New Releases
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WHEN IT COMES to exploring the early years of the British hard rock scene there’s no better place to start that with London-based five piece Strider. A staple of the live circuit, the band built a reputation for lean and mean blues-based rock, securing a solid and faithful following throughout the UK and Europe. It was also a group that freatured a couple of members who went on to be well-known after Strider; guitarist Gary Grainger who went on to play with Rod Stewart and drummer Tony Brock who would later join the Babys. Two individuals with a solid reputation and careers forged directly from the ashes of Strider.
‘Misunderstood’ is the band’s second album, recorded once again for GM Records the label helmed by Billy Gaff, manager of the Faces and Rod Stewart. Produced by Damon Lyon-Shaw, who had cut his teeth as a recording engineer for the Who and Status Quo, the album contains an impressive selection of tracks that showcase the appointment of new vocalist Rob Elliott, a man with a rich voice and a signature delivery. This time around the band focussed exclusively on self-penned material, writing and executing a batch of songs that grabbed the listener by the scruff of the neck and commanded attention.
Amongst all this goodness are stand out tracks such as ‘Searching The Clouds’, ‘Seems So Easy’, ‘Crossed Lines’ and the adventurous ‘Wing Tips’. Despite delivering such a robust album and touring with the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, the Faces and Status Quo, sadly and unfairly the band failed to make any commercial progress.
TRACK LISTING: 1.OPEN YOUR EYES 2.MISUNDERSTOOD 3.CROSSED LINE 4.SEEMS SO EASY 5.ALREADY MONDAY 6.WING TIPS 7.TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT 8.SEARCHING THE CLOUDS BONUS TRACKS 9.SEEMS SO EASY (SINGLE VERSION) 10.ARTHUR HYDROGEN
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BRITSH ROCK during the early ’70s was, it’s fair to say, exploding with bright new talent. Strider were a great example of this ascendance, and crafted tough hip thrusting riffs and chest beating hooks in a style that was rapidly becoming the calling card of the era. Bands such as Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin and Free were dominating the charts but others including Strider weren’t very far behind. It was a golden era for rock and everything was to play for.
Formed in 1971, under the handle of Rowan Oak, the band solidified their line-up, changed their name and enlisted the help and assistance of Marquee Club booker Jack Barrie who guided them into the arms of other industry illuminati including Babe Ruth’s svengali Martin Saville and the newly-formed GM records, a label run by Faces manager Billy Gaff. It was this cabal of heavy weight talent that steered the band in an upward direction including lengthy European tours with Rory Gallagher and Status Quo.
Produced by Jimmy Horowitz (who was married to GM artist Leslie Duncan) ‘Exposed’ showcases a confidant and highly potent rock band with the emphasis on muscle and energy. Released in 1973 to much praise and excitement, the album is a revered part of the time when British hard rock was dominating the music world. Check out tracks such as ‘Esther’s Place’, ‘Ain’t Got No Love’, ‘Get Ready’ and ‘Straddle’ for three prime examples of a powerful and impressive band who could and should have gone on to bigger and better success.
TRACK LISTING: 1.FLYING 2.AIN’T GOT NO LOVE 3.WOMAN BLUE 4.HIGHER AND HIGHER 5.ESTHER’S PLACE 6.STRADDLE 7.GET READY Bonus Tracks 8.ESTHER’S PLACE (SINGLE VERSION) 9.WOMAN BLUE (SINGLE VERSION) 10.ROAD RUNNER (LIVE)
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SOMETIMES A RECORDappears out of nowhere which literally takes your breath away. So it is with the Ladder, a sensational five piece with virtually no pedigree to speak of, but fully loaded with talent and a raging desire to make as big an impression as humanly possible. The fact that their sole album failed to make a commercial impact is neither here nor there but nearly 35 years after its release we are still talking about its enduring and timeless quality. Originating from Philadelphia, the band were formed from an ad hoc musical collective that been involved with a number of different mostly non rock projects. The only member with a history was drummer Joe Franco formerly of the Good Rats and later to perform with Twisted Sister. At the center of this cabal were brother’s Lou and Joe Parente, both men responsible for the majority of the song writing. Leading the charge however was previously unknown vocalist Frank Mancano whose style and timbre was immediately compared to the likes of Lou Gramm, Joe Lynn Turner and Steve Perry. Signed to ATCO, the sister label of Atlantic records, the album was issued in October 1986 and failed to cause even the smallest ripple of interest except - as we’ve learnt from other similar acts - small pockets of support in the European press. With no internet or social media at the time the odds were truly stacked against them. Despite infinitely strong songs such as ‘Time Soldier’, ‘Breakdown’, ‘Standin’ and the knock-out punch of ‘Double Shot Of Love’ the album is now considered one of the greatest lost treasures of a the late eighties.
