Sweet Platinim Rare 2 Review
Sweet
Platinum Rare 2
Metalville Records
2025
As promised a few months back, Metalville Records has delivered the goods with Platinum Rare 2, the long-awaited second volume in The Sweet’s deep-dive archival series. Originally pressed only on vinyl and tough to track down, this new release sees a wider reissue on both double CD and vinyl, opening the vaults once more for diehard fans and curious newcomers alike.
This collection is a raw, unfiltered look at the original lineup in various stages of creativity - rough mixes, demos, outtakes, and alternate versions that cast familiar songs in a whole new light. And right out of the gate, they hit me with a favorite: “Action.” Why this wasn’t on Platinum Rare 1, I’ll never understand, yeah, fanboy frustration talking, but it’s here now, and that’s what matters. This version is a rough mix, sure, but it moves. It’s not the polished cut from Give Us a Wink, but in many ways, I prefer this one, it’s got grit and adds a dangerous charm that’s hard to ignore. I'm obsessed, admittedly.
Another standout from Disc 1 is “Strange Girl,” originally from 1982’s Identity Crisis. This one appears in demo form, but don’t be fooled, the sound quality is insanely good for a demo. It’s rough around the edges, and that imperfection injects the track with a whole new kind of energy. There’s also an outtake of “Solid Gold Brass” from the Desolation Boulevard era, and it’s killer! The guitar work sizzles, the vocals soar, and Brian Connolly proves once again why he was one of rock’s most commanding frontmen.
Then there's “Are You Coming to See Me?”, a short demo with some rough sound, but man, the riffing and raw feel of it reveals a glimpse into the song’s evolution. You can hear the band working things out in real time, and that process only makes the track more endearing.
Disc 2 opens strong with a muscular, galloping version of “Fever of Love.” It’s labeled a rough mix, but once again, Connolly’s vocals and the band’s tight playing elevate it to something special. “Breakdown” and “Turn It Down” follow in similarly raw form, sounding at times like they were rescued from a boombox in a garage, but even those lo-fi textures carry a kind of charm, especially once your ears adjust to the vibe.
The rest of Disc 2 leans heavily on Andy Scott’s solo demos, and while they’re fun to explore, they lack that signature Sweet spark that only came when all the guys were firing on the same cylinder. Interesting? Essential, maybe not, but worth the listen for completists and curious fans alike.
Platinum Rare 2 hit shelves just a few days ago, and if you’re a fan of The Sweet or classic Glam in general, you need to get your hands on this. The Sweet were the embodiment of Glam Rock swagger, and without them, the Glam and Sleaze explosion of the ‘80s might never have happened. This release is more than just a collection of odds and ends, it’s a reminder of how influential, inventive, and just plain fun this band was.
On a personal note, there’s a bittersweetness to this one. I can’t help but think of my late pal Cam. He would've loved this collection too. We would’ve dissected every version, every production choice, every gritty guitar tone. Music becomes so much more powerful when you have someone to share it with. And this release, just like the band behind it, reminds me that those moments never really die.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: there’s no such thing as too much Sweet music. Huge props to Metalville and Andy Scott to make sure these gems aren’t lost in time. Get it. Crank it. And celebrate the legacy.