MICHAEL PATTO - Time To Be Right (1991)

Re-posted as requested, quite rare album

MICHAEL PATTO is a British musician, songwriter and producer. Born of Mike Patto Snr. who was a highly respected Rock musician (Spooky Tooth, Patto, Timebox, Boxer), Michael started out on bass but switched to piano in his late teens and soon began to write his own songs.
Patto was signed by a major label aged 20 and released this "Time To Be Right", however soon decided to move on and started his own recording company, being involved with some of the finest talents from the UK music scene.



His one and only album as solo artist, "Time To Be Right" is a soft breeze of genres mixing stylized pop, soul and smooth Westcoast.
There's several pieces of fine Euro-pop on songs like "So Much For The Lovin´", "Few Good Moments" or "What Can I Do". But also a strong Westcoast feeling on "Calling", the smooth "The Very Thought Of You" and "Don't Say A Word". The ballad "Hold On" sounds pretty American L.A. session style.



"Time To Be Right" features some kind of musical waves not usually associated with this this blog, but it was requested by a reader and it's extremely hard to find. Also included as bonus are 2 different versions of the track "So Much For The Lovin` ", taken from the single CDs of the same name.
It's a nice, relaxing piece of music, very well performed, recorded and produced.
CDrip at maximum quality including artwork. RARE.


01. So Much For The Lovin'
02. Calling
03. Few Good Moments
04. Hold On
05. Paradise Has Gone
06. (I've Got) Love Enough For Two
07. Time To Be Right
08. The Very Thought Of You
09. What Can I Do
10. Don't Say A Word
bonus:
11. So Much For The Lovin' (7'' version)
12. So Much For The Lovin' (Radical Mix)

Michael Patto: Vocals, All instruments
Session Musicians: unlisted




MICHAEL PATTO Time To Be Right + bonus
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REQUEST & FILL CORNER 24

From now, all request & fills goes in this post Comments.
If you need an album or a single track, request it here, if you have it, be kind with other readers, upload the file and post the link here as well.
Access to this page will be placed at the right column ------>
(the "CLICK HERE" neon sign)
It will be opened in a new window.

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

Help each other people!


and don't forget to check out ARCHIVES:


ARCHIVES PART 20

ARCHIVES PART 21

ARCHIVES PART 22

ARCHIVES PART 23

.

CHRIS FARREN - Sign Of Life [unreleased] (1992)

 

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

Grammy-winning singer/songwriter/producer/publisher Chris Farren has scored twenty top 10 singles, 10 Grammy nomination (won 1), various ACM, CMA nominations, picked up American Songwriter's 1997 Country Producer of the Year Award, all as songwriter & producer, and have credits on over 20 million record sales. 

But never achieved success as singer/performer. 

  From the piano lessons he began at four years old, to the guitar, trombone, and saxophone, to the club bands he played in during high school and college, his entire life was consumed by music: “Music just had a strangely powerful allure for me.” He enrolled at East Carolina University, but when the course work began leading him toward classical music, he switched his major to English, and focused on creative writing as a way of advancing his interest in writing songs. 

He graduated in 1981, moved to Los Angeles, and supported himself playing club gigs and as a session singer on demos, jingles, and backups. 

  Farren signed an artist/writer publishing deal with MCA in 1983 and created a niche writing for film and television during the mid-80s, appearing on soundtracks like 'Night Of The Comet', 'The Heavenly Kid', "Jake Speed", and on other artists albums as performer like the wonderful KAZU MATSUI PROJECT posted HERE. Advised that he did not fit the techno/heavy metal/glam rock image then popular, and that Nashville was the only place then embracing the singer/songwriter, he made the move, despite not considering himself a country artist. 

Between producing, playing guitar and singing backup on other people's records, co-writing with some of the city's best songwriters and the session work he continued to do for movies in Los Angeles, Farren was able to record and engineering demos of his own songs. All these recordings are likely finished material, with excellent sound and production, but never were officially released. 

"Sign Of Life" is a bootleg, but what a great collection of songs. And I insist, sounds mostly like a final production. 'Dreams' starts in a subtle manner but then explodes into a soundtrack / AOR style tune with great rhythm and awesome guitar playing. The midtempo / ballad 'No Sign Of Life' is a gorgeous song in the best Steve Kipner style, while 'Together We Stand Alone' has hints of his Nashville residency, featuring excellent vocal harmonies. 

'Dance Of Love' is just the man and his acoustic guitar, a breezy and charming tune, here you can take note of his ductility as composer. 

'What Kind Of Man' is another soft track, remembers me David Foster, don't ask me why. Beautiful one. 'When The Lightning Strike' is a pure AOR song, but 'homemade' stripped and direct, I could imagine this one with big and lush production sounding great. 'Dirty Money' is in the Stan Meissner style, with nice guitar work. The arrangements and production of 'Somebody Save Me' are in the pure L.A. smooth WestCoast style. 

'I Will Be Waiting' wraps this compilation, a good soft AOR with a pulsing bass line and very nice chorus. 

  "Sign Of Life" remains unreleased, not because it is devoid of talent or opportunities to be published (Farren has very good contacts in the business), surely he decided to full turn over his career into the producing / publishing department. Swedish bootleg ripped @ max quality including artwork. 

Very Rare and Hard to Find. 