TRACK LISTING: 1.DAYDREAMS AT NIGHT 2.DOUBLE SHOT OF LOVE 3.TIME SOLDIER 4.DON’T TURN ME AWAY 5.BREAKDOWN 6.STANDIN’ 7.WOMEN HAVE SECRETS 8.LIE TO ME 9.LOVER 10.DANCING IN THE DARK
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THE MID TO late ’80s gave us a number of fine heavy metal bands, most of them ecoing the thrash metal scene spearheaded by Metallica, Exodus, Death Angel and Megadeath. Vicious Rumors, in the scene from the start, were an act who gave the full-on thrash style a neat makeover, lacing the riffs with razor sharp emphasis and maximum melody. Vocalist Carl Albert was uniquely placed to exert a powerful influence on the band’s sophistication, with a voice that could easily push the band to new heights and help them achieve more commercial success. Formed in the San Franciso Bay area in 1979, and producing two independent records (on the Shrapnel label) and one for Atlantic Records (also reissued on Rock Candy) the band’s chief protagonists by this point in their career were twin lead guitarists Geoff Thorpe (group founder) and Mark McGee; two players very much in sync with each other and their musical goals. Perfectly complimentary, their interlocking sound moved the music into areas not normally afforded such precision in this genre. They had, unknowingly, occupied the area of power metal, with a technique that provided a stepping stone for other bands who wanted to push the genre’s limits. Originally issued in 1991 on Atlantic records ‘Welcome To The Ball’, their fourth album, included a collection of superlative tracks, featuring such heavy hitters as ‘Abandoned’, ‘Children’, ‘Mastermind’ and ‘When Love Comes Down’. Music filled with angst and a resolute determination to take no prisoners. Recorded in San Francisco, kudos must be given to co-producer Michael Rosen for his clear and concise work, allowing every instrument to resonate with enough clarity to provide maximum damage.
TRACK LISTING: 1.ABANDONED 2.YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE 3.SAVIOR FROM ANGER 4.CHILDREN 5.DUST TO DUST 6.RAISE YOUR HANDS 7.STRANGE BEHAVIOR 8.SIX STEPSISTERS 9.MASTERMIND 10.WHEN LOVE COMES DOWN 11.ENDS OF THE EARTH
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THE NAME AXE probably conjures up visions of a seething and full-on heavy metal band and, although there’s nothing wrong with that, this band are far more nuanced. In fact, the band’s music, whilst definitely hard rock, is imbued with accessible elements of melody and precision. The songs are well written and produced, with the apparent acknowledgement of a need to advance their craft towards a classy, perhaps more commercial, focal point. Guitarist and vocalist Bobby Bath formed the band in Gainsville, Florida during the late Seventies. Initially named Babyface, they mutated into Axe after a couple of years and signed to MCA, issuing two reasonably well received albums of pomp/melodic rock before switching record label to ATCO records and releasing ‘Offerring’ in 1982. Produced by manager Al Nalli (well known for his association with Blackfoot), the record gave the band a new lease of life and attracted praise for its direct approach and concise song writing. It was also a record that found the band playing to bigger audiences in the USA, supporting the Scorpions, KISS and Judas Priest, whilst attracting unexpected airplay with songs such as ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll Party In The Streets’ and ‘Now Or Never’. It also includes a superlative cover of the Montrose classic ‘I Got The Fire’, which manages to burn as brightly as the original. Dipping back into their more complex previous music, the six minute long ‘Silent Soldiers’ showcases the band in full-on pomp rock glory but with a much heavier edge than they had before.
TRACK LISTING: 1.ROCK ‘N’ ROLL PARTY IN THE STREETS 2.VIDEO INSPIRATION 3.STEAL ANOTHER FANTASY 4.JENNIFER 5.I GOT THE FIRE 6.BURN THE CITY DOWN 7.NOW OR NEVER 8.HOLDIN’ ON 9.SILENT SOLDIERS
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"ONE THE GREATEST rock bands to emerge during the early Eighties was San Francisco based Night Ranger. Somewhat surprisingly, however, their origins originated from a very different musical background, most notably as members of a large scale soul-funk cabal called Rubicon (a unit that had links to Sly Stone) who recorded two now largely forgotten, albums. Members of this unit coalesced under the handle of Ranger, and later, Night Ranger. Night Ranger’s arsenal of formidable talent contained the twin lead guitar work of Brad Gillis and Jeff Watson and – unusually - two identifiable lead vocalists in bassist Jack Blades and drummer Kelly Keagy. It was this combination that afforded the band a unique sound, giving them an edge that distanced them from other similar sounding outfits. At one point, however, the band’s very existence was thrown into jeopardy when Brad Gillis was tapped to replace the late Randy Rhoads in Ozzy Osbourne’s Blizzard Of Oz. Fortunately this only turned out to be a temporary arrangement. Despite being turned down by every record company in the US, not once but twice, the band’s debut album ‘Dawn Patrol’, originally issued in 1982, on the newly-formed Boardwalk label, was an immediate critical and commercial success, and boasted a cache of supremely catchy tracks, led by the triple knockout blows of ‘Don’t Tell Me You Love Me’, ‘Sing Me Away’and ‘At Night She Sleeps’. A finer debut album you will not find.
