Singer of European origin but established in Canada, PARIS BLACK (seems to be his real name) released this self-titled album - his second - in 1990, as far I know only in North America. According to the era with solo artists, the idea was to provide a solid backbone of session musicians and skilled songwriters, a pristine production, and an overall commercial sound. "Paris Black" is a typical product from the late '80s with a Hi-Tech / light AOR sound, and while these genres have been previously presented on the blog, this should be the more poppy CD ever posted here.
As said, Paris got song contributions from the likes of Michael Bolton, Bob Halligan Jnr, The Arrows' Dean McTaggart, Diane Warren, David Roberts and more, so there's good penned music on offer here. Paris' vocals are smooth & clean, and the general arrangements are centered around synths, lots of synths, electronic drums, light guitars and nice backing vocals. Think Rod McInnes, Keven Jordan, Alan Frew solo, but even more light. There's upbeat numbers, some breezy ballads and a couple of danceable tracks that I don't care much, but all really pleasant, working great as background music.
"Paris Black" is a cool album, really well produced with 'that' clinical precision, nothing outstanding yet enjoyable nonetheless. Never reissued, it has become a rarity scarcely ever seen at auction sites.
01 - Conspiracy 02 - Heaven Sent 03 - My Heart Is Still Young 04 - Letting Go 05 - Barely In Love 06 - Danced In My Direction 07 - I Don't Wanna Be Your Friend 08 - Bang Bang 09 - Don't Say Goodnight 10 - If I Could Dance With You 11 - Every Emotion
Paris Black - Vocals Richard Buck, Guido Diodati, Mark Berry - Keyboards, Bass, Drums, Percussion Larry Mancini - Guitars John Bianchini - Guitars, Mandolin George Orphanos - Guitars, Side Guitar Valerie Hallman - Vocals (duet on 3) Martin Davio - Sax Kenny MacLean (Platinum Blonde), Lorraine Scott, Marcia English, Dean McTaggart, Keith Powers, Paris Black - Back-Up Vocals
Swedes 220 VOLT released three quite good albums at the beginning of the '80s, with a classic Euro metal sound similar to the first Europe. But in the middle of the decade, their recording label saw a strong potential in 220 Volt to be launched on the prosperous American market. So the band decided to re-work their sound into a marvelous, Scandinavian-style Melodic Hard Rock.
"Eye To Eye" was the result, and believe me, if you never heard this album you're missing something great. With the extremely talented Max Norman (Ozzy, Coney Hatch, Y&T) producing, mixing and engineering, 220 Volt obtained a punchy, glossy, awesome polished sound ready to conquer the world. Released in Europe in 1988 "Eye To Eye" was pretty successful, with its consequent US / Canada edition the following year (actually there were few months in between) and different artwork.
What can I say about the songs... all are killer, prime Melodic Hard Rock numbers. One of the highlights opens the album in the form of the moving "The Harder They Come", followed by another blast in "I'm On Fire". A favorite of mine is the AORish "Beat Of A Heart" with some Def Leppard on it, and then title track is one of the more elaborated MHR tunes ever produced by the band with a Treat / Return feel and a terrific chorus. Next, "Love Is All You Need" is a golden Scandi mid-tempo AOR power ballad with ethereal keys and skyscraper vocals. If these initial monster 5 songs does not hit you, you don't like this musical genre. Those are what '80s Melodic Hard Rock is all about.
More quality follow with the catchy "Live It Up", 220 Volt show some of their Euro metal past on the heavier (but melodic) "Dog Eat Dog", while the pretty Americanized "Dangerous" brings to mind Ratt and alike. Then arrives another absolute highlight: "Still In Love", one of the best '80s ballad ever created and criminally ignored on every 'best of' ballad list. It's elegant, melodic, plenty of harmonics and a pristine production. "On The Other Side" is a cool rocker only appeared in the American release, hence, it's very 'Californian' with hair metal choruses all over.
The gem that is "Eye To Eye" needed a remastering, and it happened in 2003 with this now out of print, limited release by US label Power Play Records (officially licensed by Sony Music). The remastering is excellent, fuller and balanced. The reissue features 2 exclusive bonus tracks; the really worthy melodic hard rocker "Criminal" pumped by a huge rhythm section and driven by great guitars, and a remix of the diamond "Still In Love".
It's a shame this remastered reissue is deleted now, as the album has become extremely hard to find. The only thing I do not like it's the re-vamped artwork that does not reflects the melodious music packed inside. I prefer the much better original European cover. "Eye To Eye" is an awesome record, a must have in your Melodic Hard Rock / AOR collection.
