A slightly expanded reissue of a 1994 odds-and-sods compilation, Ruff Stuff consists primarily of cast-offs and alternate versions of songs recorded during the Sharks' sessions for their 1993 reunion album Recreational Killer. These loose demo recordings come closer to the band's original punky rockabilly spirit than the slightly too manicured finished album did, but the two re-recordings of older Sharks tunes, "Death Row" and "Take a Razor to Your Head," are mere soundalikes. Similarly, the one new song on this 2006 reissue is simply an early take on new bassist Chris Day's songwriting showcase "Hooker," this time with an R&B-influenced electric bassline instead of the traditional standup slap bass. Potentially interesting to trainspotters, but otherwise inessential, Ruff Stuff is strictly for devoted fans. ~ Stewart Mason|

Rovi