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Record Review: Def Leppard, 'Rock of Ages: The Definitive Collection'

Web Posted: 05/18/2005 12:00 AM CDT

San Antonio Express-News

(Mercury/Universal)

This new two-disc set does a good job of showing both sides of Def Leppard:
Ultimate party band and heavy-metal standard-bearers.

Disc 1 focuses on the pop metal sound the band patented with "Hysteria" in 1987.
All of 1995's compilation "Vault" is here plus the breezy "Heaven Is" and the
instrumental "Switch 625," back in its rightful place following "Bringin' on the
Heartbreak."

More than half of Disc 2 is pre-"Hysteria" material, and the sniper fantasy
"Billy's Got a Gun" and the positively vicious "Wasted" are a far cry from the
first disc's party tunes. Newer songs "Now" and the grossly underrated "Slang"
show the band's pop metal shine has not dulled. The only new tune, Badfinger's
"No Matter What," is a teaser for an upcoming album of covers.

If you prefer your Def Leppard party-hearty and metal lite but already own
"Vault," this set may not be for you. But if you want more from one of the
biggest hard rock bands of all time, "Rock of Ages" is timeless.

**** — Mike Knoop

Portions © 2005 KENS 5 and the San Antonio Express-News.