Extreme – II Pornograffitti (1990) [Japan SHM-CD 2008]+[25th Anniversary 2CD Deluxe Edit. 2015] Lossless+mp3

EXTREME was one of the later arrivals on the US Melodic Hard Rock / Hair Metal scene to achieve massive success, so were among the latest to receive the 25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition re-release, remastered treatment for their second album, the successful “Pornograffitti”.

By the time the album hit the shelves in 1990, a little (nasty) thing called grunge was starting to take off, but “EXTREME II: Pornograffitti” – subtitled (A Funked Up Fairy Tale) – gained a classic status and rave reviews upon its release and decades after, this double disc reissue wets the appetite once again.
This Deluxe Edition reissue includes a full second CD of rare mixes, versions and out of print B-sides remastered from the original tapes.

The original album, which went double platinum in the U.S. with more than 2 million sold, featured the chart-topping single “More Than Words”, “Hole Hearted” and “Get the Funk Out” which included vocals by Pat Travers, while Dweezil Zappa (whose solo record guitarist Nuno Bettencourt was about to produce) added some guitar riffs to “He-Man Woman Hater” when the band recorded some of the record at Scream Studios in Studio City, California.

From the piano intro that makes way for muscular guitar riffs, “Decadence Dance” is a rasping opener. The great use of harmony vocals works superb on a strong opening chorus, and the bluesy chord progressions from the guitar of Nuno Bettencourt excel.
The rocking “He-Man Woman Hater” steals the show with a mesmerizing guitar solo to begin with, before the infectious verses and raunchy choruses make this a ‘go to’ track.
In fact, Bettencourt’s contribution on Pornograffitti is so vital, he won the ‘Most Valuable Player’ award in 1991 from Guitar World. His endless number of riffs are at times genius, and this is virtually a Rock electric guitar masterclass.

Pornograffitti’s bonus disc features B-sides, edits and remixes mostly appeared on out of print singles and all are hard to find.
There’s a wonderful acapella “More Than Words”, the non-album tracks “No Place To Visit” and “Sex N’ Love”, and my favorite, the 12” extended remix of “Get The Funk Out”.

Extreme II: Pornograffitti is – and I agree with the newly penned liner notes by Metal Hammer’s Malcolm Dome contained in this 25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition accompanying booklet – the definitive album of the band’s career.
The remaster is excellent, and the bonus disc a must have for any Extreme and US Melodic Hard Rock fan.

Tracklist:

Japan SHM-CD Reissue 2008:

1. Decadence Dance 6:49
2. Li’l Jack Horny 4:52
3. When I’m President 4:22
4. Get The Funk Out 4:24
5. More Than Words 5:34
6. Money (In God We Trust) 4:11
7. It (‘s A Monster) 4:25
8. Pornograffitti 6:16
9. When I First Kissed You 4:00
10. Suzi (Wants Her All Day What?) 3:39
11. He-Man Woman Hater 6:19
12. Song For Love 5:55
13. Hole Hearted 3:39

 

25th Anniversary 2CD Deluxe Edit. 2015:

CD1
1. Decadence Dance
2. Li’l Jack Horny
3. When I’m President
4. Get The Funk Out
5. More Than Words
6. Money (In God We Trust)
7. It (‘s A Monster)
8. Pornograffitti
9. When I First Kissed You
10. Suzi (Wants Her All Day What?)
11. He-Man Woman Hater
12. Song For Love
13. Hole Hearted
CD2
1. More Than Words (Remix)
2. Nice Place To Visit (Single B-side)
3. More Than Words (Radio Edit)
4. Decadence Dance (Edit)
5. Money (In God We Trust) (Edit)
6. More Than Words (Non Percussion Version)
7. Get The Funk Out (What The Funk? Mix)
8. More Than Words (A Cappella With Congas)
9. Get The Funk Out (12 inch Remix)
10. Sex N’ Love (Single B-side)

Personnel:

Pat Badger – Bass Guitars, Backing Vocals
Nuno Bettencourt – Guitars, Piano, Keyboards, Percussion, Backing Vocals
Gary Cherone – Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals
Paul Geary – Decadent Drums, Percussion
with:
Barbara Glynn – Mutha’s Voice, “Decadence Dance”
Pat Travers – Vocal Bridge, “Get the Funk Out”
Jeanine Moultrine – Suzi’s Voice, “Suzi (Wants Her All Day What?)”
Dweezil Zappa – Intro/outro solos, “He-Man Woman Hater”
Li’l Jack Horn Section – “Li’l Jack Horny”, “Get the Funk Out”
Bob Findley, trumpet
Chuck Findley, trumpet
Bill Watrous, trombone
Dick “Slyde” Hyde, bass trombone
Pete Christlieb, tenor sax
Joel Peskin, tenor sax

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