In keeping with their tradition of releasing epic anniversary box sets of their albums, Whitesnake are due to release their biggest box set yet. The 30th anniversary of their 1989 killer album ‘Slip of the Tongue.’ It’s the latest in their gigantic anniversary collection. And this time around David Coverdale isn’t beating around the bush on material. Not that he did before. But the deluxe box set of the 30th anniversary of ‘Slip of the Tongue’ seems to be a true Whitesnake fan’s collectors item. Complete with a remastered version of the album, unreleased studio recordings, the 1990 Donnington show, music videos and a new interview with the man himself, David Coverdale.
I honestly feel like this set has the potential to be the best of all the remastered box sets. At this point in Whitesnake’s career they were firing on all cylinders. David Coverdale had what is arguably his strongest line-up to date. Consisting of : Rudy Sarzo (bass), Tommy Aldridge (drums), Adrian Vandenberg (guitar) and Steve Vai (guitar). Some fans feel like the band during this period was a bit conformist. And that the members didn’t really fit what Whitesnake is ‘all about.’ But the reality is that this line-up of the band was the peak of performance. Yes, there were some great members post ‘Slip of the Tongue’ era, such as: Warren DeMartini, Doug Aldritch, Reb Beach (still in the band), Michael Devin, Brian Tichey, Joel Hoekstra (current member) and many others. But the ‘Slip of the Tongue’ line-up is what made the current elite standard possible. And it’s shown no better than on the ‘Live At Donnington’ album that’s attached. It’s true that it was available before but having it in the box set it truly appropriate. Anyways, the live document displays world class musicianship, including individual guitar solo features of Adrian Vandenberg and Steve Vai. Plus, a pummeling drum solo from Tommy Aldridge on ‘Crying in the Rain.’
The set also comes with unreleased studio outtakes, interviews with David Coverdale and Co., plus music videos. It’s setting up to be one hell of a box set. The only downfall is that the live document attached: ‘Live at Donnington.’ Has already been released. While previous anniversary box sets have unreleased live material from the era. But, if you don’t have ‘Live At Donnington’ and you’re interested in getting the box set I absolutely say go for it! The entire set is a gem. The coup de gras with this box set is the unreleased material. Such as ‘Sweet Lady Luck (Single B-Side.’) The song comes with the pre-order of the anniversary set. Among other unreleased tracks. This is the anniversary set to rule them all.