01 - Dreams 

02 - No Sign Of Life 

03 - Together We Stand Alone 

04 - Anything For Money 

05 - Dance Of Love 

06 - What Kind Of Man 

07 - When The Lightning Strike 

08 - Dirty Money 

09 - Somebody Save Me 

10 - I Will Be Waiting 

 Personnel: unlisted 

  CHRIS FARREN Sign Of Life _ HERE 

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CALL ME - Call Me (1981)

Requested in "REQUEST & FILL CORNER" section...

I first discovered German band CALL ME in the legendary compilation series Munich City Nights, then got a LP-rip of their self-titled debut album in a trade, and finally found that the record actually was released on CD on the RCA/BMG label during the Nineties, but in very limited quantities.
Whichever the case, "Call Me" is an obscure, unknown AOR / Melodic Rock rarity deserving to be listened by all fans of the genre.
That's why we are here, isn't it?

Despite its German origins, I would say Call Me's melodic tunes sound more Canadian than anything, with synth harpoon attacks between the sharp melodic riffs and catchy choruses.
Just check the triad of tracks at the beginning of the album: the soaring "Running Out Of Love", the indeed shaking "Shiver In The Night" akin Survivor, or the keyboard driven "22 Degrees Below", all are pure early '80s AOR gemstones.

"Loneliness And The Modern Man" is perhaps the more 'American' song on the album with a mysterious atmosphere (thanks to the synth background), and "Living On The Edge" returns to pure AOR again with a Canadian feeling via nice choruses, bringing to mind Refugee.



"Suburbia" is darker yet rocking, "Nervous Energy" adds a radio-rock poppy touch to the proceedings, while "Working Wonders" adds a light proggy touch in the vein of Harlequin.
If you need a ballad, "Screaming Silence" provides a slow moment by not in typical syrupy balladry. It's a sound with British feeling to me, but somehow I found it similar to some material Tony Carey would release as solo artist years after.

All are very well crafted songs, the musicianship is strong (I love that 'classic drums' sound) and while Daniel Kovac's vocal color is not the most charismatic you can find out there, he perfectly fits the music and provides a distinctive sound to Call Me.
In fact, I have included one track in my AOR Treasures series, the one entitled 'The Seminal Years', because Call Me sound is the type which defined the genre in the beginning of the Eighties.



As said, "Call Me" appeared on CD but I never seen a copy at auction sites. This is taken from the unofficial CD released by bootleg label Time Warp, and as usual with these guys, the sound obtained from the vinyl LP is bloody good.
A little gem. Rare.


01 - Running Out Of Love
02 - Shiver In The Night
03 - 22 Degrees Below
04 - Getting By
05 - Suburbia
06 - Nervous Energy
07 - Loneliness And The Modern Man
08 - Living On The Edge
09 - Working Wonders
10 - Screaming Silence

Daniel Kovac - vocals
Frank Ziener - guitars, backing vocals
Attila Teri - keyboards, piano
Manfred Dietze - bass
Florian Ruppert - drums




CALL ME - Call Me (1981) HERE
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ZOID: LP 1987 + EP 1988 + Demos

Requested in "REQUEST & FILL CORNER" section...

On par to the Californian counterpart, during the '80s there was an effervescent Rock scene in the US East Coast as well. Melodic rockers ZOID come from there, more exactly Syracuse, NY, also the home of well known acts for this blog such as Todd Hobin & The Heat or Benny Mardones, among others.
Founded by brothers Lou (keyboards) and Mike (drums) Secreti, seems Zoid were quite popular in the area in the mid-Eighties. They managed to release this self-titled, 8-track LP in 1987, which over the years has become a collectors piece ($170 on eBay).

"Zoid" delivers the typical Melodic Hard Rock sound of the era, yet more '84 / 85 oriented with a profuse keyboard / synth presence turning things much more AOR. Think early Bon Jovi or other indie band featured on the blog some time ago; Addiction. There's also comparisons to other Syracuse based band; Alecstar. Not strange, as guitarist Harry Mantor was part of them before.
Despite of being an indie recording, we have a solid production on display, and a proper mix.



All songs are really good, starting with the rocker "I Can't Wait" driven by sharp guitars and featuring the interesting pipes of frontman Jimm Richer, a singer rich at the mid-range. "From Here To L.A" is more catchy and melodious, followed by the mid-tempo AOR of "Try Again". Suffice to say; all the material here is peppered with keyboard fills all over.
"I'm Not Foolin´" is perhaps the most commercial tune (and a favorite) sporting a great chorus with a single potential, the lovely "Cards In Your Hands" lends to melodic radio-rock, while another favorite of mine, "Makes Me Wonder" is pure '80s AOR with a breezy melody adorned by saxophone.
"It Just Ain't Right" is another solid melodic rocker, slow but with strong guitars, and the LP ends with the catchy, typically 1985 (Canadian sounding to my ears) "Woman Of Stone".

The following year, Zoid recorded a promo mini-LP to seduce recording companies, including two songs from the debut plus new cut "Stealin`", featured in two different versions. This mini-LP is impossible to find original.
A nice vinyl-rip (cleaned by me) is added as bonus, as well 2 demo tracks from the second Zoid album never released (there's plans by some members to put both albums on CD someday).



