Hard Rock / AOR Heaven

0 Day Rock

2012-02-16T01:02:00.000Z

0DAYROCK has moved here:

http://zerodayrock.blogspot.com

Updated February 16 , 2012

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MAGNUS BACKLUND - Never Say Never (2006)

2012-02-15T01:02:00.001Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

Born in Linkoping, Sweden, Magnus Bäcklund had two dreams in life; one to be a commercial pilot and the other, to be a singer. Both become reality.
In the '90s moved to the U.S. for training as pilot. After completed, there was a recession in the airline industry, and started to search for a temporal job.
Music was always an important thing in Magnus' life, as hobby. He found an advertisement on the Internet where an American band were looking for a singer. Without that he really understood what had happened, Bäcklund was now the lead singer of the band Random Thoughts and had a whole new career ahead of him.
After recoding an album and playing clubs, Magnus decided return home.

Once in Sweden, Bäcklund heard about a new TV show that would be called Fame Factory. He was accepted and then went all the way to the finals, which he also won in December 2002.
The grand prize was a recording contract with Bert Karlsson's company, and with another student at Fame Factory, Jessica Andersson, formed the pop duo 'Fame', which sold tons of albums in Scandinavia.
Now the career took a crazy turn. They were suddenly superstars and found themselves constantly touring. After a couple of years, both Magnus and Jessica wanted to try a career of their own, so they decided to put Fame on hold.
This became obvious to the public when both participated in the Swedish Song Contest in 2006, with their own songs. Magnus made it to the big final and ended up on a fantastic fifth place with his song "The Name Of Love".

For his solo debut, Bäcklund wanted to test the genre that he thought suits him best; Rock&pop / European Melodic Rock, and in October 2006, released the CD "Never Say Never".
This is an album with the typical refined Swedish sound, showing a poppy European Melodic Rock approach as Arena (the Swedish band of ex-Bad Habit's Hal Johnston) with a touch of West Coast and AOR.
Curious to hear is a cover of "Changes", the Ozzy / Black Sabbath song in an interesting orchestrated version.

Magnus Bäcklund has a warm, melodious voice, with a fine range and personality.
Not in vain he was called to be one of the singers in the upcoming Sonic Station excellent CD (which I have listened entirely) to be released next February 24 by Frontiers Records.
"Never Say Never" offers good, light melodic rockers and delicate ballads, rounded by a first class production. Although the CD was released few years ago, seems out of print now.

01 - Perfect
02 - Crash and burn
03 - She
04 - Never say never
05 - Say your goodbye
06 - Sweet catastrophy
07 - It's not OK
08 - Changes
09 - Taken by surprise
10 - Look at you now
11 - The name of love

Magnus Backlund: Vocals
Micke Andersson (Private Eye, Tone Norum): Guitar
Figge Bostrom (Eva Dahlgren, Carola): Bass
Mattias Bylund (Erik Gronwall): Keyboards
Marten M.K. Eriksson: Keyboards, Guitar
David Bukovinsky: Strings
Christer Jansson, Magnus Sjolander: Drums
Thomas Lindberg (At the Gates): Backing Vocals
Lina Eriksson, Nana Hedin: Backing Vocals
... and many more.

MAGNUS BACKLUND - Never Say Never (2006)

STONE SOUP - Spooge [Japanese edition] (1997)

2012-02-14T18:11:00.009Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

Americans STONE SOUP recorded this, their debut album "Spooge" between 1989-90, but negotiations with a major label dropped, and ain't was until 1997 that the album was released, only in Europe and Japan.

This is one of the best Melodic Rock / AOR albums appeared during the nineties. With a sound reminiscent of Aldo Nova, Bon Jovi and even Foreigner, it blends American stadium rockers and anthemic AOR tunes plenty of great hooks and keyboards.
Clearly recorded in different sessions (but it doesn't affect the flawless), the first part of the CD is more rockier, as heard on the anthemic "Fighting The Good Fight", the catchy "The Ultimate Touch" and the Bonfire-like "Can't Sell Me Love".
On the simple but effective "Promises" the sound starts to turn more American AOR-rock, where, as on the fantastic mid-tempo "Hit Where It Hurts", they reminds you '80s Foreigner.

The keyboards and melodic structure of "Run For Your Love" has some Journey reminiscences, while the driving "Right Before My Eyes" (featuring an Aldo Nova guest guitar solo) is one of catchiest tracks here, very much in the vein of Aldo eighties work or Surgin.
I don't know who is the female vocalist (not credited) sharing vocals with Patrick Klein on the awesome keyboard driven action movie-AOR of "Youngblood", but trust me, the result is terrific. Definitely, my favorite song of the CD.
This not easy to find Japanese press of the of the album includes two bonuses, being "Rock You" just a cool rocker, but what really makes worth to have this Asian version is the anthemic "When The Walls Come Down". What a great song! A real highlight, driven by a melodic guitar riff over blasting drums and a never-ending chorus.

European cover

As said, "Spooge" is a very, very good slice of late '80s commercial Melodic Rock / AOR, full of hooks, driving guitar & keyboard lines and very well harmonized catchy choruses.
Taken from the Japan CD (which features a different album cover) at maximum quality incl. full scans.
Recommended!

01 - Fighting The Good Fight
02 - The Ultimate Touch
03 - Can't Sell Me Love
04 - Not A Day Goes By
05 - Promises
06 - Run For Your Love
07 - Youngblood
08 - Right Before My Eyes *
09 - Hit Where It Hurts
10 - Hard Fall
11 - Rock You (Japan bonus)
12 - When The Walls Come Down (Japan bonus)

Patrick Klein: lead vocals, guitar
Matt Wells: lead & rhythm guitar
Kanin Thomas: keyboards, programming
Michael Anderson: guitar, bass, vocals
Aldo Nova: guitar solo on *

STONE SOUP - Spooge [Japanese edition]

SOLEIL MOON - Worlds Apart (1999)

2012-02-10T22:03:00.000Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

SOLEIL MOON is a duo formed in mid-nineties by two career/session musicians; Larry King and John Blasucci.
More rock, Larry wrote songs and sung backing tracks for other artists, and even composed a rock opera staged in the US East area. John is a trained session keyboardist and orchestrator, but has a completely different background, as he came from the jazz scene where recorded on countless albums and played with big names of the genre.

What they have done (and still do these days) with Soleil Moon is pure magic.
Both took enough time to compose one of the best West Coast AOR / Adult Contemporary albums of all time. Yes, it's that good.
For this magnificent recording, they secured the contribution of top session players to give these superb songs the quality playing they deserved.
Masters of the highest caliber such as guitar maestro Michael Thompson (just listen the track "I'd Die For You", possibly, his best recording ever), Kenny Aronoff, Warren Hill, Lenny Castro and even the London Symphony Orchestra. That's what I call 'got contacts'.

I can write ten thousand lines (and more) threshing a track-by-track, as all are so marvelously composed, arranged, executed, produced, etc. that you can't find enough words to describe this masterpiece.
Instead of this, I beg you not to miss this golden CD, which easily ranks in my Top 50 of all times.
You have it all here; smooth West Coast, AOR, Adult Contemporary, stylized Pop, Classic Rock... everything.
Just BRILLIANT, with Capitals.

As bonus, I've added an extra track recorded by Soleil Moon in November, 2000, for that year holidays; "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas". Never released commercially, just for the fans, the song became the Number One most added Christmas song in the East area radio stations.
Essential album. A Must Have.

01 - Willingly
02 - Never Say Goodbye
03 - Ohio
04 - Warm Summer Rain
05 - Worlds Apart
06 - I'd Die For You (Orchestral Intro)
07 - I'd Die For You
08 - You And Me
09 - Calling On The World
10 - I Need You Close To Me
11 - Love Me Like You Used To
12 - What Are You Dreaming
13 - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (bonus)

Larry King - vocals
John Blasucci - keyboards
Session players;
Michael Thompson, Paul Jackson Jr. - guitars
Ricky Petersen - organ
Warren Hill - sax
Lenny Castro - percussion
Kenny Aronoff, Todd Sucherman - drums
London Symphony Orchestra

SOLEIL MOON - Worlds Apart

RAYMOND MAY - Unadulterated Addiction (1988)

2012-02-10T17:31:00.002Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

Raymond May was born in Sri Lanka and raised in the westernmost of Canada's provinces, British Columbia. At his teens he went to London and joined 'The Unknowns', who released one single.
Still in UK, by 1985 Raymond competed in a local Battle Of the Bands event. Bryan Adams' manager Bruce Allen was one of the judges and signed May to his new record label, Penta.

Raymond May's debut "Unadulterated Addiction" was produced by Bruce Fairbairn (Bon Jovi, Loverboy) together with ex-Payolas Paul Hyde and released in 1988.
The album has a typical Canadian radio-rock style made famous by Bryan Adams, present on tracks such as "You Turn Me On", "Living In Exile", "Turn Your Love Light On", but May has a more American way of singing.
In fact, some songs have an Americana vibe, heard on "True Pretender" and the good ballad "Yellow Ribbons". On other tracks Raymond reminds me Billy Squier ("True Life", "Living In Exile"), while "New Emotion" has some kind of hair-metal intentions.

Well produced and performed, "Unadulterated Addiction" is a fine dish of Rock music, nothing to die for, just a pleasant listen.
Soon after touring opening for Aerosmith, Penta broke up and Raymond May ended without contract. This is his only album -out of print- ripped from the very rare CD version pressed by Elektra Records.

01 - Romantic Guy
02 - True Life
03 - New Emotion
04 - You Turn Me On
05 - True Pretender
06 - Living In Exile
07 - Turn Your Love Light On
08 - Tiger And The Butterfly
09 - Yellow Ribbons
10 - Ride 'Em High

Raymond May: Vocals, Guitar, Bass
Naoise Sheridan: Guitars
John Webster: Keyboards
Chris Taylor: Drums

RAYMOND MAY - Unadulterated Addiction

AVALON - Catch Us If You Can [miniLP - Wacko OST] (1982)

2012-02-04T17:59:00.002Z

Many of the classic albums in the AOR genre are long out of print, deliciously rare, and reached even greater status among the fans for it.
One of them is the '82 four track mini-LP 'Everyman A King' by the USA AOR band Avalon, already featured HERE on this blog not so long ago.

'Everyman A King' appears as the only 'official' release by the band, but occurs that Avalon recorded the same year some songs for the 'Wacko (1982)' movie.
The Soundtrack never was released, but few fans know (even rabid collectors) that these tunes were privately pressed on vinyl by the band in an extremely low quantities.
With no artwork, just wrapped in a white paper sleeve, this private MiniLP includes the 4 tracks featured in the movie.

Needless to say this is a mega-rare collector's item, never seen in the blogosphere nor on auction sites until now...
Let me dedicate this delicious post to the biggest '80s soundtrack collector in the Word; my good friend Mr. Phaota, and also to whom has continued my 'AOR TREASURES - The Soundtracks' series on his own blog; Allan José Silva da Costa.
Uber-Rare stuff. Highly Recommended.

1 - Rumour Has It
2 - Catch Us If You Can
3 - Messin' With My Baby
4 - Blackmail

Rick Neigher: Guitar, Lead Vocals
Mike Mirage: Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals
Chris Coté: Keyboards, Vocals

AVALON - Catch Us If You Can [Wacko OST]

ALBERTO SIMONINI - Moon Twice (1990)

2012-02-03T18:19:00.000Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

ALBERTO SIMONINI is an Italian multi-instrumentalist, mainly guitar player, who has published an interesting hard rock album with the band Midway back in 1988.
"Moon-Twice" is his own child, practically played and recorded entirely by himself between 1989-90 but shelved until 2006.
Actually, it was pressed independently as promo in 1990 including nine tracks, and even it was played live including another good Italian guitarist in the line-up; Max Magagni.

But the official release dates from 2006, with the addition of extra tracks.
Simonini's style here is a cross between the northern Europe and the US sounds that ruled those years: commercial hard rock with good choruses and some edge on the guitars.
Simonini is a really good six-string player with a sharp sound, and he sings surprisingly well.
I can hear TNT influences on tracks such as "No Tequila" or "Fear Your Weapon", Icon on "Can't You See", or Dokken in the title track "Moon-Twice" and the mid-tempo "A Secret Diary".

"My Desire Is You" has more US metal overtones ala Impelliterri, while one of the best tracks on the album, "She Is Mine", reminds me Joshua.
"Everytime" is one of the most commercial tunes, and the balladry is represented by the interesting "Solitude".
The rest of the songs are instrumentals, being the VanHalen-esque "Running On The Fast Lane (Car Accident)" and the ethereal "Flight Of Fancy" (including flute) the best of all.

"Moon-Twice" is a cool indie CD with fine songs, well performed and correctly produced. Only published in Italy by a small local label in limited quantities, it has become really hard to find.
Nice stuff.

01 - No Tequila
02 - Can't You See
03 - Moon-Twice
04 - Fear Your Weapon
05 - Unrequited Love
06 - A Secret Diary
07 - My Desire Is You
08 - Existence
09 - She Is Mine
10 - Everytime
11 - Solitude
12 - Running On The Fast Lane (Car Accident)
13 - Positive / Negative
14 - Flight Of Fancy
15 - K622 Adagio
16 - Incubus Of A Wilful Murder In The Cosmos

Alberto Simonini - Everything
Federico Mascagni - Backing Vocals
Fabio di Fazio - Backing Vocals
Paolo Perdetti - guest Guitar Solo (Track 12)
Anna Auer - Flute

ALBERTO SIMONINI - Moon Twice

REQUEST & FILL CORNER 10

2012-02-03T13:26:00.002Z

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 →
("CLICK HERE" neon sign, or clicking here in Comments)-
It will be opened in a new window.

Check this section regularly.
You'll find many links uploaded by readers, not present in the main blog...

Help each other people!

and don't forget to check out ARCHIVES:

ARCHIVES PART 1

ARCHIVES PART 2

ARCHIVES PART 3

ARCHIVES PART 4

ARCHIVES PART 5

ARCHIVES PART 6

ARCHIVES PART 7

ARCHIVES PART 8

ARCHIVES PART 9

take a deep look at the end of each part...

STAN BUSH & VINCE DiCOLA - BotCon '97: The Concert (1998)

2012-01-16T21:58:00.005Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

AOR legend Stan Bush and keyboard maestro Vince DiCola have been part of the mythical 'Transformers; The Movie" soundtrack.
Since 1994, Transformers fans and collectors celebrate yearly 'The Official Transformers Collectors Convention', briefly known as BotCon.
Featured BotCon guests are usually involved in the creation of Transformers media in some respect, whether as voice actors from the animated series, writers from the comic books, musicians, etc.

For the 1997 edition, it was prepared a special 2 CD set of the original movie soundtrack, the first containing tracks from Stan Bush's 'Call to Action' album, and the second the whole music score composed by DiCola.
There was also a live concert featuring Bush and Vince DiCola accompanied by seasoned musicians, performing songs and compositions from the movie.

alt. cover

The show never was officially released, despite being recorded with great audio quality. There's many bootlegs circulating including extra tracks taken from the score or Bush's studio albums.
But this file is the real deal: only the Live songs in one package, directly from my vault.
A Collector's item, rare and really good stuff. Get it pronto while it's hot...

01 - Attack On The Shuttle (live) [2:31]
02 - The Touch (live) [4:50]
03 - Dare (live) [8:39]
04 - Death Of Optimus Prime (live) [5:06]
05 - Unicron's Theme (live) [2:50]

Stan Bush - Vocals
Vince DiCola - Keyboards
Rocket Richotte - Guitars
Matt Bissonette - Bass
Derek Hilland - Drums

BOTCON '97 THE CONCERT - NEW LINK

SAPPHIRE EYES - Demo (2008)

2012-01-16T20:48:00.003Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

The Swedish project SAPPHIRE EYES born in 2007 from the ashes of Alyson Avenue and Second Heat. The mastermind of the band is keyboard player Niclas Olsson, member of both acts.

The first idea was to pick a female vocalist, but after some rehearsals the decision for male vocals came to mind. Thomas Bursell (singer on the one and only Second Heat album, released in 2004) took the mic.
Alyson Avenue's former members Thomas Löyskä, Tony Rohtla and Fredrik Eriksson were asked to join, and they recorded this bunch of songs in 2008.

So this professionally recorded 4-track demo with a pre-production quality is basically Alyson Avenue with male vocals: sweet and clear Scandi AOR.
Sapphire Eyes has been put on hold for a while as Alyson Avenue has reunited and recently released a new album. But I'm sure there will be a full length album soon.
Meanwhile, enjoy these cool songs from a promising project.

01 - This Love This Time (I Want It)
02 - I Want You To See Me
03 - Price For Life
04 - Lay Down In My Arms

Thomas Bursell (Second Heat) - Vocals
Niclas Olsson (Alyson Avenue, Second Heat) - Keyboards
Thomas Loyska (Second Heat, Alyson Avenue) - Bass
Tony Rohtla (Bai Bang, Alyson Avenue) - Guitar
Fredrik Eriksson (Alyson Avenue) - Drums
Anette Blyckert (Alyson Avenue) - Backing Vocals

SAPPHIRE EYES - NEW LINK

hardrockaorheaven.blogspot.com on Twitter

2012-01-15T03:03:00.000Z

As you may note, there's several changes here since May, 01.
I am no longer at charge on the blog's maintenance anymore, simply don't find the time.
Of course, I still will select the material, fill requests, restore old vinyls, make my own compilations and write brief reviews. But all other aspects (including uploads, posting and site design/functionality) are in the hands of a good friend of mine.

