ROXUS - ROXAS ; The Paris Sessions & More

Aussie band ROXUS fronted by singer Juno Roxas was without a doubt one of the best Melodic Rock acts ever emerged from Down Under. They only released a full length album, an EP and some singles, but all these include some real gems in the genre.
Someone requested here a supposedly 'unreleased 2009 album by Roxus', but it never existed, at least not recorded that year.

In 2010 vocalist Juno Roxas announced a series of shows in Melbourne and other Australian cities performing the band's classics and some songs written back in a day but never presented to the fans.
So there's no 'new 2009-10 album', but a bunch of great songs never heard / published before: "The Paris Sessions".
The title does not refer to the French city, these are demos recorded and produced under the supervision of AOR icon Jeff Paris tracked down in America at the beginning of the '90s, where Juno Roxas moved later to pursue a songwriter career.

Some of these tracks surfaced some time ago amongst collectors and fan websites, but I assure you not with this audio quality, besides we have here many songs never presented in the world wide web before.

Take as example the great Melodic Rocker "Love Me, Do Me" with a really Americanized sound, which somehow reminds me Damn Yankees. Or the re-worked long version of "Body Heat" (a winner) with the 'Jeff Paris treatment'.
Another rarity is the original demo of the band's biggest hit "Where Are You Now", featuring Robin Randall (Mark Free, Venus & Mars) and Steve Hopkins (Mark Free) on keyboards, while James Christian (House Of Lords) and the superb Diana Dewitt (Venus & Mars) did backing vocals. This version is far superior than the finally appeared in Roxus' album / single.

And we have more from the Paris Sessions: killer rocking, melodic unreleased tunes such as "What You Don't Know", "Stop Playing With My Heart" or "Invisible Man".
To make it more juicy, I have included into the file more rarities; the hard to find original '89 single version (Australia only) of "Stand Back", the b-side "Borderline", unreleased live versions of "Bad Boys" and "All Right Now" (Free cover) which I believe were recorded at MTV studios, and even a Juno Roxas' performance from the 1987 movie 'Mull' (never released soundtrack).
Very good stuff, a true collectors item directly from my archives.
Enjoy!


01 - Love Me, Do Me (Jeff Paris session demo)
02 - What You Don't Know (Jeff Paris session demo)
03 - Invisible Man (Jeff Paris session demo)
04 - Body Heat [long version] (Jeff Paris session demo)
05 - Stop Playing With My Heart (J. Paris session demo)
06 - All The Way (Jeff Paris session demo)
07 - Don't Stop (Jeff Paris session demo)
08 - Where Are You Now (original demo ft. J. Christian)
09 - Borderline (Where Are You Now b-side)
10 - Stand Back (Aussie original '89 single version)
11 - Spaghetti Wire (unknown session)
12 - Body Heat (unknown session)
13 - Bad Boys (Live - unreleased)
14 - All Right Now (Live - unreleased)
15 - Juno Roxas Hold On (from the 1987 movie Mull)


ROXUS/ROXAS ; The Paris Sessions & More
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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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AOR TREASURES - The Soundtracks Vol.14

Vol.14 has been delayed more than Def Lepp's Hysteria...
Seriously, it took me about 3 months to get it ready. A difficult restoration job and track edition.
Here we go:


1 - MALICE (feat. Paul Sabu)
Vice Versa from "Vice Versa"
Paul was hired by a studio as composer for various soundtracks, including 'Vice-Versa'.
In association with the band Malice, he composed, performed and produced several songs that ended up being published as an EP, 2 of them were used in this movie.
The title track is a typical Sabu hard rock tune, a good way to begin this compilation.
This soundtrack never was officially released.

2 - JOE LYNN TURNER
On The Run from "Blue de Ville"
TV movie, Turner plays a rock star (only 10 minutes on screen) to which the girl in the story wants to meet.
We can hear a couple of songs performed by Joe, being 'On The Run' the more AOR with some great keyboards.
A really good one.

3 - STAN BUSH
Free And Easy from "Wildbach"
Main theme of the German ARD TV series 'Wildbach' about the adventures of a mountain rescue team peppered with criminal cases providing tension to the plot.
Unknown beautiful midtempo song performed by Stan Bush, exclusive for this OST only released in Germany.
A little gem, yes.

4 - ROBERT TEPPER
Restless World from "Lady Beware"
Upon request, another Lady Beware song, now from the great Tepper, with all the 'action-theme feel' that I like so much.
Track not included in the regular soundtrack edition, to my ears this is little remixed version, different from the original appeared in Robert's debut 'No Easy Way Out'.
An AOR beauty.

5 - CLIF MAGNESS
Top Of The Hill from "Hot Dog... The Movie"
Typical cheesy american comedy, set in a ski resort.
Features two exclusive songs performed by the master Clif Magness, light and unpretentious, but come on, it's Clif, and to my knowledge, both tracks were released only as promo vinyl single, impossible to find.

6 - FIONA
Love Makes You Blind (movie version) from "No Small Affair"
This track would be later re-recorded by Fiona to her debut album. But this version is markedly different and faaar superior in my opinion.
To me, the best performance of her career, heartrending, breathtaking.
My nape hair still bristles when I listen this song.
Magnificent, one of the best tracks ever included in a film.

7 - PIA ZADORA & MARK SPIRO
Little Bit Of Heaven from "Voyage Of The Rock Aliens"
Another request.
Song composed by Spiro, recorded by Pia Zadora for her '84 album 'Let's Dance Tonight'.
In this soundtrack exclusive new version, Spiro sings a duet with Pia, and the result is much, much better and absolutely '80s !