"Zoid" LP + EP + the bonuses are not only a much sought after pieces by collectors, but also really good, well composed & recorded Melodic Hard Rock / AOR tunes for all fans of the genre to enjoy.
A collectors item. RARE.


"Zoid" LP 1987:
1. I Can't Wait
2. From Here To L.A.
3. Try Again
4. I'm Not Foolin'
5. The Cards Are In Your hands
6. Makes Me Wonder
7. It Just Ain't Right
8. Woman Of Stone
"Zoid" Promo EP 1988:
1. Stealin' (Short version)
2. From Here To L.A.
3. Stealin' (Long version)
4. Makes Me Wonder
Demos (unreleased):
1. Hear Me
2. Trouble In Paradise

Jimm Richer: Vocals
Lou Secreti: Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Harry Mantor: Guitars, Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Todd Troubetaris: Bass
Mike Secreti: Acoustic & Electronic Drums
Jon Celi: Guitars, Vocals
Tony Stone: Drums
Andy Camano: Bass




ZOID: LP 1987 + EP 1988 + Demos
.

MAY RUN - Days Into Years (1991)

 

Do you like Canadian Melodic Rock AOR sound? Then better don't miss this little gem if you like Haywire, The Bryan Hughes Group, Worrall, Simon Chase,etc. "Days Into Years", which seems to be the only album of MAY RUN is a smooth AOR, pretty well produced indie. More 'song oriented' than lush or bombastic style from the genre, there's breezy melodies very well arranged and professionally executed. Call me nuts, but on some songs MAY RUN remind me John Waite solo works. 

"The Only One", "Anastasia", "Tonite" are good examples of good traditional Cancon classic stuff. Well worthy of a place in your collection, this a good and very hard to find album, fetching exorbitant eBay prices when rarely a copy appear. 

1 - May Run - The Only One 

2 - May Run - More Than This 

3 - May Run - Be My Girl 

4 - May Run - These Eyes 

5 - May Run - Lay Your Hands 

6 - May Run - The Promise 

7 - May Run - Up Where Dreams Begin 

8 - May Run - Smile 

9 - May Run - Save Me 

10 - May Run - Big Big World 

11 - May Run - Anastasia 

12 - May Run - Tonite 

13 - May Run - Separation Day 

Steve Chivilo: vocals, acoustic guitar 

Chris Hammel: guitars, background vocals 

Greg McLean: bass 

Glenn Nowoselski: drums

MAY RUN - Days Into Years (1991) ---> HERE 

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ADRIAN'S WALL - Caught In The Web (1987)

A mega rare CD only released in Australia in limited quantity. ADRIAN'S WALL was Adrian Campbell's child, a studio project with local professional musicians. Campbell, a session vocalist himself, has recorded and arranged backing vocals in countless albums in the land of Oz. 

Around 1976, was the lead singer and stable member of AVALANCHE, a hard rock band whose debut album had moderate success, opening live shows for major international bands. In the 80's, Adrian has recorded an album with the band DE ARROW (pre - ROXUS), sadly still unreleased, from which only 4 demo tracks are floating around, a great keyboard oriented melodic rock / AOR stuff. 

As said, ADRIAN'S WALL was his own project, not strictly AOR, mixing many genres, but encompassing all the styles we like. My favourite song here is "Finally Deciding", a good resume of the overall sound. Featuring the great BRETT GARSED [NELSON, SOLO] on guitars (before his international stardom in the USA), this CD is a delightful listen, something different from the usual on this site. 

  A recommended addition to your collection, good music and very, very rare, hard to find album. 

01 - Night People 

02 - Afraid To Be Afraid 

03 - Finally Deciding 

04 - Reach Out I'll Be There 

05 - This Waiting (Is Killing Me) 

06 - Soul Breaker 

07 - Time Stands Still 

08 - The Dancer 

09 - I Doubt It (Will Ever Come True) 

Adrian Campbell - vocals, backing vocals, keyboards 

Brett Garsed (Nelson) - guitars 

Michael Den Elzen - guitars 

Larry Groves - keyboards 

Brian Hamilton (Air Supply) - bass, backing vocals 

Joe Imbroll - bass 

Robert Dillon (Colin Hay Band) - drums, percussion Steve Donald - drums 

ADRIAN'S WALL - Caught In The Web (1987) HERE .

JOHN VERITY - Truth Of The Matter [self-released remaster] (1985)

 

Born in Bradford, England, John Verity has been in the musical business for five decades, fronting his own band and as part of numerous groups, recording and producing. 

 At the beginning of the '70s John was contacted by Rod Argent who was looking for new lead vocalist for his band ARGENT following the departure of Russ Ballard. After 2 albums (produced by John) and intense touring, along with Bob Henrit and Jim Rodford from Argent, he formed PHOENIX. The band recorded three successful albums (again, produced by him) and toured Europe supporting major acts. In 1980, John and Bob joined CHARLIE, to record and produce their landing into the US market; 'Good Morning America'. The next years were spent in recording studios, producing, playing guitar, or doing backup vocals with various acts including Motorhead, Saxon, Ringo Starr, Russ Ballard, Colin Blunstone. 

With his own studio ready, the John Verity Band was reactivated, and with the former members of Argent and Charlie aboard, the result was 'Interrupted Journey', a guitar fueled rockin' album released in 1982, highly acclaimed in the UK. After extensive tours in Europe & Scandinavia, they went into studio for the new album; 'Truth Of The Matter', described by John as "a mix of 'Live in the studio' material & standard studio creations". 