He also suggested to create a Twitter account.
The prime intention to do this is keep in touch. You know, many blogs are disappearing into the twilight zone.
Got no one but two mirrors of 'hardrockaorheaven.blogspot.com' (logically, with different addresses) running online as back up, only visible to me.
Then, just in case, bookmark my Twitter @CamelblueAOR -or follow me if you have your own account- to get linked if my main blog is forced to change location.
Click on the picture or below...

https://twitter.com/#!/@CamelblueAOR

STREETHEART - Dancing With Danger [bootleg CD 2010] (1983)

2012-01-12T14:51:00.002Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

Streetheart was one of the seminal bands of the Canadian AOR movement. Formed by keyboard player Daryl Gutheil and bassist Spider (Ken Sinnaeve), the band gained considerable success at the beginning of the eighties in North America with their albums achieving platinum status.
Frehley's Comet recorded their own version of 'Dancing With Danger', while in 1992 Neal Schon's Hardline recorded the Streetheart song 'Hot Cherie' for their album 'Double Eclipse'.
Streetheart's career was a 5-year rush, sharing stages with Chilliwack, Styx, Kansas, Aldo Nova, April Wine, Rush and more.

"Dancing With Danger" was the band's first recording in the US, and the last before disbanding, due conflicts with management and the label.
This is a 'Pasha Production', headquartered in Los Angeles, with music strategist Spencer Proffer (Quiet Riot, Shooting Star, Heart, Kiss) behind the desk, so expect a clear and a bit Americanized sound here.
For starters, Streetheart's style is similar to Loverboy, not strange as Paul Dean was part of the band in the earlier days, even recording on the 1st disc.

But as said, although "Dancing With Danger" retains the classic Canadian AOR roots, this album has a more American sound.
We have commercial catchy tunes with abundance of keyboards, sizzling guitars and the appealing raspy vocals of Kenny Shields.
All tracks are really good, being my favorites the jumpin' AOR of "You're Not The Only One" (which was the first single), the rockin' title track, the ultra melodic "Comin' True" (where they sound as Autograph) and the early '80s sounding "Midnight Love".

Incredibly, "Dancing With Danger" remains as the only Streetheart album still not pressed on CD.
This is the bootleg CD released in 2010 with a different (inexpressive) artwork and changed tracklist, which oppositely, works better than the original in my opinion.

original vinyl artwork

For this bootleg, the transfer from vinyl was done decently, anyway, I have enhanced the levels a bit and cleaned some noises.
Additionaly, the bootleg CD features "Too Hot To Stop" in its single version, a better one, with much more keyboards. So I have included the original album version (not my rip) as bonus.
I guess you won't find a better version of "Dancing With Danger" than this one.
Recommended

01 - Dancing With Danger
02 - Comin' True
03 - You're Not The Only One
04 - Don't Let Her Leave You
05 - Midnight Love
06 - Underground
07 - Too Hot Too Stop
08 - Night Writer
09 - Leave Me Alone
10 - Have It Your Way
11 - Too Hot To Stop [different version]

Kenny Shields - Vocals
Daryl Gutheil - Keyboards
Spider (Ken Sinnaeve) - Bass
Jeff Neill - Guitars
Billy Carmassi - Drums

STREETHEART - Dancing With Danger

VON ROSEN - Someone Like You +1 [single] (1987)

2012-01-09T18:28:00.005Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

Von Rosen was a Swedish duo comprising the talents of Magnus Rosen and Peter Sandberg (Madison, Alien, Midnight Sun). They recorded and released back in eighties a couple of singles in the best Scandi - AOR tradition.
"Someone Like You / Time" was the last one (the other single can be found HERE), featuring stellar contributions by Mats Olausson (Glory, Yngwie) and Goran Edman.

In short; truly great rockin' AOR tunes of the best Scandinavian pedigree.
There's a vinyl-rip circulating amongst collectors, but with many clicks and skips all over.
This one was made by me, cleaned and restored for your listening pleasure, including artwork.
Love this stuff.

01 - Someone Like You
02 - Time

Peter Sandberg - Lead Vocals
Magnus 'Von' Rosen - Bass
Session Musicians:
Mats Olausson - Keyboards
Per Alm - Guitars
Bengt-Ake Andersson - Drums
Goran Edman - Background Vocals

VON ROSEN - Someone Like You +1 - NEW LINK

26 WEST - I Can't Believe (1999)

2012-01-04T18:44:00.001Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

26 West is the songwriting team of Canadian Danny Boyle (vocals) and Portland, Oregon born Barry Aiken (keyboards).
Coming from two successful musical backgrounds, Barry's music appears on network and cable television programs such as NFL Films, Party of Five, Wheel of Fortune and The History Channel. In addition to the national release of '87 'Sky High', the Westcost / AOR cult album with the group Flight 7, and being member of Gino Vannelli's band.
Danny's music has kept his voice heard on the airwaves throughout the Northwest region for years with his act KID, touring clubs, colleges and recording.

"I Can't Believe" is their one and only album, an Adult Contemporary collection of songs with an eclectic mix of smooth Westcoast AOR, Rock&Pop and Classic Rock.
It's a gentle, easy listening CD, driven by Aiken's modern and classic influenced keyboards. Danny Boyle vocals are pretty convincing for the most part, specially on the slow tunes, which abound here.
A pleasant listen, released independently and not easy to find these days.

01 - Only One
02 - This Time Once More
03 - Only Time Will Tell
04 - Say You Will
05 - I Can't Believe
06 - So Faraway
07 - Everybody Knows
08 - When I Close My Eyes
09 - Runaway
10 - Where Can I Go (To Fall In Love)

Danny Boyle - Vocals
Barry Aiken - Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Cal Scott - Guitar
Jeff Leonard - Bass
Sandin Wilson - Bass, Guitar
Danny Schauffler - Horns
Mike Snyder - Drums, Percussion

26 WEST - I Can't Believe

RICHARD PAGE - Acoustic EP (1996)

2011-12-21T17:46:00.003Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

The talented Richard Page was the soul (and founder member) of 80's favorites Mr. Mister.
Earlier, he was part of the now classic Westcoast AOR duo Pages, and wrote & backed up vocals for REO Speedwagon, Survivor, Rick Springfield, to name a few.
After Mr. Mister, Page even where offered to be lead singer in Toto and Chicago, but decided to pursue a solo career, releasing his first solo recording in 1996, the critically acclaimed 'Shelter Me', which contains terrific elegant AOR songs.

As promotion for the release, a limited edition free CD including a bunch of acoustic versions from the album (plus a new, personal version of Mr. Mister's classic "Broken "Wings") was given to customers who bought 'Shelter Me'.
The recording company put a scratch mark thru the barcode, to note which ones were to be given away. Customers were allowed to purchase copies which weren't marked.

Over the years, this "Acoustic EP" has become a collector's item.
But apart from its rarity status, the good thing about these acoustic versions is their quality.
Trust me, Richard Page's velvety vocals never sounded better than here. All tracks are pure AOR heaven, perfectly performed & recorded.
Uber Rare, and of course, A Must Have.

01 - Broken Wings (Acoustic)
02 - The Best Thing (Acoustic)
03 - A Simple Life (Acoustic)
04 - Even The Pain (Acoustic)
05 - Shelter Me (Acoustic)

Richard Page: vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, lyrics
James Harrah: guitar
John Pierce: bass
Denny Fongheiser: drums, percussion
Kim Bullard: producer / engineer
Steve George, John Lang: lyrics (1)
Marc Jordan: lyrics (2)
Jon Lind: lyrics (3)
GRP Records - BTDM-3095
Packaging: Paper Sleeve

RICHARD PAGE - Acoustic EP 1996

VENICE - Garage Demos Part 2; Fast Stuff (1995)

2011-12-20T20:00:00.000Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

Venice is a band comprised of two sets of brothers, Michael and Mark Lennon and Pat and Kipp Lennon. They are cousins who were born and raised in Venice Beach, California and they have been a staple on the California Club scene for years.
They are known for their incredible 4 part harmonies and live shows.
For more info about the band check the previous post of them HERE

"Garage Demos" are two CD's released by the band independently, including songs recorded between 1989-1995.
These aren't demo-sounding tracks at all, the band just picked the "Garage Demos" name for the double set to aware their fans that these songs/takes were previously unreleased.

The band's more rockin' side full of melody is what you will find here. Not easy to see CD.
Highly Recommended

01 - The Water
02 - Bleeding (live)
03 - Circus In Town
04 - Time On My Hands (live)
05 - Get Out
06 - World Upon My Back
07 - In July
08 - Twenty Words Or Less
09 - My Woman
10 - I'll Be Drivin' (live)
11 - My Own House
12 - Hard Life
13 - If I Were You

Kipp Lennon - Vocals
Mark Lennon - Vocals
Michael Lennon - Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards
Pat Lennon - Vocals, Guitars
Monroe Jones, Paul Mirkovich - Keyboards
Mark Harris - Bass
Scott Crago - Drums & Percussion

VENICE Garage Demos 2 Fast Stuff

VENICE - Garage Demos Part 1; Slow Stuff (1995)

2011-12-20T19:54:00.001Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

Venice is a band comprised of two sets of brothers, Michael and Mark Lennon and Pat and Kipp Lennon. They are cousins who were born and raised in Venice Beach, California and they have been a staple on the California Club scene for years.
They are known for their incredible 4 part harmonies and live shows.
For more info about the band check the previous post of them HERE

"Garage Demos" are two CD's released by the band independently, including songs recorded between 1989-1995.
These aren't demo-sounding tracks at all, the band just picked the "Garage Demos" name for the double set to aware their fans that these songs/takes were previously unreleased.

Beautiful harmonies on songs full of melody is what you will find here. Not easy to see CD.
Highly Recommended

01 - Bad Timing Song
02 - Rivers Never Run
03 - Circle of Life
04 - The Girl in 204 (Live)
05 - The Only Love I Had
06 - Charm You
07 - Shy Moon
08 - Washington & Lincoln
09 - Again
10 - Long Fall
11 - Comes It Now
12 - Very Real

Kipp Lennon - Vocals
Mark Lennon - Vocals
Michael Lennon - Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards
Pat Lennon - Vocals, Guitars
Monroe Jones, Paul Mirkovich - Keyboards
Mark Harris - Bass
Scott Crago - Drums & Percussion

VENICE Garage Demos 1 Slow Stuff

ICON - Night Of The Crime [Rock Candy 2005 remaster] (1985)

2011-12-19T17:14:00.002Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

ICON's "Night Of The Crime" is a cult classic album, rated as one of the best rockin' AOR / Melodic Hard Rock albums of all time in an early Kerrang Magazine survey.
And I can only agree. In fact, this is my favourite album of ALL times.
Yes, there's many magnificent and/or groundbreaking recordings in rock history, but being myself particularly fan of the AOR/MR/HR genres, "Night Of The Crime" is a goldmine, in all aspects.

First of all, comprises like-no-other in one single disc all these 80's musical styles with class. Icon were many steps above than the rest in their songwriting abilities, helped here by the talented Bob Halligan Jr. who co-wrote no less than six of the ten songs on the album.
You have stunning AOR rockers with massive keyboards such as "Naked Eyes", "Missing" or the awesome mid-tempo "Frozen Tears".
If you want lush melodic rockers check out the irresistible "Danger Calling", "Shot At My Heart" or "Raise The Hammer".
And there's more; "Hungry For Love" is a melodic+hard gem, "Out For Blood" is pure double-lead guitar American eighties Hard Rock, the 'hair' style is covered on "Hungry For Love" and on the superb (just perfect) "The Whites Of Their Eyes". Even the 'arena rock anthem' is represented with "Rock My Radio".
"Night Of The Crime" is a perfect compendium of all these sub-genres that ruled the middle of the glorious decade.

Second reason; the musicianship is out of this world.
Vocalist Stephen Clifford has a dynamic, powerful range reaching impossible octaves, the bass is fat, round and precise, Pat Dixon's drumming agile & smashing (both contribute to the excellent harmony vocal arrangements) and John Aquilino's lead guitars are melodic yet punchy, with a rich tone.
But the 'brain' of this exciting band is the skillful Dan Wexler. This underrated musician is the orchestrator here; his guitar riffs, sublime keyboards and the great use of the synth guitar (unusual in this kind of material) are the foundation of the band's style.
Discovered by Alice Cooper (who helped to get Icon's signed by Capitol Rec.) while he was still in high school in Arizona and playing in the first incarnation of the band (The Schoolboys), Dan has played, written and arranged songs anonymously for many major acts during the 80's & 90's.

An then you have another remarkable aspect: this is how a rock album SHOULD SOUND.
Produced by legend Eddie Kramer (Kiss, Hendrix, Beatles) who has provided a polished, glazed, brilliant sound, and mixed & engineered by the best of all times: Mr. Ron Nevison (Survivor, Led Zeppelin, Heart, Damn Yankees), "Night Of The Crime" is sound-wise, one of the best representation of the eighties (again).

Still remember when I bought the cassette at the end of '85. Incredibly, it was released in my country (at a time when anything metal-related was ignored here) attracted by the cover artwork.
After the first listen I was in Heaven with my jaw hanging. Immediately bought the vinyl, then the CD a couple years after. Of course the Axe Killer (a small French label) 2000's re-edition as well and finally the superb Rock Candy remaster.
That's why I am posting this diamond here, as many people are asking if this final edition worth the purchase. The answer is definitively Yes!
The Rock Candy edition was 'really' remastered from the master tapes with a sharper, perfectly balanced sound, really close to the warm vinyl harmonics.
Seems it has become pretty scarce now, so if you find it at a fair price go and get it with your eyes closed.

I never rate an album or the artistic talent of a band/musician (who I am to do it), just like it or not.
This time, I'll take a little license; "Night Of The Crime" is a 10/10.
Essential.

01 - Naked Eyes
02 - Missing
03 - Danger Calling
04 - Shot At My Heart
05 - Out For Blood
06 - Raise The Hammer
07 - Frozen Tears
08 - The Whites Of Their Eyes
09 - Hungry For Love
10 - Rock My Radio

Stephen Clifford - Vocals
John Aquilino - Guitars
Dan Wexler - Guitars, Keyboards, Synth Guitar
Tracy Wallach - Bass, Backing Vocals
Pat Dixon - Drums, Percussion, Backing Vocals

ICON - Night Of The Crime [Rock Candy remaster]

SHARP EDGES - Slice Of Life (1983)

2011-12-13T21:13:00.002Z

SHARP EDGES were a Canadian AOR band that sadly only released this miniLP in 1983. Only 6 tracks but all good, contagious tunes with the unmistakable 80's sound.
Mixing commercial radio friendly choruses with rockin' AOR, these guys were really, really good.

"On The Edge" is a semi-midtempo with and action-movie cadence, filled with stabbing keyboards and solid percussion. Dave Filchak's vocals are perfect, reminding me Larry Greene (Fortune), while Tom Lang plays a short but sharp guitar solo.
"Too Young" has a pure AOR-rock attack. Here Lang takes the mic and he is really good singing too! His guitar lines and specially the swirling keyboards are a must.
"Runaway" is a catchy version of Del Shannon classic (well done), and follower "Girl On The Airwaves" has a radio-rock approach wrapped with great harmony vocals. The slightly Hi-Tech style of "Schizophrenia" definitely has the typical Canadian AOR sound with 'that' drums.
"City Boy" is a another winner, an uptempo rockin' AOR with a great refrain and constant catchiness.

Crisply produced by Canadian guru Ed Stasium (Vixen, Ratt), "Slice Of Life" is a great CanCon AOR representation of the first half of the eighties. It's catchy, melodic and fun.
This file was taken from the CD edition by a small Dutch label, transferred with a truly good sound quality. Seems there's a newly CD re-issue, including an extra track and a couple of remixes.
Highly Recommended to any AOR fan.

01 - On The Edge
02 - Too Young
03 - Runaway
04 - Girl On The Airwaves
05 - Schizophrenia
06 - City Boy

Dave Filchak - Guitar, Vocals
Tom Lang - Guitar, Vocals, Keyboards
Dan Zimmerman - Bass
George Klimow - Drums
John Webster - guest Keyboards

SHARP EDGES - Slice Of Life (1983)

AOR TREASURES - Demo Projekt Vol.2 (2011)

2011-12-06T03:01:00.000Z

Second 'Demo Projekt' installment, including some tracks already known by many collectors, some others not.
A2A has recorded an interesting collection of instrumental demos based on oodles of keyboards. The rare edit version of "No Return" is really cool.
Swedish session vocalist Andy Eklund joined wizard Tommy Denander during the nineties for a melodic rock project that never saw the light, but their demos were shared hand to hand by Scandinavian fans.
Swedes Alyson Avenue had better luck, as they recorded their debut in 2000, but were fighting in the underground for years. This good demo was recorded around '92.
I don't know what happened with the band Room Service, as their track "Running Away From It All" is excellent. It even appeared in a demo compilation released by an indie label, but then vanished without a trace.

One of my favorites here is "Don't Give Up" by Cold Heart. This is a great band with so good material that I am thinking to make an exclusive post with their mega rare unreleased pre-production album.
Not sure if "Make Me Baby" by Mariner was officially recorded and released by the band, but certainly this is a demo take. It doesn't matter, it's a very good 80's track and deserves to be here.
One of the gems in this compilation is the uber rare version of "Eye Of The Tiger" recorded by Survivor with former MSG frontman Robin McAuley when Jim Jamison left the band. This joint-venture lasted few months and this is one of the only 3 demos they recorded together.
And there's more interesting tracks, all with a restoring audio job by me to get the best of them.
More to come soon...

01 - A2A - No Return
02 - Andy Eklund & Tommy Denander - Don't You Know
03 - Room Service - Running Away From It All
04 - Alyson Avenue - Walk Away
05 - Cold Heart - Don't Give Up
06 - Sapphire Eyes - I Want You To See Me
07 - Craaft - Highway
08 - Jump - Dreamin'
09 - Mariner - Make Me Baby
10 - A.O.K. - Call Me
11 - House Of Lords - Angel Of The City
12 - Adrenalin - Heaven's A Crime
13 - Survivor (Robin McAuley vocals) - Eye Of The Tiger
14 - John Waite - Standing In The Shadow (demo version)
15 - Peter Yttergren - Emilie
16 - Vince DiCola & Stan Bush - No Risk, No Glory
17 - Bill Champlin - Leap Of Faith
18 - Garrison - Never Let It Go
19 - Shining Line - The Best Thing Inside Of Me
20 - Jaded Heart - Burst Into Tears

For a back cover preview, CLICK HERE:

AOR TREASURES - Demo Projekt Vol.2

BRUCE HIBBARD - Never Turnin' Back [CD re-edition] (1980)

2011-12-02T21:35:00.000Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

A nice request to fulfill.
Bruce Hibbard's "Never Turnin' Back" sits easily amongst the best West Coast AOR albums in my collection, and undoubtedly it's one of the more purist recordings in the genre. Despite Hibbard's CCM origins, the lyrics are pretty straightforward.

