Rocka Rolla [Bonus Track]

by Judas Priest, Rodger Bain, K.K. Downing, Rob Halford

Overview

A sketchy and underfocused debut, Rocka Rolla nonetheless begins to delineate the musical territory Judas Priest would explore over the remainder of the decade: frighteningly dark in its effect, tight in its grooves, and capable of expanding to epic song lengths. On the other hand, Rocka Rolla is also murkier, less precise and powerful in its riff attack, and more blues-based; the stylistic debts to Black Sabbath and Deep Purple are obvious at this juncture, although they would become much less apparent on subsequent releases. The compositions alternate between short songs and extended suites; some are decent, but overall they don't establish a real direction and tend to plod aimlessly in many of the longer pieces. Mostly a curiosity for hardcore fans, Rocka Rolla definitely hints at Judas Priest's potential and originality, but doesn't always suggest the quantum leap in vision that would occur with their very next record. [Koch's 2000 CD reissue appends the version of "Diamonds and Rust" previously found on the compilation Hero, Hero.]

Product Details

Release Date:	01/25/2000
Label:	Koch Records
UPC:	0099923806820
catalogNumber:	8068
Rank:	33773

Tracks

1. One for the Road
2. Rocka Rolla
3. Winter/Deep Freeze/Winter Retreat/Cheater
4. Never Satisfied
5. Run of the Mill
6. Dying to Meet You
7. Caviar and Meths
8. Diamonds and Rust

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Judas Priest   Primary Artist
K.K. Downing   Guitar
Rob Halford   Harmonica,Vocals
Ian Hill   Bass,Bass Guitar
John Hinch   Drums,Snare Drums
Glenn Tipton   Synthesizer,Guitar

Technical Credits

Rodger Bain   Producer
Rob Halford   Contributor
John Hinch   Contributor
Vic Smith   Engineer
Glenn Tipton   Contributor
Brad Wrolstad   Graphic Design
Krusher   Liner Notes