As requested, here’s the only version on SHM-CD / cardboard sleeve LP-replica of WHITESNAKE 1978’s debut album “Trouble“, remastered, plus the ‘SnakeBite EP‘ as bonus. In our humble opinion, this is the best digital version of this album you can get in terms of sound fidelity. Of course, nothing beats the original vinyl pressings.
Before David Coverdale second solo album ‘Northwinds’ came out in March 1978, he had already put together a band and delivered an E.P. called ‘Snakebite’ just a few months later (June 2nd), under the name Whitesnake. And by September of that same year, they had a full length album ready to go.
It was produced by Martin Birch and recorded in only 10 days. The album was called ”Trouble” and was released in October 1978. The LP name came from one of the songs, but it was inspired by the fact that David had a son during this time and that could only mean one thing…TROUBLE!!
While some critics considered “Trouble” as the result of a band ‘still in the making“, in perspective, this is a rock n’ roll gem; urgent, raw, crafted without endless studio trickery… just taped in a few days with all the band almost playing live, as rock ‘n roll is supposed to be.
There is an overwhelming sense of passion present on the disc that is so prevalent that one can almost reach out and touch it, and those elements of fusion, soul, and funk that often sneak into the mix are simply to die for. Simply put, ”Trouble” is full of hummable, colorful, and kick-ass material.
Coverdale sounds magnificent throughout the ten tracks that constitute ”Trouble” and the band as a whole is firing on all cylinders. Bassist Neil Murray is the hero of the hour here thanks to his melodically gorgeous inputs; the dangerously cool guitar duo consisting of Micky Moody and Bernie Marsden is downright explosive; Deep Purple Hammond wizard Jon Lord adds depth and nuances to the whole affair, and drummer Dave Dowle locks into a rock-solid groove with the aforementioned Murray that is capable of blowing your roof off and turning your brain into oatmeal. Pete Solley had actually recorded the keyboards for the LP before Lord joined the band, which resulted in his tracks being erased so that Lord could add his magical touch to the record instead.
”Trouble” was recorded in a hot and sweaty studio at 9 Denmark Street in London, which is commonly referred to as the Tin Pan Alley. Few streets in the world are as steeped in rock ‘n’ roll history as this cozy and atmospheric one in London’s bustling and vibrant West End district is.
One can easily imagine that it must have been sweltering when they tracked and recorded ”Trouble” there in the summer of 1978. Those bluesy licks, thunderous grooves, Coverdale’s dangerously cool vocals, and the band’s passionate performance overall must have caused some serious damage to the studio building.
Indeed, ”Trouble” is an underrated gem that occupies a rather special place in the canon in that it was the first full-length assault by the hugely skilled group and that its vigorous mixture of hard rock and the blues was something special.
It boasts a truly special sound and possesses a unique musical identity; nowhere is this more apparent than the fiery and bluesy rocking anthem that is ‘Take Me With You‘, the groovy rocker ‘Lie Down‘, and the fast-paced and fabulous ‘Nighthawk (Vampire Blues)‘. The latter is a lost classic, which goes for the aggressive, face-melting ‘Don’t Mess With Me‘ too.
‘Love To Keep You Warm’ is a personal favourite and is a solid rock track in the mould of Bad Company. The cover of Beatles’ ‘Day Tripper’ was a strange choice but does feature some interesting voice box effects by Bernie Marsden.
‘The Time Is Right For Love’ is a very accessible track making full use of the twin guitars and was released as a single although it failed to sell. Title track ‘Trouble’ is possibly the album’s highlight – bluesy in the ‘Mistreated’ style but updated in its delivery. ‘Belgian Tom’s Hat-trick’ is a fast paced instrumental which is guaranteed to get the foot tapping. ‘Don’t Mess With Me’ closes the album in hard, heavy style.
Whitesnake’s full length debut ”Trouble” is an electrifying LP that deserves closer study and inspection (not to mention that listening to it is heaps of fun). This is the primal sound of a handful of hugely talented musicians locking in to create something exciting and it perfectly captures the band’s exuberant energy.
This is an awesome first step for the band and a sign of great things to come, and this reissue includes a bonus Whitesnake’s first ‘Snakebite’ EP, also a wonderful recording more ‘blues tinged’ than “Trouble”.
Highly Recommended
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01 – Take Me With You
02 – Love To Keep You Warm
03 – Lie Down (A Modern Love Song)
04 – Day Tripper
05 – Nighthawk (Vampire Blues)
06 – The Time Is Right For Love
07 – Trouble
08 – Belgian Tom’s Hat Trick
09 – Free Flight
10 – Don’t Mess With Me
BONUS TRACKS:
11 – Come On [Snakebite EP]
12 – Bloody Mary [Snakebite EP]
13 – Steal Away [Snakebite EP]
14 – Ain’t No Love In The Heart Of The City [Snakebite EP]
David Coverdale – vocals
Micky Moody – guitar, backing vocals
Bernie Marsden – guitar, backing vocals, lead vocals (3,9)
Neil Murray – bass
Dave Dowle – drums
Jon Lord – keyboards, piano (3)
WHITESNAKE – Trouble + SnakeBite EP [Japan Ltd. SHM-CD remastered MiniLP], MP3+FLAC
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