This customer at Amazon describes perfectly what I think about this little gem:
"The CD starts out right out of the gate with the sprightly title cut, and doesn't let up until the final note of "We Are All His Children." If this CD were released in secular radio in its day, it would have sponsored Top 10 singles for three years.
This is one of my favorite CDs of a collection of hundreds, spanning 25 years or so of CCM and secular music!
I could try as I do with other CDs to mention three to five favorite cuts, but it is not possible with 'Never Turnin' Back'. It is THAT good!

Agree completely. All tracks are pure AOR breezin', exquisitely performed and produced. Bruce sings like an angel and the session musicians are top notch, including the great Hadley Hockensmith on guitars.
Reissued on CD by a specialized Japanese label not so long ago, it seems out of print right now. The digital transfer and mastering is first rate, with a warm sound.
Don't miss this delicatessen.
Highly Recommended.

01 - Never Turnin' Back
02 - Calling
03 - You'll Never Let Me Go
04 - It's A Shame
05 - You're So Good To Me
06 - Forgiven
07 - Straight And Narrow
08 - All Of Me
09 - Love Will Always Make A Way
10 - We Are All His Children

Bruce Hibbard: vocals, keyboards
Hadley Hockensmith: guitars
Dean Parks: guitars
Harlan Rogers: keyboards
Bill Maxwell: drums
Bryan Duncan, Randy Thomas, Kelly Willard: backing vocals

BRUCE HIBBARD - Never Turnin' Back [CD re-edition]

HOBIN - Keepin' The Dream Alive (1982)

2011-11-27T02:11:00.003Z

Todd Hobin, from Syracuse, New York, has been around for a a while. Singer, guitarist and songwriter of his own band, Todd's first self titled release date from 1978.
He still performs with the original Todd Hobin Band and as solo artist, but stopped recording since 1985 when 'Turn It On" (already featured HERE on this blog) hit the stores.
Prior to this one, 1982's "Keepin' The Dream Alive" - released under his last name - also includes some nice AOR radio friendly tunes typical of the era.

Opens with pompy title track "Keepin' The Dream Alive", a solid track with good guitars, keys and a wonderful refrain. The inclusion of searing sax lines enhances the track greatly.
Next song "I Ain't Got No Money" is a little and inoffensive rocker that reminds me Robert Berry's Hush, but follower "Lost Without Your Love" is a very good AOR track with awesome harmony vocals, a catchy song that also features an interesting and original middle section instrumentation.
"How Do I Kiss You?" is more poppy AOR oriented but with an irresistible catchiness, polished sound and a hooky chorus.

On the convincing "Talkin' Like A Fool" Hobin sounds like Rick Springfield circa Working Class Dog, whilst "Jealousy" has an early Loverboy vibe. Both fine tracks.
"Tonight (I Wanna Be Lonely)" is a melodic semi-ballad with tuneful vocals by Hobin and candy-floss keyboards ala Franke & The Knockouts. Certainly a goodie.
The ethereal instrumental "Aria For K.T." (mixed with the main title "Keepin' The Dream Alive" reprise) precedes the Le Roux's influenced AOR of "No Words". This is a classy sounding and arranged slow tune that grows on you vividly.

"Keepin' The Dream Alive" is a pretty obscure album released through the indie label Aries Records including really good AOR songs mixed with some fine rock&pop numbers. In short; a typical lovely early 80's American Rock record.
It's nicely produced and very well performed and arranged, a truly enjoyable record.
Vinyl rip restored by myself some years ago (not with my present quality standards but sounds really good) including artwork.

01 - Keepin' The Dream Alive
02 - I Ain't Got No Money
03 - Lost Without Your Love
04 - How Do I Kiss You
05 - Let It Roll
06 - Talkin' Like A Fool
07 - Jealousy
08 - Tonight (I Wanna Be Lonely)
09 - Keepin' The Dream Alive (Reprise) + Aria For K.T.
10 - No Words

Todd Hobin: lead vocals, synths, guitar, piano, percussion
Doug Moncrief: Piano, synths, bass, backing vocals
Bruce Fowler: guitars, backing vocals
Shawn Hobin: drums, backing vocals
John Kane: tenor sax
Peter Mack: string bass
Vince Taft: percussion
Mark Doyle: bass, synth bass, clavinet, guitar, backing vocals, producer

HOBIN - Keepin' The Dream Alive

VENICE - 2nd Album (1990)

2011-11-22T22:49:00.005Z

Today it's time for a personal favorite: Venice 2nd album.
Not strictly AOR, nor strictly Melodic Rock, but all englobed at the same time, into a lush Classic Rock package.

Comprised of cousins Kipp and Michael Lennon and their respective brothers Pat and Mark Lennon, this quartet from Venice, California, spreads quality to the 4 cardinal points.
Often compared with The Eagles, and Crosby, Stills & Nash, this compliment is more than deserved.
Based on fantastic vocal harmonies and crisp and clean instrumentation without compromising rockin' consistency, their music is a bliss of musicality.

This is the best Venice album in my opinion, offering a varied section of tunes from bubbling rockers as the irresistible "All My Life" (which reminds me my loved Nelson), "Time" and "Kaylee" to the charming ballads "Change In The Season" or the perfect harmony-filled "Hideaway Hill", this band hasn't any single weak moment.
Known for their social consciousness, Venice also give us interesting lyrics on "People Laugh" (which draws attention to the subject of AIDS) and "Ocean", written about the polluted Santa Monica Bay.

If you don't know Venice the band, it's time to fill that gap.
Highly Recommended.

01 - All My Life
02 - Sacrifice The Fool
03 - Mr.Lonely
04 - Change In The Season
05 - Kaylee
06 - Pushed Her Too Far
07 - Time
08 - Ocean
09 - People Laugh
10 - Save The Legion
11 - Hideaway Hill
12 - Ball & Chain

Kipp Lennon - Lead Vocals
Mark Lennon - Lead Vocals
Michael Lennon - Guitars & Vocals
Pat Lennon - Guitars & Vocals
Monroe Jones - Keyboards
Mark Harris - Bass
Scott Crago - Drums & Percussion

VENICE 2nd Album 1990

VINCI - Vinci (1995)

2011-11-16T20:08:00.003Z

VINCI is a studio Melodic Hard Rock project devised by German multi-instrumentalist Tom Blendinger.
Session musician and producer, the first self-titled 'Vinci' album was Tom's culmination of three years working in his own studio. For the lead vocals Blendinger called singer Wolfgang Riegal who used to be part of the earlier encarnation of Victory.

"Vinci" is a surprisingly good Melodic Hard Rock album in the Euro style, musically in the line of other German acts such as Casanova or Javan, Swedes Amaze Me and to a lesser degree, mid-era MSG, partly due to the McAuley-esque vocals of Wolfgang.
"The Shooter", "One" and "Get Your Wings" are fine and melodic numbers, not exempt of many AOR harmonies, as the nice midtempo ballad "What About You".
Tom Blendinger is a very good performer particularly on his main instrument, the guitar, building the songs over strong riffs and melodic solos. Good use of the keyboards too, orchestrating the whole Vinci's sound.

Tom Blendinger has released independently an instrumental album under Vinci's moniker, but seems a new MHR oriented CD with a new vocalist is scheduled for 2012.
"Vinci" is a good, catchy album, released by the legendary and now defunct label Long Island Records.
Out of print.

1. The Shooter
2. Get Your Wings
3. Smell of Spring
4. Sixth Sense
5. Chance of Life
6. 1999
7. One
8. What About You
9. Good Times
10. Love's a Jailer
11. Welcome Home

Wolfgang Riegel - Lead & Backing Vocals
Tom Blendinger - All Instruments, Backing Vocals

VINCI 1995

MARCEL McARTHUR - Don't Turn Around (1987)

2011-11-15T03:19:00.005Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

Marcel McArthur developed his initial artistic years in the Netherlands as frontman of the short-lived band 'Lose To Win'.
By '84 released his first solo album 'Face The Music' in Germany, while his 2nd and last "Don't Turn Around" (1987) was published not only in Europe, but in the USA one year later.

Christian artist as you may note from the song titles, on "Don't Turn Around" McArthur's style is typically eighties blending rock&pop and contemporary (CCM) with some smooth WestCoast and AOR.
The first tracks does not much for me, such as the poppy & gospel "Love Is Catching On", followed by the commercial sounding and light "I Rejoice" (good guitar solo) and then the boring "Sometimes They Call Me Father".
"Remember Who I Am" is a gentle midtempo rock&pop and things get better with the little rock of "Lost".

The good stuff here is on the 'Side B'.
"Don't Turn Around" is my favorite, a cheap action-movie lite AOR number with synth attack, marching rhythm and catchy refrain.
"He'll Be There" is a good commercial aorish ballad, one of the best vocally performed tracks here.
"Praise To The King" has a smooth westcoast sound, "Jesus Is The Way" is a nice uptempo pop/gospel tune with good arrangements, while last track is a powerful piano ballad very well composed and performed, again with a westcoast scent and some crooner touches.

"Don't Turn Around" - produced by McArthur's itself - it's a nice recording with some interesting and good songs, particularly on the second half. Marcel is preaching most the time, but his mellifluous voice is really pleasant to listen.
Not essential by any means, but obscure and rare as Hell (oops!).

Ripped from the even more rare CD copy. A collector's item for sure.

01 - Love Is Catching On
02 - I Rejoice
03 - Sometimes They Call Me Father
04 - Remember Who I Am
05 - Lost
06 - Don't Turn Around
07 - He'll Be There
08 - Praise To The King
09 - Jesus Is The Way
10 - Here I Am

Marcel McArthur : Vocals, production
Personnel : Unlisted / unknown

MARCEL McARTHUR - Don't Turn Around

LOREN HARRIET - Round Up The Usual Suspects (1995)

2011-11-07T18:06:00.001Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

Loren Harriet is a name that doesn't ring a bell among general rock fans, but this executive producer and musician has been behind several major music projects.
By 1993, the man had the chance to set aside the concerning aspects of the business, and go for his guilty pleasure; his artistic side as musician.

"Round Up The Usual Suspects" is his one and only album, and as you could imagine, heavy weight musicians were part of the recording.
If Loren's name is unknown to you, I'm sure Bill Champlin, Michael Landau, Timothy B. Schmit or Leland Sklar are not.
This stellar line-up (check personnel below) really shine on these quality westcoast/AOR tunes. Some tracks are more classic rock&pop oriented, but with an aorish flavor all over.
Harriet's vocals aren't the strongest, but all the time he's cleverly supported by monsters like Champlin (on 3 tracks), Schmit, Nicolette Larson, Jay Winding, Vonda Shepard... you can't go wrong with these gorgeous throats.
Musically all the songs are impeccable, and even on the few weakest tracks the musicianship is really good, particularly Michael Landau's awesome guitars.

Originally released as promo in 1993, "Round Up The Usual Suspects" was finally published two years after in small quantities.
Mega-Rare.

01 - What Do You Really
02 - Just A Matter Of Mind
03 - Native Son
04 - Be Strong
05 - Loyal Friend
06 - Do You Believe
07 - Stand And Fight
08 - Living A Lie
09 - Strange Man
10 - All The Way
11 - El Dorado
12 - Friends

LOREN HARRIET - Round Up The Usual Suspects

STINGRAY - Revisited Re-Mastered (1979-2009)

2011-11-02T17:53:00.002Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

From the atypical land for pompy AOR, Stingray was the first South African band to play this genre.
Their first self-titled album, heavily influenced by Boston, Journey, Queen and a bit of early Survivor, scored the local hit "Better The Devil You Know" reaching #4 in the South African radio charts, which was also played in several European countries, specially Germany.

Aside from the pomp keyboards and style, their music has a strong Melodic Rock feel on many tracks, as on the fabulous opener "Better The Devil You Know", a catchy tune with a fantastic chorus.
Follower "The Man In My Shoes" has an earlier Boston influence, from the vocal harmonies to the melodic line. A killer track.
If the previous song had some Boston scent, wait to hear "Same Old Party". Layers and layers of terrific harmony vocals, swirling keyboards and a monster contagious chorus makes this song a favorite.

"Breakdown" has a melodic Survivor feel, while "Devotion" is a Journey-esque midtempo with some proggy AOR elements.
"Where Do We Go From Here" is another favorite. Again influenced by Boston but essentially by Queen due the great vocal arrangements.
Another great one is the classy "Love Saver" where the guitar work resembles Brian May. On "Whole Lotta Fire" they rock a bit harder in the late '70s American style.
"Lucy" is a superb pure pomp AOR ballad based on electric keys, where the lead vocals really shine.

"Stingray" is a great and pretty unknown Pomp AOR / Melodic Rock album with infectious melodies and excellent harmonies, with a crisp and lush production typically American sounding (despite of being recorded in Johannesburg).
As a curious note, drummer Shaun Wright lost a leg in a shark attack in 1980 whilst surfing at Balito Bay. He carried on drumming, but was eventually replaced by Wally Cullis for the next and last album, from which the band was expecting an international success. Unfortunately it never happened, and the group split up soon.
A shame, because they were really good.

This is the CD reissue of the self titled debut with the addition of 2 single b-sides and different track order, re-entitled "Revisited Re-Mastered". I have my doubts if the 'remaster' was done from the master tapes, anyway, it sounds nice.
No fillers in sight, all tracks are really good.
Recommended.

01 - Better The Devil You Know
02 - The Man In My Shoes
03 - Same Old Party
04 - How Much
05 - Breakdown
06 - Devotion
07 - Where Do We Go From Here
08 - Gonna Keep My Head Together
09 - Love Saver
10 - Hard Headed Loner
11 - Whole Lotta Fire
12 - Lucy

Dennis East: Lead Vocals
Mike Pilot: Lead guitar & vocals
Danny Anthill: Keyboards, flute
Eddie Boyle: Bass
Allan Goldswain: Keyboards
Shaun Wright: Drums & percussion

STINGRAY - Revisited Re-Mastered

GARNETT FORD - Postcard (1982) [1995 reissue]

2011-10-29T17:51:00.002Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

Garnett Ford is a Toronto singer who started his career in a band called Pinball during the '70s. Produced by Ian Thomas, Garnett released his first solo album 'Under The Influence' in 1978.
"Postcard" was his 2nd and last effort before disappearing as main artist from the music scene (he is now composing music for movies and television).

Many in-demand session musicians were part of this recording, such as the great Kim Mitchell, Bernie LaBarge or the late BB Gabor.
The overall musical style on "Postcard" is stylized Canadian rock&pop with some Lite AOR moments.
"Stay The Way" was the single (a minor hit), a really nice radiable tune.
Other goodies are the John O'Banion-like "Can't Do Without It", the aorish and catchy "Looking For You" and the Rick Springfield inspired "Live It Up".
On "When I'm Beside You" Garnett sounds as Ian Thomas (good guitars here), while the orchestrated ballad "You And I" has some westcoast touches.

Expertly produced by Paul Gross and Jack Richardson (Harlequin, Aerosmith), "Postcard" is a nice addition to any collection, specially if you like the Canadian style.
Ripped from the '95 CD reissue by the legendary German label Long Island Records, out of print.

01. Stay The Way
02. Can't Do Without You
03. Words Of Love
04. Looking For You
05. Time Won't Let Me
06. Live It Up
07. When I'm Beside You
08. Can't Slow Down
09. You And I
10. Something In Her
11. Second Chances

Vocals: Garnett Ford
Guitars: Kim Mitchell, Don Gaze, Bernie LaBarge, Sharon Lee Williams, Mike Frances
Keys: Grant Slator, Mike Konn, Dennis Keldi
Bass: Mike Konn, Dennis Finhorn
Drums: Jon Anderson, Paul Armstrong
Percussion: Leon Stevenson, Peter Appleyard
Sax: Earl Seymour
Strings: Allen MacMillan
Backing Vocals: Garnett Ford, BB Gabor, Doug Templeton, Leon Stevenson, Bernie LaBarge, Shawn Jackson, Colina Phillips,

GARNETT FORD - Postcard

KBC Band - KBC Band (1986)

2011-10-29T00:07:00.002Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

When vocalist and guitar player Paul Kantner left Jefferson Starship in 1984, the group disbanded. Grace Slick and lead vocalist Mickey Thomas continued on simply as Starship.
Kantner was looking for new horizons, and soon joined forces with his former Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship bandmate Marty Balin who was playing live with his own band. The duo agreed to form a band with a new sound, and for the purpose they called the also ex Jefferson Airplane bass player Jack Casady.
KBC band (Kantner-Balin-Casady band) was born, and after a 6-month writing period, the group ink a deal with a major label. Their lone self-titled album was released in 1986.

"KBC band" is a pretty different beast from the typically mid-eigthies stuff.
It's commercial, yes, including catchy poppy AOR tunes with heavily-layered vocal harmonies, some bombastic electronic drums and tons of synthesizers, but lyrically has some kind of defiantly message and musically the band adds saxophone (heavily compressed) dueling with the guitar.
On some tracks the vocals are shared between Kantner and Balin, but it's Marty Balin who handles almost all of the lead vocals, resembling on many parts his stupendous solo albums from the beginning of the eighties.

