Scorpions - Comeblack (Legacy) ****

This release comes as a surprise from a band that is slowly finishing its career. It's a very pleasant surprise though. "Comeblack" is an album consisting of some newly re-recorded Scorpions classics, and some very interesting covers.

The opening "Rhythm of Love" is actually a far better version than the original. It always seemed like a great song that was not properly recorded. Perhaps the band felt that way too, but it sounds amazing here. Other songs are very faithful to the originals, but they do sound a lot fresher. The band is a lot more experienced, and they played most of these tracks a thousand more times, so the performances are automatic, and really superb. And how do you go wrong with "Rock You Like A Hurricane," "Blackout," or "The Zoo?" Not to mention the super hits like "Still Loving You," and "Wind Of Change." The current recording techniques definitely add some quality, but this material is simply well tested!

The cover songs are really surprising. "Tainted Love" for example is full of Scorpions power, and it's the most unlikely cover you could imagine. Yet, it sounds very convincing. "Children Of The Revolution" and "Across The Universe" are great tributes to Marc Bolan and Lennon and McCartney. Once again the job is well done, and it sounds like Scorpions. Small Faces' "Tin Soldier" is another very unlikely cover, but the arrangement and the delivery is absolutely fabulous here. They should definitely do few of these live. The album closes with The Kink's "All Day And All Of The Night," and Rolling Stones' "Ruby Tuesday." Of the two it's The Kinks that are a lot closer to Scorpion's spirit, and this song is already a standard within the hard rock genre, Scorpions equip the track with great power.

"Comeblack" is a very fresh sounding album! It combines classic with new, and even weird. Needs to be heard to be believed, and enjoyed. How about another spin around the globe?

Mark Kadzielawa