First off, do we really need another Whitesnake compilation? Well, first off, I'd say don't knock good music, especially with some of the classic hard rock (bluesy or otherwise) you have here. It also coincides with the new album and tour. All tracks recently remastered too, which is good for the Slide It In tracks as this album has yet to be remastered.

But remember it's not that long ago we had The Early Years, The Silver Anniversary 2CD (is it really 5 years since that?) and others.

Whatever the reasons, we have 3 discs of some damn good material. The bulk of the material is that classic English sounding blues rock for which Mr Coverdale and crew became famous. Even on disc 1 you get "Would I Lie To You", "Lovehunter" and the raucous "Wine Women & Song", which remind you just how good the band were, and how well Jon Lord's keyboards sat next to the twin guitar of Moody and Marsden. Slide, rock'n'roll and many a song you wish the band would play live too.

Contrast with the big production and glossy power of "Crying In The Rain"; a more than decent melody and chart hit with Coverdale's great vocals, no matter how much the band had changed.

Throughout the 3 disc set you get a good mix of tracks, in no particular order. Live versions too, old and new, and the odd track from Coverdale/Page and solo.

Sleevenotes from Coverdale and Mick Wall make for a great mix of ballsy rock'n'roll, with a smooth polish and earthy blues in equal measure. As good an introduction as you'll get.

However I personally feel that 3 discs could be put to equally good use giving Slide It In the complete works.

****

Review by Joe Geesin

www.joegeesin.com