Opener "Mariel" is a catchy rock&pop song that somehow sounds British to my ears, maybe 'cos the political lyrics (Kantner was an activist at the time).
"It's Not You, It's Not Me" was the first single and a minor hit in the charts, which attracted airplay on AOR radio. Written by Van Stephenson, this is a beautiful mid-tempo tune with an anthemic chorus and a melodious guitar / sax interplay.
"Hold Me" is a slow track in the Americana style with a fine guitar work and sweet vocals by Balin, a bit long to my tastes.
On the classic rockin' "America" the vocals are shared again for good effect. This song recently found renewed interest (due to the lyrics) after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

The uptempo "No More Heartaches" is one of my favorite songs on the album, an urgent uptempo AOR track full of synths and a ridiculously catchy chorus. This song alone worth the entire disc.
"Wrecking Crew" is another winner. It is embedded with that '80s magic impossible to resist. Poppy AOR ready for the radio - Love it -.
"When Love Comes" is a re-make of a song previously done by Balin on his 1983 solo album 'Lucky'. The KBC Band version has a more classic rock treatment but with the addition of lush keyboards and electronic drums to update the sound to the mid-eighties style.
"Dream Motorcycle" is a simple but infectious pop-rocker with a catchy melody, a bit overwhelmed by a wall of sax though.
The album ends with "Sayonara", an affected and beautifully performed melodic power ballad, full of class and style, another of my favorites here.

Ignored or unknown for most Adult Oriented Rock collectors, with great production and a big sound, "KBC band" is a succulent dish of mid-eighties brilliance, including some memorable AOR moments (specially on the second part, or 'B' side).
By the way, this is a rip at maximum quality from the not so easy to find CD edition of this album.
Highly Recommended.

01 - Mariel
02 - It's Not You, It's Not Me
03 - Hold Me
04 - America
05 - No More Heartaches
06 - Wrecking Crew
07 - When Love Comes
08 - Dream Motorcycle
09 - Sayonara

Marty Balin – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Paul Kantner – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Jack Casady – bass
Mark 'Slick' Aguilar – lead guitar, background vocals
Tim Gorman – keyboards, synths, background vocals
Keith Crossnan – saxophone, background vocals
Darrell Verdusco – drums, background vocals

KBC Band (1986)

JACK STARR's BURNING STARR - The Orange album (1989)

2011-10-28T00:45:00.006Z

It's time to add some hard sounds to this blog.
Jack Starr is a guitarist and songwriter of French origin, who came to the rock and metal scene at the beginning of the '80s with the band Virgin Steele. I don't know you, but Virgin Steele was one of my favorite groups in my 'young metal years'.
By 1984 Jack formed his own project, 'Jack Starr's Burning Starr', enjoying limited success in the USA during the explosion of hair metal in the second half of the eighties, principally with their Ratt / Dokken oriented '85 release 'No Turning Back', featuring in the line-up future Danger Danger members Frank Vestry and Bruno Ravel.

But at the end of the decade, Starr recorded one of the most unknown American hard rock albums of the era, the self-titled "Jack Starr's Burning Starr", named by the fans as "The Orange album".
This album set a departure from the band's hard 'n heavy style into a more commercial sound, full of keyboards and catchiness.
"Send Me An Angel", "Love Can't Wait", "Fool For Love" or "Hold Back The Night" could have been huge hits on the radio. Sadly, it was a little too late when the album came out (almost 1990) and the labels started to drop artists playing this kind of stuff.
The album only was released in Japan and Germany, but with no promotion and poor distribution it went unnoticed to the major audience.

Well written and played, "The Orange album" is a solid melodic hard rockin' album with inspired guitar work, blasting compressed drums (including cowbells), heavy keyboards and more than competent vocals and choruses. The overall sound / style reminds me my loved Icon (the Phoenix, Arizona band), Keel and Dokken.
This CD version includes 2 tracks not present on the vinyl / cassette editions and has become impossible to find (a Japanese collector paid $300 for a copy, go figure).

01. Send Me An Angel
02. Bad Times
03. Fool For Love
04. Hold Back The Night
05. Love Can't Wait
06. Out Of The Blue
07. New York Woman
08. Tear Down The Wall
09. Break The Ice
10. Good Girls Gone Bad [CD bonus]
11. Remember Tomorrow [CD bonus]

Jack Starr - Guitars
Mike Tirelli - Vocals
William (aka Freebass) Fairchild - Bass
Jim Harris - Drums
Edward Spahn - Keyboards
Chris Collins - add. vocals

JACK STARR Orange album 1989

HAROLD FALTERMEYER - The Ultimate Collection (2007)

2011-10-20T17:13:00.001Z

Session musician, composer and producer Harold Faltermeyer redefined action film scoring in the '80s.
He is recognized as the man who introduced the typical synth rock&pop sound of the glorious decade into the movies, creating a new niche in the business.

Faltermeyer's career began in 1979, playing synthesizer on Donna Summers' "Bad Girls" album along with executive producer Giorgio Moroder.
Alternating his session work as musician and arranger, he started a parallel career composing incidental music for film studios.
Harold's first big smash hit was the electronic theme for Beverly Hills Cop ('Axel F') - one of the most successful soundtracks ever - followed by 1984 'Thief Of Hearts' and 1985 'Fletch' Original SoundTracks.
But Faltermeyer always will be remembered for his work on the eighties iconic movie 'Top Gun', the best selling soundtrak in history. With 'Top Gun Anthem', won his 2nd Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Performance with guitarist Steve Stevens.

Often imitated but never surpassed in his game, Harold's heavy synthesized style combined with bombastic electronic drums (or subtle programming when needed) become a staple in the genre.
"The Ultimate Collection" comprises his most known eighties works altogether with some pretty rare, unreleased and hard to find material, such as "Didi Der Doppelganger" or "Wake Up Musical" scores, the rare Wimbledon's "The Challenge" instrumental versions, and even the never officially released movie version of "Restless Hearts" ('The Running Man' 1987) performed by John Parr.

Not for sale, this double CD was made for promotional use only.
A collector's item, a must have for any OST fan and any true '80s sound lover.

VOL.1

The Ultimate Collection Vol.1

VOL.2

The Ultimate Collection Vol.2

ENJOY

REQUEST & FILL CORNER 9

2011-10-17T22:59:00.006Z

805 - Stand In Line (1982)

2011-10-17T21:25:00.003Z

805 was founded in the NY area in 1977 by vocalist and guitar player Dave Porter.
While playing covers in the clubs circuit, the band wrote and recorded original songs tirelessly, and eventually was signed by RCA.
At the beginning of '82, at the mansion and studio of Randy Bachman (Bachman Turner Overdrive) in Washington, 805 recorded their debut "Stand In Line".

"Stand In Line" includes really good songs in a lite-prog AOR style, with a brilliant and crisp production.
"Young Boys" and "Fools Parade" are commercial tunes with a typical eighties ambience, the title track reminds you Genesis Phil Collins-era, while "Making It All Seem True" is a beautifully spiced AOR track (love the keys on this one).
"Defense" has radio potential with very cool synths in the vein of AOR progsters Saga, and "Going Nowhere At All" has magical arrangements sounding pretty British to my ears.

Never released on CD, "Stand In Line" is one of the best commercial proggy AOR albums of the beginning of the '80s.
Vinyl rip restored by myself.
Goodie.

01 - Stand In Line
02 - Young Boys
03 - Fools Parade
04 - Making It All Seem True
05 - Defense
06 - Gimme Everything
07 - Keeping The Spark Alive
08 - Float Away
09 - Out In The Light
10 - Going Nowhere At All

Dave Porter - lead vocals, guitars
Ed Vivenzio - keyboards, backup vocals
Greg "Creamo" Liss - bass, chapman stick, backup vocals
Frank Briggs - drums, percussion

805 - Stand In Line (1982)

HERLAND Brothers - One Small Step (1994)

2011-10-14T19:14:00.001Z

This five member band from the U.S. Northeast is made up of the three Herland brothers Frank, Scott and John, all with many years experience in the music world including radio, television and commercial recordings.
They have supported over the years many major acts as White Lion, LA Guns, Gary Cherone from Extreme, etc.

In the mid nineties the bros. released independently their self-produced debut “One Small Step” under the name HERLAND.
Their style has many influences, mostly American Melodic Rock, with a guitar driven sound and pretty good vocal arrangements.
It's a nice recording, but I don't understand the ridiculous prices (over $ 100) of this CD. Surely because it's rare and out of print.
This is a rip from a promo copy distributed before the official release.
Rare.

01 - Sleepin' Beauty
02 - Swept Away
03 - Would You Be Mine Tonight
04 - Let Me Know
05 - Take Your Time
06 - Find Your Way
07 - Why 'o' Why

John Herland - Lead Vocals, back up vocals
Frank Herland - Keyboards, Acoustic Guitar, Back up vocals
Scott Herland - Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Back up vocals
Mike Fazio - Bass
Scott Reboulet - Bass
Arthur Mambuca - Drums, Percussion

HERLAND bros. One Small Step

V.A. - E35, Let's Sing J-Pop In English (2008)

2011-10-13T04:18:00.006Z

In upcoming posts will be featured (and briefly reviewed) many albums originally requested and fulfilled into the "Request & Fill Corner" section, but not available anymore.

Let's start with the beautiful Japan-only 3CD compilation "E35, Let's Sing J-Pop In English".
As the title indicates, these are covers of Japanese Rock&Pop hits performed (all in English language) by well known AOR / Westcoast stars.
All these songs were recorded between 1991 / 1994, only appeared in Asian V.A. albums as the 'Love Stories' series, "Goody's" and many other rarities.
Some tracks are boring (particularly the ones sung by a few unknown vocalists), that's normal in huge compilations.

But who cares when you have awesome songs never published outside Japan and performed by such luminaries as Jason Scheff, Tommy Funderburk, Joseph Williams, Peter Beckett, Bobby Kimball, Jay Graydon and many more.
Remarkable is the inclusion of one of the few songs officially published/recorded as lead vocalist by the late Warren Wiebe, a gifted singer that never got the chance to release his own solo album.

"E35: Let's Sing J-Pop In English", compiled by the specialized Japanese label Avex fetch exorbitant prices, as all imports.
Do not miss this unique opportunity...

CD 1
01 - Jason Scheff - Say Yes
02 - Ned Doheny - Suddenly (Love Story)
03 - Tommy Funderburk - Imademo Anata ga Sukidakara
04 - Joseph Williams - Get Back In Love
05 - Peter Beckett - Ai Wo Tomenaide
06 - Stephen Bishop - Donna Tokimo
07 - Milini Khan - Sekaijuu no Dareyori Kitto
08 - Rachel Ham - Overnight Sensation
09 - El DeBarge - Kimigairudakede (KomeKome Club)
10 - Jessica Sheely - You're My Only Shinin' Star
11 - Tata Vega - Seasons

E35 - 1

CD 2
01 - Joseph Williams - Dear My Friend
02 - Adrian Peritore - Get Crazy! (Princess, Princess)
03 - Richard Page - Gloria
04 - Anna McMurphy - Break Out!
05 - Gigi Worth - Kiss Me
06 - Joseph Williams - Christmas Eve
07 - Jason Scheff - Yah Yah Yah
08 - Douglas Getschall - Kanashimi Ha Yuki no Youni
09 - Kelly Keagy - Yakusokunohashi
10 - Boddy Kimball - Red Nose Reindeer
11 - Douglas Getschall - Saboten no Hana
12 - Warren Wiebe - True Love

E35 - 2

CD 3
01 - Boddy Caldwell - Answer
02 - Marilyn Martin - Tooi Machi No Dokokade
03 - Jason Scheff - You're the Only...
04 - Natalia - Time Goes By
05 - Joseph Williams - Sayonara
06 - Jay Graydon - Oasis
07 - Marilyn Martin - Tatoe Tooku Ni Hanaretetemo
08 - Joseph Williams - Doushiyoumonai Bokuni
09 - Ronnie Spector - Kazetachinu
10 - Jason Scheff - Over And Over
11 - Frank Sinatra Jr. - Departures
12 - Gino Vannelli - Still, I'm In Love With You

E35 - 3

ENJOY

AOR TREASURES - Demo Projekt Vol.1 (2011)

2011-09-29T23:15:00.005Z

Got many quality demos in my collection, and some of them should have been ended in official releases by the respective artists.
So, why not start a Demo series?
If you like it, there will be more for sure.
All tracks in this first installment are really good songs in my opinion, mostly with A+ audio quality.
I have restored the files (enhance, de-hiss, channel correction, etc) for your listening pleasure.

A brief description on some of them:
House Of Lords' James Christian used to be the leader of Eyes (a group with countless members in its history) during the mid-eighties, recording flashing AOR demos, but sadly, never releasing any official material. The song featured here is awesome.
Greek AORsters Wild Rose will be finally releasing the 1st album soon. This demo is a good tune in the classic style.
The great short-lived UK band Seven only released 2 fantastic maxi-CD at the beginning of the nineties produced by John Parr, "America" is a song that never was released.
Kristina Nichols has one of those unique AOR voices. I never seen this rare demo ('88) surfacing the web. Lyrics by Nancy Krasn and Kristina Nichols. Music by Bettie Ross & Kristina Nichols. (Edwin, this is for you!)

Some years ago Swedish wiz Tommy Denander started a project that sadly never seen the light of day, with many top vocalists as guests. On this demo, the respected Joe Pasquale sings his first AOR / MR song in years (he is retired, producing country artists).
Another rarity is hear Robby Valentine performing a cover. "Go Your Own Way" (a Fleetwood Mac original) is professionally recorded but never released. A real rarity from Robby's vault.
"This Is Our Life" by Shining Line was scheduled to be featured into the non-european version of their last year's debut CD, but that's never happened. This track was included into a compilation not so long ago, but this is NOT the same mix.

How about some rare Zinatra? One of my favorite rockin' AOR bands recorded some demos with their last singer Ollie Oldenburg (Frozen Rain) in 1992/3. This track is a mega-rarity.
Another cool tune is "The Law" by Liddle-Rush-Thrall. As the name suggests the band was a collaboration between one-time Strangeways vocalist Tony Liddell, Billy Rush (Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes) and the legendary Pat Thrall (Meatloaf, Asia, Hughes/Thrall). Rockin' track never released.
Is it Fergie Frederiksen at the mic on the Mecca demo? Listen and answer the quiz.
Chicago's Peter Cetera has a songwriter brother, Kenny, who also sings like an angel. Check this mega-rare demo, great quality.
Also included is a great track of Geezer Butler Band from their '86 studio demos feat. Carl Sentance, a fine hi-tech '89 track (demo-only) by Bruce Turgon, and many more.

All these songs never have been released / appeared on official albums.
Good Stuff.

01 - Eyes (James Christian) - Fury Of A Woman
02 - Wild Rose - Another Shot
03 - Maxx - Love In Disguise
04 - Turbulence - Hold On
05 - Seven - America
06 - Kristina Nichols - In The Hands Of The Right Man
07 - Tommy Denander & Joe Pasquale - Run Away
08 - Robby Valentine - Go Your Own Way
09 - Shining Line - This Is Our Life
10 - Summers - Rock You
11 - BlackHeart - My Star
12 - Jacklyn - Straight From The Heart
13 - Zinatra (with Ollie Oldenburg) - Wings Of Gold
14 - Harem Scarem - Born To Be A Rebel
15 - Liddle/Rush/Thrall - The Law
16 - Hayate - Can't Wait On Love
17 - Galaxy - Free To Loose
18 - Geezer Butler Band - Computer God
19 - Bruce Turgon - The First Step
20 - Mecca - I Know
21 - Kenny Cetera - Could It Be You
22 - Warren Wiebe - Safe Back In Your Arms

AOR TREASURES - Demo Projekt Vol.1

LAMARCA - LaMarca (1985)

2011-09-24T23:07:00.005Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

This is a nice request to fill.
LaMarca was a project / band from American singer and composer Abe LaMarca, brained together with veteran producer, engineer, songwriter and guitar player Jeff Silverman (who also has worked and played with Rick Springfield).
With the back-up of accomplished session musicians such as multi-facetic drummer Carlos Vega, Jamie Sheriff (Eyes) or master Tom Kelly (I-Ten, Van Stephenson), they recorded this very good LP in 1984/5.

The style of LaMarca is catchy poppy AOR with some Hi-Tech elements, mostly uptempo, glossy and tasteful.
Put in your kitchen-aid blender equal parts of The Arrows, Body Electric, the commercial Michael Sembello and a dash of Starship and David Hallyday, and you get the appetizing LaMarca cocktail.
All tracks are good, being my favorites "The Boys" (the most purely '80s AOR here), the elegantly keyboard filled "Touch And Go" and the melodic mid-tempo ballad "When You Question Love", full of eighties magic sounds.

Only officially released on vinyl and cassette, this is a bootleg CD very well transferred, including as bonus the really good song "Hold On Blue Eyes" from 'The Wraith' soundtrack. I have replaced this track with my own rip directly taken from my own The Wraith vinyl, which sounds much better.
Additionally, as extra bonus you'll find the band's contribution to 'Lady Beware' soundtrack, the cool song "Bad In Blue".
So, you have here all LaMarca material ever recorded in one package.
Ripped at maximum quality including artwork.
Recommended.

01 - Change My Rules
02 - Dear Diane
03 - Second Chance
04 - You
05 - The Bystander
06 - Burn The Bridges
07 - The Boys
08 - When You Question Love
09 - Touch And Go
10 - It's In The Eyes
11 - Hold On Blue Eyes (The Wraith OST) [bonus]
12 - Bad In Blue (Lady Beware OST) [bonus]

Abe LaMarca - vocals, guitars
Jeff Silverman - guitars
Eric Williams - guitars
George Doering - guitars
Phil Chen - bass
Jamie Sheriff - keyboards
Mitchell Froom - keyboards
Richard Gibbs - keyboards
Carlos Vega - drums
Dany Wynn - drums
Joel Peskin - saxophone
Tom Kelly - backing vocals
Cassell Webb - backing vocals
Lynda Lawley - backing vocals

LaMarca (1985)

RICK SPRINGFIELD - SDAA bonus CD Unreleased Stuff (2004)

2011-09-19T04:11:00.000Z

Revamped post per request.
3 extra tracks added

As requested, more Springfield rarities.
His 'shock/denial/anger/acceptance' album was also released as a collector's package, including an extra CD with 17 bonus / unreleased tracks spanning Rick's career.

According to the press release back in the day:
" The LIMITED EDITION version of s/d/a/a is limited to 3500 numbered copies and hand signed by Rick!
Once they are gone, they're gone! No more will ever be produced! "

Seems they're gone now, so here it is.
Plus more bonuses added: the bonus track from the main album limited edition (not present in the regular release), 'The Day After Yesterday' japanese bonus track, 'Venus In Overdrive' Best Buy exclusive songs, and 'Working Class Dog' reissue bonuses.

