The newest double CD compilation from by MCA Records replaces “Born To Be Wild, A Retrospective” (originally released in 1991), and features 31 tracks, all digitally re-mastered. In addition, the 20 page booklet contains vintage and previously unreleased photos from John Kay’s private archives. This double disk set comes in a slim line case (has the thickness of 1 CD which customers prefer over the bulky thick case) and is the essential collection for both the casual and lifetime follower of Steppenwolf.
The following songs were not available on the original Retrospective set:
John Kay, leader of one of rock's most venerable bands, Steppenwolf, has returned to the folk/blues roots of his troubador days with the release of his fourth solo recording "Heretics and Privateers". The musical subtlety and emotional depth of the albums 12 composistions feature provacative lyrics which offer a gritty view of contemporary life, surveying the human toll of institutional callousness with unflinching clarity.
Kay's lyrics aren't the gripes of a chronic malcontect but the deeply felt observations of a first-generation American whose appreciation of his adopted country's promise and potential is balanced by an awareness of it's lapses.
On both the album's title track, which pays tribute to those among us who reject society's proscribed roles in favor of more humane value systems, and the spare, acoustic closing track "Te Back Page" which celebrate those whose everyday acts of kindness demonstate the human rac's capacity for selflessness, Kay's ultimate sense of hope and faith in humanity shines through.
For several years we had the desire to record some of our better moments on stage. Finally during our 25th Anniversary Tour we captured several concerts on tape, paying not only attention to our performances but also to the audiences and their enthusiasm. As a result this recording features some of the special moments we experienced on stage. The 2 disks and 23 tracks cover most of our best previous material as well as all the hits and in addition feature many favorites from the 80’s and 90’s. “Rocket Ship” and “Best of What You Got”, two new songs are only available on this album. Many fans feel that Steppenwolf is best experienced live and this record goes along way to support that opinion.
Recorded at the Lyceum in London, England during our first tour of Europe in eight years. We were pleasantly surprised by the warmth of our reception. Our fans in the UK had not forgotten us despite our absence and we truly enjoyed playing both new and familiar music that night. Re-issue of the 1981 album with cool new art on Rainman Records.