24-bit remastering from original source tapes, 4,000 word story of the making of the album, full involvement by the band, rare photos all spread out over a superb 16 page full colour booklet
Track Listing: 1.DON’T TELL ME YOU LOVE ME 2.SING ME AWAY 3.AT NIGHT SHE SLEEPS 4.CALL MY NAME 5.EDDIE’S COMIN’ OUT TONIGHT 6.CAN’T FIND ME A THRILL 7.YOUNG GIRL IN LOVE 8. PLAY ROUGH 9.PENNY 10.NIGHT RANGER
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“NIGHT RANGER WERE one of the biggest success stories of the early 1980s, racking up hit singles and big selling albums during a time when the ‘hip’ music media had written off mainstream hard rock as little more than an annoying pest. Those people seemed to forget that memorable songs delivered with razor sharp riffs and passionate vocals can always ride roughshod over fashion and trends. Night Ranger’s debut album ‘Dawn Patrol’ had set the scene for even bigger and better things to come, something they accomplished with ‘Midnight Madness’. Issued late in 1983, and produced once again by Pat Glasser (Giuffria, Refugee), the record harnessed a number of essential tracks, two of which would become central in the Night Ranger cannon. The first, ‘(You Can Still) Rock In America’ (with Glenn Hughes on backing vocals) was a call to arms, letting everyone know that the band were very much committed to melodic hard rock, the backbone upon which this album was crafted. The second was the power ballad ‘Sister Christian’ gave them a song that would accelerate their popularity to heights previously unimagined, reaching the top 5 of the US singles charts. For Night Ranger, it was a life changing moment and it’s still a track that continues to be hugely popular to this day. ‘Midnight Madness’ is a platinum album and it is truly one of the greatest records of the era.”
24-bit remastering from original source tapes, 4,000 word story of the making of the album, full involvement by the band, rare photos all spread out over a superb 16 page full colour booklet
TRACK LISTING: 1:(You Can Still) Rock In America 2: Rumours In The Air 3: Why Does Love Have To Change 4: Sister Christian 5: Touch Of Madness 6: Passion Play 7: When You Close Your Eyes 8: Chippin' Away 9: Let Him Run
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“WHEN IT COMES to musical trends, Southern rock is one of the most enduring styles, and one that maintains a loyal and committed following. It is also very much wrapped up in the values of an era that has experienced both good and bad times, yet it continues to endure whilst other musical trends evaporated into thin air. 38 Special are not only survivors but also one of the few groups from the Southern rock genre that crossed musical barriers, producing not only hit albums but also mainstream hit singles. Fronted by Donnie Van Zant (little brother of Sknyrd frontman Ronnie) the band’s sound was immediately embraced by an audience keen to keep the music they love alive. The band’s early albums were staunchly Southern rock in sound but by this, their 5th album, melodic influences had widened their appeal. Not that they had abandoned their heritage, far from it, as ‘Special Forces’ is still very much a traditional vehicle for the rock sounds of the South. The only difference being that they were now notching up hit singles as well as hit albums. ‘Special Forces’, originally issued in 1982 (co-produced with Rodney Mills: Skynyrd, the Outlaws, Atlanta Rhythm Section) proved to be yet another career highlight, going on to reach the US top 10, achieving a platinum award and spawning , with the help of Suvivor’s Jim Peterik, the now classic hit single ‘Caught Up In You’. Arguably this album is the band’s best work.”
