RICK SPRINGFIELD - TAO (1985) Remastered

Known for his straight and immediate melodic rock tunes, RICK SPRINGFIELD changed the general approach with his middle-eighties record "TAO". With a production and arrangements technically & sonically far beyond its year, the album was unleashed on the world at the end of 1985.
It was a stellar departure from anything Rick had ever tried before: elaborated hi-tech AOR melodies with a complex musical background, a heavy mix of processed guitars, synthesizers, vocal effects, sampling and drum machines.

"There is a lot going on, you can really hear it. We covered it with a lot of guitar and bass. TAO is still my favorite album" said Springfield. And although I love his previous records, "TAO" is my favorite too.
This one has all we love from the '80s; compressed drums, 'that' reverb and keyboards galore.
But there's much more than sonic bombast here. Rick offers deep and rich lyrics like a warning about the devastation of the planet on "Walking On The Edge", social revolution in "Celebrate Youth" (a hit in Germany), the search for spiritual truth on "The TAO Of Heaven", and the somber perspective of "Dancing The World Away".



Simply put, "TAO" is one of the greatest AOR albums from the Eighties. Behind the wall of super-produced sounds we still find top notch musicians like drummer extraordinaire Mike Baird, Pino Palladino on fretless bass, or the exquisite Tim Pierce on guitar, who also co-wrote the great opener "Dance This World Away".
You must have TAO in your collection, and be sure that is this remastered version.


01 - Dance This World Away
02 - Celebrate Youth
03 - State Of The Heart
04 - Written In Rock
05 - The Power Of Love (The Tao Of Love)
06 - Walking On The Edge
07 - Walk Like A Man
08 - The Tao Of Heaven
09 - Stranger In The House
10 - My Father's Chair

Rick Springfield: Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Synths, Emulator
Tim Pierce: Guitar, Synthesizer [Gr707]
Pino Palladino: Bass
Mike Baird: Drums
Mike Fischer: Percussion
Mitchell Froom: Keyboards, Synths, Samplers, Effects
Nicky Hopkins: Synthesizer [Dx7, Jx-3p]
Jeff Silverman: Synthesizer [Gr707]
John Phillip Shenale: Synthesizer [Oberheim 8, Dx7]
Tom Kelly, Tommy Funderburk, Mike Seifrit, Richard Page: Backing Vocals




RICK SPRINGFIELD TAO Remastered
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RICK SPRINGFIELD - SDAA bonus CD Unreleased Stuff (2004)

Revamped post per request.
3 extra tracks added


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

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

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

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


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

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



RICK SPRINGFIELD - SDAA bonus CD
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RICK SPRINGFIELD - Missing Shots [unreleased]

An ancient original bootleg compilation by me, 'refloated' per request:

Any Melodic Rock fan should know RICK SPRINGFIELD's career.
His '80s albums "TAO" (featured on this blog) or "Rock Of Life" remains amongst the best stylized hi-tech / Melodic Rock&Pop / AOR stuff of that time.
Grammy award winner and top-40 hitmaker still relevant today, Springfield is a prolific songwriter, and
many of his recordings are still shelved, some in demo mode, some virtually finished.



I've compiled some time ago a bunch of these 'missing shots' (demos, unreleased tracks, alternate takes, plus a rare b-side) all songs with a very good sound.
Myself made artwork included.


01 - Monkey
(Sahara Snow unreleased)

02 - The Language Of Love
(Rock Of Life single B-side)

03 - Faithful
(unreleased version)

04 - Desperate Lives
(TV movie soundtrack / vinyl fan club only)

05 - Stand Up For Love
(demo - unreleased track)

06 - Veronica's Head
(demo version)

07 - In Her White Room
(demo version)

08 - My Depression
(demo version)

09 - This I Promise You For Life
(rare duet with Maggie Brandon)

10 - Superstition (Stevie Wonder/Jeff Beck cover)
(Live bootleg recording)






RICK SPRINGFIELD Missing Shots
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RICK SPRINGFIELD - SDAA bonus CD Unreleased Stuff (2004)

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

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

Seems they're gone now, so here it is.
I've added the bonus track from the main album (not present in the regular release), plus 'The Day After Yesterday' japanese bonus track and 'Venus In Overdrive' Best Buy exclusive songs.

Fans & collectors, grab this now...


