The Runaways Neon Angels On The Road To Ruin 1976 - 1978 (5-CD Box)

(Cherry Red Records) 51 tracks, digisleeve

Comprehensive 5CD box set from pioneering rock band The Runaways, bringing together four of their studio albums and the album Live in Japan in one package for the first time.

CD1 contains the debut album "The Runaways", which was released in June 1976 and contains the single "Cherry Bomb", which was to become the band's signature song and was voted number 52 on VH1's list of the 100 best hard rock songs.

CD2 contains the band's second album, "Queens Of Noise", released in January 1977, on which the band honed their musical skills and turned up the volume. Producer and engineer Earle Hankey, who had previously worked with the Beach Boys, Sparks and Elton John, found a sound that helped "Take It Or Leave It", "Neon Angels On the Road to Ruin" and "Love Playin' With Fire" become fan favorites.

CD3 is the band's third album "Live In Japan", which was released in August 1977. The album contains performances from three concerts in June 1977 in Japan, where the band had a huge success. As the only official audio document featuring the band live, it contains red-hot versions of "Cherry Bomb", "Queens Of Noise" and "California Paradise". It was the last album with singer Cherie Currie and a worthy farewell.

CD4 contains the fourth album "Waitin' For The Night", on which the band performs as a quartet for the first time and Joan Jett takes over the lead vocals. The reduced line-up created a lean, hard-hitting record, as evidenced by the opening track "Little Sister", "You're Too Possessive" and the title track. This album was to be the last the band recorded under the leadership of the controversial Kim Fowley.

CD5 is the band's final album, "And Now...The Runaways", and although a lot happened behind the scenes as the band fell apart, they still managed to achieve their goal. my Buddy And Me" and "I'm a Million" are standout originals and there are great cover versions of "Black Leather" and "Mama Weer All Crazee Now".