The Blasters - Mandatory: The Best Of The Blasters [CD]

The Blasters

The Blasters - Mandatory: The Best Of The Blasters [CD]


The best of the Blasters' first four albums, this CD features 21 songs including three rare bonus tracks. A perfect overview of the Americana band's brief but fantastic 1980s recording career.

Features two tracks from Walter Hill's 1984 film, STREETS OF FIRE, and one non-LP track, Kathleen.


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The 21-song set includes the legendary Americana band's best-known tracks from their first four albums, alongside deep cuts and two songs originally featured on the soundtrack to director Walter Hill's 1984 cult film, STREETS OF FIRE. From the outset of their career, with such songs as Marie Marie to Border Radio, it was clear Grammy® winner Dave Alvin would be a songwriter to be reckoned with, and brother Phil brings an unparalleled knowledge of American roots music, giving the band a rock-solid musical foundation. MANDATORY'S track list was chosen with the full cooperation of the band.

Renowned music journalist Chris Morris has contributed new liner notes, calling MANDATORY "a definitive sampling of the Blasters' recorded work from their 1980-1985 heyday."

Features guest performances from legendary New Orleans saxman Lee Allen (Little Richard, Fats Domino, Dr. John), Los LobosDavid Hidalgo and Steve Berlin, Heartbreakers drummer Stan Lynch, and the Jordanaires (Elvis Presley’s back-up vocalists).

Track Listing

  • American Music
  • Real Rock Drive
  • Flat Top Joint
  • Marie Marie
  • No Other Girl
  • I'm Shakin'
  • Border Radio
  • So Long Baby Goodbye
  • Hollywood Bed
  • Blue Shadows
  • One Bad Stud
  • Red Rose
  • Jubilee Train
  • Long White Cadillac
  • Trouble Bound
  • Dark Night
  • Little Honey
  • Samson and Delilah
  • Help You Dream
  • Common Man
  • Kathleen