CHERIE CURRIE Returns With Collection Of Rarities, 'The Cleopatra Sessions'

Cherie Currie, Cleopatra's own Queen Of Noise, is poised for the release of a unique new album, the strictly limited, white label vinyl "The Cleopatra Sessions".

Delving deep into the original Cherry Bomb's 30-year relationship with Cleopatra Records, this stunning purple marble LP features nine tracks, pairing Cherie's inimitable vocals and energy with an all-star cast of superstars — Wayne Kramer (MC5),Marky Ramone (RAMONES),Rick Derringer, James Williamson (THE STOOGES),Tracii Guns (L.A. GUNS),Mick Box (URIAH HEEP) and more!

Many of these tracks are making their first-ever appearance on physical media, and not only feature some of Cherie's favorite songs, but also some of her favorite performers — among them a made-in-heaven partnership with the late Cheetah Chrome (DEAD BOYS).

Cherie recalls: "'I Can See You' was a tough song due to the tempo, but my saving grace was working with my cherished friend Cheetah. I even drove to Las Vegas to be with him when he did his solo.

"Cheetah and I became close friends because of Cleopatra Records, who paired us together often. I am so glad he asked me to sing on his solo album out next year on Cleopatra, which I worked on for three days free of charge just to be on my friend's album. Cheetah made my day, every day and he will be sorely missed."

She was overjoyed, too, to revisit her own past with a sensational new take on THE RUNAWAYS' maiden single, "Cherry Bomb".

"This is my favorite redo," she says. "Working with the late, great Bob Kulick made it so full of spunk and sass, but the extension of the song was such a great idea, I now use it live!"

A glorious version of THE SHANGRI-LAS' deathless death song "Leader Of The Pack" reminds her of the sheer dedication of her supporting cast.

"The vocals for 'Leader Of The Pack' were produced and engineered by Jake Hays, and he deserves credit for it," Cherie says. "He had to shlep all the recording gear to my home, set it up and man the controls, since this was during Covid and before I had my own recording equipment to do this myself."

She has fond memories, also, of Debbie Harry's "For Your Eyes Only", recorded back in 2000, "during my early days with Cleopatra. I was thrilled to work with longtime friends Lanny Lardola, Chuck Wright and Bruce Gowdy. It was a great time with a phenomenal arrangement, and it's one of my favorite songs I've done for Cleopatra." Equally excitingly, "Debbie Harry mentioned to me how she loved it!"

And bringing things bang up to date, "'When You're Young' was a total surprise! I had recorded the entire song with backing harmonies, like I always do as a solo artist for Cleopatra, but when the final mix was sent to me they had turned it into a duet with their new signed artist Essex. It was really fun to work with him on the music video. He is such a kind and talented showman who brought excitement to the song."

"The Cleopatra Sessions" is strictly limited to just 85 copies, with a maximum purchase of two per customer, as the latest in Cleopatra's ongoing series of super-limited collectors editions. Others in the series include rare tracks and unique compilations by THE NEW YORK DOLLS, Johnny Thunders, ANGEL, former HAWKWIND frontman Robert Calvert and goth legends BAUHAUS.

Cherie Currie's "The Cleopatra Sessions" will arrive on December 4.

Side A

01. Cherry Bomb (featuring Wayne Kramer and Marky Ramone)
02. When You're Young (featuring Essex)
03. I Can See You (featuring Cheetah Chrome)
04. Whatever You Do! Don't! (featuring Rick Derringer)

Side B

01. Leader Of The Pack (featuring James Williamson)
02. For Your Eyes Only
03. I Got You Babe
04. Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree (featuring Tracii Guns)
05. Magnet And Steel (featuring Mick Box)