All this talk of the "Come Sundown" unofficial release has got me thinking about some of the fine (& some not so fine) bootlegs that have been released since the very first ones in the early 70s... I don't mean CD-Rs that have been compiled on a computer, but proper "pressed" CDs plus of course vinyl. Anyway, what are YOUR favourites?
My favourite JLL vinyl release is probably the "Pumpin'" EP that was released in the early 80s. Not only did this have 'Down The Line' from The Star Club in far better sound than featured on the 'Live At The International Hotel' UK album, but this was also the first time we'd heard the unreleased mid 60s tracks 'Just In Time', '24 Hours A Day' and 'Skid Row'. To this day 'Skid Row' remains one of my very favourite JLL recordings.
Best CD bootleg? That's easy, the "Killer's Private Stash"! Fascinating as it was to hear Jerry's 2nd demo single from 1954 (albeit in rather scratchy quality) and the 1988 GBOF soundtrack outtakes, it's the two "Catch My Soul" songs that really blew everyone away. It's still unclear why these were taped; was it just a rehearsal, or was there at some point a soundtrack album planned?? One thing I am pretty sure about is that the late Gary Skala had several other songs from this session (or sessions). Let's hope they're not lost forever.