01 - The Harder They Come 02 - I'm On Fire 03 - Beat Of A Heart 04 - Eye To Eye 05 - Love Is All You Need 06 - Live It Up 07 - Dog Eat Dog 08 - Dangerous 09 - Still In Love 10 - Money Talks 11 - On The Other Side 12 - Criminal [Bonus Track] 13 - Still In Love (Remix) [Bonus Track]
Joakim Lundholm - Lead & Backing Vocals Peter Olander - Guitars, Backing Vocals Mats Karlsson - Guitars, Keyboards, Backing Vocals Mikael Larsson - Bass Peter Hermansson - Drums Max Norman - Backing Vocals Michael Reiter - Backing Vocals on 7
LIONEL'S DAD is the pseudonym of songwriter / multi-intrumentalist Mark Towner Williams, a complete musician and Music Industry veteran, who has worked with the likes of Paul Rodgers, Eddie Money, Don Henley, Tina Tuner and many more, as session or touring musician. Mark is primarily drummer, studied with Joe Porcaro (Jeff's father) and attended Berklee College of Music, and most notoriously, he's the brother of Toto's lead singer Joseph Williams. He wrote songs for both, among other well known acts. But in the middle-90s it was time for his own, adopting the recording name of LIONEL'S DAD.
"Driving Music" is the second LIONEL'S DAD album, and perhaps the best of all recorded by Mark T. Williams. He plays almost all of the instruments here, and also sings very well with a vocal style & timbre similar to brother Joseph Williams. Musically, as you would suspect, this is classy Westcoast L.A. AOR with some classic rock touches here and there, always around sweet and elegant melodies.
Tracks like opener "Looking For An Answer" or "Once You've Got The Fire" instantly makes you think of Toto or Joseph Williams solo, but Mark is much more expansive. As example, "I'm Falling For You" has a melodic radio-oriented sound with some early REO Speedwagon on it, the mid-tempo feelings of "Let Me Be The One" brings to mind Ned Doheny, and "I Can't Tell You Tonight" is not far from Jay Graydon's book.
"Driving Music" is indeed a driving, uplifting collection of beautifully arranged and performed songs. Production is not huge and glossy as the aforementioned acts, the artwork is simple, but its 'homemade vibe' it's exactly what provides the necessary charm to the record. LIONEL'S DAD is a very nice AOR / Westcoast one-man entity, commanded by the talented musician that is Mark T. Williams.
01 - Looking For An Answer 02 - I'm Falling For You 03 - Let Me Be The One 04 - Can't Keep Up 05 - You Got What You Wanted 06 - It Was You 07 - Once You've Got The Fire 08 - Free Your Love 09 - I Can't Tell You Tonight 10 - I Could Read Your Mind 11 - R.T.H.D. 12 - Our Love's Too Strong 13 - She's Gone
Mark T. Williams:Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, Drums, Percussion James Welch:Guitar solo on 1, 11 Diane Adams, Jeannette Clinger, Cliff Rehrig, Jamie Segal:Backing Vocals
Re-posted as requested, for its collectors item status
The only FIONA Flanagan live performance ever recorded - taped at Halendale, Florida, 1985, during Fiona's first US tour featuring amazing guitarist Bobby Messano - was pressed on vinyl by 'ABC Rock Radio Network / The King Biscuit Flower Hour' for a radio broadcast (not for sale), including 6 tracks.
This is the Full Concert taken from the ABC vaults: 11 tracks, including 3 songs never appeared on any Fiona album. The funny thing is that since posted here on the blog for the first time back in 2009, some people has pressed it on CD and put it on sale at various auction sites. Even it's listed on Fiona's Official Fan site as an official release.
Truth is this recording never was released, it's one of the gems from my personal collection. I've made my own artwork emulating the front / back covers from the era and many official King Biscuit Flower Hour releases, and looks like a 'real' one. The sound quality is really good, and the performances, quite hot and rocking. VERY RARE
01 - Wild Nights 02 - You're No Angel 03 - James 04 - Keeper Of The Flame 05 - Broken Dreams 06 - Heaven On My Mind 07 - Talk To Me 08 - Na Na Song 09 - Rescue You 10 - Hang Your Heart On Me 11 - Line Of Fire
MICHAEL PATTO is a British musician, songwriter and producer. Born of Mike Patto Snr. who was a highly respected Rock musician (Spooky Tooth, Patto, Timebox, Boxer), Michael started out on bass but switched to piano in his late teens and soon began to write his own songs. Patto was signed by a major label aged 20 and released this "Time To Be Right", however soon decided to move on and started his own recording company, being involved with some of the finest talents from the UK music scene.
His one and only album as solo artist, "Time To Be Right" is a soft breeze of genres mixing stylized pop, soul and smooth Westcoast. There's several pieces of fine Euro-pop on songs like "So Much For The Lovin´", "Few Good Moments" or "What Can I Do". But also a strong Westcoast feeling on "Calling", the smooth "The Very Thought Of You" and "Don't Say A Word". The ballad "Hold On" sounds pretty American L.A. session style.
"Time To Be Right" features some kind of musical waves not usually associated with this this blog, but it was requested by a reader and it's extremely hard to find. Also included as bonus are 2 different versions of the track "So Much For The Lovin` ", taken from the single CDs of the same name. It's a nice, relaxing piece of music, very well performed, recorded and produced. CDrip at maximum quality including artwork. RARE.