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

18 - Forever (bonus track rerecorded for SDAA sessions)
19 - Love Is The Answer (TDAY Japan bonus)
20 - My Generation (VIO Best Buy exclusive)
21 - Jessie's Girl -Acoustic- (VIO Best Buy exclusive)



REVAMPED POST +3 NEW TRACKS HERE

RICK SPRINGFIELD - Missing Shots [unreleased]

Any AOR fan should know Rick Springfield's career.
His 80's albums like "TAO" or "Rock Of Life" remains amongst the classic stylized hi-tech / Rock&Pop / AOR stuff of that time.
Grammy award winner and top 40 hitmaker, the man is a prolific songwriter.
Many of his recordings are still shelved, some in demo mode, some practically finished.

I've compiled some time ago a bunch of these 'missing shots' (demos, unreleased, alt. takes, plus a rare b-side) all songs with very good sound.
Myself made artwork included.


01 - Monkey (Sahara Snow unreleased)

02 - The Language Of Love (Rock Of Life single B-side)

03 - Faithful (unreleased version)

04 - Desperate Lives (TV movie soundtrack / vinyl fan club only)

05 - Stand Up For Love (demo - unreleased track)

06 - Veronica's Head (demo version)

07 - In Her White Room (demo version)

08 - My Depression (demo version)

09 - This I Promise You For Life (rare duet with Maggie Brandon)



MISSING SHOTS Updated here
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AOR TREASURES - The Soundtracks Vol.7

Another one, with some pretty good rarities.
Remember, more comments, more uploads...

01 - Dennis Churchill - Crossing Over [Crystal Heart]WHITE SISTER's vocalist, bassist and composer (one of the most unjustly underrated AOR bands in history), performs a track full of magic, keyboards and thrill of 80's films. Exclusively for this movie.
02 - Kevin Chalfant & Satriani - Hold On To The Vision [No Retreat No Surrender]The great Chalfant, accompanied here by a then unknown Joe Satriani, a legendary song that was sought after by collectors for ages. Killer tune with all the punch and vibe of those years. Excellent.
03 - Double Dealer - Freedom [New Faces TV Show]
Canadian band that got its chance in this 'new talent TV show', winning a prize with this stunning song. A couple of years later they were able to release a full lengh album but did not have great promotion. HARDLINE fans will love this tune.
04 - Lessmann / Ziller (Bonfire) - Charlie und Luise [Charlie Und Luise]
Maybe you are wondering who these artists are. Clauss Lessmann and Hans Ziller are none other than BONFIRE's guitarist and vocalist, whom in '93 released an album as a duo (by the way, a very good one). Also, they recorded the 'Charlie and Luise' movie main theme, only released as single in their homeland. Delicious.

05 - David Glen Eisley - Sweet Victory [SpongeBob]
The unmistakable former GIUFFRIA's voice, with his trademak, power and emotion. Curious pick for a child's cartoon episode... Not included in the official soundtrack album, nor in any David solo.

06 - Ann Wilson - The Best Man In The World [Golden Child]
The great voice of HEART, song composed with her sister Nancy and talented arranger John Barry. Exclusive to this OST.

07 - Scott Grimes - Young & Wise [ER TV series]
Grimes, musician and actor, is part of the ER tv series cast since 2003. He penned a song for an episode. Great songwriting and emotive lyrics. Chilling Grime's performance, alone with his piano. Never was published in any format.

08 - George S. Clinton & Lisa Kauppi - The Cobra Strikes [American Ninja 3]
All terrain score composer, Clinton was encouraged to sing himself American Ninja's 3 central theme, and the truth is that he did a good job, but the big deal here its the song itself, with everything you look for in an 80's action movie track. Great.

09 - Ray Stevens - Cat's Eye [Cat's Eye]
Horror genre cult film, this is the main theme, pretty unknown, despite having all the ingredients to be a classic. Cliché fullfilled...so what? I love the 80's!

10 - Marietta - Thunder & Lightning [Fire, Ice & Dynamite]
Another great track from this great OST, catchy uptempo with very good guitars and nice keyboards. Exclusive to this movie.

11 - Gregg Tripp - I Don't Want To Live Without You [Kuffs]
Climatic song, had considerable radio airplay (at least at this side of the globe) when came out, and faded away. In the best THE SYNCH and REO Speedwagon tradition. Magnificent.

12 - Tony Carey - All In The Family [Der Joker]
The prolific Tony contributing several songs to the Der Joker flick, filmed and distributed only in Germany. This is one of them, classic Carey hallmark.

13 - Harold Faltermeyer (feat. Keith Forsey) - Bad Guys [Beverly Hills Cop 2]
Faltermeyer, another score monster, here with the depth and incredible voice of KEITH FORSEY (also great drummer and countless soundtrack producer), a song that did not ended in the official OST, but can be heard several times in the film. I love this song. A how-to studio recording lesson, perfect production.