Fully Remastered Audio, Platinum album from revered southern rockers featuring vocalist Donnie Van Zant, Contains the hit single’Caught Up In You’ and 5 bonus live tracks, 16 page full colour booklet – 3,500 word essay, enhanced artwork, rarely seen photos and new interviews
Track Listing: 1: Caught Up In You 2: Back Door Stranger 3: Back On The Track 4: Chain Lightnin' 5: Rough Housin 6: You Keep Runnin Away 7: Breakin' Loose 8: Take 'Em Out 9: Firestarter Bonus Tracks 10: Prisoners Of Rock 'N' Roll 11: Rough Housin (Live) 12: Wild-Eyed Southern Boys (Live) 13: Stone Cold Believer (Live) 14: Twentieth Century Fox (Live)
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“ALTOUGH THE AMERICAN marketplace was bursting with great Southern rock bands during the 1970s, many of them multi-platinum sellers such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Marshall Tucker Band and Molly Hatchet, there was always room for talented newcomers. For 38 Special this was manna from heaven, launching into a marketplace that was primed for regional music, shifting enormous quantities of records, and selling out big venues. Formed in Jacksonville, Florida, and fronted by Donnie Van Zant (brother of Skynyd’s Ronnie and Johnny), the band secured a deal with cool independent label A&M, and carved out a solid reputation as one of the best Southern rock bands. But the early 1980s the movement had to face some harsh realities, as musical trends were rapidly changing. ‘Wild-Eyed Southern Boys’, their fourth album, produced by Rodney Mills (Skynyrd, the Outlaws) and originally issued in 1981, showcased the band engaged in a wider musical palette; one that paid handsome dividends and, ultimately, prolonged their commercial shelf life by some considerable time. Focussing on sharper, more hook-laden songs, the band’s sound was refined but not tampered with. They were still very much a gritty, guitar driven, down-home rock band, but with songs that could now be played on mainstream radio. Tracks like the title track, ‘Throw Out The Line’, ‘Bring It On’ and, with the help of Survivor’s Jim Peterik, the hit single ‘Hold On Loosely’ helped to propel the album into the US top 20 securing them a platinum award and a reputation second to none.”
Fully Remastered Audio, Platinum album from revered southern rockers featuring vocalist Donnie Van Zant, 16 page full colour booklet – 3,500 word essay, enhanced artwork, rarely seen photos and new interviews and four bonus tracks
Track Listing: 1: Hold On Loosely 2: First Time Around 3: Wild Eyed Southern Boys 4: Back Alley Sally 5: Fantasy Girl 6: Hittin' And Runnin' 7: Honky Tonk Dancer 8: Throw Out The Line 9: Bring it On Bonus Tracks: 10: Turn It On (Live) 11: Stone Cold Believer (Live) 12: Robin Hood (Live) 13: Rockin' Into The Night (Live)
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“WHEN VIXENfirst appeared on the scene it’s not an exaggeration to say that a lot of rock fans were amazed by the fact that they were an all female band. Heavy rock had been almost an entirely male dominated occupation, apart from a few notable exceptions, so Vixen were seen by a number of people as a curiosity. Surely they couldn’t be good enough to compete with the rock giants of the day? Well, think again! A potent four piece, the band originated in St Paul, Minnesota in the early ’80s. They moved their base of operation to Los Angeles in 1985, where they completed their line-up and attracted industry attention. With major management in place they quickly secured an enviable record deal with Capitol Records spin off label EMI Manhattan. Recording their album with a number of major producers, the band crafted an album of superb melodic hard rock. They also involved a number of more seasoned writers, including Richard Marx, Jeff Paris and Jon Butcher, lending even more credence to the results. Spearheaded by a trio of killer songs, including the Richard Marx/Fee Waybill written first single ‘Edge Of A Broken Heart’, the album signalled a real and credible attempt to establish the band as contenders. ‘Cryin’’ and ‘I Want You To Rock Me’ added further proof - if proof were even necessary - to the theory, that Vixen could easily compete in any field of musicians. Their subsequent touring schedule further cemented their reputation and demonstrated their no nonsense, give it everything, approach to their music. In fact, the album was eventually certified gold – a fitting tribute to their talent and self-belief.
Fully Remastered Audio shaped from 24 BIT digital technology, Includes ‘Edge Of A Broken Heart’, ‘Cryin’, ‘Hell Raisers’, Six bonus tracks 12 page full colour booklet – 3,500 word essay, enhanced artwork and new interviews
TRACK LISTING:1. EDGE OF A BROKEN HEART 2. I WANT YOU TO ROCK ME 3. CRYIN’ 4. AMERICAN DREAM 5. DESPERATE 6. ONE NIGHT ALONE 7. HELL RAISERS 8. LOVE MADE ME 9. WAITING 10. CRUISIN’ BONUS TRACKS: 11. EDGE OF A BROKEN HEART (EXTENDED MIX) 12. CHARMED LIFE 13. LOVE MADE ME (REMIX) 14. CRUISIN’ (LIVE) 15. EDGE OF A BROKEN HEART (LIVE) 16. HELL RAISERS (LIVE)
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