Sounding more polished than debut, but still retaining the guitar driven AOR rock vibe, the good thing is the increased keyboard presence and mid-80's commercial songwriting style. 'Roll the dice' won't be out of place in a CHARLIE's or any LOVERBOY album of that era, while 'Lookin' for love' sounds like a song that FOREIGNER will be proud of. 'Keep a little love in your heart' has a WHITESNAKE-ish hard rock splendour, 'Honesty & emotion' again a LOVERBOY stamp (great keyboards & chorus), and 'Only in a dream' is an impressive mid-tempo AOR tune. 

With some stellar guests (Mike Rutherford of Genesis wrote three songs) and solid production, this is a well rounded power AOR album, a highly recommended listen. 

Rare CD edition remastered & released by Verity himself. 

1 - Roll the dice 

2 - Lookin' for love 

3 - Hold on to love 

4 - Keep a little love in your heart 

5 - Who d'ya think your foolin' 

6 - Honesty & emotion 

7 - Only in a dream 

8 - Ride the wind 

9 - Stompin' ground 

10 - No pretending 

Guitars, Vocals : John Verity 

Keyboards : Rod Argent, Andy Wells 

Keyboards, Bass : Steve Thompson (Tygers Of Pan Tang) 

Guitar, Backing Vocals : John Neil 

Bass : Terry Uttley, Mike Rutherford (Genesis) 

Drums : Bob Henrit, Steve Rodford, Paul Smith 

Backing Vocals : Alan Silson, Chris Norman (Smokie) 

JOHN VERITY - Truth Of The Matter : HERE

LAUREN SMOKEN - Lauren Smoken (1988)

Of all the female voices that have dared to nip at Janis Joplin's coat tails, Lauren Smoken's is the most powerful.
Almost unheard of outside her native Florida, she did at least pop up to New York for a spell in the late eighties to record a stunner of a debut album.

It ignores genres and cares only about Lauren's gorgeous voice, raw and howling when needed, soulful and velvety on the ballads.
One word defines her performance: Passionate.
The musical backbone of this recording is her husband, George Mazzola.
George's rippin' hard rock and gut-wrenching blues style shines throughout the disc, bringing Hendrix, Page, Clapton, Gary Moore to the table.
Listen his licks and solos carefully, the man was great! (passed away few years ago, Rest In Peace G.).

Produced by Jack Douglas (better known for his work with AEROSMITH), the sound and mix is straight in your face Rock 'N Roll.
Very rare CD version (looks like a bootleg!) including one bonus track, at max quality for you listening pleasure.
Highly Recommended.

01 - Haven't I had enough
02 - Rock a bye baby
03 - Smile
04 - Gonna give love one more try
05 - I need the money
06 - The trouble with me is you (CD bonus)
07 - License to love
08 - Come to me
09 - Cry wolf
10 - Little boy dreams
11 - Never learn to say good bye
12 - Best of me

Personnel: Unlisted
Lauren Smoken - Vocals
George Mazzola - Guitars


LAUREN SMOKEN - HERE .

ONE AND THE SAME - Someday (2002)

This is a revamped post from years ago, per request. The quality of the music deserves it and fact that it isn't available anywhere into the blogosphere.
Get it while it's hot...

This is a beautiful collection of songs & music, different to anything you have listened by now. Quite unknown and self-released, "Someday" was discovered to me by my good friend Troynew, so thanks him.
Forget genres and don't miss this graceful album. 

Troy himself explains the whole thing in his own words :

I was impressed when I first heard the soundbytes and couldn't wait for my copy to arrive.
Having heard the genuine article in all its regal splendor, I'm well and truly bowled over by what is clearly one of the latest and greatest in a long line of superb christian melodic pop/rock releases.

This is not just the best heretofore unknown outfit I stumbled across while racking up the items for my most recent order, but arguably the finest CD I've ordered this year thus far (and I've purchased quite a few).
Frankly I haven't heard this kind of vocal grandstanding from a female duo since VENUS & MARS' acclaimed masterpiece 'New Moon Rising', on this occasion as well combined with an immaculate production job and 10 outstanding tracks that leave little to be desired for the discerning aficionado of divinely inspired piano/keyboard dominated melodies and prodigy level songwriting.

Since I have a penchant for AOR, it stands to reason that I would favor those tracks with a heavier rock edge, such as magnificent opener 'The Father will find you' with its STYX-like pomposity and the simply breathtaking semiballad 'Peace be still', which is very much in the same style as the aforementioned VENUS & MARS (a superior version of Canadian sister act HEART).

For the past couple of days I've been playing those two to death, which is not taking anything away from the other delightful cuts.
I've enjoyed every single song (and note, for that matter) on this awesome album.
No impartial listener could fail to recognize how extremely talented these ladies are, though I would hardly call them 'one and the same'.
On the contrary, their voices are unique in their own way (obviously), while complementing each other exceedingly well.

This disc is for those who value subtle and refined, yet with plenty of bravado, and should appeal to a sizable, diverse audience (Did I hear echoes of Sade in 'Love remains'?).
To state I am looking forward to hearing more from ONE AND THE SAME would be putting it mildly.
Need I say it? Get this album while the getting's good, or you may live to regret it!

