Dream Police (Exp)

Japanese reissue of 1979 album, packaged in a limited edition miniature LP gatefold sleeve. 9 tracks & mini-poster of original LP sleeve artwork. Sony. 2003.

Its initial release delayed by the fluke success of Live at Budokan, Cheap Trick's fourth studio album showcases a powerhouse band that was quickly trading in the rough-hewn charms of its club days for this hard-won studio showcase. They skipped "slick" entirely and went straight on to "polished." And if the material here is just a little less visceral than the holy trinity of its first releases, it's also brainier and more musically compelling. The title track remains a marvel of pop-rock perfection, a Jungian nightmare that rocks with all the wallop the Tricksters can muster. "Way of the World" and the underrated ballad "Voices" highlight Robin Zander's vocal range and prowess, while "Gonna Raise Hell" and the ghostly "Need Your Love" offer the band rare chances to show off its awesome musical interplay. Most underrated gem: Tom Petersson's playful, punky three-chord monster, "I Know What I Want." --Jerry McCulley