A must for Fans & Collectors.
Grab this while it's hot...

1 - Love Screws Me Up (unreleased from Karma)
2 - Revolution Day (unreleased track from Karma)
3 - Rythym Of Love (unreleased '88 song)
4 - Her Body Makes Vows (unreleased track from Karma)
5 - Faithful (different version from the DVD)
6 - When You Dream (original song in EFX)
7 - Rhythm Of The Beat (extra verses)
8 - Forever (EFX version)
9 - Rock Of Life (home demo '86)
10 - Affair Of The Heart (home demo '82)
11 - Souls (home demo '82)
12 - Don't Talk To Strangers (home demo '81)
13 - Poison Pen (unreleased demo SHSMY)
14 - American Girls (live Troubadour '74)
15 - Fire Brigade (unreleased '74)
16 - Sweet Teaser (unreleased '74)
17 - Will I? (AC Radio Mix)

Extras:
18 - Forever (bonus track rerecorded for SDAA sessions)
19 - Love Is The Answer (TDAY Japan bonus)
20 - My Generation (VIO Best Buy exclusive)
21 - Jessie's Girl -Acoustic- (VIO Best Buy exclusive)
Working Class Dog reissue:
22 - Easy To Cry (bonus, prev. unreleased)
23 - Taxi Dancing (bonus, orig. version prev. unrel.)
24 - Jessie's Girl (bonus, demo vers. prev. unreleased)

RICK SPRINGFIELD - SDAA bonus CD

PETER FRAMPTON - When All The Pieces Fit (1989)

2011-09-17T04:11:00.000Z

British Peter Frampton broke all the charts with the amazing double album 'Frampton Comes Alive'. I grew up listening this jewel, and followed his career since then.
During the '80s Peter released only four discs, being the 1986 'Premonition' my favorite, his more AOR oriented ever.

But the last of the bunch in that decade, "When All The Pieces Fit", comes close in my preferences.
This CD must be the more obscure and unknown of his discography, and strangely, unnoticed between the AOR community. Style-wise Contemporary 'adult' Rock & Pop yes, but definitively with an aorish flavor, it's a '89 album...
All this year's characteristics are here; top class session musicians, polished lush production, awesomely bright compressed drums, keyboards, 'that' Top Gun-like rhythm guitars and the obligatory melodic guitar solo.
And of course, tons of harmonic vocals.

One of my picks is the cliché (yes, cheesy, so what?) but wonderful AOR piece "Hold Tight", complete with punctuating keyboards and heavenly backing vocals. Why this track isn't listed between the best '89 songs of the genre is beyond me.
The catchy "More Ways Than One" has a great riff, the lite AORish "Holding On To You" has a commercial trademark Frampton sing-along chorus and on "My Heart Goes Out To You" Peter sounds as the good side of Steve Winwood.
"People All Over The World" reminds me Mr. Mister (don't ask me why), on "Back To The Start" Frampton rocks in his own way, playing his best guitar solo. Love the rhythm section on the latter.
"Now And Again" is another favorite, this semi-midtempo has a terrific chorus, while "This Time Around", the one and only ballad on the entire recording has a charming atmosphere.

I bet most of you never heard about this very good album awesomely produced by guru Chris Lord-Alge (one of my all time favorites).
As far I know, "When All The Pieces Fit" is not an easy CD to find, surely out of print.
Ripped at maximum quality including full artwork.

01 - More Ways Than One
02 - Holding On To You
03 - My Heart Goes Out To You
04 - Hold Tight
05 - People All Over The World
06 - Back To The Start
07 - Mind Over Matter
08 - Now And Again
09 - Hard Earned Love
10 - This Time Around

Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Synths: Peter Frampton
Bass: Nathan East
Percussion: Lenny Castro
Drums: Steve Ferrone, John "J.R." Robinson
Synthesizer: B.A. Robertson
Backing Vocals: Danny Wilde, Mark Williamson, Rick Willis

Engineer, Mixing, Producer, Synths: Chris Lord-Alge
Mastering: Bob Ludwig

PETER FRAMPTON - When All The Pieces Fit

AL DENSON - Be The One (1990)

2011-09-14T01:06:00.002Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

Al Denson is one of those CCM (Contemporary Christian) solo artists who flourished at the end of the eighties, beginning of the nineties.
He is still today a well-known name in the music business, with seven songs that reached the #1 position on the Christian radio charts through his career.

After his nice '89 self-titled debut album, this singer-songwriter published "Be The One" in 1990.
Denson style is catchy & Hi-Tech Rock&Pop with some adult, typically Contemporary Christian AOR moments, and as usually in this genre releases, with a superb production.
Opener "I've Got Something To Say" has an anthemic structure with sing-along potential and bombastic compressed drums.
Here's some poppy oriented tracks that do not interest me as "It's One Thing To Say It" or the weak "Fall Into Place", but the good thing in this kind of of material are the ballads and the AORish tunes.
Title track "Be The One" is one of these solid ballads, also the WestCoast vibes on "No Love Lost" accompanied by a female singer for good effect.

The value tracks on this album are the AOR numbers, as the personal favorite midtempo "Nothing Can Separate Us", with really good guitars and background keys, organic drums and consistent vocals by Al.
"Tested By Fire" is another song full of class, an elegant tune sustained by great clean guitars and an ethereal AOR production.
"Never Out Of His Love" has a slow pace but it's long track with in crescendo moments and a well rounded climax.

Out Of Print and pretty hard to find, "Be The One" includes some nice, immaculately recorded and produced songs in the refined side of the AOR spectre, that well worth a listen.
Ripped at maximum quality by my friend totalaor (thanks mate!), plus artwork.

01 - I've Got Something To Say
02 - It's One Thing To Say It
03 - Nothing Can Separate Us
04 - Be The One
05 - Tested By Fire
06 - Higher Call
07 - Fall Into Place
08 - See Ya At The Party
09 - No Love Lost
10 - Never Out Of His Love

Vocals: Al Denson
Personnel: not listed

AL DENSON - Be The One (1990)

SURRENDER - Surrender '79 No Surrender '82 + bonus (2004)

2011-09-12T18:40:00.001Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

Alfie Zappacosta has become one of the most distinctive solo rock&pop vocalists of the Canadian scene during the eighties / nineties, many times flirting with traditional AOR and Westcoast.
His first band, Canadian "Surrender" is a fine example of how his career began, delivering some stylized tunes throwing in a bit of Pomp.

A few years ago all Surrender material was published for the first time on a digital disc, now deleted, out of print.
The CD comprises the first self titled LP "Surrender" (tracks 1-8), the second and final miniLP "No Surrender" (tracks 9-12) and 8 songs previously unreleased.
The first tracks obviously are the most pomp-influenced; late seventies AOR style with good guitar solos and nice arrangements.
These songs were usually underrated in favor to the more instant and commercial sound of the following miniLP "No Surrender", but we can find very nice melodies as the ones on "Some People", the proggy ballad "Nicole" or the classy "Alone Too Often".
My pick is "Turn Down The Mission" a full keyboard driven track with great instrumentation, including a killer guitar solo.

Of course, tracks 9-12 are more catchy and appealing to the '80s AOR listener, being "It's All Been Done Before" the winner of the bunch, a really great radio-friendly typical AOR tune. I love this one.
The bonuses are material recorded after the band dissolved and become just Zappacosta. All are more mid-eighties oriented, interesting and well recorded although a few have a pre-production sound. My favorite is the emotional "I Don't Want To Talk Tonight", a song with a special aura.

A good compilation, with nice melodies and performances. Not a classic, but a real pleasant listen.
As said, this CD is out of print and I seriously doubt it will be reissued in the future.

01 - Anyway You Want
02 - Some People
03 - Nicole
04 - Turn Down The Mission
05 - Buddy
06 - Alone Too Often
07 - Big City Streets
08 - Young Seaman
09 - It's All Been Done Before
10 - Start Again
11 - Hold Tight
12 - Strange Strange Way!
13 - Find Your Way
14 - Hold Me Close
15 - Your Love Is Blind
16 - Melody
17 - You're The Only One That Matters
18 - The Light In Your Eyes
19 - Polo Bar
20 - I Don't Want To Talk Tonight

Alfie Zappacosta - Vocals, Guitar
Steve Jensen - Guitars
Paul Delaney - Drums (1-12)
Peter Curry - Keyboards (1-8)
Geoff Waddington - Bass (1-8)
Mitch Starkman - Bass (9-12)
Gerald O'Brien, Steve Sexton, Peter Goodale, Calvin Sauro, Gerry Mosby - Keyboards (9-12)

SURRENDER - Surrender / No Surrender

LOVERS LANE - Chiseled In Stone (1994)

2011-09-02T20:50:00.000Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

Let listen some Melodic Hard Rock to shake the body.
Lovers Lane used to rock the Sunset Blvd. circuit in the first half of the nineties, and seems they got a nourished fan base following their shows.
After a self titled cassette only release and some line-up changes, founder members guitarist Todd Fulcher and vocalist Rick Roark slightly changed the musical direction to a more straight Melodic Hard Rock.

Their auto-managed CD "Chiseled In Stone" is a really cool collection of very well composed melodic hard rock tunes. Guitars have a preponderant presence on this recording.
Although typically american, there's some late '80s euro hard rock hints into the band's sound, reminding me sometimes Germans Casanova. Specially singer Rick Roark has a tone similar to Michael Voss.
Just check the uptempo and catchy hard rockers "True Love", "That's Why" or "No Way Out" and then tell me.
Their American pedigree is shown in "Hollywood" (where the vocals reminds you a refined Vince Neil), the very melodic "So Badly", "Where Were You", or the hot "Good Girl Gone Bad", all filled with big guitars and fine choruses.
We find also some nice ballads as the acoustic/electric "Goodbye" including background keyboards, and the melodic "So In Love".

"Chiseled In Stone" is a really pleasant listen. Good songs, plenty of hooks, catchy riffs / solos and nice melodies. The production is as good as it gets for an indie release.
Much sought after by collectors, I seen copies fetching $ 130 and more.

01 - True Love
02 - Hollywood
03 - So Badly
04 - Where Were You
05 - Follow Your Heart
06 - Goodbye
07 - Lovers' Lane
08 - Is It You
09 - Good Girl Gone Bad
10 - Stay With Me
11 - No Way Out
12 - That's Why
13 - So In Love
14 - Welcome To The World

Rick Roark: Lead vocals, acoustic guitar
Todd Fulcher: Guitars, backing vocals
Chris Burden: Bass, backing vocals
Larry Rodbell: Drums, backing vocals
Ray Rodriguez: guest Keyboards

LOVERS LANE - Chiseled In Stone (1994)

BRETT WALKER - Person 2 Person [unreleased] (1989)

2011-08-31T16:00:00.003Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

Oklahoma native Brett Walker has recorded one of the most adorable pure AOR albums in history, the critically acclaimed 'Nevertheless' in 1994.
But he started his passion for this genre many years ago.
At his twenties, moved to L.A to play on Tahnee Cain's band and Nick Gilder amongst other well respected artists.
Besides, becoming a professional songwriter, Brett wrote two charting singles; one for Jimi Jamison ('Taste Of Love') and the other for Alias: the classic 'Waiting For Love', which entered the Top Ten chart.

At the end of the eighties formed together with drummer Tommy 'Mugs' Cain (Journey's Jonathan Cain brother) the "Person 2 Person" project.
In fact, this name was given to the demo tape of the band - looking forward to a record deal - distributed hand-to-hand, 'person-to-person'.

"Person 2 Person" demos have been circulating for years between AOR collectors. Some of these tracks ended (properly re-recorded) on Walker's debut, but the rest are awesome tunes that deserved to be heard.
The sound quality is fine, I have cleaned and enhanced all files for your listening pleasure.
Really good stuff.

Tracklist, CLICK HERE:

BRETT WALKER - Person 2 Person (1989)

JAKATA - Light The Night (1984)

2011-08-24T17:25:00.007Z

Note: NEW file added, some glitches on tracks 4 and 8 fixed

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

Nice request.
Searching the net for a current price of this rare vinyl on auction sites (U$S 40), found this review on GloryDaze website that accurately describes this goodie:

" Jakata's one-off LP for Tamla Motown offshoot Morocco Records is an album I've been playing for a few weeks now. Annoyed that I couldn't find a half decent rip of it out there in Blogspot land, I resorted to buying a pristine LP copy from Ebay instead, and boy was I glad I did, as this is a very special little album.
These boys hail from south Los Angeles, and deliver a sound that is Hi-tech, WestCoast and AOR all rolled into one.
The band had a number of different members pass through their ranks, and it seems these guys were regulars on the club circuit based around the Long Beach locale. Keyboardist Jimmy Felber was actually on Tamla Motown's books as a songwriter, no dobut that is how Jakata managed to land a deal.
Most of the songs are sung by Steve Kragan, of the ten he sings six, Chuck Coffey sings two, and Jimmy Felber sings one. There is one instrumental as well.
For this album, Jakata employed the talents of Robbie Nevil, a successful solo artist in his own right (remember his hit songs 'C'est La Vie' and 'Dominoes'). Robbie plays all the electric guitars on 'Light The Night'.

The light and poppy "Living Like There's No Tomorrow" is the LP's first track, some nice keys and smooth sax lines keeps things breezy, but for me it's the great voice that Steve Kragan that holds it altogether. "Hell Is On The Run" sounds as classic aorsters Dakota. Check it out for yourself. "Golden Girl" is primetime westcoast, smooth to the touch and easy on the ear.
Coffey handles the lead vocal on the Toto like "Can't Take Your Games Anymore", while Jimmy Felber's keyboard work takes the dominant position of side one closer "Tell Him You're Leaving". This one has some unusual characteristics, including the power-pop tempo changer through the middle. Kinda Jekyll and Hyde like, with The Tubes or Donnie Iris jumping into the song for a bit of fun!

Side two starts out with the instrumental "Racing For The Dawn", a very pomp laden affair which shows that these guys could lift it up a notch or two.
"Light At The End Of The Tunnel" is a groovy westcoast/smooth tune, imagine a white man's Al Jarreau hamming it up but without the scat vocals. Felber steps out front on the very funky and slightly bizarre "Jean Such A Scene". It's well suited to 1984, and perhaps best left there.. lol!
Jakata provide their first ballad 'Don't Ever Let Go' deep into the LP (nine tracks in) and it's a purist AOR sounding tune sung by Chuck Coffey, with Kragan delivering a sax solo for good measure.
The album finale 'Shadows Of The Night' is high on percussion and synth fills, the song itself moving along at a decent clip.

All in all, an enjoyable album, and I am highly surprised at just how obscure this album is... until now that is! It's a pity they never kicked on with a second album.
Criminally ignored, "Light The Night" should be sought out by all lovers of hi-tech AOR and West Coast.
Yes, it's that good! "
www.glorydazemusic.com/articles.php?article_id=4267

Well, now you can find 'a half decent rip of it out there in Blogspot land' here.
Vinyl rip cleaned and de-clicked by me. Artwork included.

01 - Living Like There's No Tomorrow
02 - Hell Is On The Run
03 - Golden Girl
04 - Can't Take Your Games Anymore
05 - Tell Him You're Leaving
06 - Racing For The Dawn
07 - Light At The End Of The Tunnel
08 - Jean Such A Scene
09 - Don't Ever Let Go
10 - Shadows Of The Night

Jimmy Felber - vocals, keyboards
Steve Kragan - vocals, horns
Chuck Coffey - vocals, bass
Chris Myers - drums, percussion, acoustic guitar
Robbie Nevil - guitars

JAKATA - Light The Night NEW FILE

IN REACH - Waterline (1992)

2011-08-22T05:41:00.001Z

Brett Williams began his career in Christian music in 1984 after he left a club band that he was performing with, and formed The Reach.
After some line-up changes they released independently 'Under The Same Sky' in 1989.
Approached by several executives, Williams eventually signed a deal with the Nashville label Star Song for a new album, changing the band's name to "IN REACH".

"Waterline", the debut under the new moniker, was critically acclaimed in CCM circles, but never reached a secular mainstream diffusion.
The style of Brett Williams and his combo is contemporary AOR in the '90s vein, pretty similar to Geoff More & The Distance, Phil Keaggy or Jude Cole.
Great melodies and harmony vocals abound, with clean guitars and keyboards complementing the songs.
Williams has one of those voices always pleasant to listen, melodious and warm, giving the songs a colorful palette.

"Waterline" was the first work of underrated guitarist David Zaffiro (Bloodgood, Whitecross, Solo) in his successful career as producer, contributing with additional six string work as well.
He has provided an organic and polished sound, with emphasis in the harmonies.
A nice and melodic CD, out of print and hard to find, ripped at maximum quality by my friend totalaor (thanks man!).
Good music my fellow readers, check below their one and only video.

01 - Waterline
02 - Faded Love
03 - My Heart
04 - The Other Fall of Cambrai
05 - God You Are
06 - River
07 - Giving Me Reasons
08 - In The In Beween
09 - Manner Of Man
10 - Not So Easy

Brett Williams - Vocals, Guitars
Scott Burell - Bass
Mike Bell - Keyboards
Vince Grant - Drums, Percussion
David Zaffiro - Add. Guitars, Producer

IN REACH - Waterline (1992)

JANI LANE - Jabberwocky [unreleased '93] & More

2011-08-12T17:02:00.003Z

Just a little tribute to this good songwriter & singer.
These are the demos from his unreleased "Jabberwocky" album, recorded in 1993.

Audio cleaned and enhanced by me to get the best quality possible. Also, some of his lesser known recordings included.
Seems there's a definitive version of "Jabberwocky", Jami was planning to release it soon.
R.I.P. Jani Lane (born John Kennedy Oswald, February 1, 1964 – August 11, 2011).

