JAKE E. LEE – RARE WORKS 1981-2025 DEFINITIVE EDITION (1CD)
$35.00
ZODIAC – CD
Description
Ultimate Rare Tracks Compilation STEREO SBD
Jake E. Lee’s smash hit rare track collection is back with an expanded collection! It will be released on a press CD to permanently preserve even more treasures!
This work features 18 stereo soundboard recordings. It is an official, super-definitive album that offers a panoramic view of the careers of artists other than Ozzy Osbourne with ultra-high sound quality.
Not only his work with Ray Gillan on BADLANDS, but also his early days with RATT and ROUGH CUTT, and even a number of other elusive projects… Jake is best known as the “former Ozzy Osbourne guitar genius,” but looking back, his career is truly diverse. He roamed the competitive LA metal scene and participated in a variety of projects. While most of his bands and projects didn’t result in official albums, he did leave his mark on individual songs. This album brings together those rare tracks. It’s a soundboard album that allows you to enjoy a total of 18 tracks from six bands and projects in superb quality.
Anyway, the best way to introduce these rare tracks is to go through them one by one. Let’s get started.
[Before Ozzy: MICKEY RATT in 1981 (1 song)]
First up is RATT, led by Stephen Pearcy. Jake was a member when they were still called “MICKEY RATT.” At the time, RATT had no debut members other than Stephen, with Bob Delellis on side guitar and Matt Thrall and Dave Alford in the rhythm section, who would go on to become members of the early ROUGH CUTT. Jake also kept his real name, Williams.
First up is RATT, led by Stephen Pearcy. Jake was a member when they were still called “MICKEY RATT.” At the time, RATT had no debut members other than Stephen, with Bob Delellis on side guitar and Matt Thrall and Dave Alford in the rhythm section, who would go on to become members of the early ROUGH CUTT. Jake also kept his real name, Williams.
Although they never made any official recordings, Steven later released a collection of their early rarities, “The Garage Tape Days 78-81,” which also includes “Top Secret.” While technically classified as a demo, for a fledgling band, each demo represents a serious battle for their future. This track, too, is of official quality in both finish and sound, allowing you to enjoy the collaboration of a young Jake and Steven with the same quality as their debut releases.
[Before Ozzy: ROUGH CUTT, 1981-1982 (2 songs)]
Despite leaving behind some impressive demos, Jake and drummer Dave Alford left RATT in 1981. They joined forces with renowned singer Paul Shortino to form ROUGH CUTT. While this project didn’t result in an album, Jake finally made his record debut. That memorable debut album was the 1983 LA metal compilation “LA’S HOTTEST UNSIGNED ROCK BANDS,” in which he contributed two tracks as ROUGH CUTT: “A Little Kindness” and “Used & Abused.” This compilation is extremely rare, having never been officially released on CD, and this release features a pristine copy digitized from the original.
Despite leaving behind some impressive demos, Jake and drummer Dave Alford left RATT in 1981. They joined forces with renowned singer Paul Shortino to form ROUGH CUTT. While this project didn’t result in an album, Jake finally made his record debut. That memorable debut album was the 1983 LA metal compilation “LA’S HOTTEST UNSIGNED ROCK BANDS,” in which he contributed two tracks as ROUGH CUTT: “A Little Kindness” and “Used & Abused.” This compilation is extremely rare, having never been officially released on CD, and this release features a pristine copy digitized from the original.
The contents are truly a treasure. While Mickey Ratt was fantastic, Rough Cut was produced entirely by Ronnie James Dio himself (keyboards were also handled by Claude Schnell, who would later join DIO). Not only is the sound excellent, but the songs themselves are also superb, and the vocal and guitar performances are worthy of being called masterpieces. It easily dispels the prejudice that often clings to rare tracks: “They’re just crappy tunes.” It’s a cultural loss that such great songs and classic tracks are still unavailable on official CDs. This is a treasure worth mentioning.
[After Ozzy: BADLANDS 1988-1992 (8 songs)]
After ROUGH CUTT, Jake made his major debut with Ozzy Osbourne. He changed the course of heavy metal history with “Howl at the Moon” and “Crime and Punishment.” If you’ve read this article, you’re probably well aware of his achievements, so I won’t go into detail here. This album moves on to his later band, the legendary BADLANDS.
After ROUGH CUTT, Jake made his major debut with Ozzy Osbourne. He changed the course of heavy metal history with “Howl at the Moon” and “Crime and Punishment.” If you’ve read this article, you’re probably well aware of his achievements, so I won’t go into detail here. This album moves on to his later band, the legendary BADLANDS.
●1988: 4 Demos
BADLANDS is the pinnacle of Jake’s music. For that reason alone, there are many rare tracks, and this album also features eight hidden gems. The content is roughly divided into two types, with the first four tracks being demos for the debut album (only “The Last Time” made it onto the second album). These takes have been known for some time, but for this album they have been digitized from tapes owned by the late Ray Gillan. This ultimate take with the best sound ever has been pressed.
