Rats 75 (RSD 2025) - The Boomtown Rats [VINYL Limited Edition]

As the leader of The Boomtown Rats, Bob Geldof led his band of Dublin new-wavers right to the very top of the UK charts. But before that perfect power-pop, there was something raw and very dirty. For the first time on vinyl, their live demo tapes from 1975-1979 are heard. It was the recording that finally found its way to the desks of Nigel Grainge and Chris Hill at Ensign Records when the group relocated to the UK in October the following year. The four tracks are complimented with a live performance at Moran's Hotel, just off Dublin's O'Connell Street; Robert Parker's Barefootin' is delivered with a raucous energy that nods to both the Stooges and Dr Feelgood. The collection is rounded out with a selection of B-sides, many of which have never appeared on CD or LP. These have been much sought-after by fans over the years. On lurid sewer-like transparent green vinyl, hear The Boomtown Rats as they were first heard. Edgy, dangerous, spiky and fast.

Disc 1
1. Doin' It Right (1975 Live Demo) (Demo) - The Boomtown Rats
2. My Blues Away (1975 Live Demo) (Demo) - The Boomtown Rats
3. A Second Time (1975 Live Demo) (Demo) - The Boomtown Rats
4. Fanzine Hero (1975 Live Demo) (Demo) - The Boomtown Rats
5. Barefootin' (Live at Moran's Hotel, Dublin) - The Boomtown Rats
6. Born to Run - The Boomtown Rats
7. Do the Rat - The Boomtown Rats
8. Lying Again - The Boomtown Rats
9. How Do You Do? - The Boomtown Rats
10. So Strange - The Boomtown Rats
11. It's All the Rage - The Boomtown Rats