01. So Much For The Lovin' 02. Calling 03. Few Good Moments 04. Hold On 05. Paradise Has Gone 06. (I've Got) Love Enough For Two 07. Time To Be Right 08. The Very Thought Of You 09. What Can I Do 10. Don't Say A Word bonus: 11. So Much For The Lovin' (7'' version) 12. So Much For The Lovin' (Radical Mix)
Michael Patto: Vocals, All instruments Session Musicians: unlisted
From now, all request & fills goes in this post Comments. If you need an album or a single track, request it here, if you have it, be kind with other readers, upload the file and post the link here as well. Access to this page will be placed at the right column ------> (the "CLICK HERE" neon sign) It will be opened in a new window.
Check this section regularly. You'll find many albums uploaded by readers, not present on the main blog ...
British MAMMOTH was a curious band, not only for their name chosen with a great sense of humour by the members due their voluminous body size, but also musically. Founded by vocalist Nicky Moore (Samson, Tiger) and ex-Gillan Band bassist John McCoy, the band released their self-titled debut in 1987, appeared in America in 1989. Despite Moore / McCoy NWOBHM origins, the intention with "Mammoth" was not only appeal to hard rock related listeners, but also commercial rock&pop audiences. Not strangely the album was released by Jive, a recording label specialized in pop music. According to the era, there's a strong Melodic Rock sound with AOR touches throughout the record, with a couple of tracks with radio-ready choruses.
Just listen the catchy opener "All The Days", the soaring "30 Pieces Of Silver", the quite AORish "Can't take the Hurt", or the funny single "Fatman". The latter was released with different mixes and maxi versions. But Mammoth also blends melodic rock with some power-funk bass lines in "Bet You Wish" (including keys all over), while "Long Time Coming" fuse Moore's bluesy classic rock vocals with a rock&pop musical foundation resulting in an original sound. Anyway, sharp, rocking guitar riffs are ever present on all tracks. Showing even more variation, Mammoth delivers a classic rock sounding track on "Home from the Storm", a mid-tempo with great atmospheres.
With a bright polished production, "Mammoth" is a pretty unknown and underrated album that really deserves a slot in your Melodic Rock collection. It isn't easy to find a HQ version on the blogosphere, so here it is. As proof of Jive Records commercial faith in Mammoth, there were several singles / remixes from this album, some included here by me as bonuses. Very enjoyable.
01 - All the Days 02 - Fatman 03 - Can't Take the Hurt 04 - 30 Pieces of Silver 05 - Dark Star 06 - Bet you Wish 07 - Long time Coming 08 - Bad Times 09 - Home from the Storm 10 - Fatman [Admiral Amour Mix] (bonus track) 11 - All The Days [alt. version] (bonus track) 12 - Can't Take The Hurt [alt. version] (bonus track) 13 - Fatman [12'' Mix] (bonus track)
Nicky Moore - vocals, keyboards John McCoy - bass, guitar, synth guitars Mac Baker - guitar Vinnie Reed - drums, percussion Bernie Torme (Gillian) - add. guitars Rob Fisher - add. keyboards Kenny Cox - add. guitars Dave Lloyd, Mark Williamson - backing vocals
This one was requested by a reader but I was thinking to post it soon because CRYSTAL, a Californian outfit from the Bay Area was one of the bands that defined the indie US Melodic Rock / AOR sound of the mid-Eighties. Crystal was active between 1982-95 and released three mini-LP, a format used by the unsigned bands of the era. In 2000, AOR Heaven Records put out this "Collection", comprising material from all Crystal recordings.
Crystal's sound & style is pure pumping AOR, catchy Melodic Rock, blending pompous elements with infectious hooks. Think Prophet, ArcAngel, Hybrid Ice, Honeymoon Suite, BootCamp, Urgent, etc, and a touch of Survivor and Loverboy. Tracks like the action movie ready "Always Be There", "Point of View", "One Life", the pompy "I'm a Dreamer" or the rocking "The One For You" are must haves for any fan of the genre. Production, handled by John and Dino Elefante (Kansas, Halo, Mastedon) is punchy and... crystal clear.
The last two songs mentioned are taken from Crystal's first 5-track miniLP: 'The One For You', and it's a shame this "Collection" does not include it in its entirety, because never were released on CD or digitally, and all are great. Well, I have cleaned the vinyl-rip and all the 3 remaining tracks are featured here as bonus tracks. You NEED this one in your collection.
01 - In the Night 02 - Point of View 03 - I'm a Dreamer 04 - Time Keeps Runnin' 05 - Always Be There 06 - Right Before My Eyes 07 - One Life 08 - The One for You 09 - All The Right Girls (bonus track) 10 - Piece Of My Heart (bonus track) 11 - Shadows In The Night (bonus track)
Andy Nossal - Lead Vocals, Bass Grady McGrew - Guitars, Vocals Bill Cornish - Keyboards, Vocals Rick Williams - Drums, Vocals John Elefante, Ron Gollner, Jeff Gunn - Backing Vocals Raymond Cameron - Guitars, Vocals (on bonus) Bill Anderson - Drums, Vocals (on bonus) Produced by John and Dino Elefante
Christian (CCM) albums / artists sometimes overwhelm secular listeners with their religious lyrics. But many of them have released wonderful albums musically speaking, especially in the during the '80s and early '90s. In the case of this Various Artists compilation called "Voices", the result is excellent.