BADLANDS is the pinnacle of Jake’s music. For that reason alone, there are many rare tracks, and this album also features eight hidden gems. The content is roughly divided into two types, with the first four tracks being demos for the debut album (only “The Last Time” made it onto the second album). These takes have been known for some time, but for this album they have been digitized from tapes owned by the late Ray Gillan. This ultimate take with the best sound ever has been pressed.
●1991-1992: Four Officially Rare Tracks
Next up are tracks produced after the second album, “VOODOO HIGHWAY,” and they’re incredibly rare. “Time Goes By,” a song written for the World Athletics Championships, was also a rare track, released only on a Japanese CD single, but it’s still a real treat. Even more precious is “Want To Live With You.” This song was written at the request of a Japanese friend, and was actually the theme song for a local bank in Wakayama Prefecture. This rarest of tracks was only included on a non-commercial CD single distributed exclusively by the bank, and in addition to the track featuring Ray’s vocals, we’ve also included an instrumental version as a coupling track.
Next up are tracks produced after the second album, “VOODOO HIGHWAY,” and they’re incredibly rare. “Time Goes By,” a song written for the World Athletics Championships, was also a rare track, released only on a Japanese CD single, but it’s still a real treat. Even more precious is “Want To Live With You.” This song was written at the request of a Japanese friend, and was actually the theme song for a local bank in Wakayama Prefecture. This rarest of tracks was only included on a non-commercial CD single distributed exclusively by the bank, and in addition to the track featuring Ray’s vocals, we’ve also included an instrumental version as a coupling track.
The final track is “Jade’s Song,” a familiar track from his debut album. While the album featured an acoustic version, this take is a different version, adding electric instruments, just like the live performances from that time. It was released under his solo name, but the performance was by BADLANDS.
[Post-BADLANDS: 1994’s WICKED ALLIANCE (4 songs)]
After BADLANDS disbanded, Jake released his next album with his 1996 solo album, “A FINE PINK MIST,” but before that he had started another project. That was the elusive band, WICKED ALLIANCE. Its members included former WWIII members Jimmy Bain and Mandy Lion, as well as Ray Luzier, who would later join KORN. WWIII was originally a band formed by Jimmy and Vinny Appice, but Vinny and Tracy G joined the band to rebuild DIO. Jake joined the remaining Jimmy and Muddy.
After BADLANDS disbanded, Jake released his next album with his 1996 solo album, “A FINE PINK MIST,” but before that he had started another project. That was the elusive band, WICKED ALLIANCE. Its members included former WWIII members Jimmy Bain and Mandy Lion, as well as Ray Luzier, who would later join KORN. WWIII was originally a band formed by Jimmy and Vinny Appice, but Vinny and Tracy G joined the band to rebuild DIO. Jake joined the remaining Jimmy and Muddy.
Although they didn’t end up releasing an album, they did produce demos. These are the four tracks on this album. They may seem a little underwhelming, but they’re actually quite a find. Those familiar with WWIII might guess that Mandy has a vocal quality very similar to Paul Di’Anno, with an even more aggressive style (closer to Di’Anno’s in the Killers). While Badlands was a mellow blues rock band, Wicked Alliance seems to have aimed for a heavier, more Ozzy Osbourne-esque direction, allowing you to enjoy Jake’s metallic, thumping guitar for the first time in a while.
[After BADLANDS: 2000’s BOURGEOIS PIGS (1 song)]
Another legendary band: BOURGEOIS PIGS. This super band was centered around SHARK ISLAND’s Richard Black and Michael Guy, featuring Tony Franklin (formerly of BLUE MURDER/WHITESNAKE) on bass and Matt Sorum (formerly of GUNS N’ ROSES) on drums. This includes the only demo from this project, “Calamities Of Vanity.”
Another legendary band: BOURGEOIS PIGS. This super band was centered around SHARK ISLAND’s Richard Black and Michael Guy, featuring Tony Franklin (formerly of BLUE MURDER/WHITESNAKE) on bass and Matt Sorum (formerly of GUNS N’ ROSES) on drums. This includes the only demo from this project, “Calamities Of Vanity.”
[Appeared on Ozzy Osbourne’s final album, BACK TO THE BEGINNING (2 songs)] ★New★
Jake’s activities stagnated in the 21st century. Despite guest appearances on his second solo album, “RETRACED” (2005) and ENUFF Z’NUFF’s “DISSONANCE” (2009), he went into semi-retirement. He then returned with his new band, RED DRAGON CARTEL, releasing two studio albums, “RED DRAGON CARTEL” (2014) and “PATINA” (2018).
Jake’s activities stagnated in the 21st century. Despite guest appearances on his second solo album, “RETRACED” (2005) and ENUFF Z’NUFF’s “DISSONANCE” (2009), he went into semi-retirement. He then returned with his new band, RED DRAGON CARTEL, releasing two studio albums, “RED DRAGON CARTEL” (2014) and “PATINA” (2018).
