Diamonds in the Rough Vinyl and Digital - Expanded B-Sides Collection

In this review of Diamonds In The Rough the reviewer finds a targeted release for fans who want the rare and unreleased tracks surrounding the band's 2007 debut. The bottom line: this is a well-curated compilation that collects B-sides, rarities and a sought-after unreleased song into a cohesive 16-track package, and the limited edition clear vinyl offers collectible appeal. For listeners who prioritize hard-to-find material and vinyl presentation, this release delivers the primary reason to buy.

Key Features

• Expanded track listing: The 2020 release adds five tracks including the previously unreleased Set Me Free, giving collectors new material not on the original CD.
• B-sides and rarities: The compilation gathers non-album tracks recorded during the debut sessions, making it a single source for scattered fan favorites like St. James and 4AM.
• Cover track included: The album includes the bands cover of Black Sabbaths Paranoid, which appeared on the Covered compilation and adds variety to the set.
• Vinyl presentation: The limited edition clear vinyl provides an attractive physical format for collectors and enhances the listening ritual for vinyl enthusiasts.
• Historic context: The material spans the self-titled debut era and Hail To The King sessions, offering insight into the bands creative leftovers and experiments.

Who It's For

This collection is best for dedicated fans who already own the studio albums and want a compact, remastered source of B-sides, covers and rarities in both digital and vinyl formats. Collectors who value a limited clear vinyl pressing will appreciate the presentation and the unreleased Set Me Free.

Casual listeners who expect a conventional studio album or a greatest hits retrospective should look elsewhere; the material is assembled from outtakes and non-album tracks, so it appeals most to those interested in deeper cuts and archival releases.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Consolidates rare B-sides and non-album tracks into a single, easy-to-find release for fans and collectors.
• The vinyl pressing is praised by customers for its visual quality and collectible clear appearance.
• The addition of the unreleased Set Me Free gives the 2020 edition a tangible incentive over earlier releases.

Cons

• The collection is archival by nature and may not appeal to listeners seeking a cohesive new studio album experience.

Specifications

Title	Diamonds In The Rough
Label	Warner Records
Format	Limited clear vinyl and digital
Tracks	16 tracks (expanded 2020 release)
Notable inclusions	Set Me Free (unreleased), St. James, 4AM, Lost It All, Paranoid (cover)
Original release	2008 CD as part of DVD+CD Live in the LBC/Diamonds in the Rough

Our Verdict

Diamonds In The Rough is a strong archival package for fans and collectors, offering a curated selection of rarities and a valuable unreleased track on attractive clear vinyl. Buy it if you want a single release that gathers hard-to-find material; skip it if you need a standard studio album rather than a B-sides compilation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this release include previously unreleased tracks?
Yes. The 2020 expansion adds five tracks, notably the unreleased Set Me Free from the Hail To The King sessions.

Is the album available on vinyl?
Yes. The 2020 edition was issued on limited edition clear vinyl, which customers have praised for its appearance.

Are there cover songs on the compilation?
Yes. The set includes the bands cover of Black Sabbaths Paranoid, previously issued on the Covered compilation.