01 - Jabberwocky pre-production - Private Blue World
02 - Jabberwocky pre-production - Very Fine Line
03 - Jabberwocky demos - Pretty On The Inside
04 - Jabberwocky demos - The Deeper End
05 - Jabberwocky demos - House Of Cards
06 - Jabberwocky demos - Private Blue World
07 - Jabberwocky demos - Unrealistic
08 - Jabberwocky demos - One More For The Road
09 - Jabberwocky demos - All You Had To Say
10 - Jabberwocky demos - Washington Square
11 - Jabberwocky demos - This Town
12 - Jabberwocky demos - Stained
13 - Jabberwocky demos - Comfortable With Sad
14 - Back Down To One demos - Nothing
15 - Back Down To One demos - Back Down To One
16 - Back Down To One demos - Twilight
17 - Back Down To One demos - Better Than You
18 - Cherry Pie (new version, acoustic)
19 - Heaven (acoustic)
20 - I Saw Red (acoustic)
21 - The Power (Gladiator OST '92)
22 - Game Of War (Bill & Ted's Excellent Adv. OST pulled-off)
23 - Pure-hearted Feelings [1/3 no Junjou na Kanjou]
24 - That's Life [his last officially released track]

JANI LANE - Jabberwocky [unreleased '93] & More

PRICE-SULTON - Lights On (1986) CD version

2011-08-10T22:19:00.002Z

Revamped post per request.
New file at maximum quality

Good AOR-Rock, with great hooks and soaring choruses.
These guys used to be session players, colaborating in many albums of this genre.
Their colleagues returned the favor, and very well known artists play here uncredited (Steve Stevens amongst them).
Track 2 appears in The Allnighter's soundtrack (posted earlier in my AOR TREASURES - The Soundtracks Vol.3).

Very rare and hard to find album, only released in Japan on vinyl.
Per request, I am revamping this post with a very good rip from a rare bootleg CD (thanks totalaor!)

1. Shotgun Shy
2. No TV, No Phone
3. Lights On
4. Take Me Away
5. Shana
6. Something's Gonna Happen
7. Stories
8. Reckless And Wild
9. Heaven's Girl
10. Oh No

Kasim Sulton (ex-Utopian member):
Vocals, Bass, Keyboards, Guitar
Thommy Price (ex-Joan Jett & The Blackhearts):
Drums, vocals, guitar
...and a bunch of well known uncredited musicians.

PRICE-SULTON - Lights On (1986) CD

JET - Empty Handed (1981)

2011-08-08T22:13:00.002Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

JET was a female fronted act founded by the Michael Smith / Barbara Barrow matrimony in the earlier '80s.
Their rather obscure one and only album "Empty Handed" is a catchy AOR-rock recording with a dash of pomp throwing in. The star of JET are Barbara Barrow powerhouse vocals, compared to Ann Wilson / Heart best days.

"Night Night Night" opens this 8-track LP in great form. This song has 'that kind' of toe-tapping catchy chorus impossible to resist. A commercial tune with twangy guitars where Canadians Holly Woods and Toronto comes to mind.
It's on next track "Love Slave" where JET sounds really pompy due the swirling keyboards and song skeleton. Excellent track which sound better and better after repeated listens. Barbara rocks here sounding a lot as Ann Wilson.
Next track "Stranded In The Moonlight", penned by guitarist Michael Smith was later recorded by Martee LeBow in her '86 album 'Crimes Of The Heart' (already posted here in this blog). JET version is more melodic and pompous.
"Car On Fire" starts with wonderful out-of-space synths, unfortunately the song derives into a simple rocker that lacks substance. Not bad at all, but promised more.

"Renegade" has a true early eighties sound, featuring in the chorus an original orchestration for this genre. Hot guitars (very good) throughout and passionate vocals by Barrow.
"Venus And Norma Jean" is another interesting pompy tune with a semi-midtempo pace. Strong vocals on a song not easy to sing.
On "Caribbean Snow" the band explores a new territory with a more stylized sound including a Spanish guitar, which adds more variation to this good album.
JET returns to pompy AOR on last track on "Barbed Wire", but the pomp sensation is given by the keyboard arrangement, basically it's a rocker very very '70s Heart. Rippin' guitar solo, power pipes by Barbara Barrow and great keyboard solo at the end.

"Empty Handed" is a rare and very good indie female AOR LP, including catchy and well composed tunes in this style, terrific vocals and high doses of pomp keyboards and guitars, correctly produced and mixed.
The vinyl-rip (not mine) could be better, but apart from some scratches and clicks, the resulting files (restored by me) sound more than decent.
Enjoy.

01 - Night Night Night
02 - Love Slave
03 - Stranded In The Moonlight
04 - Car On Fire
05 - Renegade
06 - Venus And Norma Jean
07 - Caribbean Snow
08 - Barbed Wire

Barbara Barrow - Vocals
Michael Smith - Guitars
Danny Torroll - Guitars
Keith Montross - Keyboards
Ricky Niez - Bass
Billy Johnson - Drums

JET - Empty Handed (1981)

BIGHORN - Bighorn [CD version] (1978)

2011-08-04T17:54:00.001Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

The end seventies were the golden days for pomp rock in the USA. At this time, a lot of bands played this kinda music but most of them operated in the underground scene.
One of the best groups playing this style in the Pacific Northwest area (Seattle) was BIGHORN.
After many line-up changes (some early members join another pomp act; Aviary) the band toured extensively the western states with great success, being signed by a Vancouver major label subsidiary. That's why some people think this band is from Canada.

Basically, Bighorn plays pomp-AOR, but blended with commercial light prog and some vintage classic hard rock.
One of the remarkable aspects of their sound are the stupendous vocal harmonies arrangements (3 people sharing the lead vocals). That's evident on the first pompous track "Penny For Your Dreams", really really classic ala STYX, a very well orchestrated tune.
One of my favorites is the proto-power ballad - this category didn't exist at that time - "(I Love You) I'm Not Afraid Anymore", again with excellent vocal parts, a melodic great guitar solo and good lyrics.
Next, the Grand piano based "Star Rocker" is a cool commercial melodic rocker with KANSAS scent, featuring very nice backing vocals at the end.

Track 4 "Mary-Anne" is another highlight. Believe or not, this commercial light-prog / pop tune sounds a lot like ALAN PARSONS PROJECT earlier works. The synth - piano - orchestra arrangement is first class. Love it.
But Bighorn also rocks. "Tried Every Trick" and "Helen Betty" can be compared to the late LED ZEPPELIN, both are sophisticated anthemic hard rockers, very polished but strong.
"Stand Up" has a commercial poppy melodic rock sound with a bit of pomp, while "Sparrow" returns to classic pomp reminding me AVALON (USA) or again, STYX.
The hot rocker "I Know" closes the disc in great form, this guitar driven track displays the skills of Steve Adamek (one of the founder members) on drums and the transcendent chops of Shikany on the six strings.

"BIGHORN" is a very classy, varied collection of songs outstandingly engineered and produced by british producer Martin Shaer who worked with Sweeney Todd and Bryan Adams among others. Still sounds great today.
This is a rip from the very hard to find '90s Japan-only CD edition (terrific mastering job), fetching today ridiculous $ 125 on auction sites.
Recommended.

01 - Penny For Your Dreams
02 - (I Love You) I'm Not Afraid Anymore
03 - Star Rocker
04 - Mary-Anne
05 - Tried Every Trick
06 - Stand Up
07 - Sparrow
08 - Helen Betty
09 - Sunday Boy
10 - I Know

Bob Marcy: Lead and backing vocals, woodwinds
Joe Shikany: Guitars, Lead and backing vocals
Peter Davis: Keyboards, grand piano, Lead and backing vocals
Michael Ipsen: Bass, backing vocals
Steve Adamek: Drums, backing vocals

BIGHORN - ST (1978) CD-320

SCOTT ROLAF & JOE LYNN TURNER - Light Of Day (2011)

2011-07-28T04:05:00.001Z

During the past 30 years, guitar player Scott Rolaf has been influenced by quite a few Classic Rock artists, particularly Jimmy Page and Ritchie Blackmore. He has written and performed with various bands and artists such as the legendary Leslie West and two-time Grammy winner Muzz Skillings (Living Colour founder), to name a few.
Scott has written various music scores for film and TV and produced over 100 commercials viewed on national television for top-named companies such as Coors Light, Remi Martin, Perrier Water, and Comp USA. During the late 1990's, he had a successful Radio Show heard on WNTV, The Scott Rolaf Show, which had over one million listeners.

Today, we are here talking about him because a new super group has formed around Rolaf.
The band consists of Scott Rolaf on guitars, Joe Lynn Turner on vocals, Muzz Skillings on bass, splitting the snapping of the skins are Thom Suntag and Paul Ciraolo, and rounding it up with the Hammond Organ and Synths we have Jack Ciraolo.
Rolaf says; " This line-up is absolutely incredible! And it's a dream come true to have Joe Lynn Turner as the singer. I was growing up listening to Deep Purple and Rainbow and sharing stories about him with my friends as a kid.
And now, to co-write and headline with him, one of the top vocalists of all time and a true legend, is just a dream come true. "

" With Muzz Skillings, I've been writing, recording and playing with for the last 14 years. He is the best bass player I have ever played with. He has a very unique style in and of his own. He is very versatile as well.
Muzz plays a great acoustic guitar, and is an excellent vocalist. I love the uniqueness of this group of guys. "

The result is "Light Of Day", also known as Rolaf-Turner Project, a really fantastic collection of songs in the best '80s tradition, MR / AOR rockin' tunes full of magic.
This is among the best material performed by Turner since the eighties. Truly.
The vintage hard rock flavor of "Spinnin' Round", the awesome melodic rocker "Break The Chains", or the classy, acoustically driven "Don't Tell Me Goodbye" are real gems.

But there's much, much more.
The brilliant ballad "Lost In Love" is a highlight, the bluesy-AOR of "Broken" has tons of emotion, the melodic mid-tempo ballady of "Find My Way" shows class and emotion and "My Life" is pure melodic rock bliss.
All these tracks were finished around 2009/2010, but here is also a new 2011 track sung by David Cagle, "Throwing It All Away", a top class modern melodic rock diamond, and an instrumental; "Northern Lights" where Rolaf shows how good is with the 6 strings, clearly influenced by Leslie West and Jimmy Page.

Mr. Scott Rolaf, is a perfect example of the many smaller rungs it takes to climb that ladder of recognition. Almost a silent resource for the major leagues, the dictionary will spell out the definition of endurance, patience and technical skills as only Scott Rolaf can.
With the force of Joe Lynn Turner and Muzz Skillings, they are threatening to break Scott Rolaf wide open into the deserved house hold name of arena rock. This is a band of musician's musicians.
The "Light Of Day" is starting to shine, and I can't you recommend enough this very, very good CD. It's like a 'lost' Joe Lynn Turner album, and a statement of Scott Rolaf's talent.
Scott is offering this album for promotion, in fact, it was sent to me by himself.
Enjoy And Share With Everybody !!!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

01 - Spinnin' Round
02 - Broken
03 - My Life
04 - Break The Chains
05 - Northern Lights (instrumental)
06 - Throwing It All Away
07 - Find My Way
08 - Don't Tell Me Goodbye
09 - Lay It On The Line
10 - Lost In Love

Joe Lynn Turner : Lead Vocals
Scott Rolaf : Electric & Acoustic Guitars
Muzz Skillings : 5 String Bass
Jack Ciraolo : Keybords, Hammond Organ
Thom Suntag, Paul Ciraolo : Drums
David Cagle : Vocals (6)

SCOTT ROLAF / JOE LYNN TURNER - Light Of Day

XERON: Does Anybody Hear '85 + PEROUX: Wheels Keep Turnin' 88

2011-07-27T04:05:00.007Z

Two rare vinyl miniLP's into one file, with restored audio as requested.

XERON - Does Anybody Hear... (1985)

XERON was one of those LA scene bands from the mid-'80s that albeit sounding very professional, never make it big.
A shame, because their excellent indie miniLP "Does Anybody Hear..." features great songwriting and tight musicianship.
The really interesting point of this recording is the successful blend of the typical Bay Area hard rock with heavy pompy AOR due the massive use of keyboards.
Only six tracks onboard, but they don't let the side down one iota.

Opener "Visions" is pretty heavy indeed, but texturized with awesome vocal harmonies and wonderful keys. It's a powerful track with chuggy guitars and adrenaline on top but has tons of melodies. This track somehow reminds me Duke Jupiter on steroids (a high dose).
Swaggering guitars and pompous keyboards are the motto of the retro "Changes Calling" inspired on some early eighties acts as Starz. Vocals are high pitched here still controlled and harmonic.

"Breathless" is indeed, breath taking. This is an absolute winner. Synth cascades to die for and thrilling guitars with an AOR stamp of approval on the chorus. Killer tune.
Title track "Does Anybody Hear" is a completely different beast. It's a really interesting, unusual semi-midtempo with some acoustic / clean electric guitars, but the real main character here are the pomp, almost prog vintage keyboards which carries the song. Also notable are the thought-provoking lyrics.
"Would You Belong To Me?" is the more commercial track on this vinyl, carrying an uptempo catchy pace that grabs your attention. With a song structure as a hard version of Franke & The Knockouts, at first glance sounds simple and elemental, but it's very well arranged adding nice touches here and there.
Final track "Lonely Street" has a strong riff and an epic LA hard melody specially in the chorus where the six string progression rocks.

"Does Anybody Hear..." is a fantastic album, even if it is only 24 minutes. Not a dud to be found here. Solid, always interesting and properly produced.
Vocalist Larry Leon years later showed his quality in Big Mouth, another Los Angeles band who released a very good album, 'Hands Of Time', more Melodic Rock / AOR oriented.
Exciting miniLP, only vinyl, rip cleaned & restored by me.

1 - Visions
2 - Changes Calling
3 - Breathless
4 - Does Anybody Hear
5 - Would You Belong To Me?
6 - Lonely Street

Larry Leon - Vocals
Trevor Jay - Guitars
Paul McPhee - Guitars
Geoffrey Bowlick - Bass
Jeff Wolfe - Drums

PEROUX - Wheels Keep Turnin' (1988)

PEROUX were a British band trying to etch out a career in the wimpwire / melodic hard rock scene during the late 80's.
Promoted and recommended by Shy (Tony Mills band), along with the likes of After Hours, Briar, Midnight Blue, Moritz, etc, were among a bunch of bands hovering in the 2nd division without getting the big break.
From London, the band no doubt saw the success of other British exports all signed to major labels at the time, as Virginia Wolf, FM or Shy itself.
A crime, because "Wheels Keep Turnin´" is a great miniLP.

Talking about FM, Peroux's style / sound is a mixture of them with some american AOR rock acts.
Starting out with "Summertime Memories", this one is very American sounding, not unlike FM on their 'Indiscreet' album. Very nice fluffy keyboards and a feel-good vibe. Nick Simmons has warm vocals, very british.
"Midnight Princess" is an extremely melodic semi-midtempo where the guitars are noticeably down in the mix to give more room to the harmonies. This is a great tune with all the '80s atmosphere.
Just love the title track "Wheels Keep Turnin´". This is the kind of keyboard-driven AOR I die for. Killer pre-chorus (awesome) and dreamy main chorus on this one. The guitar/keys middle-section instrumentation is simply wonderful.
Last track "Susannah" is definitely americanized, in sound and style, reminding you great US bands of the mid eighties.

"Wheels Keep Turnin´" is a beautiful 4-track mini-LP from a band who deserved better luck.
Keyboards are really predominant on this recording, not strange because it is produced by Procul Harum keyboarder Mathew Fisher, and one of the founder members Matt Haslett used to play ivory on another UK group; Snowblind.
The vinyl-rip quality could be better, I tried to clean and restore the sound at maximum.
Really good one.

1 - Summertime Memories
2 - Midnight Princess
3 - Wheels Keep Turnin'
4 - Susannah

Nick Simmons - Vocals
Sprog - Guitars, Vocals
Nigel May - Bass
Matt Haslett - Keyboards, Vocals
Steve Mercer - Drums

XERON: Does Anybody Hear + PEROUX: Wheels Keep Turnin'

ROBBIE PATTON - Orders From Headquarters (1982)

2011-07-22T22:53:00.002Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

English singer/songwriter Robbie Patton received his break when he toured as a special guest of Fleetwood Mac.
The relationship doen't end there, as many members of the Mac's contributed on Patton's debut album, and here, on his second "Orders From Headquarters" as well.

Recorded in America, the disc has a truly USA radio AOR sound.
Opener "Victim Of Your Love" is filled with catchy candy-floss keyboards and really good guitars. Patton's vocals reminds me Robert Berry here when he used to be the singer of Hush.
Follower "Louise" is another terrific commercial upbeat AOR tune with swirling keyboards and a melodic, contagious chorus. If you don't like this track you don't like AOR at all.

The midtempo "Lonely Nights" only could be recorded in the eighties, the atmosphere, the vibe, it's all there. All the songs on this album are firmly back-boned by an excellent guitar work by Joey Brasler (Cher), on this track and the next, the hot rocker "Feel The Flow", is particularly great.
Title track has interesting twists in the song structure. A fat bass line, cool keys and a sumptuous guitar solo.
"Tell Me Goodbye" includes some vintage keyboards and a strong rhythm guitar, again reminding me Robert Berry, and why not, Rick Springfield.
"Smiling Islands" was the single, co-written and performed together with Fleetwood Mac's Stevie Nicks. Nice and slow melodic song.

"Orders From Headquarters" includes some very good and commercial AOR tracks, the kind I love and really enjoy. 'Side A' is stronger musically speaking, but all the disc is melodic end enjoyable.
Finally, this album was released for the first time on CD last year, but I am very happy with this vinyl rip, cleaned and restored by me.

01 - Victim Of Your Love
02 - Louise
03 - It's Your Heart
04 - Lonely Nights
05 - Feel The Flow
06 - Orders From Headquarters
07 - Tell Me Goodbye
08 - Smiling Islands (duet with Stevie Nicks)
09 - All Because Of You
10 - Look Away

Robbie Patton - lead vocals
Joey Brasler - guitars
David Adelstein - keyboards
Robin Sylvester - bass
Kirk Arthur - drums
Alex Acuna - percussion
Kurt Howell, Christine McVie, Stevie Nicks, Timothy B Schmit - backing vocals

ROBBIE PATTON - Orders From Headquarters

LOU PARDINI - Look The Other Way [Japan] (1998)

2011-07-22T21:51:00.002Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

LOU PARDINI is a Grammy nominated singer/songwriter, keyboardist, and producer who has written and performed with such world renowned artists as Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Santana, Robben Ford or Jay Graydon just to name a few.
Since Bill Champlin left CHICAGO in 2009, Lou take his place. So you have an idea of his style.

