Some of the best music news this summer ... for my taste, anyways:
On July 10, 2007, Fifty-Three Five Records will release the original demo recordings of legendary Christian metal band Stryper, or Roxx Regime, as they were known in 1983. The CD known as The Roxx Regime Demos, contains no over-dubs or re-recordings, and includes the original version of the MTV and Billboard hit song "Honestly," will be in stores nationwide through Infinity Music Distribution and Redeye Distribution, Inc."We're excited to release what the fans have always wanted - the original demos that got the band signed to Enigma Records," says lead singer Michael Sweet, who recently released a new solo project titled HIM. "Without the fans, we wouldn't be here and this is a small way to say 'Thank you'. For all of you who have requested this time and time again, it's finally here - in their original raw form!"
Long before Stryper's multi-platinum albums and chart-topping videos, brothers Robert and Michael Sweet teamed up with high-school classmate Oz Fox and local bass player Timothy Gaines to form a band that would forever change Christian music. The group released a demo project in 1983 under the name Roxx Regime and started playing the local Hollywood club circuit. They eventually caught the ears of Enigma Records and changed their name to Stryper before the release of their national debut album, The Yellow and Black Attack, in 1984. Stryper would go on to sell more than 8 million albums worldwide, with several projects striking RIAA-certified gold. The group’s unprecedented 1986 album To Hell with the Devil went platinum and was named one of the “100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music” by CCM Magazine.
Starting today, Stryper fans can pre-order The Roxx Regime Demos exclusively at www.Stryper.com, where an original vintage Roxx Regime T-Shirt will also be available. All pre-orders will ship on 7-7-07.
Track Listing - The Roxx Regime Demos
1. From Wrong to Right
2. My Love I'll Always Show (original rock version)
3. Loud N Clear
4. You Know What To Do
5. You Won’t Be Lonely
6. C'mon Rock
7. Tank (Robert Sweet drum solo)
8. Honestly (the original demo version)The group is currently writing and recording the follow-up to their successful 2005 release Reborn. They anticipate a late 2007 release, with a world tour to follow.
So much to take away from this.
For starters, I should note that early demo releases like this tend to be something to appreciate with an asterisk. The recording isn't as rich as the massive studios they do the more popular stuff in. Sometimes the songs aren't as fully developed, also. In particular, several of my favorite bands from the 80s should have considered the recording studio a salvation of sorts. So all this is to say that - in general - these sort of releases tend to be appreciated as only a fan can.
There are, however, exceptions. And a few items here might qualify. The demo version of "Honestly" promises to be something special. The hit song for the band was a polished, overproduced ballad. Hearing what I presume will be a rawer version of it could very well add a different perspective to the song.
Similarly, a rock version of "My Love I'll Always Show" strikes me as most interesting. That was a great song that was nothing more than a simple ballad. Hearing the song played in a noticably different style sounds a-ok with me.
I've seen a few of the videos on YouTube with early "club-days" Stryper footage. Though their energy and desire was on full display, the songs weren't there yet. So no telling how awkward some of these versions will get received. Still, I'm hoping to see this on the racks at Lakewood.
Beyond that, the biggest news is that Stryper is still hoping to have a new album released toward the end of this year. That's news because the last time the band was due to hit the studio, news arrived that Michael Sweet's wife Kyle had been diagnosed with cancer. That put a lot of things on pause and it's still worth keeping Michael & Kyle Sweet in our prayers. If there's new music and a tour still in the works, I'm assuming things are looking better for her situation.
