Guitarist and vocalist PATRICK SIMMONS has been The Doobie Brothers' only consistent member throughout their career.
In 1983 Pat released his first solo album "Arcade", pretty away in terms of sound from the Doobie's, much more commercial with the typical '80s rhythms.
Co-produced by John Ryan (Styx) and Ted Templeman (Michael McDonald, Van Halen), "Arcade" counted with invaluable contribution of the great Chris Thompson co-writing four tracks and doing more than back-up vocals.
With top session musicians such as Mike Baird, Leland Sklar or John Elefante (just check personnel), "Arcade" includes lovable radio friendly tunes like the uptempo poppy AOR "Out On The Streets" and "Don't Make Me Do It".
Although the top-ten first single "So Wrong" is definitely pop (and a good one) and also had an extended dance version, this is the only track in this style on the album.
The beautiful Doobie Brothers influenced "Why You Givin' Up" is the first song in the tracklist leaning into Westcoast territory, as later the soft "Have You Seen Her" is in a true Michael McDonald style with good orchestrations, while "Sue Sad" has that classic L.A. Session flavor.
The uptempo AOR "Knocking At Your Door" (penned by Andy Fraser) reminds us that Simmons can rock good, and the melodic "Dream About Me" sports a memorable refrain and melody.
I always loved the true '80s "Arcade" sound and style, and this remastered CD reissue really hits home (courtesy of my good friend Nitderock).
Funnily enough, this CD reissue by a US label came to avoid the expensive Japanese-only digital version of this album, but it was pressed in limited quantities and now fetches around $150 on auction sites.
Pure Eighties sound. Guaranteed.
01 - Out On The Streets
02 - So Wrong
03 - Don't Make Me Do It
04 - Why You Givin' Up
05 - Too Long
06 - Knocking At Your Door
07 - If You Want A Little Love
08 - Have You Seen Her?
09 - Sue Sad
10 - Dream About Me
Patrick Simmons: Lead & Backing Vocals, Guitars
Chris Thompson: Lead & Backing Vocals
Michael McDonald: Keyboards, Synths, Backing Vocals
John McFee, Jeff Baxter: Lead Guitar
Alan Pasqua: Keyboards
Patrick Henderson: Organ
Jude Cole: Guitars
Leland "Lee" Sklar, Dennis Belfield: Bass
Bill Payne: Fender Rhodes
David Campbell: Strings Arrangements
Victor Feldman: Percussion
Mike Baird, Rick Shlosser: Drums
John Elefante, David Pack, Jeff Wilson: Backing vocals
and many more...
PATRICK SIMMONS - Arcade [remastered CD reissue]
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Tuesday, August 02, 2016
PATRICK SIMMONS - Arcade [remastered CD reissue] (1983)
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
PATRICK SIMMONS - Arcade [CD reissue] (1983)
Guitarist and vocalist PATRICK SIMMONS has been The Doobie Brothers' only consistent member throughout their career.
In 1983 Pat released his first solo album "Arcade", sonically pretty away from his main band, much more commercial with the typical eighties rhythms.
Co-produced by John Ryan (Styx) and Ted Templeman (Michael McDonald, Van Halen), "Arcade" counted with invaluable contribution of the great Chris Thompson co-writing four tracks and doing more than back-up vocals.
With top session musicians such as Mike Baird, Leland Sklar or John Elefante (just check personnel), "Arcade" includes lovable radio friendly tunes like the uptempo poppy AOR "Out On The Streets" and "Don't Make Me Do It".
Although the top-ten first single "So Wrong" is definitely pop (and a good one) and also had an extended dance version, this is the only track in this style on the album.
The beautiful Doobie Brothers influenced "Why You Givin' Up" is the first song in the tracklist leaning into Westcoast territory, as later the soft "Have You Seen Her" is in a true Michael McDonald style with good orchestrations, while "Sue Sad" has that classic L.A. Westcoast flavor.
The uptempo AOR "Knocking At Your Door" (penned by Andy Fraser) reminds us that Simmons can rock good, and the melodic "Dream About Me" sports a memorable refrain and melody.
