In 1980, not sure if the record label was capitalizing on Scorpions growing success or what they were doing, but the released this 2LP set called “Rock Galaxy”. It isn’t a compilation album…nope. It is a re-release of two of the bands albums…’Fly to the Rainbow’ (1974) and ‘In Trance’ (1975). It was released in 1980, out of Germany, but sold across Europe as you can see from the back cover. It would see re-issues later in Spain and Greece, but my copy is from Germany.

The release I have is a 2LP set and on a wonderful gatefold. The inside picture is of the band and not a great one at that as Klaus is either frightened or he is just totally uncomfortable getting his picture taken. The story of the band is on written in both English and German and is called ‘The Scorpions Chronicle’ or in German as ‘Die Scorpions Chronik’.

The album at least isn’t controversial. It is basically plain and utterly awful. I hope the band didn’t have an input in the cover, because if they did I would question their sanity. We already know record labels were full of idiots so if they chose the cover it then makes sense. However, it is the awful cover that is the main reason I bought this. I already have the two albums, but dang, that cover is so bad I had to have it.

Since we’ve already reviewed these albums, I will only include a snippet of the reviews here as you can go back and check out the full reviews when you have time…okay, how about right now.

‘FLY TO THE RAINBOW’ (1974):

The first half of the album is pretty stellar as the band has started to find their groove with this more hard rock sound. The back half was weaker but didn’t bring you down too much.  Uli’s guitar playing is a shot in the arm for the band and Klaus finally gets to show what he can do and that is sing the shit out of the songs.  With a rhythm section that consists of Rudolf and Francis, you are in for a treat.  This is the only album with Jurgen on drums and he leaves his mark as he has some great fills and moments throughout.  A step up from the debut, but still not quite classic status although did really enjoy this one.

‘IN TRANCE’ (1975):

I have seen the album listed as the band’s first “real” album and that would be because it is the start of the classic Scorpions sound that made them famous.  Tighter songs and straight up hard rock. The progressive sounds of the earlier albums are gone and replaced with a more in your face, wham bam thank you ‘mam attitude.  What is also really cool about this album is that there is an overall sadness to it which I think adds a lot of magic to the sound.  The front half of this album is pure brilliance and the back half has a few misses, but in a total overall picture, it is a fantastic record. 

And there you have it. A completely unnecessary release and truly awful album cover, but so what. I had to have it. No rankings as this isn’t anything different than the original albums so we will treat this as a bonus edition to the series. I hope you enjoyed!

NEXT UP: BLACKOUT (1982)

THE SCORPIONS COLLECTION SERIES:

1. Lonesome Crow (1972)
2. Fly to the Rainbow (1974)
3. In Trance (1975)
4. Virgin Killer (1976)
5. Taken by Force (1977)
6. Tokyo Tapes (1978)
7. Lovedrive (1979)
8. Best of Scorpions (1979)
9. Animal Magnetism (1980)
10. Rock Galaxy (1980) – Bonus Edition
11. Blackout (1982)
12. Hot & Heavy (1982)
13. Love at First Sting (1984)
14. Still Loving You Maxi Single (1984)
15. Best of Scorpions Vol. 2 (1984)
16. Gold Ballads (1984)
17. World Wide Live (1985)
18. Savage Amusement (1988)
19. Rhythm of Love – Single (Box Set) (1988)
20. Best of Rockers ‘n’ Ballads (1989)
21. Crazy World (1990)
22. Crazy World – 4 Track From Crazy World Promo Vinyl (1990)
23. Tease Me Please Me Promo CD (1990)
24. Don’t Believe Her Promo CD (1990)
25. Send Me An Angle Promo CD (1991)
26. Face the Heat (1993)
27. Live Bites (1995)
28. Pure Instinct (1996)
29. Big City Nights (Compilation) (1998)
30. Eye II Eye (1999)
31. Moment of Glory (with Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra) (2000)
32. Acoustica (2001)
33. Unbreakable (2004)
34. Humanity: Hour 1 (2007)
35. Sting in the Tail (2010)
36. Comeblack (2011)
37. MTV Unplugged – Live in Athens (2013)
38. Return to Forever (2015)
39. Rock Believer (2022)
40. The Albums Ranked Worst to First