8 - CLIF MAGNESS
Top Of The Hill from "Hot Dog... The Movie"
The other song recorded by Magness for this movie, heard at the open titles.
More AOR, with bombastic drums and sticky refrain.

9 - DIANA DeWITT
You Make Me Nervous from "Malibu Bikini Shop"
Soundtrack never released that includes excellent songs, sadly none available in any format.
Never has been edited on DVD and I couldn't find an original VHS copy.
I've ripped this marvelous song by DeWitt from an avi !
It has taken me a lot of work to eliminate the SFX (dialogues and noises) along the song.
Considering the source, it sounds quite decently, a good opportunity to listen this rarity.

10 - DOUG KAHAN
The Last Stand from "All The Right Moves"
Excellent song with a mystery 'aura' in its sound and production.
I don't know what happened with Kahan's career, since he was a great singer. I like his style very much.
Only appeared in this OST.

11 - MICHAEL LANNING
Kissed By A Hurricane from "Thunder In Paradise"
A great find is this song featured in the TV series starring Hulk Hogan.
The soundtrack was released, but this song wasn't included !?!
Lanning (a stranger to me) sings with fierceness this curious track full of rare percussion. Awesome action movie track.
Ripped from video. Rare.

12 - NICK GILDER
Scream Of Angels from "The Wraith"
'The Wraith' aka 'Interceptor' is a good film (has Sherilyn Fenn in it!), and the soundtrack is still better, well-known by AOR lovers.
Incredibly, this song was left aside off the disc.
Rhythmic and contagious, this is one of the best songs recorded by Gilder.

13 - ERIC MARTIN
I Love The Way You Love Me from "Mad About You"
From the last season of this TV serie, a good ballad by Eric with his classic velvety voice, recorded pretty 'live' without overdubs. Even his breath could be listened between phrases.
Simple and effective melody.

14 - JOHN WETTON
Battle Lines (movie version) from "Chasing The Deer"
Due to his friendship with the filmmaker, Wetton accepted to compose the soundtrack for 'Chasing The Deer', released in limited quantity.
Extraordinary tune, totally AOR!
This is the original (long) movie version, there's another one 'edit'.
You will love this song.

15 - BRIAN ISLAND
Draw The Line from "The Virgin Queen Of St. Francis High"
Brian Island is a canadian musician & producer who has composed several scores for local movies.
To this unknown comedy he wrote part of the incidental music and a pair of songs.
This is the more aorish Rock & Pop, with classic sound made in Canada.
Soundtrack never published. Rarity.

16 - DAN REED NETWORK
Baby Now I from "The Cutting Edge"
Faithful to his songwriting style, Dan Reed contributed this track to the romantic comedy set in the '88 Winter Olympic Games.
Good track with sparkling production and fat rhythm section.

17 - RICHARD MARX
The Power Inside Of Me from "The Mirror Has Two Faces"
Marx's exclusive track for this movie, with light production and plenty of acoustic guitars.
Climatic and calm song, very well performed by Richard as usual.
I love the feeling of this song.

18 - JOHN PARR
St. Elmo's Fire (Acoustic) from "The Brothers Solomon"
Acoustic / gospel recording of this all time classic, appeared as B-side on 'Man In Motion 2CD limited edition', years later included in this movie soundtrack.
This tune is simply fantastic, no matter which version...



+ 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.14
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VENUS and MARS - New Moon Rising (2003)

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

Do you miss how HEART used to sound in their glorious '80s years?
Got an aspirin for you...
This fantastic duo comprised of Diana DeWitt & Robin Randall, has released a couple of wonderful albums that makes them heiresses of the throne.
While the very good debut is more rough and direct, 'New Moon Rising' is a bible of polished Melodic Rock with capitals, top class songwriting, superb musicianship and clear production.

Diana DeWitt's melodic sense, out of this world intense voice, goes from powerful rockers to smooth ballads like a fish in the water.
She wrote songs with Robbie Buchanan, Dennis DeYoung, Barry DeVorzon, Giorgio Moroder, David Pack and countless more, as well did vocals arrangements, duets & backing vocals and co-writing songs with people like BJ Thomas, Robert Tepper, Mickey Thomas, Mark Free, Michael McDonald, etc., and numerous movie songs & commercials.
Her partner Robin Randall, displays a skilled keyboard training and stellar songwriting ability.

All these songs were written by them between 1984/1998,
some recorded by other artists like MARK FREE (The Last Time, Dying For Your Love) or JAMES CHRISTIAN (Leave Well Enough Alone).
'Tomorrow Doesn't Matter Tonight' in example, was penned by Robin in 1984 and later recorded by STARSHIP.
Also included here is the wonderful ballad 'Bless A Brand New Angel' featured on the television series BAYWATCH.

Originally released only in Japan (1998), it was reissued via their own USA label in 2003 with 2 different tracks and cover art.
Highly Recommended


01 - Dancing on the highwire
02 - Leave well enough alone
03 - Bless a brand new angel (from Baywatch)
04 - Killer love
05 - The last time
06 - One heartbeat at a time
07 - Last chance cafe
08 - Making out like a bandit
09 - Wanna wanna
10 - Accident'ly on purpose
11 - Tomorrow doesn't matter tonight
12 - Dying for your love
13 - If you only knew (USA only track)
14 - Two beers high (USA only track)


Diana DeWitt : vocals, songwriting
Robin Randall : keyboards, songwriting
Judithe Randall : songwriting
Tony Sciuto, Troy Dexter, Brian Young : guitar
Sylvan Balduc, David Hughes, Guy Marshall : bass
George Perilli, Guy Marshall : drums
Michael Hanna : keyboards, songwriting
Celin Nell, Annie Livingston, Mark Free : backing vocals
and many, many more...


VENUS and MARS - New Moon Rising
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