"Voices" was a charity project that brought together the cream of the CCM AOR scene, performing songs specifically composed for this album released in 1987 via the legendary Christian label Myrrh and conducted & produced by Mike Mierau (Petra, Halo, Mastedon, Guardian, etc.). Mierau's liner notes words: "There are certain singers which voices are instantly recognizable. The minutes you hear them, you know they're one of your favorites. Here on this record are ten new songs by ten great singers. It's a collection of amazing talents."
The main focus of this album are, obviously, the voices. We have beautiful performances by the likes of the exquisite Tommy Funderburk, Bob Carlisle, John Elefante, Rick Riso, etc, all highly respected singers from the AOR / WestCoast golden age. There's smooth arrangements, elegant instrumentation by renowned session musicians and well crafted songs. My favorite is John Elefante's track, penned with his bro Dino, and of course, the mighty Tommy Funderburk, one of the greatest AOR singers of all time, forever in my top five.
Fortunately reissued on CD for the first time some years ago by specialized Japanese label Cool Sounds (but largely out of print), "Voices" is a little gem, nowadays a true rarity. Grab it while it's hot...
01 - Tata Vega - In Your Light 02 - Bob Carlisle - Heaven Is Waiting 03 - Bryan Duncan - Come as You Are 04 - Matthew Ward - Light of the World 05 - Howard McCrary - In Your Presence 06 - John Elefante & Kim Boyce - Helpless 07 - Rick Riso - Heaven Must Have Sent You 08 - Bob Carlisle - Teach Me How 09 - Benny Hester - Then You Call My Name 10 - Tommy Funderburk - Lift Up My Voice
Guitars: Michael Hodge, Terrance Elliot, Dino Elefante Bass: John Pierce, Michael Hodg Keyboards: J. Schreiner, James Raymond, John Elefante Drums: Rick Thomson Programming, Overdubs: Rick Thomson, Mike Mierau Sax: David Hlebo, Warren Ham Horn Section: The Martin Brothers Orchestration: Bill Kilpatrick Produced by Mike Mierau, Rick Thomson & John Elefante
San Francisco Bay Area based rockers GIDEON'S ARMY was one of the first bands from the CCM movement starting its activities in the mid-Seventies. However their discographic debut had to wait until 1982, followed by the now cult classic Warriors Of Love appeared three years after. This "Grace", Guideon's Army third album, was released in 1990 and as many Rock acts with a religious lyrical background, embraced the glossy Melodic Rock sound of the era.
Plenty of sharp guitar riffs, vintage & modern keyboards (including synths) and elaborated harmony vocals, all the songs in "Grace" bring to mind AOR-rock infused bands from America circa 1985-88. The lead vocals are shared by bass player Mark Greeves and drummer Jerry Anderson, making you think about Night Ranger... well, there's something of them in "Grace".
Songs like "Knowing You", the really melodious "Lonely Lover", the atmospheric mid-tempo AOR of title track "Grace", the tuneful "Open Arms" (featuring female background vocals) and the retro-AOR of "With The One I Love" are among the best tracks. There's nice ballads in "Christina" and "Sending You", the latter more up in tempo and featuring different guitarist / drummer as happens in a couple of tracks more.
"Grace" was released through the small independent label Pan-Trax that did not lasted too much, so the CD went out of print soon and never was reissued. Original CD copies of "Grace" are some of the rarest and most sought after collectibles among AOR & CCM rock collectors, right now there's one at eBay for $185 ! This is a direct HQ rip from the original silver-pressed CD (there's bootlegs floating around) including full artwork.
01 - Knowing You 02 - Lonely Lover 03 - Christina 04 - Grace 05 - Make Up Your Mind 06 - Open Arms 07 - Tough Love 08 - With The One I Love 09 - Turn Up The Heat 10 - Sending You
Mark Greeves: bass, lead vocals Jerry Anderson: drums, lead vocals Doug Naruo: keyboards, vocals Darin Warren: guitars Brenda Perdue: vocals Melody Lynn: vocals Ron Davis: vocals Dave Angeles: guitars on 7, 8, 10 Don Walker: drums on 7, 8, 10
I still remember listening for the first time "Heartline" on the radio back in 1985, the single from British ROBIN GEORGE, and I was greatly impressed. Taken from his first solo album "Dangerous Music", the LP didn't sold well initially, but after several months the song exploded and become a world-wide hit. Several tours followed, including legs with REO Speedwagon and Uli Jon Roth, and in-between George recording a second album. But sadly, his record label broke and these tapes remained unreleased until this year (recently appeared as Dangerous Music II).