I always loved the true '80s "Arcade" sound and style, and this remastered CD reissue really hits home (courtesy of my good friend Nitderock).
Funnily enough, this CD reissue by a US label came to avoid the expensive Japanese-only digital version of this album, but it was pressed in limited quantities and now fetches around $150 on auction sites.
Pure eighies sound. Guaranteed.
01 - Out On The Streets
02 - So Wrong
03 - Don't Make Me Do It
04 - Why You Givin' Up
05 - Too Long
06 - Knocking At Your Door
07 - If You Want A Little Love
08 - Have You Seen Her?
09 - Sue Sad
10 - Dream About Me
Patrick Simmons: Lead & Backing Vocals, Guitars
Chris Thompson: Lead & Backing Vocals
Michael McDonald: Keyboards, Synths, Backing Vocals
John McFee, Jeff Baxter: Lead Guitar
Alan Pasqua: Keyboards
Patrick Henderson: Organ
Jude Cole: Guitars
Leland "Lee" Sklar, Dennis Belfield: Bass
Bill Payne: Fender Rhodes
David Campbell: Strings Arrangements
Victor Feldman: Percussion
Mike Baird, Rick Shlosser: Drums
John Elefante, David Pack, Jeff Wilson: Backing vocals
and many more...
PATRICK SIMMONS Arcade CD reissue
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Tuesday, June 15, 2010
AOR TREASURES - The Soundtracks Vol.15
Another bunch of nice rarities, with the help of a very good friend.
Enjoy:
01. ENUFF Z'NUFF
Fingers On It from "Henry, Portrait Of A Serial Killer"
Terrifying flick based on actual events, great movie, great song by Enuff Z'Nuff. If you ask me, this tune is the definition of Melodic Rock.
You can hear Henry the killer (starring Michael Rooker) at the beginning of the song.
By the way, the band is listed on the soundtrack as 'Enough Z'Nuff'.
02. DOLLY DOTS
World At War from "Dutch Treat"
Needless to say that this kind of song is the motto of this series. Just listen the thrilling AOR arrangements / keyboards / guitars of this one. Love it!
Ripped from the rare CD edition.
03. STAN BUSH
She's Got The Power from "Sailor Moon"
Another awesome soundtrack song by the master Stan.
Few fans have noticed about his contribution to the Sailor Moon series. Here it is in all its glory.
04. DIANA DeWITT
What A Feeling from "Magic Movie Hits by G. Moroder"
Curious story about this unknown version.
To be included in Giorgio Moroder's Greatest Hits "Magic Movie Hits", this track was re-recorded (due to legal issues) with Diana DeWitt on vocals.
Great choice Giorgio!
05. DECO
Survive from "Fast Forward"
A personal favorite. Not strictly an AOR track, but has ALL the '80s vibe, the best song on this movie soundtrack.
Hard to find OST, this is a very good vinyl rip.
06. ROGER CLINTON
Just Like You from "Pumpkinhead II"
Love the pace of this tune, just give it repeated listens, you'll grab it in your head forever.
Roger Clinton has a very nice vocal color. This is the official 'Theme from Pumpkinhead II'.
07. DONNA DeLORY
State Of The Heart from "Alien From L.A."
This track and many more in this volume, was submitted by another 'soundtrack maniac collector' like me, the great Phaota from USA, a real connoisseur in this matter.
Lovely tune by Donna De Lory, from the never released "Alien From L.A" soundtrack, ripped from DVD by Phaota and edited by me.
08. RIC OLSEN & MARTY FREDERIKSEN
Make A Stand from "Ninja Kids Phantom Force"
Ahh this track... love this one particularly.
Filipino movie originally baptized 'Ninja Kids 1986', the english dubbed version was re-entitled 'Ninja Kids Phantom Force', and has a completely reworked music composed & performed by Ric Olsen & Marty Frederiksen.
Sadly never released soundtrack, these songs are just awesome.
I've ripped my favorite from a wasted VHS : 'Make A Stand', heard many times through the movie, but not in full lengh.
Edited million times to get the final version. The sound quality does not match my standards, but it's a great tune and impossible to find.
