Description

‘UNPLUGGED AND STRUNG UP Nov 22nd 2013 is a backcatalog visit featuring interpretations ofSAXONtracks through orchestral accompaniment, acoustic revisions and rerecordings. UNPLUGGED AND STRUNG UP is your chance to hearSAXONdo some pretty killer overhauls on tunes such as Call to Arms, Sacrifice,Crusader Orchestrated Version, Just Let Me Rock, Forever Free and Requiem plus orchestral versions ofRed Star FallingandBroken Heroesalong with acoustic treatments ofComing HomeandIron Wheels. Of the orchestral songs, the most impressive isThe Eagle Has Landedwith its dense layers of metal, synths and strings, all superbly mixed. Of the acoustic songs,Frozen RainbowfromSaxonis the most remarkable, stripped down to a gentle ballad with its twelve string textures and sensuous solo. The live acoustic version ofIron Wheelsis one of the most poignant tracks onUnplugged and Strung Up, served as a biographical account ofBiff Byfords father. Then the swampy moonshine slides ofComing HomefromKilling Groundis a kneepumping bit of fun asSAXONs tribute toRobert Johnsonand American delta blues.There are New takes ofBattle CryfromRock the Nationsanda very string version of Militia Guard, plus a remix ofStallions of the Highway, the latter two coming from the first album. These songs have been tweaked and rerecorded with extra layers. In the case ofMilitia Guard, there are traces of acoustic guitars filtering behind the main drive of the song, accenting it more than the original cut. Ray Van Horn, Jr.Blabbermouth Saxon is available for home delivery from Vinyl Records London, only £10 +P&P