Highly Recommended


1. The Father Will Find You
2. Someday
3. Love Remains
4. Have Mercy (On Me)
5. Peace Be Still
6. Eyes of Sorrow
7. These Are the Times
8. Because of You
9. Lord Gives Grace, The (Hannah's Song)
10. Captain of My Soul

Rachel MacKay: Lead & Backing Vocals, piano
Mitzi Shetzline: Lead & Backing Vocals, piano
Mark Pay: Guitars, Background Vocals
Randy Melson: Bass
Shawn Fichter: Drums & Percussion
Rolin Mains: Synths, keyboards

ONE AND THE SAME Someday_ HERE 

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REQUEST & FILL CORNER 23

From now, all request & fills goes in this post Comments.
If you need an album or a single track, request it here, if you have it, be kind with other readers, upload the file and post the link here as well.
Access to this page will be placed at the right column ------>
(the "CLICK HERE" neon sign)
It will be opened in a new window.

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

Help each other people!


and don't forget to check out ARCHIVES:


ARCHIVES PART 19

ARCHIVES PART 20

ARCHIVES PART 21

ARCHIVES PART 22

.

KC ROSE - ST (1992)

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

KC ROSE also known as Kansas City Rose was a Swiss melodic hard rock founded in the late eighties by experienced singer Mark B. Lay (ex- Killer). The man not only has sung in several groups, Lay has also produced many bands in his own country and North of Italy.
Under his baton KC Rose recorded and released privately their sole self titled album in 1992. This 6-track CD includes very well written and played Euro Melodic Hard Rock songs with pulsating guitars and pretty keyboard infused.

Sound and style recalls Swedes Mi.lli.on and KCR countryman Satrox, but they also show a more melodic side in the vein of Dalton, DaVinci and early TNT, with a touch of some American bands.
Production is as good as it gets for an indie release, correctly recorded and mixed. Judging the quality of the songs, musicianship and year, it's quite strange that they couldn't find a label to back up their work.
A rare piece for which rabid collectors have paid ridiculous prices.
(Note: this isn't the poor copy seen on some forums, this one sounds good)


1 - History Should Bring Us Higher
2 - Hunt 'N Madness
3 - We Don't Know What Will Follow
4 - Kansas City Rose
5 - Big Fat Kings
6 - Diana

Mark B. Lay: vocals
Winy Wohlwend: guitars
Meinrad Hertmaner: keyboards
Beat Gisler: bass
Tommy Pfiffner: drums


KC ROSE 1992 .

FAIR WARNING (USA, Ohio) - ST (1981) + demos

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

Ohio's band LaFlavour were formed by twin brothers Pete and Steve Nervo (guitar and drums) - still in college - at the end of the sixties, enrolled in the Motown-Soul style. By the end of the seventies the band released their debut 'Mandolay' scoring two moderate singles in the Dance/Disco chart.
With certified success under their belts, La Flavour was signed to MCA records, who thought it wise change their musical approach to the raising radio rock which started to dominate the airwaves.

In 1981 MCA changed the band's name to FAIR WARNING and bring producer Mark Avsec (of Breathless and Donnie Iris fame) to record the band's debut album under this new moniker. Actually, Avsec wrote all the tracks and conducted the arrangements very much in the Donnie Iris style.
"Fair Warning" included a potential hit single penned by Avsec titled "She Don't Know Me". However, an upcoming band from New Jersey called Bon Jovi were recording their first album for Mercury Records at this time and needed a strong debut single, so "She Don't Know Me" was selected for them. This label executive move ruined the chances of the song being pushed as a single for Fair Warning.

Additionally, 1981 also saw the recording and release of a new album by Van Halen coincidentally titled 'Fair Warning', creating even more problems regarding the chosen new band's name and musical format change.
MCA eventually shelved the "Fair Warning" album and it was never properly released beyond the initial promo copies which now are rare and really hard to find.



"Fair Warning" is a good recording, as said, in the Donnie Iris style with some very early Toto / REO Speedwagon touches, good harmony vocals and tight rhythm.
To be honest, this album does not much for me, but it was requested by a reader and is tough to find, that's why it is presented here.
It's a mixed bag, featuring good early '80s AOR tunes and just correct rock&pop songs with a twist including some horns here and there. I added a bunch of demos stored in my archives as "the same Ohio band who recorded the song "She Don't Know Me". I don't know if this is correct... anyway, it's a more rocking material.
Rare.


01 - She Don't Know Me
02 - I Wanna Be Your Lover
03 - Night And Day
04 - South Of The Border
05 - He's So Bad
06 - Watchin' Katie Dance
07 - The Shadows Of Your Mind
08 - Just Send An S.O.S.
09 - Goodnight My Dear
10 - Jealous Fool (demo)
11 - I Need Your Love (demo)
12 - Help Me (demo)
13 - Strangers (demo)
14 - Runaway (demo)

Craig DeBock - Vocals, Guitar, Horns
Peter Nervo - Guitar
Steve Nervo - Drums, Vocals
Gino Milchak - Bass, Vocals
Rick Dotin - Keyboards, Vocals
Rusty Bretz - Guitar

FAIR WARNING (USA 1981) + demos __ HERE 

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DIRTYWORKS - ST (1992)

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

DIRTYWORKS is a little known Canadian band that made some great music before getting swept under the rug by the (sorry for the word) grunge invasion.
Their one and only self-tiled album is a commercial melodic hard rock album with some sleaze hints, clearly influenced by early Skid Row.