Jake continued to suffer from misfortune, including carpal tunnel syndrome and being involved in a shooting incident (!), but he made a comeback by appearing at Ozzy Osbourne’s retirement event, “BACK TO THE BEGINNING.” The album concludes with new tracks, “The Ultimate Sin” and “Shot In The Dark,” which were performed at this historic event.
The band is backed by an all-star metal band, including Ozzy Osbourne-related Adam Wakeman, Mike Bordin, and former Megadeth member David Ellefson, while the front is also filled by rising stars like Halestorm’s Lizzie Hale and Disturbed’s David Draiman.
Nuno Bettencourt is particularly impressive. He supports Jake on his first stage since the shooting, and even casually leaves the stage after making sure he can play well so that the spotlight can be on Jake.
“Jake’s return!” was a major highlight of the event, and Nuno was the driving force behind it.
This is a collection of 18 treasures. From the early days of famous bands to numerous phantom projects, this soundboard album lets you enjoy the real sounds of careers that have previously only been mentioned in biographies. Moreover, everything is of the highest quality, even the demos are fully official. This semi-official behind-the-scenes masterpiece lets you experience the entire career of genius guitarist Jake E. Lee in one go. This album has been resurrected with the addition of modern treasures. Please enjoy it to the fullest on this permanently preserved press CD.
This expanded edition of the hugely popular collection of ultimate rare tracks features not only Badlands but also early Mickey Ratt and Rough Cutt projects, all in official quality, stereo soundboard recordings that offer a comprehensive look at the careers of artists other than Ozzy Osbourne.
(77:20)
MICKEY RATT (1981)
1. Top Secret (Garage Demo)
1. Top Secret (Garage Demo)
Stephen Pearcy – Vocals
Jake Williams (Jake E. Lee) – Lead Guitar
Bob DeLellis – Rhythm Guitar
Matt Thorr – Bass
David Alford – Drums
Jake Williams (Jake E. Lee) – Lead Guitar
Bob DeLellis – Rhythm Guitar
Matt Thorr – Bass
David Alford – Drums
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ROUGH CUTT (1981-1982)
2. A Little Kindness
3. Used & Abused
ROUGH CUTT (1981-1982)
2. A Little Kindness
3. Used & Abused
Paul Shortino – Vocals
Jake Williams (Jake E. Lee) – Guitar
Joey Cristo (Joey Cristofanilli) – Bass
Claude Steel (Claude Schnell) – Keyboards
David Alford – Drums
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BADLANDS (One on One Demo 1988)
4. Devil’s Stomp
5. The Last Time
6. Rumbilin’ Train
7. Seasons
BADLANDS (One on One Demo 1988)
4. Devil’s Stomp
5. The Last Time
6. Rumbilin’ Train
7. Seasons
Ray Gillen – Vocals
Jake E. Lee – Guitar
Greg Chaisson – Bass
Eric Singer – Drums
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BADLANDS (1991-1992)
8. Want To Live With You (Promo Single)
9. Time Goes By (Single)
10. Want To Live With You [Instrumental] (Promo Single)
11. Jade’s Song
BADLANDS (1991-1992)
8. Want To Live With You (Promo Single)
9. Time Goes By (Single)
10. Want To Live With You [Instrumental] (Promo Single)
11. Jade’s Song
Ray Gillen – Vocals (Tracks 8,9)
Jake E. Lee – Guitar & Piano
Greg Chaisson – Bass
Jeff Martin – Drums
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WICKED ALLIANCE (Twisted Beauty Demo 1994)
12. The Rust
13. World Gone Wild
14. Kiss This
15. Blood Provider
WICKED ALLIANCE (Twisted Beauty Demo 1994)
12. The Rust
13. World Gone Wild
14. Kiss This
15. Blood Provider
Mandy Lion – Vocals
Jake E. Lee – Guitar
Jimmy Bain – Bass
Ray Lucier – Drums
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BOURGEOIS PIGS (Demo 2000)
16. Calamities Of Vanity
BOURGEOIS PIGS (Demo 2000)
16. Calamities Of Vanity
Richard Black – Vocal
Jake E. Lee – Guitar
Michael Guy – Guitar
Tony Franklin – Bass
Matt Sorum – Drums
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Back to the Beginning: Live at Villa Park, Birmingham, UK 5th July 2025
Back to the Beginning: Live at Villa Park, Birmingham, UK 5th July 2025
17. Introduction
18. The Ultimate Sin (with Lzzy Hale, David Ellefson, Adam Wakeman, Nuno Bettencourt & Mike Bordin)
19. Shot In The Dark (with David Draiman, David Ellefson, Adam Wakeman, Nuno Bettencourt & Mike Bordin)
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STEREO SOUNDBOARD RECORDING
