Now that the band is (supposedly) winding down their live career, a ton of retrospective releases are bound to hit the market. Some would say they've been doing that for the better part of the last decade, but case in point is this new boxed set, featuring a trio of live concerts: two from before they were signed and the '83 Castle Donington performance. All predate the MTV success and as such, exclusively offer only material from the first two albums (or before). For someone like me, this is what I want to hear, especially Dee Snider's caustic between song wit (sadly minimized here), not the umpteenth rendition of “We're Not Gonna Take It” or “I Wanna Rock”. These are fiery live dates that more than rock, they sizzle, although the sound quality might not be up to some audiophiles' expectations. Sure, some of the tunes might not be as familiar to those who never heard of Twisted before seeing them on the small scene, but I still contend some of their best songs never (officially) made it on to vinyl. See title cut, “Come Back” and “I'll Never Grow Up Now”.

Discs 1 through 3 are arranged chronologically, beginning with a 1979 gig at frequent stomping ground, Club Detroit, in Port Chester, NY. Beginning, and then ending (w/ a 1980) rendition of “Rock N Roll Saviors”, the lion share of this show has long been available as an oft bootlegged, rough sounding WLIR radio broadcast. Actually, five songs were included as an audio bonus with the 2005 Wacken DVD. The intensity of the band (and crowd) at this point will stun many, especially those that thought Twisted Sister were the cartoon MTV creation. Jay Jay French sings the glorified ‘50s rocker “Can't Stand Still” and “Chinese Hustle”. Even though a live radio simulcast, Dee sneaks a “tits” reference in, then dedicates “Lady's Boy” to all the “pop suckers” and gets the entire crowd to curse (which is bleeped). His speech, about drugs, during the 17 minute “I'll Never Grow Up Now”, goes unedited. That one fades out (apparently the end of radio broadcast), but there's still three more before the disc closes.

Second helping is another radio simulcast, from Hammerheads, another haunt, on Long Island. That said, Dee augments the lyrics to “Bad Boys Of Rock ‘N’ Roll” to include an F bomb. There are a couple of repeats (“Saviors” “Come Back”, “Under The Blade” and “Plastic Money”), but also more familiar material. Less jabbering from the stage as they run through 11 originals and the closing cover of “Born To Be Wild”. Dee does call out someone who lobbed an ice cube at him. His vocals are in the forefront throughout the show. By England, in '83, the festival set is exclusively from the initial pair of CDs. Much like the festival goers, the bottom end is a little muddy. Snider is on his best behavior, other than telling the crowd to kick one non-fan's ass. 

Fascinating chapter that far too few (outside the Tri-state area) have no idea about. Buy, learn, enjoy!