That's evident on the catchy opener "One Child", "Road To Pain" and "Little Sister", being the latter a good example of melody and hooky refrains. A very good track.
"Heart Of Stone" is a really nice ballad in the vein of the best Slaughter, the guitar progression enhances this tune above the typical standard mellow song.
"Shame" isn't far to their country fellas Dirty Rhythm, while "Shot Down" has some razor guitar riffs without effects, just amp distortion. Both good hard rockers.
The intimate "Blinded" -a full acoustic piece- is a good one, strangely reminds me Alice In Chains (and that isn't a bad thing).
"Day By Day" is the kind of song that I like a lot: a 'road style' song. Very nice.
The melodic rock style of "Hard Luck" fits very well to this band, the guitar solo is very much SkidRow-esque.
Last track is the piano-mix of "Heart Of Stone". A cool addition, but I prefer the full band version.

"DirtyWorks" it's a good late '80s style disc.
Not glossy or sophisticated, but very melodic and catchy with good songwriting. The self production is a bit thin (specially on the drums) but more than acceptable for an indie.
Pretty hard to find, this CD fetch ridiculous prices on auction sites.


01 - One Child
02 - Road To Pain
03 - Heart Of Stone
04 - Shame
05 - Shot Down
06 - Blinded
07 - Little Sister
08 - Day By Day
09 - Tickled Pink
10 - Hard Luck
11 - Heart Of Stone -Piano Mix- (Bonus Track)

Steve Bennett : vocals, backing vocals
Todd Graham : guitar, backing vocals
Rick Nagy : bass, backing vocals
Lorne Eoyle : drums, backing vocals
Eric Geddis : piano on 'Heart Of Stone'



DIRTYWORKS - ST .

Dave Clark's TIME : The Musical (1986)

Requested in "Request & Fill Corner" section...Read comments for alternatives

"TIME" was an eighties musical developed by English musician, songwriter and record producer Dave Clark, leader and drummer of the group The Dave Clark Five who scored several hits alongside The Beatles.
With a massive production and modern stage production including a big steel set with hydraulic lift and filmed holographics, "Time" debuted in april of 1986 at London’s Dominion Theatre with great success.
However, "Time" never received an original London Cast Recording with Clark opting instead to release the show’s score as a star-filled, two-LP studio concept album prior to the London opening. The 'who’s who' from the rock&pop field of those years were enlisted; Cliff Richard, Freddie Mercury, Stevie Wonder, Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson, Leo Sayer, Julian Lennon, Chris Thompson and Dionne Warwick among others.

"Time" tells the story of the Rock Star named Chris Wilder (Cliff Richard) who has been transported with his band from one of their concerts on Earth to the 'High Court of the Universe' in the Andromeda Galaxy. There they face three judges to defend the Earth in the case of the 'Time Lord vs. the people of the planet Earth', to demonstrate why the Earth should be allowed to continue it's existence. But in fact, it's a beautiful, deep philosophical understanding of life told through a Rock fable.
Apart from the interesting story, the music and performances are truly great. Ranging from rockers to commercial rock&pop tunes, you'll be surprised by these artists showing a different side from what they are mostly known. There's really good vocal appearances by Richard, Mercury, Julian Lennon but also less famous names as Leo Sayer, Jimmy Helms or John Christie, all delivering a superb output.
The tracks are constructed in a 'song format', while some spoken parts in between by actor Sir Laurence Olivier (excellent) carries the concept of the story. Production is top notch, with a typical mid-eighties glossy treatment.


Unfortunately, "Time" never was released on CD. Apparently Dave Clark hates compact disc having refused every offer to bring this monster project to the format over the years. Anyway, celebrating the musical's 25th anniversary last year, he put a reissue in digital format exclusively on iTunes featuring new edits and several alternate mixes.
This in NOT that version, this is my own rip from the original analog release which has come out pretty decent.
Added as bonuses are Freddie Mercury's main theme "Time" and "In My Defence" (both top 40 in the UK Singles Chart) in two different versions appeared later on CD in 'The Freddie Mercury Album' and 'The Very Best Of Freddie Mercury Solo'. Very close friends, Dave Clark was the only person present aside his bed when Freddie died in 1991.
"TIME" is a fantastic piece of music suitable for all audiences. I'm sure all the lovers of the good sounds following this blog will enjoy this music with infinite pleasure.


ACT I
01 - Cliff Richard - Born To Rock 'n' Roll
02 - Ashford & Simpson - Time Talkin'
03 - Freddie Mercury - Time
04 - Laurence Olivier - Music Of The Spheres
05 - The Judges - Law Of The Universe
06 - John Christie - Time Lord Theme
07 - John Christie - The Charge
08 - Leo Sayer - One Human Family
09 - Dionne Warwick - What On Earth
10 - Leo Sayer - I Know, I Know
11 - Jimmy Helms - Your Brother In Soul
12 - John Christie - Case For The Prosecution
13 - Ashford & Simpson - Star Maker
14 - Julian Lennon - Time Will Teach Us All (feat. Stevie Wonder)
15 - John Christie - I Object
16 - Freddie Mercury - In My Defense

