Back in the 80’s, record companies would put out compilations on cassette only. They weren’t really official band releases, but the labels did it anyway. While I was at a record show, I found this tape by Cheap Trick that I had never seen before. It was a CBS Special Product and it was only available on cassette. It is called “Love to Rock” and it is a short compilation of Cheap Trick songs from 1977 up to the 80’s. This was released back in 1988 and I am sure was to capitalize on the band’s new popularity with their new hit “The Flame”, which isn’t on here by the way.

For fun, let’s go through the track list and see what they gave us. Not a bade tracklist, but might not be one I would’ve chosen, but what I do know, I’m not a suit at a record company that has no idea what the buying public really wants.

Side One kicks off with “I Want You To Want Me” from the 1977 album ‘In Color’. The first single and one of their most well-known songs is up next. “I Want You To Want Me” did nothing as a single and didn’t chart, not until it was released as a single off Budokan and we will talk about that in a couple reviews. This version doesn’t have the energy as the live version, but doesn’t mean it isn’t good. The song is a real treat as it is so playful and a finger-snapping good time. There is a some cool guitar picking with almost a country twang and a piano interlude that is fast and frenzied. The song might like the power of the live version, but you can’t deny its whimsical stylings.

Next is “Mondocello” off their other 1977 album, simply titled ‘Cheap Trick’. I remember the song sucked the energy right out of the debut album. With a heavy bass line and and slowed down tempo, the song drags along while Robin’s angelic singing style doesn’t actually breathe any life in to the song. The chorus though feels like the Beatles with the harmonies and is almost a saving grace but not quite. And it sucks it here too!

We jump to the 80’s with the “World’s Greatest Lover” off their 1980 album “All Shook Up”. The title of the song actually comes from a line in the song “I Know What I Want” off the Dream Police album. The song is pure Beatles and this time around is a ballad. Robin sounds a lot like Lennon on this one. It actually tells the story of a guy trapped in a foxhole in World War 1 at least that is what I read. Out of all the songs on the album, this one is more the blatantly The Beatles and who better than George Martin and engineer Geoff Emerick to help you get that sound.

The final track on Side One is “Ain’t That A Shame” from ‘at Budokan’. It is a cover of the Fats Domino classic “Ain’t That A Shame” and they take this blues treat and rock it out with a small Rick guitar solo bit at the front and huge build up and Bun E. slamming the skins with Tom laying down the groove and then the song kicks in to gear with Robin bringing his bluesy best…well, as bluesy as he can get. It is now really a straight up rock song. Tom’s bass is the driving force as you hear him thumping away as Rick is throwing guitar riffs, chords and the kitchen sink at you. It is a fun ride. The song was released as a single and went to #35 on the Billboard Charts.

Side Two kicks off with “Voices” from 1979’s ‘Dream Police’. The only ballad on the album. The string orchestration is brought back and we get a kind of an ELO vibe in the musical styling of the song, but vocally Robin seems more Beatles, it is an interesting mix. Rick’s solo on this one fits it perfectly. It isn’t overpowering that it makes it a power ballad, but it compliments it adds enough flavor to make this one of the bands best ballads. I love the layering of Robin’s vocals during the chorus like it is a duet with himself. As if he is hearing “voices” in his head…brilliant!!

Then we get “Taxman, Mr. Thief” another off the debut. Straight up rock with this one. Nothing overly dramatic, more simple and straightforward and it works. In the song they even give a shout out to the Beatles in the lyrics which is a band they’ve been compared to a lot. Although the song is a little softer, calling the Taxman, Mr. Thief is another punk and rock & roll thing to do. I like the attitude they had at this stage in their career. There was a hunger and angst which you can’t help but love.

This is followed by “Oh, Caroline” which is off ‘In Color”. It has a little punk edge to it and is another rocking track. There is no denying the band is the king of that power pop sound as this is a great example. Simple and sweet!

And finally, we get “Dream Police” which is from ‘Dream Police’…duh. It comes roaring out of the gates and is upbeat as it starts off with the chorus and then goes straight in to the first verse. The organ/keyboards add an eerie, spooky feel to the song which is appropriate as the song is about Big Brother watching you. Bun E. Carlos’ drums are spectacular adding perfect fills. Petersson’s bass during the creepy Robin speaking vocals adds so much texture. The song is catchy as hell and bores in to your brain as sweet ear candy. The orchestration to it gives it an even more dramatic vibe and feels a little like The Who. It is all simply magic. The song broke the Top 40 landing at #23.

And that is it. Only 8 songs so it is get in get out and a cheap way to put out product. Strictly a cash grab from the record label. The band doesn’t even recognize it as an official release so that tells you all you need to know. I still think it is cool to grab a copy because this is the only format it is available and it is cheap so why not. Hell, cheap Cheap Trick is always good. My Overall Score is a 2.5 out of 5.0 Stars, not great, but not too bad either.

The Cheap Trick Collection Series:

1. Cheap Trick (1977)
2. In Color (1977)
3. Heaven Tonight (1978)
4. Cheap Trick at Budokan (1978)
5. Dream Police (1979)
6. Found All The Parts (1980)
7. All Shook Up (1980)
8. One On One (1982)
9. Next Position Please (1983)
10. Standing on the Edge (1985)
11. “Tonight It’s You” (1985) – 7″ Single (Bonus Edition)
12. “Mighty Wings” (1986) – 7″ Single (Bonus Edition)
13. The Doctor (1986)
14. Lap Of Luxury (1988)
15. “The Flame” (1988) – 7″ Single (Bonus Edition)
16. “Ghost Town” (1988) – CD Single Promo (Bonus Edition)
17. Love to Rock (1988) – Cassette Only Compilation
18. Busted (1990)
19. Woke Up With A Monster (1994)
20. Sex, America, Cheap Trick (1996) – Box Set
21. “I Want You To Want Me” (Alternate Version) (1996) – 7″ Single (Bonus Edition)
22. Cheap Trick (1997)
23. Cheap Trick at Budokan: The Complete Concert (1998)
24. Music For Hangovers (1999)
25. Special One (2003)
26. Rockford (2006)
27. The Latest (2009)
28. The Epic Archive, Vol. 1 (1975-1979) (2015)
29. The Epic Archive, Vol. 2 (1980-1983) (2015)
30. The Epic Archive, Vol. 3 (1984-1990) (2015)
31. Bang, Zoom, Crazy…Hello (2016)
32. We’re All Alright! (2017)
33. Christmas Christmas (2017)
34. Are You Ready? Live 12/31/1979 (2019)
35. “Gimme Some Truth” (RSD Black Friday 2019)
36. Out To Get You! Live 1977 (2020)
37. In Another World (2021)
38. The Albums Ranked Worst to First
39. Cheap Trick – The Best & Worst Song of Every Album