Killer.
09. WENDY FRASER
Man For Me from "Return To Horror High"
Another never released soundtrack.
Typical '80s tune, cheap production and cheesy as hell, but love it.
Ripped by Phaota and edited by me.
10. CHAS SANDFORD
Self Defense from "The Legend Of Billie Jean"
Mega rarity. Never included in the official soundtrack and never released in any format.
According to Phaota; "I got the song from someone that knew Chas through his brother, so it isn't my rip". Some minor (glitch) fixed by me.
Terrific song!
11. JEFF ALAN BAND
Losin' It from "Losin' It"
Requested many times, finally here it is.
As far I know, this OST never was released. This great rockin' AOR tune was taken from the 1983 Jeff Alan Band vinyl single.
Ripped by Phaota. I can't thank you enough man...
12. THE NIGHT BROTHERS
Cry Of The City from "Knights Of The City"
Talkin' about rarities, you won't find this one easily. Never released soundtrack.
Phaota bought & ripped the 7" vinyl (promo I think). Absolutely devastating AOR 'action movie' track.
Assassin!
13. STAN MEISSNER
Love Ain't Easy from "Whispers"
Another 'no way, no soundtrack available'.
This tune never was released by Stan, don't ask where or how I get it ...
Trademark Meissner canadian tune, with great guitar licks.
Rare.
14. MICHAEL LANNING
Is It Really Love? from "Child's Play"
Profane thriller inspired in notorious serial killers.
This syncopated tune fits the movie perfectly, I really like the feel and the subtle lyrics intention.
Good one Chucky...
15. MOMOKO KITADAI
Never Go Away from "City Hunter"
Taken from the occidental version of this anime / game.
This is in fact a re-worked version of the KANSAS song 'All I Wanted' ('Power' album) beautifully performed by Momoko Kitadai (lyrics re-written by her also).
Love the new arrangements.
16. DOLLY DOTS
Down For The Count from "Dutch Treat"
I couldn't resist to include another 'Dutch Treat' track.
By the way, all the songs from this movie were produced & mixed by Larry Lee, LaMarca's producer.
17. JOHN BRANNEN
Night Is The Hunter from "Homer & Eddie"
This song has a great climax, heartrending vocals by Brannen. Check the sizzling guitars.
Only appeared in this soundtrack.
18. JIMI JAMISON
Ever Since The World Began from "Lock Up"
Superb version of Survivor's classic by Jamison.
I've seen many rips of this track with very poor quality or even cut.
This is an excellent vinyl rip myself done from the Scotti Bros. official Lock Up movie single [INT 112.340], as far I know, only released in Germany.
19. GIUFFRIA
Say It Ain't True from "Gotcha!"
Another song pretty hard to find with good sound. CDrip from the remastered 'Silk And Steel' album, featured as bonus track.
Can't believe that I didn't included this track into an earlier volume. Better late than never.
Awesome midtempo AOR.
20. CHRIS THOMPSON
If You Remember Me from "The Champ"
Can't tell you how much I love this song. Just perfect.
The file isn't the re-recorded version present in Thompson's Greatest Hits 'Backtrack' or 'Timeline', this is the original '79 recording ripped from the soundtrack vinyl.
+ 70 min, artwork.
Note: most of tracks are vinyl-only release and very rare, all were cleaned, de-crackled and de-clicked to get the best quality possible.
AOR TREASURES Soundtracks Vol.15 OPTION 1
AOR TREASURES Soundtracks Vol.15 OPTION 2
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Tuesday, December 22, 2009
AOR TREASURES - The Soundtracks Vol.13
More than 200 tracks compiled, more than 18.000 downloads.
And there's more.
The administrator of the biggest chinese music forum has contacted me; this soundtrack series are one of the most downloaded links there.
They need to re-upload the files to their own host because the western ones doesn't works well to them.
Report: 80.000 downloads and counting... WOW.
Volume 13 is ready since 2 months ago, but never found the time to write the 'track by track' description and complete the file tags.