TIME - ACT I



ACT II
01 - Dionne Warwick - Within My World
02 - Julian Lennon - Because
03 - Jimmy Helms - Move The Judge
04 - Cliff Richard - She's So Beautiful (feat. Stevie Wonder)
05 - Laurence Olivier - Beauty, Truth, Love, Freedom, Peace
06 - Julian Lennon - If You Only Knew
07 - Murray Head - We're The UFO
08 - Laurence Olivier - The Theme From "Time"
09 - John Christie - Harmony
10 - Freddie Mercury - The Return (Time reprise)
11 - Cliff Richard - It's In Every One Of Us
EXTRAS:
Freddie Mercury - Time (acoustic guitar single version)
Freddie Mercury - In My Defence (single version)
Freddie Mercury - Time (original single version)
Freddie Mercury - In My Defence (2000 Remix)

TIME - ACT II


The Earth Group: Cliff Richard, Freddie Mercury, Julian Lennon, Leo Sayer, Jimmy Helms, Ashford & Simpson
Louise: Dionne Warwick
Akash, the Ultimate Word in Truth: Laurence Olivier
Melchisedic, The Time Lord: John Christie
The Judges: Murray Head, Ashford & Simpson, Chris Thompson, Miriam Stockley, Michael Mullins



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HUNTER (ex Dragon) - Dreams Of Ordinary Men (1987)

Requested in "REQUEST & FILL CORNER" section...

HUNTER was the moniker adopted by Down Under cult legends Dragon when in the second half of the '80s their record company bet on the band's international success. Originated in New Zealand during the Seventies, Dragon moved to Australia gaining great success.
After several albums and a move to more commercial sounds, in 1985 Polydor flew the band to New York to work with Todd Rundgren as producer for their new album "Dreams Of Ordinary Men".
With a big budget at hand, the result was a glossy recording which enhanced the already melodic, light AOR essence of most the songs. The album was released in 1986 as Dragon on the cover.

But Dragon's label & management decided to launch the band as the new 'Aussie phenomenon', and not only switched the name to HUNTER (last name of founder Todd Hunter and his bro, iconic vocalist Marc), but also ordered the remix of the whole thing to turning it more appealing worldwide.
This entire move in Dragon's direction resulted in two interesting sides: some of the songs ended with a wonderful, elegant light AOR sound, some others with an insipid pop taste.
Then "Dreams Of Ordinary Men", the Hunter version, is a mixed bag.



I don't care about the weak songs, because the good ones are really, really good.
Opener and title track "Dreams Of Ordinary Men" is one of these, driven by a pumping bass line, catchy guitars - at charge of talented Tommy Emmanuel, and truly great vocals by Marc Hunter, with the characteristic tone that made him famous. At places, on this track Hunter evoke Scottish masters Strangeways.
"Speak No Evil" has that 'movie soundtrack' feel so '80s, with heavily processed drums and synth stabs. I love this one. "Nothing To Lose" is a fine poppy ballad, as it is the acoustically filled "Smoke".
Another favorite is the TOTO-ish gem "Western Girls", plenty of terrific melodies, an increscendo pre-chorus and a bright, wonderful main chorus. It's a very first half of the '80s AOR tune, and a very good one indeed.

American cover
As you see, the first 4 tracks in a row, plus some in the middle are a true enjoyment for classic AOR fans, and these alone worth the disc.
The rest (mostly the second half of the CD) are pretty weak pop songs in my opinion, but there's 'something' on "Temptation" choruses, and the cold yet good riffs of "Midnight Sun".
"Dreams Of Ordinary Men" as 'Hunter' appeared one year later (1987) and was released in Europe / USA with different cover artwork each.


01 - Dreams Of Ordinary Men
02 - Speak No Evil
03 - Nothing To Lose
04 - Western Girls
05 - Rain
06 - Temptation
07 - Midnight Sun
08 - Intensive Care
09 - Forever And Ever
10 - Smoke
11 - Start It Up (bonus track)
12 - When I'm Gone (bonus track)
13 - Love Don't Stop (bonus track)

Vocals – Marc Hunter
Guitars – Tommy Emmanuel
Bass, Vocals – Todd Hunter
Drums – Doane Perry
Keyboards, Producer – Alan Mansfield
Guitar, Backing Vocals, Producer – Todd Rundgren




HUNTER (ex Dragon) Dreams Of Ordinary Men _ HERE
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HIT THE GROUND RUNNIN' - Sudden Impact (1989)

Requested in "REQUEST & FILL CORNER" section...

This one was requested several times, well it's time to be featured here. "Sudden Impact" is the debut album by Philadelphia quintet HIT THE GROUND RUNNIN'. The band and the album holds the title as being the most sought after indie CD at eBay with a copy scoring $1950.52. This is a really cool collection of songs, but not for paying that ridiculous price.

HIT THE GROUND RUNNIN' made an arrangement with a small Canadian recording label, and "Sudden Impact" was released in 1989 in limited quantities. The album is really professionally recorded and mixed, above the average for an indie.
Musically, the band play clean, polished melodic rock, rock&pop and lite AOR here, with the typical sound of the era.
'Magic' has some Loverboy on it, and Blair Ramsey's vocal color reminds me of Kevin Cronin, so the REO Speedwagon comparison is accurate. There's a strong guitar work as on all songs on the CD, including quite imaginative and effective solos.