Despite its typical mid-eighties sound production - which I love - "Dangerous Music" is much more than a commercial rock&pop / AOR album. The songs are elaborated, with a songwriting and musicianship above the standard. George's imaginative guitar licks (including synth guitar) and the lovely keyboard interplay handled by talented session musicians / arrangers, rise the '80s vibe of the songs into something that still sounds fresh and relevant today.
Talking about the musicians used for the record, we have some real stars here; Thin Lizzy genius Phil Lynott playing bass, as well monster Pino Palladino and Phil Soussan (Ozzy, Steve Lukather), drummers Dave Holland (Judas Priest) and Kex Gorin (Magnum), and keyboard players Mark Stanway (Magnum) / Adrian Lee (Mike + The Mechanics). Last but not least, the exquisite Chris Thompson adds background vocals & harmonies.
And the songs... all are huge and catchy. Apart from the great "Heartline", just take the punchy pump of "French Kisses" driven by a terrific riff and superb guitar solo, the intriguing "Stolen From My Heart" and its 'oriental' keys, or the sublime AOR of ballad "Don't Turn Away". "Showdown" is another highlight with a kicking melodic hard feel fueled by sharp guitars and heavenly harmonies, while "Shout" is a FM radio ready gem with synths all over. As proof of the raising success of the album at the end of 1985, several extended mixes and 12'' LP were made, typical of the era with artists on the verge of commercial break-through.
All these are included here as bonus, plus three very well recorded TV performances, a B-side, two hot live versions of "Showdown" and "Heartline" which aquire another dimension (more 'edgy & metallic' I'd say), and a song discarded at the eleventh hour to be included on the LP entitled "Dangerous Music", curiously, the name chosen for the album. All these tracks are NOT taken from the official remastered edition, all are ripped from my vinyls and personal rarities vault, 'remastered' by myself. Great stuff for all '80s AOR aficionados / collectors.
01 - Heartline 02 - Spy 03 - No News Is Good News 04 - French Kisses 05 - Stolen From My Heart 06 - Shout 07 - Showdown 08 - Hit List 09 - Shoot In Sight 10 - Don't Turn Away BONUS TRACKS: 11 - Space Kadett (b-side) 12 - Heartline (Live at Tommy Vance Show) 13 - Spy (Live at Tommy Vance Show) 14 - No News Is Good News (Live at T. Vance Show) 15 - Heartline (Dangerous Mix) 16 - Don't Turn Away (Dangerous Mix) 17 - Heartline (12'' version) 18 - Dangerous Music (outtake) 19 - Hearline (Live version) 20 - Showdown (Live version)
Robin George: lead & backing vocals, guitar, synths, percussion Pete Green: synthesizer, backing vocals Pino Paladino, Phil Soussan, Phil Lynott: bass Dave Holland: drums Kex Gorin: percussion Adrian Lee: keyboards, synthesizer Mark Stanway: synthesizer Chris Thompson: backing vocals
The KEANE brothers Tom & John were prodigious kids, as in the mid-seventies at the age of 11 and 12, both fronted their own musical TV show and signed a major record deal. As 'Keane Brothers' they released two LP's produced by the likes of David Foster, Lamont Dozier and David Paich.
At the beginning of the '80s, the bros. formed their own band simply called KEANE, musically oriented to the AOR / Melodic Rock waves so en vogue with a more than a passing nod to the Toto sound. Indeed Keane was called 'Little Toto' but not only for their musical similarity, but also for the quality in their compositions and performances. Tom Keane (only 18 years old at the time of the recording) shows a remarkable maturity on his greatly harmonized vocals, while the rest of the band including brother John on drums is impeccable.
Cuts like the dynamic opener "Tryin' To Kill A Saturday Night", the muscular "Bad Little Baby Girl" or the rocking "You Got The Better Of Me" are no-brainers for any Melodic Rock / AOR aficionado. "Baby I'm Dead" has something of REO Speedwagon, and the highlight "Kill Or Be Killed" somehow reminds me I-Ten, but the rest of the album is clearly impregnated by Lukather & Co: the sweet and melodious "Lorelei", "Anything Less Than Love" or the superb ballad "My Special Way". Production is top notch and this remaster from the specialized Japanese label Cool Sound, pristine and clear. Great album - Out of print.
01 - Tryin' To Kill A Saturday Night 02 - Bad Little Baby Girl 03 - You Got The Better Of Me 04 - Kill Or Be Killed 05 - My Special Way 06 - Baby I'm Dead 07 - I Love My Life 08 - Anything Less Than Love 09 - Lorelei 10 - Judy
Tom Keane - Vocals, Keyboards John Keane - Drums & Percussion Mike Milwood - Bass & Vocals Mark Moulin - Guitars & Vocals David Pearlman - Lapsteel Solo Michael Zorro Singers - Background Vocals
Reposting this one by request, some pretty rare tracks inside.