Here we go:
1 - FLORENCE 99
Rock'N'Roll (I Feel So) [Speaking Of The Devil]
Italian band, italian movie. Original name: Un piede In Paradiso, starring Bud Spencer.
Florence 99 plays an energetic rockin' melodic hard piece, with crisp-clean guitar riffs and a good american vocalist.
Call me nuts, but this one reminds me the band RED DAWN...
2 - WILD BLUE
Fire With Fire [Fire With Fire]
Classic song, the best in my opinion in WILD BLUE's one and only album.
In fact, the song was written specifically for the movie by Chas Sandford (remember his only and rare album 'Parallax View'?).
The man knows how to write song (co-writer of Waite's classic 'Missing You') and the band shines on this one.
As said, a classic.
3 - CINDY NELSON
Always A Tiger [Windkracht 10 TV serie]
Oh yeah, that's why I love this style. Thrilling pumpin' AOR song from the belgian TV series 'Windkracht 10'.
Incredibly recorded in the second half of the nineties, sounds like a 1986 production! Awesome.
There's 2 OST released (one for each season) but this wonderful tune only was heard in one episode. Edited and mastered by myself.
Let me dedicate this gem to the world's biggest female fronted AOR collector: aorheart (but you probably already know this one, you have it all!)
4 - KICK
Rock 'N' Roll Hearts [Body Slam]
Rock 'n roll fable mixed with wrestling matchs, a little dumb movie, but funny as hell!
KICK is a fictitious band featured in the film, but they are real musicians, drummer Jack D'Amore was member of ROCK ROSE.
3 tracks were recorded exclusively for the soundtrack, this is the best, a melodic rocker with insistent keyboards.
Written by Peter Beckett! You can't go wrong with him.
Rare.
5 - SUE SAAD
Reach For Your Dreams [Vicious Lips]
Another rarity.
The last song known by Sue Saad before desappear into the thin air.
And what a beautiful one, formidable chorus.
Sadly never released, I've ripped the track directly from the movie.
This song will stick in your head for weeks...
6 - GARY WRIGHT
Blind Alley [Spellbinder]
Another good track penned and performed by the NJ born Gary Wright.
He has contributed many songs to several films like 'North Shore', 'Cobra' or 'Heavenly Bodies' to name a few.
This one is a stylized song totally 80's.
As far I know, never released OST.
7 - DAVID HALLYDAY
Earth And Air [Lady Beware]
Due to many requests, here it is another great track from the very hard to find 'Lady Beware' soundtrack. CD ripped.
A ballad to die for. Killer.
8 - MICHAEL LOGAN
Desire [Nobody's Perfect]
Not AOR by any means, but this tune has a nice tempo and I like the way it is performed. Besides, the lyrics brings back some memories...
Written by another OST habitual, the master Mike Piccirillo.
Unknown track.
9 - PETER BECKETT & JC CROWLEY
Baby Come Back [Five Aces]
Well, this is an all time PLAYER classic. Who has not heard this song?
This perennial melody was re-recorded by the band for their 1995 comeback album "Lost In Reality".
But this is another version by Peter Beckett & JC Crowley alone for the Five Aces indie movie.
I love this song, in any version.
Very Rare.
10 - CHRIS THOMPSON
It's Not Over [Playing For Keeps]
Song popularized by STARSHIP, but was written by another OST composer; John Van Tongeren (Fast Forward, Thelma & Louise and dozens more)
Heartbreaking Thompson's version, climatic and perfectly arranged.
Originally posted in Vol.2 but this is a CD rip (hard to find), this winner song deserved max quality...
11 - MAVIS STAPLES
Show Me How It Works [Wildcats]
Maybe you don't dig this one at first listen, but it's a very good one.
Awesome tempo and a little but very good guitar work.
Written by David Pack!
Very very rare soundtrack, only vinyl.
I've spent many time restoring...
12 - THE DISTANCE
New Way Of Living [Burglar]
Don't be confused, this is the ROBERT HART (Bad Company, solo) band. In '89 released their only album 'Under The One Sky'.
This track (and the other one featured in the soundtrack) was the group's first recording.
It's a rare AOR song that reminds me VIRGINIA WOLF, don't ask me why...
