REVIEW: Bon Jovi – Red Hot and 2 Parts Live (1985 EP)

 

All hail the mighty Aaron of the KMA.  He is a very generous man.  He is known to send parcels to friends all over the world, and he always keeps an eye out for things that people look for.  He’s incredible that way, and he deserves a tremendous amount of recognition for all he does for the Community.

 

BON JOVI – Red Hot and 2 Parts Live (1985 red vinyl Polygram EP)

Preamble:  Although I forgot about this, back in the fall Aaron did his regular Toronto shopping excursion.  He found a Bon Jovi 12″ single that I’d never seen before.  But I was tapped out, cash wise.  I had done my own Toronto trip to pick up an an absolutely massive toy for my collection.  Apparently he texted me about the Bon Jovi, and I asked him to leave it there because I couldn’t afford it.  Naturally he bought it anyway and secretly stashed it away.

Aaron sent me a big box of goodies for Christmas (and reviews of those will come too!) but the Bon Jovi was the centerpiece.  I didn’t actually open this box of goodies until Easter.  Due to illness and circumstance, our family finally just got around to celebrating Christmas.  I saved his box until then.

This three song EP, on brilliant clear red vinyl, has two live tracks and one remix.  “Hardest Part is the Night” (from 7800° Fahrenheit) was mixed by David Theoner though the differences are minor.  Interestingly, it was also issued as its own single with “Always Run to You” on the B-side.

The other two tracks were recorded live in Japan in 1985.  “Tokyo Road” was later released on the remastered 7800° Fahrenheit as a bonus track, but that CD doesn’t look nearly as pretty as this vinyl.  It’s a little odd hearing Jon introduce it by saying, “Welcome back to ‘Tokyo Road’…” when in fact they were the visitors in Tokyo, but whatever!  Jon’s the professional frontman, not me.  “In and Out of Love” is the real treat, featuring an extended guitar solo, and a different version from the one on 7800° Fahrenheit.  The track is still over 10 minutes long with all that (smoking) noodlin’, but Sambora fans who miss him will want to have this.

Fans of early Bon Jovi — hunt down this EP.  Get it or live your life without this awesome live Bon Jovi that you won’t get otherwise.

4.5/5 stars

 

48 comments

      1. More cracknip, to be honest. That and picture discs – I got Skid Row ’18 & Life’ on shaped picture disc yesterday, still thrills me.

        Like

        Reply

  2. Yae! Nice one, Aaron!! I’m a sucker for red vinyl, man… it just looks lovely, huh?

    And Bon Jovi have a track that’s 10 minutes long? Colour me intrigued red.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

        2. I know, I could have thrown a rock across the river and hit Jersey.

          I am thinking I didn’t even bother looking. I was thinking Kiss & Def Lep all day. 3 Kiss and 1 Def Lep now in collection

          Liked by 1 person

        3. Well that’s a fine score there and I put both bands above Bon Jovi in terms of priority in my life. Speaking of whom, I’m looking forward to that live Def Lep EP coming out. I will need that.

          Liked by 1 person

        5. I don’t know if I’m going out this year, or hoping James Kalyn will get it. I mean, if you’re willing to pay through the teeth, you can always get it at any time…but I’d rather just pay retail price.

          Anyway, not sure yet what I’m doing.

          Liked by 1 person

  5. Christmas at Easter! Celebrating the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus all in one day! The guy’s gotta be exhausted…

    Man I’m so glad you dug the record. When you texted me about it several times, discoveries about its features etc, I could tell you were excited and that, in turn, makes me happy too! Enjoy, brother! COMMUNITY!

    Also, I think you nailed the pics of the red vinyl. It looks fantastic.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Jesus had a really busy day this year! And yeah this record was a shocker. It’s the kind of thing I would have bought had I seen it before. So clearly, I never have!

      Like

      Reply

        1. LOL and notice how when I’m involved, usually shit is too. This is a consistent pattern. I am not sure if I should analyse this any further. LOL

          Like

  11. I’m just finishing the Potter series. On the last book at the moment. Then I’ll try and tackle the movies. Bon Jovi. I think I’m leaning to the side wherw there’s no Bon Jovi without Ritchie. Although I don’t’ think for the last years when he was in the band there was no Bon Jovi either. No ones heart seemed to be in it. It was just muzak. And I still kept hoping that and still actually do that maybe one day they surprise even themselves and make a good album again and not the muzak stuff they seem to be into these days. Clever me…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  12. Pingback: Bon Jovi – ‘Red Hot and 2 Parts Live’ E.P. – 12″ Single – 2 Loud 2 Old Music

Rock a Reply