The other day I was messin' with some SURVIVOR demos on my player, and thought: why do not make a rarities compilation? The AOR / Melodic Rock Kings deserve it.
We have here a lot versions of their mega-hit "Eye Of The Tiger" all of them never commercially released, such as Dave Bickler doing it acoustically, the Jimi Jamison version, an instrumental, etc. Amongst these rarities there's three tracks recorded with Irish shouter Robin McAuley (proposed to be Survivor's lead singer), the only known recorded version of "Velocitized" (later done by Mecca), and various extended mixes (all performed by Survivor). As movie soundtrack collector, I love the "Burning Heart" & "Eye Of The Tiger" mixes only heard in the film Rocky IV, never released on any format and heavily edited from the DVD as source. Of course are included here the exclusive songs only present into the Greatest Hits releases 'Ultimate Survivor' (2004) and 'Greatest Hits 2' (1993), and the track recorded for The Karate Kid soundtrack: "The Moment Of Truth".
Talking about the GH exclusive tracks, in the spring of 1993 Peterik and Sullivan reunited with original lead singer Dave Bickler and started recording new songs, two of them, "Hungry Years" co-written by Bickler, and "You Know Who You Are", were included into the re-vamped 'Greatest Hits' from 1993. Both only appeared there. And the 2004 compilation 'Ultimate Survivor' featured three interesting new cuts: the previously unreleased "Rebel Girl" (outtake from Survivor's first self-titled album), "Rockin' Into The Night" also originally discarded as the song was given to .38 Special (which made a hit with it), and "Summer Nights [Long Version]" different from the 'Premonition' vinyl LP.
A mammoth 20-track SURVIVOR compilation myself-made for all of you, AOR / Melodic Rock fanatics. Includes artwork.
01 - Eye Of The Tiger (Rocky IV Movie Version) 02 - Rebel Girl (prev. unreleased) (1st album outtake - from Ultimate Survivor 2004) 03 - Summer Nights (Full Length Version) (from Ultimate Survivor 2004) 04 - Rockin' Into The Night (prev. unreleased) (from Ultimate Survivor 2004) 05 - Eye Of The Tiger (Jimi Jamison Version) 06 - You Know Who You Are (new track GH 2 - 1993) 07 - Hungry Years (new track GH 2 - 1993) 08 - The Moment Of Truth (Karate Kid soundtrack) 09 - Eye Of The Tiger (Instrumental) 10 - Burning Heart (Ultraburn Version) 11 - I Can't Hold Back (Live in Tokio 85 - bootleg) 12 - Eye Of The Tiger (Dave Bickler Acoustic Version) 13 - One Step Ahead Of A Flame (demo - Fire Makes Steel sessions) 14 - Velocitized (only version recorded ever - Live) 15 - Reach (demo - Robin McAuley vocals) 16 - Eye Of The Tiger (demo - Robin McAuley vocals) 17 - Fire Makes Steel (demo - Robin McAuley vocals) 18 - Burning Heart (Rocky IV Instrumental Movie Version) 19 - Eye Of The Tiger (Ultrasound Long 12 inch version - DJ vinyl only) 20 - Eye Of The Tiger (Dave Bickler vocal trax)
Dave Bickler, Jimi Jamison, Robin McAuley - lead vocals Jim Peterik - keyboards, guitar, vocals Frankie Sullivan - guitars, vocals Dennis Johnson, Stephan Ellis, Klem Hayes - bass Marc Droubay, Gary Smith, Kyle Woodring - drums
As promised on the previous BENTWOOD ROCKER posts, here it is the band's previously unreleased material they created after the recording company dropped them. The Canadian's second LP "Take Me To Heaven" was quite successful, even released in Europe, and the group spend a complete year on the road with sold-out live performances. But then Quality Records broke up.
However, Bentwood Rocker attracted small indie label Aquarius Records who agreed to release in 1984 the single "Second Wind", produced by super-talented Ian Thomas. After that, the band decided to stop touring and concentrate on writing and recording by themselves new songs during the rest of the decade.
All these songs never were heard until 2000's when the guys released through their own label a boxset entitled "The Works", including material recorded by Bentwood Rocker through all the phases of their career. Apart from the first two official albums, the set included 2 CD's called "Taken From the Vaults A/CD and B/CD", featuring these new songs taped during the second half of the '80s.
In 1986 Bentwood Rocker renamed themselves 'The Sands Of Time' (the original name of the band in the Seventies) and released another single, "The Danger Of Remembering", also included into "Taken From the Vaults B/CD". Most the tracks, despite the demo status, were professionally recorded with a pretty good sound. So, as you can expect, this is classy mid-Eighties AOR with a melodic rock feel and classic rock touches.
All the tracks featured on my Bentwood Rocker compilation 'The Missing Tapes' are part of "Taken From the Vaults A/CD and B/CD", but the source it isn't the same. Here they are as presented by the band on "The "Works" boxset. This material is a must have for AOR / Melodic Rock fans and collectors due its rarity status, but essentially, for its musical quality. Rare & Good.