The Distance (yes, with "The", that would later be removed for their debut album) appeared as the club band in one scene of the movie.
Rare OST.
13 - CHE ZURO
No Turning Back [Critters]
Why only the score of this movie was released?
A total mystery 'cos the flick was a success and includes good songs.
This is a goodie, absolutely eighties, nice guitar solo and cheap drumming.
Ripped from DVD.
I love the 80's !
14 - MIKE RENO
Dream Machine [Watchers]
Canadian film, featuring canadian artists tracks.
Mike Reno of LOVERBOY's fame, contributed this one, a cranky uptempo AOR.
Never released soundtrack, the file sound quality is not the best but c'mon, it's a brutal song.
Love it!
15 - KIM HART
Heartbeat [The Coolangatta Gold]
Aka "The Gold And The Glory" in the USA, this australian movie soundtrack features some local rock & pop artists mixed with instrumental score tracks.
My pick is the Kim Hart song (born in New Zealand), written by SHARON O'NEILL and sounding a lot like her. Cool poppy-AOR tune.
A very rare vinyl, only released in the land of Oz.
16 - JAY FERGUSON
Let Me Believe In You [Crystal Heart]
This is a great soundtrack.
I've posted one track previously (Vol.7), but this is a personal favorite.
Love the production and the AOR-rock feel on this one.
A winner song.
17 - LIONS & GHOSTS
Passion [Modern Girls]
Los Angeles short-lived group that never make it big.
This song included in the movie "Modern Girls" is a melodic guitar power-pop-rock, clearly influenced by THE REPLACEMENTS (one of my favs in this genre).
Unknown song, unknown band.
18 - RUSSELL HITCHCOCK
Caught In Your Web (Swear To Your Heart) [Arachnophobia]
Russell sounds very much like DENNIS DeYOUNG here (especially the way he sounded on those early '90s Styx ballads).
This soundtrack exclusive song was included only in the first pressing of the OST, very hard to find.
+ 70 min, artwork.
Note: most of tracks are vinyl-only release and very rare, all were cleaned, decrackled and declicked to get the best quality possible.
AOR TREASURES - The Soundtracks Vol.13
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Friday, July 31, 2009
AOR TREASURES - The Soundtracks Vol.10
Here is another compilation of AOR / Melodic Hard Rock songs that were part of movies.
I'm surprised to have reached 10 volumes, a really time-consuming job, but worth the effort, due its worldwide acceptance.
Have seen most volumes posted in blogs and forums from India, Thailand, Nigeria, China ... incredible.
01 - VINCE NEIL
You're Invited But Your Friend Can't Come (film version) [Encino Man]
Song composed and recorded for this movie, along with Tommy Shaw & Jack Blades (DAMN YANKEES a.t.m.)
It was later wonderfully re-recorded to be included in Vince's 1st solo album "Exposed", but this original version has more guitars and fire.
A personal favourite.
02 - VICE
Keep Holding On [Bloodmoon]
Australian band, contributed two songs for this film, but only the score was released.
Party song similar to POISON. Pretty hard to find.
03 - MARK SPIRO
She Doesn't Mean A Thing To Me [Voyage Of The Rock Aliens]
Very rare soundtrack, good bunch of songs.
I've chosen this uptempo AOR song by Mark Spiro, not appeared in any of his albums.
Totally 80's !
04 - LISA LOUGHEED
Run With Us [The Raccoons]
Legitimate eighties sound: good vocals, electronic drums (so fashionable at the time), disco-keyboards and a guitar at the bottom in the mix, but always present and consistent throughout the song.
I love this tune.
05 - B.B. KING
Into The Night [Into The Night]
B.B King in a Hard / AOR compilation?
Yes, the 'King' couldn't resist the wave of the moment ('85), and recorded this song exclusively for this movie, with a very good feeling and pounding synth keyboards, but retaining its characteristic guitar sound.
Very Good.
06 - JOE LAMONT
Victims Of Love [Final Fantasy VIII]
Composer of countless film songs, this beautiful ballad was chosen as Final Fantasy VIII "love song".
Wonderful.