"Look The Other Way" is his 2nd solo album and it's a true WestCoast AOR recording, full of late '70s / early '80s atmosphere with a modern sound.
Pardini is a terrific vocalist, dynamic and versatile but also a complete musician specially on keyboards and electric piano, which he handles with class.
All tracks are simply delicious.
"Better Late Than Never", "Look The Other Way" or "Method To The Madness" are catchy and groovy pure L.A. scene pearls, while "We've Got So Far To Go" and "Place In My Heart" are incredible smooth AOR numbers.
On the ballads, Pardini's vocals really shines, as on the Chicago-like "Love Is A Hurtin' Thing" or the classy "Place In My Heart" where Airplay comes to mind.
The japanese release includes the bonus tracks "Take It Away" (a great ballad) and the awesome "What Might Have Been" much in the Joseph Williams style, who did backing vocals here by the way.

"Look The Other Way" oozes class and elegance on every note.
You will find here excellent songwriting and arrangements, with a clear and organic production by Pardini.
This CD has become very hard to find, specially this Japan edition.
Great one.

01 - Better Late Than Never
02 - We've Got So Far To Go
03 - Love Is A Hurtin' Thing
04 - Time Out For Love
05 - I'll Always Be There
06 - Look The Other Way
07 - Place In My Heart
08 - Method To The Madness
09 - How Can I Stop Loving You
10 - I Just Had To Fall
11 - Take It Away (Japan bonus)
12 - What Might Have Been (Japan bonus)

Vocals, Keyboards: Lou Pardini
Guitar: Buzz Feiten, James Harrah
Bass: Vail Johnson, John Patitucci
Drums: Steve Dublin, Lou Pardini
Sax: Scott Mayo, Dave "Rev" Boruff
Backing Vocals: Sid Sham, Scott Mayo, Mindi Stein, Rose Stone, Alfie Silas, Howard McCarry, Olivia McCarkle, Bunny Hull, Bill Champlin, Joseph Williams

LOU PARDINI - Look The Other Way [Japan]

ROB TRO - Intro (1984)

2011-07-08T21:32:00.002Z

Speaking of music, when you think you have it all, there's always an unknown little gem hidden under the carpet.
Rob Tro seems to come out of nowhere, there's no info about his origins or career. I've been looking deeply in the net, specialized magazines from my own collection, and asked some friends (real AOR collectors). Zero results.

Well, the important thing is the music, and Rob Tro's "Intro" is full a goodness.
Tro (curious last name) is on the wagon of the soloists from the first half of the eighties: a good vocalist backed up by expertise musicians. No one of them are credited on the artwork, but all are more than competent sessionists.
The aural and cheesy (but beautiful) "Let Me Be The Knight" reminds me John O'Banion circa his 'Dangerous' album. This is the kind of american AOR I love. Rob's vocals are sweet and velvety, with nice color.
"Who Do Ya Love" is another lovely commercial and melodic AOR with good vibe and jumpin' keyboards. This song is written by aussie Mark Holden and was recorded by him for his '83 self-titled album.
The enchanting Westcoast ballad "Kari's Eyes" floats into Michael McDonald's backyard looking for a place to land. Awesome, sweet tune.
On "I Just Wanted To Know" the production turns more poppy in the Bernie LaBarge style, while in "No One After You" Rob Tro somehow reminds me the earlier Brock Walsh in the way of singing, this is an 'action movie' AOR track, simple but effective.

"Heartbeat" is a commercial, FM radio oriented AOR song, linked with some Frank Stallone material.
One of my favorites is "Let Me Touch You", a relaxed and stylized pure Westcoast tune in the vein of Robbie Dupree. Tro shows here his ability to 'whisper' his lines without losing essence. He sounds like a very well trained singer indeed.
"There's Always A Little Smoke" is one of those AOR songs that I call 'uptempo westcoast', because it has a catchy pace but essentially is pure L.A. scene.
Talking about L.A., "It Only Hurts When I Breathe" has absolutely that vibe. This is one of the best arranged and produced songs of the album, with great harmonies and clean guitars, and the 'crooner' vocals of Rob shine. Love this one.
Last track "All Of My Life" is another favorite. Again sounding like O'Banion, this ballad has terrific arrangements, and Rob does a great performance.

It's a crime that "Intro" remains unknown even between AOR / Westcoast circles.
Private release via the obscure and domestic Californian label Jamex records, this album claims a reissue pronto.
This isn't my vinyl rip (could be better) because I don't own this rarity.
I have restored the audio, cleaning the clicks (several) and the turntable noises to get the best quality possible.
Mega Rare. Highly Recommended.

01 - Let Me Be The Knight
02 - Who Do Ya Love
03 - Kari's Eyes
04 - I Just Wanted To Know
05 - No One After You
06 - Heartbeat
07 - Let Me Touch You
08 - There's Always A Little Smoke
09 - It Only Hurts When I Breathe
10 - All Of My Life

Rob Tro: Vocals
Personnel: Unknown

ROB TRO - Intro

LISA HARTMAN - 'Til My Heart Stops (1988)

2011-07-06T22:29:00.004Z

Now we have here a super slice of female '80s AOR.
" ’Til My Heart Stops" is one of the best (if not the Best) produced records in this style ever.
Call it rock&pop, lite AOR, melodic synth rock, but definitively it's eighties AOR, classy, yes, but really modern production-wise and still sound magnificent today.

The distinctive and good thing about this album are the guitars upfront in the mix. And of course, Lisa's great vocals that reminds me Patty Smyth (Scandal).
We can hear as well similarities to Robin Beck, Liza Nemzo and why not, Heart.
Brilliantly produced by not other than Bill Wray (check his solo album posted few days ago in this blog), " ’Til My Heart Stops" has punch and a crisp sound.

The opening keyboard lines of the first track "Tempt Me (If You Want To)" are to die for. This is '80s people. You only can get a song like this on an album recorded in that era. The guitars (master Michael Landau) are from outer space. Killer chorus and power performance by Lisa. This single was included later on the 'Navy Seals' soundtrack.
"I Don't Need Love" is a terrific commercial midtempo followed by the radiable "Ooh, I'm Satisfied".
Then another gem; "I Can't Get You Out Of My System". In crescendo magical AOR with extra-compressed drums. Magical.
Quirky keyboards ornament "Tender Kiss", a track with a monster rhythm guitar work and one of the most seasoned performances by Hartman.

"The Dress" is another winner. A charming soft melodic rocker penned by cult aorster James House.
"How Many Rivers" is slow and climatic. Here Lisa sound like Luba, that's not a surprise because this song is written by her together with Bill Wray. I love the bridge before the short guitar solo here.
"Imagination" is the only track that sounds pretty retro, circa 1983. Synth bass and programmed drums on a 'Flashdance' style tune.
"'Til My Heart Stops Beating" is 'one of those' ballads. Really good vocals and arrangements ready for FM stations.

You must have this album: great tunes, strong vocals and superb session musicians (check personnel). It's a perfect product of its time.
This is unfortunately her last recording before she got married and decided to quit the business.
But what a great one it is.
A Must Have Classic.

1 - Tempt Me (If You Want To)
2 - I Don't Need Love
3 - Ooh, I'm Satisfied
4 - I Can't Get You Out Of My System
5 - Tender Kiss
6 - The Dress
7 - How Many Rivers
8 - Imagination
9 - 'Till My Heart Stops Beating

Lisa Hartman - Lead & Background Vocals
Michael Landau - Guitar (1-4, 6, 8, 9)
Trevor Rabin - Acoustic Guitar Solo (2)
Waddy Wachtel - Guitar (6, 7); Guitar Solo (6)
Larry Klein - Bass, Keyboards, Fairlight
Phil Brown - Bass, Guitar, Background Vocals
Steve Goldstein - Linn Programming, Keyboards, Bass
Mick Guzauski, Manu Katche - Percussion
Craig Krampf - Drum over-dubs
Kevin Raleigh - Background Vocals (4)
Timothy Schmidt - Background Vocals (8)
The Waters - Background Vocals (7)
Bill Wray - Producer, Background vocals (5, 7)

LISA HARTMAN - 'Til My Heart Stops

RUSS TAFF - Medals (1985) Japan reissue

2011-07-06T21:06:00.004Z

After recording several albums with The Imperials, Russ Taff started a solo career in 1983.
Taff is one of the most recognizable voices in Christian music. His trademark rich, emotion-drenched vocals were formed since his teens.
"Medals" is his second album and the best. With this recording Russ entered in the secular charts, thanks to the quality of the material on offer and the neutral lyrics.
The 'who's who' of the L.A. top session musicians is here: Dann Huff, Michael Landau, Nathan East, Robbie Buchanan, Tommy Funderburk, Bill Champlin...

There's no weak song on this typically 'contemporary' eighties album.
The awesome "Vision" opens with a synth path which maintains the track until the great chorus arrives. This song was later recorded by Chris Eaton for his album of the same title.
The outstanding "I'm Not Alone" is penned by canadian songwriter genius Paul Janz (and later recorded by himself as a semi-ballad with the title 'Close My Eyes'). Ruff's version is typically mid '80s, being the single of this album. Love It.

Title track has a poppy AOR feel so '80s, with a climatic aura and synthetic sound, reinforced by the clean guitars and the keyboards.
There's a rockier approach on "Not Gonna Bow" (great guitars) and the melodic and catchy "Rock Solid".
We have room for emotional ballads with "Here I Am" and the beautiful mid-tempo "Silent Love".
On "I've Come Too Far" Ruff goes pop mixed with a bit of funk and gospel. Check the short but terrific guitar solo by Michael Landau.

"Medals" won the Contemporary Album of the Year Dove Award and was Grammy nominated.
Expect tons of great harmonies here, superb performances and top notch production.
This album is not so hard to find, but maybe yes this Japanese 2001 CD reissue ripped at maximum quality.
Really Good.

01 - Vision
02 - I'm Not Alone
03 - Medals
04 - Not Gonna Bow
05 - Here I Am
06 - I've Come Too Far
07 - Silent Love
08 - How Much it Hurts
09 - Rock Solid
10 - God Only Knows

Vocals: Russ Taff
Guitar: Dann Huff, Michael Landau, Paul Jackson Jr.
Keyboards: Robbie Buchanan
Bass: Nathan East, Neil Stubenhaus
Drums: Paul Leim
Percussion: Lenny Castro
Saxophone: Larry Williams
Synths: James Newton Howard, Rhett Lawrence
Backing Vocals: Tommy Funderburk, Bill Champlin, Carmen Twitty, Tata Vega, Harry Browning, Lynn Nichols, Tamara Champlin

RUSS TAFF - Medals (1985) Japan reissue

MICHAEL PATTO - Time To Be Right (1991)

2011-07-02T04:49:00.008Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

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 first approach was on bass guitar but switched to piano in his late teens and started writing songs.
Patto was signed by a major label aged 20, but soon decided to move on and founded his own recording company, being involved with some of the finest talents on 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. style.

"Time To Be Right" includes genres not usually featured on this blog, but was requested by a reader and is extremely hard to find.
Also included as bonus are 2 different versions of the single "So Much For The Lovin` "
It's a nice, relaxing piece of music, very well performed, recorded and produced.
CDrip at maximum quality including artwork.

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, various instruments
Session Musicians: unlisted

MICHAEL PATTO - Time To Be Right

AOR TREASURES - Extended Versions 4 (The Camel's Hump)

2011-07-01T22:26:00.003Z

Vol. 4 featuring some rare Scandi AOR / classic artists remixes.

Domain used to play a catchy AOR at the beginning of their career. "I Don't Wanna Die" was released as a single only, including this remix version with a lot of punch.
The extended of "Heartbreaker" from de very first album of Dare is breathtaking. In my opinion, better than the album version. Only appeared into the single as b-side, this is rip from 12'' vinyl because it has much more harmonics than the CDs. Killer track.
Another winner is "I'm Alone" by scandi aorsters Skagarack. Awesome mix with big sound and reverb.
I am not completely convinced with the compressed drum / cymbal sound of Fate's "Summerlove", but worth a listen. This maxi-remix is included as bonus in the recent reissue of the band self-titled album, but sounds terrible (I mean; horribly transferred). This is a rip from the rare 12'' vinyl, much better.

Romeo's Daughter "Heaven In The Backseat" is a pleasure to listen, heavily processed into the studio.
The single "South Africa" off Ian Gillian's '82 album 'Magic' is a nice track co-written with Bernie Marsden who also play guitar. This 12'' version is cool and quite unknown.
Thanks to plattenpapst for sent me the extended version of the classic "Playing To Win" by Little River Band. Fantastic remix with percussion at front. Very Rare.
Russ Ballard is a qualified songwriter. "Dream On" is one of my favorite tunes from his pen, and this long & modified version rocks. This song was versioned later by King Kobra with Mark Free on the mic.

"Born To Rock 'N' Roll" isn't appeared into any Cliff Richard album. It was recorded for a musical ('Time') and released as single only. This special extended is rare and unknown. Maybe you're wondering if this is a retro-'50's song. Well, not at all, this is a marvellous AOR-rocker with a killer mid-eighties style. Love it.
Charlie Sexton's classic "Don't Look Back" has a strong dancefloor process in this maxi. But includes tons of guitars reverbered to the maximum. Really good version.
There's 2 official extended versions of John Waite's "These Time Are Hard For Lovers". The 'Jellybean' is more poppy oriented (I like it) but prefer the Extended Rock Mix, which, in fact, rocks more with emphasis on the guitars and a deep fat bass.
"Don't Mean Nothing" by Richard Marx become a FM hit, but this Extended Rock Mix is the less known version of all.
I am a sucker for ZZ Top remixes. Some people argue that they're cold and too synthetic, well, I love those monster drums. The Bill Ham Extended Mix of "Velcro Fly" is pretty hard to find.

Remember, all these tracks are officially released remixes, original material performed during the recording sessions, no third hand adds or DJ work.

FULL TRACKLIST, CLICK HERE:

AOR TREAURES EXTENDED Vol.4

TIM KARR - Everybody Bleeds (1998)

2011-06-24T21:08:00.003Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

Canadian rocker Tim Karr released back in 1989 a really cool Rock FM album entitled 'Rubbin' Me The Right Way' on a major label.
He toured with Richard Marx and Vixen, but after a couple of years he (and the mentioned acts) was dropped by the record company.
Besides, a conflicting relationship with his manager took years to dissolve, and Karr basically started over.
But Tim keep writing and recording songs for a new album, which was released independently as "Everybody Bleeds".
His style is a rockier mix of FM oriented Classic Rock with some bluesy edge.
Think Bon Jovi circa 'These Days' blended with Nelson '90s material, Johnny Lima, and a bit of Quireboys here and there.

"Jaded" opens the album in a big, bluesy rockin' mood, with a catchy chorus and nice guitars.
"Out Of The Blue" is a cover of the old Roxy Music tune, that shows his influences. A very good version featuring John Taylor (Duran Duran, Solo) on guitar.
The ballad "Price Of Love" has an awesome and vibrant feel, emotional and deep, complete with an orchestra. A brilliant lost gem ignored on many playlists.
"Aquarius" has a nice spirit, a very simple rocker but the chorus is infectious to death.
"Everybody Bleeds" is a crying blues with passionate vocals, a Bon Jovi-like chorus and a vintage organ throughout. A rocking, compelling ballad.

This is a catchy, genuine Rock 'N Roll album, mature, with a polished songwriting and powerful vibe.
The great vocals remain, with that snarl and a ton of attitude. Production is first class for an indie.
"Everybody Bleeds" is a grower, but after a repeated listens you'll love it.
Mega-Rare and Out Of Print.

01 - Jaded
02 - Out Of The Blue
03 - Price Of Love
04 - Aquarius Now
05 - The Drifter
06 - Comin' 2 U
07 - Everybody Bleeds
08 - Shape Of Things 2 Come
09 - Simple Pleasures
10 - Here, Loving You

Tim Karr: Vocals, Guitar
John Taylor: Guitar on 'Out Of The Blue'
Rest of Personnel: Unknown

TIM KARR - Everybody Bleeds

BILL WRAY - Seize The Moment (1983)

2011-06-21T02:11:00.001Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

Bill Wray started as solo artist in the seventies releasing several albums but since the mid-eighties the man has focused his career writing and producing songs for other artists including Lisa Hartman, Loverboy, Eric Martin, Trixter, just to name a few.
He is also known as an active contributor to lovely '80s soundtracks. Wray has penned and/or performed tracks for 'Tilt', 'Private School', 'Navy Seals' or the mythical AOR tune 'No Mercy' included in the 'Lionheart' OST.

His (last?) solo album, "Seize The Moment" is a cool Rock 'N Roll album featuring some really good early eighties AOR tracks.
Opener "(You're A) Heartbreaker" is a clear proof of that, from the first notes you can hear those magical keyboards to die for. This was the b-side for the first and only single, a melodic and commercial melody hungry for radio airplay.
Follower "She Loves The Radio" has a title that speaks for itself: absolutely catchy and wimpy AOR song with massive synths. A winner.
Then "Goin' Down" (the lead single) is a vintage R'nR with some honky piano and classic rock structure.
"After All These Years" is the ballad here, a nice classic soul-bluesy rock slow tune with female buck-up vocals. The AORish "Someone To Love" including a fine guitar solo ends the 'side A' of this vinyl.

"Tonight" is a fresh commercial rocker with a contagious chorus, followed by the retro-rock "Somethin' I've Gotta Do" that doesn't do much for me.
But "Jealous" has a very nice AOR feel thanks to the keyboard arrangement and the midtempo pace. Very good song.
"Young Girls Rule The World" is a cheap 'ol rock while the southern tingled "You And Me Tonight" is a gentle semi-slow classic rock.