Taken From The Vaults A/CD 01 - Taleve (Reaching For The Sky) 02 - The Closer We Are 03 - Prisoner Of The Night 04 - Taking It To The End 05 - Lock It Up! 06 - Just Might Take Your Love 07 - Kiss It Goodbye 08 - Never Get Away 09 - Guns 10 - The Children Of Chernobyl 11 - While The Children Sleep 12 - You'll Know When She Comes 13 - Boys Will Be Boys
Taken From The Vaults B/CD 01 - Can't Let Go 02 - Walk Through The Fire 03 - Missing You Tonight 04 - The Danger Of Remembering 05 - Skeletons In The Closet 06 - Love's In The Air 07 - Second Wind 08 - You Married A Music Man 09 - Drift Away 10 - Take The Money And Run 11 - 7 Year Itch 12 - I Would Give Everything 13 - Gonna Last Forever 14 - I've Got A Feeling
Eric Baragar - vocals, guitar, keyboards Steve Smith - drums, vocals Dan Thompson - guitar, vocals Mike Goettler - bass, vocals Tim Campbell - guitar, vocals Barry Haggarty - guitar, vocals
Let's continue with the BENTWOOD ROCKER saga started on the previous post; after their pretty successful LP Take Me To Heaven, the Canadian band ran out of recording contract when Quality Records ceased its operations. However, Bentwood Rocker keep on recording demos and performing on the local concert circuit throughout the '80s.
One of these demos attracted small indie label Aquarius Records who agreed to release in 1984 the single "Second Wind", produced by super talented Ian Thomas. In 1986 Bentwood Rocker renamed themselves 'The Sands Of Time' (the original name of the band in the Seventies) and released another single, "The Danger Of Remembering", on B & C records. There's a lot more recordings by the band along the decade, all later released by themselves as 'The Works' in 2000 (to be featured here soon).
This "BENTWOOD ROCKER - The Missing Tapes (83-86)" is a compilation (including artwork) made by myself years ago and featured here on the blog. All the songs are present in 'The Works', but the files here come from my personal demo vault collection and were 'remastered' by me. Most the tracks, despite its demo status, were professionally recorded, as are the aforementioned singles also included in "The Missing Tapes (83-86)". All tracks are pure mid-80s commercial AOR plenty of catchy choruses and lots of synths.
"Can't Let Go" blends Foreigner with Survivor, the anthemic "Walk Through The Fire" is on par with any Surrender hit, "Missing You Tonight" reminds you of REO Speedwagon, and "I Would Give Everything", Franke & The Knockouts. "The Danger Of Remembering" is an elegant, polished mid-tempo AOR tune, "Skeletons In The Closet" adds a little of radio friendly pop (and generous keyboards), while "Second Wind" is one of these kind of 'action movie soundtrack' AOR songs, and another personal favorite.
Funny thing; after featuring "BENTWOOD ROCKER - The Missing Tapes (83-86)" here on the blog in 2008, someone downloaded the files, pressed the songs on CD and sold various copies on eBay. I strongly recommend to all rockin' AOR fans to grab this one as all - I mean ALL - tracks are superb. A must have.
01 - Can't Let Go 02 - Walk Through The Fire 03 - Missing You Tonight 04 - I Would Give Everything 05 - Gonna Last Forever 06 - The Danger Of Remembering 07 - Skeletons In The Closet 08 - Love's In The Air 09 - Second Wind 10 - While The Children Sleep
Eric Baragar - vocals, guitar, keyboards Steve Smith - drums, vocals Dan Thompson - guitar, vocals Mike Goettler - bass, vocals Barry Haggarty - guitar, vocals
Canadians BENTWOOD ROCKER started as band in 1977, but several members were friends since many years before. They released an independent album which sold pretty well, and then Quality Records singed the quintet for a new record and promises of proper distribution.
The band moved to Florida, USA, and recorded this "Take Me To Heaven", a very fine slice of radio-friendly early '80s AOR tunes. Bentwood Rocker are strong in multi-part vocal harmonies performed by all members, present on all tracks. Opener "Heart Says No" has a catchy rhythm similar to Americans Balance, followed by title track "Take Me To Heaven" plenty of pompy analog synths and a Spys vibe. Track 3 "Throw Away Love" delivers a more stylized AOR with some classy melodies and again, lots of harmonies. These first three tracks worth the LP alone. But there's more quality to enjoy.
"You" is a lovely mid-tempo ballad, "Best Man" is a muscular foot-tapping melodic rocker with sharp riffs and some early Loverboy, "New World Coming" rocks even harder, and the title of "Rock 'N' Roll Overload" says it all.
"Take Me To Heaven" worked well in Canada with minor success in America, but sadly Quality Records broke soon after the release of the LP. Bentwood Rocker continued touring, composing new material and recording, but they couldn't get a record deal. All that 'missing tapes' were later released by the band as "The Works", to be featured here soon.