'Moment To Moment' recalls Starship, 'Slow Motion' some Scandal, and 'Don't You Look Back' has a that pristine Canadian sound from the era. 'Oh No!' is driven by stinging rhythm guitars and has fine harmony vocal arrangements, while the AOR synths of 'An Original' - a favorite - bring to mind Honeymoon Suite.
More poppy, power poppy I'd say is 'Too Late', with a touch of The Outfield, then 'While It Lasted' is a midtempo semi-ballad, again with very good harmony arrangements.



Beyond its status of expensive rarity, "Sudden Impact" is a highly enjoyable '80s AOR product, more in common with the US sound of 1985 than '89. There's strong melodies, fine harmonies, solid guitar work and overall a feel good vibe that put a smile on your face with each song.
Very Recommended. RARE


01 - Magic
02 - Moment To Moment
03 - Slow Motion
04 - Don't You Look Back
05 - Oh No!
06 - An Original
07 - Over & Over
08 - Who's Walking You Home
09 - Too Late
10 - While It Lasted

Blair Ramsey – Lead vocals
Alan Auginnas – Guitar, vocals
Paul Piccaro – Bass, vocals
Jimmy Katone – Drums, vocals
Rob Kay – Keyboards, vocals




HIT THE GROUND RUNNIN' - Sudden Impact
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UNITED NATIONS - The First Move (1985)

Stoke-on-Trent, UK, based band UNITED NATIONS were part of the '80s British AOR wave, formed at the beginning of the decade and developing a sound / style similar to their contemporaries Tobruk, Charlie, Monro, etc.
Their one and only album "The First Move" was released via small label Magnet in 1985, but unfortunately, soon after the group went their separate ways.

The opening song titled “Sound Of The Eighties” speaks for itself: indeed this is the mid-'80s melodic rock / AOR sound filled with catchy choruses and melodies.
"You Cheated" is another instant favorite, and more highlights appear with "We Will Live Forever" and "Black Heart", while on other songs United Nations explore some different sounds providing variation.



The core of United Nations recorded a comeback album some years ago, re-working some of the tunes from this LP along with new ones.
A very hard to find vinyl, "The First Move" never was reissued on CD or any other format.
This is a LP-rip cleaned to get the best sound quality possible.



01 - Sound Of The Eighties
02 - The Night That Last Forever
03 - The First Move
04 - You Cheated
05 - Common Denominator
06 - Violation Of A Freedom
07 - We Will Live Forever
08 - Blackheart
09 - Speak After The Tone
10 - Paying The Price Of Love

Paul Cafferty – Lead and Backing Vocals
Gary Davis – Guitars, Backing Vocals
Peter Hankey – Bass
Chris Mooney – Drums, Backing Vocals
Chris Stonier – Keyboards


UNITED NATIONS - The First Move HERE

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

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

Alfie Zappacosta become one of the most distinctive solo rock&pop vocalists from the Canadian scene during the Eighties / Nineties, many times flirting with traditional AOR and West Coast.
His first band SURRENDER is a fine example of how his career began, delivering some stylized tunes throwing in a bit of Pomp-AOR.

A few years ago all Surrender material was released 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 like 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-80s oriented, interesting and well recorded - although a few display a pre-production sound. My favorite is the emotional "I Don't Want To Talk Tonight", a song with a special aura.



"Surrender  / No Surrender" is a really good compilation, songs with sweet melodies and solid 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 again.


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 '79 [remastered]

SURRENDER - No Surrender '82 + bonus [remastered]
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ADRIAN GURVITZ - No Compromise [recorded 1983 / released 2000] Japan only

Requested, hard to find

Melomaniacs around the globe must known ADRIAN GURVITZ's worldwide number 1 hit single 'Classic'. A classic song indeed and a staple at FM radio.
Gurvitz was part of English bands like THREE MAN ARMY and The BAKER GURVITZ ARMY (with legend Ginger Baker). Then he becomes solo artist at the late '70s, with his earlier LP being Westcoast-pop oriented, supported by monsters like Jeff Porcaro, David Paich, etc.

But in 1983, together with his brother Paul, Adrian Gurvitz recorded this album in London, practically alone, playing all instruments, turning into commercial FM rock / AOR. This material was rejected by his label, expecting more Soft Rock / Westcoast songs.
The tape was shelved, fortunately resurrected and released in 2000 by specialized, prestigious Japanese label Cool Sound some years ago, released under the name "No Compromise".



These 'lost recordings' have a modern sound (seems recorded 3 years after), with strong guitars, and a typically stylized British AOR songwriting from the early '80s, with some American influences as well.
Maybe the Japanese should have done a remastering to enhance the final product, but surely they wanted to preserve the original as it is. And believe me, it sounds very good.
Good album, rarely seen and unknown. Collector's item now out of print.


01 - Ain't It Always The Same
02 - No Compromise
03 - I'm Not Cryin' Over You
04 - The Price You Pay
05 - Punch
06 - No One's In Love
07 - Can't Buy Time
08 - High Point Of Love
09 - The Last Laugh

Adrian Gurvitz: Vocals, Guitars, Drums, Keyboards on all tracks
Paul Gurvitz: Bass, Producer
Recorded at Tower Studios Hampsted, London



ADRIAN GURVITZ - No Compromise
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