14 - Peter Beckett - Jenny [Where The Boys Are '84]
Sir Beckett, singing, composing and producing this classic sound AOR piece, only released on vinyl. Exclusive to this soundtrack.

15 - Rick Springfield - Desperate Lives [Desperate Lives TV Movie]
Rick wrote and play the incidental music for this television only film. Also, the title track, with interesting lyrics that fits the screenplay perfectly. A fan club only release, very rare.

16 - Phoebe Cates - How Do I Let You Know [Private School]
It's not the eighth wonder in the songwriting world, but this track has all the lightness and freshness... Remember Phoebe? She was so lovely, we can pardon her limited skills singing...

17 - John Parr - The Minute I Saw You [3 Men And A Baby]
You know what to expect from a Parr tune. This is not the exception. A real good one. As far as I know, this song never was released. Heard twice during the movie. VHS-rip, stereo, good sound.

18 - Racer - For You [Lovelines]
Another film that has no soundtrack released. Amazing, since this is a musical movie, a band competition. This is my favorite song (although all are good), with a great chorus. Also Ripped from VHS, stereo.

19 - Alph Lyla & Yuji Toriyama - Hearts Of Fire (Ryu Theme) [Street Fighter 2]
The anime series have always been characterized by its great music. I chose this from Street Fighter II, which I think is the best of 'em. Fantastic melody and arrangements. VAI & SATRIANI fans, pay attention to this excellent playing.


As usual, + 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.7

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AOR TREASURES - The Soundtracks Vol.2

After the succesful soundtrack compilation, now VOL.2, full of rarities, more 'rock oriented' than strictly AOR, but with the soundtrack-aorish spirit intact.

First track is the wonderful JOHN FARNHAM song, only featured in the movie "Savage Streets", awesome AOR.
CHRIS THOMPSON (wonderful voice) rocks with "It's Not Over" (also recorded later by Starship).
DWIGHT TILLEY's song from the rare "Heavenly Bodies" is a killer.
Both JOURNEY tracks are only available in their respective soundtracks (pretty rare ones).

"Armour Of God", sung by action-star JACKIE CHAN in cantonese language, its a very classy typical AOR-movie-song, pumpin' and thrillin' rythm, and rare as cold hell.
STUBBLEFIELD & HALL performs the main theme of "Best Of The Best", another fantastic tune and rarity.
Cult film "The Warriors" has an excellent DESMOND CHILD song, a very hard to find soundtrack.
GLENN JONES' "Youngblood" track is a delicious classic sound AOR, after repeated listens, it grabs in your head forever.
AUTOGRAPH make 'You Can't Hide From The Beast Inside' exclusively for this terror movie (Fright Night), you can't find this track in any band's album, a shame, because its a monster, and maybe the best song they ever recorded.
"National Lampoon's European Vacation" track "Back In America", by the short-lived band NETWORK (ex members of LE ROUX), features the lead vocals of Terry Brock (later in STRANGEWAYS).
Here you have the very rare original full version running 3:37 min.

A bunch of cool songs, very rare most of them, more than 70 min. of music, vbr , artwork, enjoy...


01 - John Farnham: Nothing's Gonna Stand In Our Way [Savage Streets]
02 - Chris Thompson: It's Not Over [Playing For Keeps]
03 - Rick Springfield: Don't Walk Away [Hard To Hold]
04 - Alan Jordan: Mind To Mind [Scanners II]
05 - Dwight Twilley: Keep On Working [Heavenly Bodies] (Rare)
06 - Journey: Only The Young [Vision Quest] (Rare)
07 - Jackie Chan: Armour Of God [Armour Of God] (Very Rare)
08 - Jimi Jamison: I'm Always Here [Baywatch]
09 - Red Rider: Lunatic Fringe [Vision Quest]
10 - Stubblefield & Hall: Best Of The Best [Best Of The Best] (Rare)
11 - Glenn Jones: Talk Me Into It [Youngblood]
12 - Desmond Child: Last Of An Ancient Breed [The Warriors] (Rare)
13 - Autograph: You Can't Hide From The Beast Inside [Fright Night] (Rare)
14 - Fiona: Let The Good Times Roll [Hearts Of Fire]
15 - Le Roux: Back In America [European Vacation]
16 - Mammoth: Can't Take The Hurt [A Nightmare On Elm Street 5]
17 - Mike Reno: Whenever There's a Night [Dream A Little Dream]
18 - Tom Kimmel: Tryin' To Dance [Disorderlies]
19 - Journey: Only Solutions [Tron] (Rare)

AOR TREASURES Soundtracks Vol.2 OPTION 1

AOR TREASURES Soundtracks Vol.2 OPTION 2
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