Well produced and recorded, with a classy american rock sound, "Seize The Moment" is interesting due the aforementioned AOR tracks, an album not easy to find these days.
Only vinyl, rip restored by myself including artwork.

01 - (You're A) Heartbreaker
02 - She Loves The Radio
03 - Goin' Down
04 - After All These Years
05 - Someone To Love
06 - Tonight
07 - Somethin' I've Gotta Do
08 - Jealous
09 - Young Girls Rule The World
10 - You And Me Tonight

Bill Wray: Vocals, Guitar
Rest of Personnel: Unlisted

BILL WRAY - Seize The Moment

JEFF COSCO & DON MANCUSO - Stuff From Years Beers Ago (2005)

2011-06-21T01:57:00.002Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

Vocalist Jeff Cosco and guitar player Don Mancuso (Lou Gramm Band) assembled the band Cheater at the beginning of the '80s, selling over 10,000 copies of their self released EP and touring extensively the NY & Pennsylvania area. A full length album was recorded in 1983, but shelved (later resurrected in 2005).
In between and during the eighties, both musicians keep writing and recording demos on tape... and yes, drinking a few beers along the way.

Some of these '80s demo songs were put on CDr by Cosco itself as "Stuff From Years Beers Ago" in 2005.
"Gypsy" is a very good AOR-rock with a powerful refrain and harmony vocals, while "Princess Of Darkness", "I'll Keep Rollin" and "Rattle The Bones" are really cool and fun melodic hard rockers typical of the era, similar to Cheater material, with some Journey and 707 influences, pretty well recorded.
"Mary, Merry-Go-Round" and "Winds Of Love" are live recordings, both melodic rockers as well, and "J D Philosophy" is studio demo from later sessions.

But the real gem here is "Call Of The Eagle", a sublime pure AOR diamond, featuring excellent guitars, in-the-air keyboards and a perfect sing-along melodious chorus. One of my favorite AOR tunes of all time. A shame that never was properly recorded with full production.
This album, although officially published, it's a CDr with no post-production or remastering job.
Well, I did mine, restoring, de-hissing and enhancing the sound. All songs sound much better right now.
Rare & Good stuff.

1 - Call Of The Eagle
2 - Gypsy
3 - Princess Of Darkness
4 - I'll Keep Rollin'
5 - Rattle The Bones
6 - Mary, Merry-Go-Round (Live)
7 - Winds Of Love (Live)
8 - J D Philosophy

Jeff Cosco: Vocals
Don Mancuso: Guitars
Rest of Personnel: Unlisted

COSCO & MANCUSO - Stuff From Years Beers Ago

GARY SPANEOLA - Project One (1986)

2011-06-17T22:09:00.003Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

Gary Spaneola was the vocalist of the mythical Detroit band Bitter Sweet Alley, which released a full length LP and a couple of EP's in the mid-eighties through a small label.
All these recordings were produced by Gary, who later became a renowned local producer mounting his own studio recording facility.

By 1986 Spaneola published his own solo mini-LP "Project One". He is listed playing all instruments, but I suspect that many of his old bandmates were part of the recording sessions.
In fact, "Project One" sounds quite similar to Bitter Sweet Alley in style and songwriting: very melodic commercial Rock&Pop / Lite AOR tunes.
"Trying To Find" is an uptempo rocker with good guitars and feelin' good vibe in the Rick Springfield vein. Fine guitar solo here.
The compressed drums and keyboards in "The Window" are typically '80s, a song with pop-rock sensibility that reminds you Gary 'O.

"Time For Change" is a rocking AORish ready for radio play, same with the quirky "Can't Stop Me Now", very much in the Eddie Money league.
The ballad "There's Only You" has a nice tempo emphasized by orchestrated keyboards and melodic guitars. Strong performance by Gary and sweet guitar solo, on a song with a sound ala The Synch or earlier REO Speedwagon.
Last track is a midtempo with nice instrumentation but I don't dig the lyrics too much.

Seems Gary Spaneola was (and is) an accomplished producer as "Project One" has a very good, crisp sound and mix. Good singer as well, typically eighties.
For the few who already have the digital copy of this album circulating some obscure AOR circles, grab mine, because this rip sounds million times better (de-clicked, cleaned and 'remastered' by myself).
The original artwork is the one posted here, there's another homemade (nice, by the way, with a chick and an old car) included into the file.
This is a mega-rare miniLP, cool and easy listening.

1 - Trying To Find
2 - The Window
3 - Time For Change
4 - There's Only You
5 - Can't Stop Me Now
6 - Feed The Hungry

Gary Spaneola: Vocals, All Instruments, Producer
Liz Larin: Backing Vocals

GARY SPANEOLA - Project One

THE KOO - ST (1988)

2011-06-16T20:05:00.000Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

The self titled album by THE KOO has become a sought after rarity, particularly on cd.
Released independently in 1988, all these songs were recorded three years before, and in fact the overall sound is a catchy mid-eighties AOR mixed with some Hi-Tech elements.

First track "Got To Get Together" is a contagious and elegant semi-midtempo with clean guitars and dry drums.
Song #2 "Runaway" has all that vibe we love from the '80s: a catchy rhythm and a cool chorus. This song has strong Canadian sound impregnated over it.
"Standin' In The Rain" is another winner. Fantastic AOR in the best Bryan Hughes Group tradition. Awesome keyboard line that reminds me first Bystander album.

"Strike" is the highligh for me. Just a sensational mid-eighties killer AOR tune with all the feeling of the 'action movie' soundtracks of the era. It was included into 'Friday The 13th Part VIII' OST. Awesome.
They change to a more Hi-Tech with "The Edge", a song with a deep bass and pop-rock sensibility. The guitar solo is quite meaty though.
Another favorite of mine is the '80s poignant "1,000 Radios", a commercial, up-beat techie tune with super-compressed drums and slap bass.
The rest of the tracks are goodies as well, as the wimpy "Work It Out", the Eddie Money-like "Killin' Time" and the synth-rocker "Maybe Right".

THE KOO is an ultra catchy AOR album, very well produced considering its indie origin, including terrific tunes.
I saw this album auctioned for more than $400 on Ebay... crazy people.
Ripped from CD @ maximum quality including artwork.
Very Rare and Very Good. Highly Recommended.

01 - Got To Get Together
02 - Runaway
03 - Standin' In The Rain
04 - On My Way
05 - Strike
06 - The Edge
07 - 1,000 Radios
08 - Work It Out
09 - Killin' Time
10 - Shame Shame
11 - Maybe Right
12 - Diamond In The Rough

Bob Hayman - Guitars, Vocals
John Powell - Vocals, Drums
Tony Mgrdichian - Keyboards

THE KOO - The Koo 1988

LUBA: EP (1982) + FRONTIERS: Front Page (1986)

2011-06-14T01:25:00.001Z

Another two-pack rare vinyl miniLP's into one file, with restored audio as requested.

LUBA - Luba EP (1982)

With an Ukrainian origin, Luba Kowalchyk born in Montreal, Canada in 1958.
After the recording of a new-wave/pop oriented indie disc in the beginning of the eighties, legendary manager and producer Paul Levesque signed her personally to a new deal with a major label.

A four-track miniLP under his moniker was released in 1982. This is a superb AOR / Melodic Rock female fronted EP.
Opener "Scarlet Letter" sets the style of this recording from the first note: killer up-tempo rocker with a lot of bite, sharp guitars and wonderful keyboards. Luba's vocals are deep and energetic, with a distinctive tone.
"Everytime I See Your Picture" is a monster AOR power ballad, tons of emotion with a tempo and vocals to die for. This was the radio single which become a hit across the Montreal area. The song was re-recorded later for Luba's next album, but this original version is far superior.
The classic AOR-rock pattern of "Paramour" makes this tune another winner. Luba sings like a cat in heat and the awesome keyboard line gives you chills.
Last track "Raven's Eyes" is a marching melodic rocker with a great guitar work right up in quality with the best of Tane Cain, earlier Fiona or Martee LeBow.

Luba became a star during the eighties, releasing interesting albums more rock&pop / lite AOR oriented, but this miniLP is her MR/AOR gem.
One of these 'essential female fronted' albums that you can not miss in your collection.
Vinyl audio restored by me.

1 - Scarlet Letter
2 - Eveytime I See Your Picture
3 - Paramour
4 - Raven's Eyes

Luba - Lead & background vocals
Mark Lyman - Guitars
Michael Bell - Bass
Pierre Marchand - Keyboards, background vocals
Pete Marunzak - Drums

FRONTIERS - Front Page (1986)

Frontiers was a 6-piece band from Avesta, Sweden, founded by guitarist Peter Söderström and drummer Johan Kullberg halfway the '80s.
As many of local bands at that time, their music is heavily influenced by american AOR acts, being in this case Journey (also noticeable by the group's name) but with the addition of the characteristic Scandi sound.

Their one and only album, the miniLP "Front Page" is a very nice slice of melodic rock / AOR, sometimes naif and wimp, although precisely in that point resides their charm.
"Time Will Tell" has a 'spacy' AOR style with ethereal keyboards, remiscent of primal Journey, with a vintage guitar sound. This is a real cool track with a pompous middle section.
On "Help Me Now" is where their indie origin is more evident, I really like the vocal arrangement on this one. This track has a New England vibe.
The ballad "This Feeling" has that scandi stamp only possible to find in swedish bands and last track "Separate Worlds" takes its inspiration in Giuffria and again, Journey.

Some people argue this young band was unoriginal and generic, to me, this mini-album has some kind of fascination not always present into indie recordings.
Years after, Kullberg went on to join Talk Of The Town and later Lion's Share, and together with Söderström formed in 2003 a new project called Ignition.
Cool miniLP. Vinyl audio restored by me.

1 - Time Will Tell
2 - Help Me Now
3 - This Feeling
4 - Separate Worlds

Tony Brorsson - Lead Vocals
Peter Söderström - Guitar, Piano, Bkg Vocals
Hans Asp - Guitar, Bkg Vocals
Patrik Söderström - Bass, Bkg Vocals
Peo Gaasvik - Keyboards, Bkg Vocals
Johan Kullberg - Drums

LUBA '82 + FRONTIERS: Front Page '86 Restored

GRZEGORZ SKAWINSKI - Skawinski (1989)

2011-06-08T18:24:00.001Z

Requested by my friend VigiAOR ...

Grzegorz SKAWINSKI is a guitar virtuoso, famous in Eastern Europe as former member of Kombi, a Polish super group.
He also made a small name in the USA between six-string circles, in a time that shredders and instrumental recordings were in vogue (Satch, Vai).
Well, this is not an instrumental album (though it has 3).

Grzegorz 1st self titled album has a very strong occidental influence, ranging from classic (melodic) rock to AORish mainstream rock. Think Steve Lukather solo efforts. Also MacAlpine's 'Eyes Of The World' with a less bombastic production.
All tracks are good and easy to the ears, featuring a phenomenal guitar work but not overwhelming the spirit of the songs with unnecessary chops. Skawinski's sound is big and clean, and the man has a refined taste in the arrangements.
His vocals (supported by a couple back-up singers) are more than competent, with lyrics in Polish, but that do not bother at all, the music and the melodies are the motto here.

An interesting, hard to find rarity only released on vinyl in Poland.
Ripped at max. quality and cleaned by myself.
Good stuff.

01 - Moonlight I
02 - Z Toba Czy Bez Ciebie (With you or without you)
03 - Dzis Tracisz Mnie (You lose me today)
04 - Raz Na Cale Zycie (Once in a lifetime)
05 - Joyeux Noel
06 - Kim Jestes Co Rano (Who are you in the morning)
07 - Niemy Czas (Silent time)
08 - Lamie Sie Swiat (He breaks the world)
09 - Moonlight II

Grzegorz Skawiński - Guitars, Vocals
Rafal Paczkowski - Drums, Keyboards
Waldemar Tkaczyk - 5-String Bass
Anna Jurksztowicz - Vocals (8)
Kayah - Vocals (3, 7)

GRZEGORZ SKAWINSKI 1989

1994 - ST [remastered] (1978)

2011-06-08T13:32:00.000Z

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...

Born and raised in Anaheim, California, Karen Lawrence grew up in a musical family.
Aged 19, she fronted L.A. Jets, recording a self-titled album in 1976. But soon their label dropped the band.
Then Karen and drummer John Desautels decided to go on under the name of 1994, adding guitarist Steve Schiff and bass player Bill Rhodes to the line-up.

Legendary producer Bob Ezrin was interested in the band, but at the time he was very busy, then recommends to his friend engineer Jack Douglas (Blue Oyster Cult, Cheap Trick, Aerosmith) get in touch with 1994.
Impressed by Lawrence vocals, Douglas started to write songs with her, and soon landed a recording contract with a major label.

Recorded y produced by Douglas at The Record Plant Studios in New York, 1994's debut still sounds fresh today.
The album is a first rate collection of songs in the american melodic hard rock tradition, similar to Heart but more rockier and smokin'.
All songs are good, being my favorites the haunting "Heleana" and the hot-rockin´ "Radio Zone". On many tracks the band sounds blusier ala Aerosmith-with-female-vocals, as on the great "Anastasia" (Brad Whitford of Aerosmith guest on guitars), another favorite.

Recently remastered (with the addition of 4 poor sounding live tracks), 1994's self titled debut is one of the best late '70s female fronted albums ever, which has stood the test of time thanks to the excellent production.

01 - Once Again
02 - Shoot To Kill
03 - Sing To Me
04 - Heleana
05 - Bring It Home
06 - Radio Zone
07 - Hit The Hard Way
08 - Read Up
09 - Anastasia
Bonus Live Material:
10 - Shoot To Kill (live)
11 - Find It In The City (live)
12 - Hit The Hard Way (live)
13 - Bring It Home (live)

Karen Lawrence - Vocals
Steve Schiff - Lead Guitar
Bill Rhodes - Bass, Guitar, Backing Vocals
John Desautels - Drums
Brad Whitford - Guitar (Heleana)
Eric Troyer - Backing Vocals (Sing To Me)

1994 - ST [remastered]

AVALON: Everyman A King '82 + EQUUS: ST '85

2011-06-01T17:36:00.002Z

Two rare vinyl miniLP's into one file, with restored audio as requested.

AVALON - Everyman A King (1982)

Many of the classic albums in the AOR genre are long out of print, deliciously rare, and reached even greater status among the fans for it.
One of the rarest of the rare releases is a four-track mini-LP by the USA band Avalon (not to be confused with the Canadian pompsters).
Entitled "Everyman A King", the record is produced by Blood, Sweat & Tears drummer and Pages and Jaco Pastorius producer Bobby Colomby, and features the talents of session players Vinnie Colaiuta, Mike Porcaro and Jai Winding, in addition to band members Rick Neigher, Chris Cote and Mike Mirage.

According to leader Rick Neigher, the band recorded a demo that got the attention of Bobby Colomby, who at the time was doing A&R for Capitol Records . Bobby saw them as a Pop/Rock/AOR version of his westcoast - jazzy flavored band Pages, which featured Richard Page, and went on to have hits as Mr. Mister.
Bobby, being a drummer, did not like the band's drummer Scott Norman playing, so he asked to meet a new discovery, Vinnie Colaiuta.
"Vinnie was the most amazing phenomenon we had ever seen, and we used him on drums" says Neigher.
Bobby also didn’t care for Avalon's bass player Simon Teolis so he brought in Mike Porcaro – later of Toto. Needless to say, these replacements didn’t go over too big with Scott and Simon, so they quit.

Additionally, expertise musician and producer Jai Winding was part of the recording sessions, who helped with keyboards and arrangements.
The label was not a big fan of Bobby Colomby’s abrasive and arrogant attitude, and they didn’t promote Avalon too much.
The disc got only scattered airplay, and sold very few copies. However, the record was a bit of a cult project in town and it won the band's members some respect from the music community.

"Everyman A King" is a perfect mini-LP, no more description needed.
One of the best AOR albums of all time.
Vinyl rip restored by me, sounds Great.
A Must Have.

1 - Can't Find A Way To Say Goodbye
2 - Deeper Than The Heart
3 - Crossfire
4 - Writing On The Wall

Rick Neigher: Guitar, Lead Vocals
Mike Mirage: Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals
Chris Coté: Keyboards, Vocals
Mike Porcaro: Bass
Jai Winding: Keyboards
Vinnie Colaiuta: Drums

EQUUS - ST (1985)

On your search for the less famous but equally brilliant AOR heroes, you'll discover some outstanding bands that never got a second chance and remains into obscurity.
Pretty unknown band from Ontario, Canada, EQUUS released this miniLP back in 1985. Their style is definitely pomp but influenced by the AOR played on the radio in those years.

However, first track "Metal Man", although including very pompy keyboards and a melodious spirit, is a guitar driven song with many six-string channels in the mix. The lead vocals are constantly backed-up by a second voice and the guitars solo is quite hard. A very 'live' and interesting track.
"I'll Be Waiting" is much more commercial with fluffy pomp keys and electronic drums. This one sounds like american bands Roadmaster or Bootcamp.
"When You Gonna Find The Time" starts balladesquely slow but then increases the pace into a melodic mid-tempo with a big reverb.
On "Power Life" the band adds some mysterious keys and interesting arrangements to a song that in its essence is a simple poppy AOR melody.
"Think Of You" is the most radio-oriented track on this album, based on the rhythm of the persistent bass line. The high pitched sax included in the middle perfectly fits the melody and enriches the song.

EQUUS is a more than interesting unknown band which plays an original blend of styles, but certainly into the AOR territory.
This disc is a rarity not even listed on many CanCon Rock memorabilia.
Not my rip (could be better), cleaned in my own workstation for your listening pleasure.
Rare & Good.

1 - Metal Man
2 - I'll Be Waiting
3 - When You Gonna Find The Time
4 - Power Life
5 - Think Of You

Cameron Grant: Vocals, Guitars
Danny Allen: Vocals, Drums
Ken Lucier: Bass
Peter Schaefer: Guitars, Vocals
Duncan Grant: Keyboards

AVALON - Everyman A King '82 + EQUUS '85

REQUEST & FILL CORNER 8

2011-05-30T18:33:00.005Z