"Take Me To Heaven" never was released on CD until 2009, when Bentwood Rocker reissued by themselves the album in limited quantities, with some backing tracks re-recorded and different tracklist (which works better in my opinion). This is taken from the now rare "Take Me To Heaven CD edition", a collector's item.
1 - Heart Says No 2 - Take Me To Heaven 3 - Throw Away Love 4 - You 5 - Best Man 6 - New World Coming 7 - Turning All The Heads 8 - Too Old To Rock 9 - Rock 'N' Roll Overload
Dan Thompson - lead vocals, guitar Eric Baragar - guitar, keyboards, backing vocals Steve Smith - drums, backing vocals Mike Goettler - bass, backing vocals Barry Haggarty - guitar, backing vocals
Quite rare it's this only, self-titled recording by West Virginia quintet ONE EYED GYPSY which existed from 1998 to 2003. Their bio claims to have opened shows for Bad Company, Molly Hatchet, .38 Special, among other major acts. Despite its year of release (2000), sound & style in "One Eyed Gypsy" is based in late '80s / early '90s US Melodic Hard Rock. The songs are solid and really well arranged / performed.
Favorites include opener "It Takes No Prisoners", a mid-tempo rocker with sharp riffs and a Dokken atmosphere, follower "Give It Up", a catchy melodic rock tune with a Bon Jovi feel circa 7800º Fahrenheit, and power ballad "Not Gonna Fall In Love Again" akin Warrant / Jani Lane. Talking about the aforementioned vocalists, grand part of One Eyed Gypsy's charm belongs to Ray Whitlock's smooth vocals, a singer previously trained as member of the pretty successful country group Cry Wolf. He plays nice keyboards too, and together with guitarist Tim Kitchen (also producer) are the core of the band.
Other good cuts are the AORish mid-tempo "Waiting For You", hard rocker "In My America" with interesting lyrics about America's violent society, and "Livin' Like You Choose" blending Dokken / Bon Jovi, this time, into one song. Released by themselves, "One Eyed Gypsy" was quite well produced by guitarist Tim Kitchen, panning some guitar tracks to one side of the stereo spectrum for good effect. Overall mix could be better to provide more tightness to some songs, but this is minor flaw. Really nice stuff, private release, out of print.
01 - It Takes No Prisoners 02 - Give It Up 03 - Feel Your Love 04 - Not Gonna Fall In Love Again 05 - Waiting For You 06 - Heart Attack 07 - Fix Daddy Broke 08 - In My America 09 - Livin' Like You Choose 10 - Touch Tomorrow
Ray Whitlock: Lead Vocals, Keyboards Tim Kitchen: Guitar, Backing Vocals, Production Phillip Osborne: Guitar, Backing Vocals Randy Morgan: Bass Bobby Hensley: Drums
JACK WAGNER recorded four albums during the '80s / '90s period and three were already posted on the blog, why not complete the circle? And with his more AOR album of all, Wagner's debut "All I Need". Jack Wagner was always underestimated as musician because of his General Hospital TV Show role as actor. But truth is Wagner has played the guitar and sung since his teens and used the show to launch a musical career, his true passion.
And need to be said, he is a terrific vocalist with a smooth vocal color specially designed for this kind of elegant AOR. Signed by a major label, Jack Wagner recorded his first album "All I Need" with the help of heavy weights in this matter provided by the record company: songwriting contributions by David Foster, Jay Graydon, Tom Keane, Clif Magness, Glen Ballard (these last too also producing and playing) and superb session musicians such as guitar ace Michael Thompson and exquisite drummer Pat Mastelotto. With this team you can't fail, and indeed "All I Need" was a total success.
Every track on "All I Need" is a potential single, from the synth-driven "Premonition" opener to the last cut "Lady of My Heart", a piano ballad ready for any movie soundtrack. More pure '80s AOR is displayed on the uptempo and fun "What You Don't Know" (great Michael Thompson solo), the killer "Fighting The Nights" and "Sneak Attack", the soaring "Make Me Believe It", or the smash hit title track "All I Need", a classic.
The request was about the remaster of "All I Need" appeared seven years ago, but I am more than happy with this Japanese 1999 reissue (AOR 名盤 Selection complete with full artwork) which sounds million bucks. A must for any '80s AOR fan.
01 - Premonition 02 - What You Don't Know 03 - Whenever Hearts Collide 04 - Fighting The Nights 05 - All I Need 06 - Make Me Believe It 07 - Sneak Attack 08 - After The Fact 09 - Tell Him (That You Won't Go) 10 - Lady Of My Heart
Jack Wagner - vocals Michael Thompson - guitars Clif Magness - guitar, backing vocals Bill Elliott, Pat Mastelotto - drums, percussion Davey Faragher - bass Tom Keane - synths, backing vocals Sam Bryant, Bill Elliott, John Van Tongeren, Mark Vieha - synths, keyboards Jerry Peterson - sax Rosemary Butler, Siedah Garrett, Edie Lehmann, Debbie Pearl - backing vocals
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