Def Leppard’s 2006 release, “Yeah! Bonus CD with Backstage Interviews,” belongs to the renowned Def Leppard Collection Series. On May 23, 2006, the iconic band brought out their ninth studio album, “Yeah!” a project featuring a curated list of 14 cover tracks. Interestingly, the band had an extensive repertoire of additional recordings, many of which didn’t make it onto the final album cut. Some of these tracks were included as bonus features in various editions, including Japanese, Best Buy, Target, and iTunes versions. To fully appreciate the entire collection of songs, fans would need to invest in multiple album versions, with one notable exception being the Wal-Mart edition. This particular version offered two Japanese bonus tracks, three extra songs, and interviews with the band, making it a fantastic option for collectors.
Among the standout tracks is the opening song, a cover of “American Girl” by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. Breaking from their tradition, this track is the only non-British cover featured. Although this is predominantly a demo version, it showcases Joe Elliott’s vocals alongside Vivian Campbell’s instrumentation, with Marc Danzeisen handling the drums. The energy of this cover echoes the essence of the original, highlighted by vibrant guitar sounds and impressive harmonies.
The first of the backstage interviews, titled “Backstage Interview #1,” features band members discussing their recent touring experiences. While the overall sentiment is positive, drummer Rick Allen shares some challenges regarding travel. The interviews provide glimpses into how the audience’s dynamics shift from tour to tour.
Next on the list is a punchy rendition of Iggy Pop’s “Search & Destroy,” performed by Phil Collen, who excels in vocals and instrumentation. Phil’s passionate delivery captures the punk spirit with notable intensity, making it one of the more thrilling tracks on the bonus disc.
In “Backstage Interview #2,” the members reflect on their desire to create a covers album. Joe Elliott expresses a longstanding aspiration to mirror David Bowie’s “Pin-Ups.” The label’s suggestion prompted Joe to seize this opportunity, leading to the album’s eventual release. They unanimously agree that “Rock On” is a highlight from their covers project.
Following this, listeners are treated to David Bowie’s “Space Oddity,” masterfully executed by Joe Elliott. He serves as both vocalist and instrumentalist, delivering a polished performance that resonates beautifully with the original’s vibe, enhanced by creative sound effects and a captivating drum roll.
“Backstage Interview #3” dives into the guidelines the band established for their covers, emphasizing the necessity for selections to be hits, British, and pre-label signings. They sifted through a catalog of 100 potential songs, facilitating their selection process rather effectively.
Another intriguing addition is “Dear Friend,” originally by Queen, featuring Rick Savage on vocals and instrumentation. Known for rarely taking the mic, Sav’s performance here stands out, lending a unique charm to this short but memorable track.
The final offering is a tender rendition of Jobriath’s “Heartbeat.” With Joe Elliott on vocals, this beautiful ballad showcases one of his finest vocal performances, filled with emotion and depth. Recognizing Jobriath’s significance as an early openly gay musician who succumbed to AIDS in 1983 adds a layer of poignancy to this cover choice.
In summary, the Wal-Mart Bonus CD for “Yeah!” is a treasure trove of remarkable tracks that come highly recommended. While it won’t be rated due to its nature as a bonus disc, the five additional tracks are all winners. For those wishing to enjoy these songs, they are available on “The Collection Volume 3” set, uniting all “Yeah!” bonus tracks in one convenient package. Thanks for reading along!
