The Blasters - Mandatory: The Best Of The Blasters (2023)

The 21-song set includes the band’s best-known tracks from their first four albums, alongside deep cuts and two songs originally featured on the soundtrack to director Walter Hill’s 1984 cult film, Streets of Fire. From the outset of their career, with such songs as "Marie Marie" to "Border Radio," it was clear Grammy® winner Dave Alvin would be a songwriter to be reckoned with, and brother Phil brings an unparalleled knowledge of American roots music, giving the band a rock-solid musical foundation. Mandatory’s track list was chosen with the full cooperation of the band and will be available on CD and digital. Renowned music journalist Chris Morris has contributed new liner notes, calling Mandatory “a definitive sampling of the Blasters’ recorded work from their 1980-1985 heyday.”

Tracklist:
1.01 - The Blasters - American Music (2:12)
1.02 - The Blasters - Real Rock Drive (2:08)
1.03 - The Blasters - Flat Top Joint (2:31)
1.04 - The Blasters - Marie Marie (2:09)
1.05 - The Blasters - No Other Girl (2:32)
1.06 - The Blasters - I'm Shakin' (2:25)
1.07 - The Blasters - Border Radio (2:49)
1.08 - The Blasters - So Long Baby Goodbye (2:26)
1.09 - The Blasters - Hollywood Bed (3:36)
1.10 - The Blasters - Blue Shadows (3:18)
1.11 - The Blasters - One Bad Stud (2:33)
1.12 - The Blasters - Red Rose (2:34)
1.13 - The Blasters - Jubilee Train (3:07)
1.14 - The Blasters - Long White Cadillac (2:57)
1.15 - The Blasters - Trouble Bound (3:50)
1.16 - The Blasters - Dark Night (3:54)
1.17 - The Blasters - Little Honey (3:38)
1.18 - The Blasters - Samson and Delilah (3:50)
1.19 - The Blasters - Help You Dream (3:43)
1.20 - The Blasters - Common Man (3:45)
1.21 - The Blasters - Kathleen (4:58)