07 - DAUGHTRY
Feels Like The First Time [CNN America Votes '08]
Not exactly a soundtrack, but it was CCN's official song used for their television coverage of the USA 2008 elections.
FOREIGNER's classic, great version, approved by its creators as the best cover of this song ever made.
Rocks good.
08 - VINCE DiCOLA feat. STAN BUSH
TF:TM Main Title [Transformers The Movie]
Mythical soundtrack, this song wasn't included in the official album, but can be heard in some TV episodes.
Bombastic!
09 - GIORGIO MORODER
Success [Scarface]
Another song that does not ended in Scarface's official soundtrack.
A real mistake, since it's one of those typical Moroder compositions, full of cliché, but totally adorable!
Vocalist: unknown.
Included as an 'extra' in the movie video game.
10 - ERIC MARTIN & JUN SENOUE
The American Dream [Daytona USA]
Recorded exclusively for this game OST, very much in the vein of MR. BIG, albeit with cheaper production.
A good rocker.
11 - PAUL SABU
Street Angel (HRZ) [Hard Rock Zombies]
Never released soundtrack, songs composed and performed by Paul Sabu.
This is the main theme and one of the least known, low budget production and minimal lyrics, but fits perfectly into this b-movie.
12 - MYSTERY
She Likes Double Trouble [Koko Flanel]
Absolute rarity, track recorded by the good belgian band Mystery (before the release of their debut album) exclusively for this movie.
Hard melodic tune, only released as vinyl single in Belgium.
13 - GIORGIO MORODER feat. JOE PIZZULO
Radar Radio [Top Gun]
Item not present in the (perhaps) most famous 80's soundtrack.
Can be heard at the end of the movie (jukebox scene).
Rock 'n roll oldie (with eighties updated sound), sung by Pizzulo, famous in the westcoast genre and renowned sessionist.
Very rare song only appeared as b-side in a single promo.
14 - BRUCE SCOTT
Look At Me [10 To Midnight]
I really like this one.
Rare OST, this is the best track.
Unusual mix, displaying panned guitars in surround stereo.
Exclusive of this soundtrack.
15 - BILL WRAY
She Loves The Radio [Summer]
Unknown movie, TV only release.
Simply AOR-rock with noisy keyboards, only with three musical notes carries the pace of the song.
Totally 80's.
16 - VALERIE STEVENSON
Follow Your Dream [Project A-ko]
Japanese anime, which OST was put in charge of the gurus Joey Carbone & Richie Zito.
They have composed, played and produced all the songs, some instrumentals, some with hired singers.
This is my fav, mild, sweet and pleasant poppy AOR tune.
Only published in Japan.
17 - CHRIS THOMPSON
When The Night Falls In [Jolly Joker]
German TV series, Thompson recorded the title theme and this song, which I have chosen because it is quite different from what we usually hear from this artist.
Very rare and sought after by Chris fans, only released in Germany.
18 - JOHNNY LOGAN
White Magic [White Magic]
Beautiful ballad, written and arranged by the ubiquitous Harold Faltermeyer, and very well performed by this irish throat.
19 - HAROLD FALTERMEYER
Top Gun Anthem (Film Version) [Top Gun]
Harold again, with his most famous instrumental.
This is the other version that is heard in the film, less "anthemic".
I still prefer the official OST recording, much more organic and punchy, but I've added this 'film version' into my compilation because it's rare, Top Gun score never has been officially released.
70 min, vbr, artwork.
Most tracks are vinyl-only release and very rare, all were decrackled and declicked to get the best quality possible.
AOR TREASURES - The Soundtracks Vol.10
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Thursday, March 27, 2008
AOR TREASURES - The Soundtracks Vol.3
It's time for Vol.3
Starting rockier with a rare Night Ranger non-official album track, only featured in this soundtrack, and as B-side vinyl single. Essential for NR fans.
01 - Night Ranger: Wild And Innocent Youth [Out Of Bounds] (Rare)
19 - Price-Sulton: No T.V. No Phone [The Allnighter] (Rare)
AOR TREASURES - The Soundtracks Vol.3
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