Iron Maiden - RUNNING FREE ((Vinyl))

Containing single B-sides and outtakes from the same period that spawned Iron Maiden's first album, this disc reveals some interesting sounds which were obviously deemed too experimental for the band's long players. While "Running Free" is the actual album version, the live recording of "Drifter" contained here is notably rougher than the one eventually released on Killers. "Sanctuary" was the band's first single from a year earlier, and though strangely awkward at times, it has remained a live standard throughout their storied career. Less well-known rarities include the highly melodic "Burning Ambition" and a roaring live rendition of "I've got the Fire." And thankfully, most of these once hard-to-find tracks are now readily available on Iron Maiden's late-'90s reissues. [Running Free was also released on a limited-edition 45 RPM EP.] ~ Eduardo Rivadavia

• RSD Release Date: n/a
• Genre: Rock