BILLY IDOL second studio album, 1983’s smash hit ‘Rebel Yell‘, is being reissued for its 40th Anniversary in a 2024 Expanded Edition. The album features the singles ‘Eyes Without a Face’, ‘Flesh for Fantasy’, ‘Catch My Fall’ and ‘Rebel Yell’.
There are two physical editions of this reissue, a 2-CD set and a 2LP vinyl version. The former features 13 bonus tracks, including the rather good ‘Poolside Remix’ of Eyes Without A Face, the previously unreleased ‘Best Way Out of Here’ and a cover of ‘Love Don’t Live Hear Anymore’ (both from the original sessions). Of the latter, Billy said “We found out Madonna was doing a version on her Like A Virgin album and we had a full compliment songs so we thought we’d leave it off the album”.
‘Rebel Yell’ is a pure ’80s album, from songwriting to production, and never sounded better. And the bonus tracks are really enjoyable, especially the unreleased material. ‘Love Don’t Live Here Anymore’ is the gem of the set, a prime example of the magic Idol and guitarist Steve Stevens could create.
The other unreleased cut from the original albums sessions, ‘Best Way Out of Here’, musically is in Billy’s 1983 fashion with some Queen around the time type of sound. Instrumentation and arrangements are great, but the vocals and lyrics are a bit underdeveloped. Still an enjoyable listen!
‘Daytime Drama (Demo)’ hasn’t the big production, but it’s great. Although a bit repetitive, actually I prefer the idea of this version, compared to the album. ‘Flesh For Fantasy (Demo)’ it’s odd to call this a “demo”, since it’s a completely different version. Still, it’s a great listen and wouldn’t have been out of place on the album, although does pale in comparison to what was released (especially its Extended Mix)
Overall, we’re quite impressed with how developed a lot of these “demos” are. ‘Crank Call (Demo)’ is a good one – clearly unfinished, but a cool experience of the song.
‘Catch My Fall (Demo)’ isn’t drastically different to the released version or the “session take.” I enjoy the song (despite singing “When You Were Mine” along to it every time), but with just seven new tracks, we didn’t need yet another version of it. Nice synth guitar solo though.
This a really welcomed “Rebel Yell” 40th anniversary reissue. The second disc is like experiencing a new Idol album from the ’80s – or at least pretty different from the originally released.
To celebrate this release, the Empire State Building will host a lighting ceremony for Idol on April 30. He will also perform a special acoustic set at the New York landmark, accompanied by Stevens.
Highly Recommended
Tracklist:
CD1
01. Rebel Yell
02. Daytime Drama
03. Eyes Without A Face
04. Blue Highway
05. Flesh For Fantasy (Remastered 1999)
06. Catch My Fall (Edit)
07. Crank Call
08. (Do Not) Stand In The Shadows
09. The Dead Next Door
CD2
01. Best Way Out Of Here
02. Love Don't Live Here Anymore
03. Daytime Drama (Demo)
04. Flesh For Fantasy (Demo)
05. Catch My Fall (Early Version)
06. Crank Call (Demo)
07. (Do Not) Stand In The Shadows (Demo)
08. Rebel Yell (Session Take/Remastered 1999)
09. Blue Highway (Original Demo/Remastered 1999)
10. Flesh For Fantasy (Session Take/Remastered 1999)
11. Catch My Fall (Original Demo/Remastered 1999)
12. Motorbikin' (Session Take/Remastered 1999)
13. Eyes Without A Face (Poolside Remix)
Billy Idol – Rebel Yell (Expanded Edition) (2024) 2 CD
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