September 28, 2024

Skylight Webzine

Online since 2000

Unsung Heroes Of Classic AOR/Hard Rock AXE Collect Their First 4 Albums In A Deluxe CD Box Set!

They toured with every major metal act – from Iron Maiden to Scorpions to KISS to Mötley Crüe – at the height of those bands’ popularity, electrifying stadium-sized audiences with the fierce determination and fiery spirit of a rock & roll underdog. Signed to MCA Records, they built a cult following on the strength of their superb studio albums, beginning with the classic 1979 self-titled album. They are AXE and although they seem to fly under the radar of mainstream audiences, the band continues to be rediscovered by new generations of classic rock fans.
 
Now, a deluxe 4CD box set seeks to re-introduce the band to modern music fans, collecting the ‘79 debut and the subsequent albums they released before a long 13-year hiatus. Those albums include the slickly produced Living On The Edge (1980), the 1982 album Offering that spawned the band’s best known song “Rock ‘N’ Roll Party In The Streets,” and 1983’s Nemesis, which was the last album to be released with founding guitarist Michael Osborne who was tragically killed in a car accident shortly following the album’s release. Each album comes in its own sleeve reproducing their iconic album covers and is packaged with a full-color booklet featuring rare photos and extensive liner notes written by rock journalist Dave Thompson. 

Order the 4CD box set:https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/axe-the-albums-1979-1983-4cd/

And for you vinyl lovers, each of these albums is also being reissued on glorious vinyl, starting with the first two, which are available now:

Order Axe LP:https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/axe-limited-edition-colored-vinyl/

Order Living On The Edge LP:https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/axe-living-on-the-edge-limited-edition-colored-vinyl/

Track List:
DISC 1: AXE (1979)

  1. Life’s Just An Illusion
  2. Hang On
  3. Sympathize
  4. How Come I Love You
  5. Forever
  6. Back On The Streets
  7. Doin’ The Best I Can
  8. You’re Out Of Line
  9. Battles

DISC 2: LIVING ON THE EDGE (1980)

  1. Living On The Edge
  2. Fantasy Of Love
  3. First Time, Last Time
  4. Carry On
  5. Running The Gaunlet
  6. I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)
  7. Just Walk Away
  8. Let Me Know
  9. Save Our Love
  10. For A Little While

DISC 3: OFFERING (1982)

  1. Rock ‘n’ Roll Party In The Streets
  2. Video Inspiration
  3. Steal Another Fantasy
  4. Jennifer
  5. I Got The Fire
  6. Burn The City Down
  7. Now or Never
  8. Holdin’ On
  9. Silent Soldiers
    BONUS TRACKS – Live In America 1981
  10. Holdin’ On
  11. Running The Gauntlet
  12. Steal Another Fantasy
  13. Jennifer
  14. Silent Soldiers
  15. Rock ‘n’ Roll Party In The Streets

DISC 4: NEMESIS (1983)

  1. Heat in The Street
  2. Young Hearts
  3. All Through The Night
  4. I Think You’ll Remember Tonight
  5. She’s Had The Power
  6. Girls, Girls, Girls
  7. Eagle Flies Alone
  8. Keep Playin’ That Rock ‘N’ Roll
  9. Foolin’ Your Mama Again
  10. Let The Music Come Back
  11. Masquerade