuit, available as a vinyl transfer direct to compact disc. With the album out of print for decades and much demand from a loyal cult following of fans, Wounded Bird had the good sense to reissue this unsung masterpiece of '80s arena rock (the band had a lengthy stint on the road supporting such powerhouse acts as
AC/DC and
Kiss). Featuring one of the most underrated frontmen of all time (Larry Uzzell),
Nantucket hit the gas pedal and don't let up until the rock speedometer is begging for mercy. Some of the band's finest moments appear here, including the hard rocker "Just the Devil's Way," "California," and "Your Place or Mine," which sounds hauntingly familiar to the hit single from their first album, "Heartbreaker." And while the album ends on a softer note than expected (the "Bohemian Rhapsody"-esque "Is It Wrong to Rock and Roll" doesn't really bring the rock), it's just a mere oversight to the full-on awesomeness found elsewhere on the disc. In a perfect world, North Carolina's hard rockin' exports would be heading for their place in Cleveland. But for now, just rest easy and enjoy this nine-song excursion like a glass of fine wine or an expensive meal. It was worth the wait. ~ Rob Theakston