Judas Priest

Wisely released as a primer to the upcoming reunion proper of Rob Halford and Judas Priest — scheduled to take place this summer and preceded by the release of a box-set chronicling their entire history — this compilation highlights both the best and worst times of the Halford era of the band. Collecting 13 music videos (most from their '80s heyday), a live concert film from 1986 (their popularity peak but arguably their worst period musically) and six UK television appearances that date back to the '70s, Electric Eye has it all. A number of their videos will be familiar to '80s metal fans. "Breaking The Law," "Freewheel Burning" and "Love Bites" were video show faves, while others, such as the terribly cheesy and overplayed "Turbo Lover," reek even more decades later. The Priest… Live home video film is offered up in its entirely, newly mixed in 5.1 surround, but it hasn't aged well. The band performs to a sold out arena in Dallas, TX on their "Turbo" tour and look completely ridiculous, having bought into the hair metal trends of the late '80s. A mullet-sporting Rob Halford leads his overdressed troops through a full set that covers their entire career. They sound great but look like caricatures of themselves. The highlight of the collection is the television appearances section, which dates back to the mid-'70s. Taking performances from both the Olde Grey Whistle Test and Top Of The Pops, these previously unseen gems feature the band live (for the most part) and at their peak, leading up to, and including, songs from their Killing Machine album. These six tracks make this collection indispensable, even if the Priest… Live film is a total embarrassment. Plus: detailed band discography. (Legacy/Sony)