VAN STEPHENSON - Righteous Anger (1984)

After the re-post of VAN STEPHENSON's first LP, a reader asked for the other albums recorded by the talented singer / songwriter. Then I figured out that I shared here all his rare unreleased stuff, but never presented the great, official two albums produced by Van Stephenson for major label MCA.

Prolific and skilled songwriter for various types of artists, Van Stephenson's chance as 'international solo artist' arrived in 1983. MCA signed him and "Righteous Anger" was published next year.
Some of the L.A. Session cream appear here; future Giant creators Dann Huff (guitars) and Alan Pasqua (keys), Mike Baird, Tom Kelly, Bill Champlin, etc.
What can I say about "Righteous Anger"... this is what '80s AOR / Melodic Rock / Radio Rock is all about. A little Bible to learn why we love this genre so much.

The smooth, exquisite vocals of Van Stephenson are just the ice on the cake on these fabulously penned and performed songs.
Minor MTV hit "Modern Day Delilah", the AOR heaven of "What The Big Girls Do", the excellent title track, or the pure Eighties "I Know Who You Are" are just fine examples of Van's craft. Despite the commercial, 'radio hook' approach of these songs, there's some muscular, awesome guitar work by Huff.
Of course we have two supreme ballads in "Others Only Dream" and the midtempo AOR of "Heart Over Mind", the latter - for me - a truly definition of the genre.



With an 'intense', crisp production by master Richard Landis (Nielsen/Pearson, Glen Burtnik) this is a gem of an album. It wasn't until 1996 when it was pressed on CD for the first time, in Germany.
This is a HQ rip to enjoy, but I suggest to buy the original if you find it at decent price. It's pure gold.
Needless to say; Van Stephenson's "Righteous Anger" is a Must Have.


01 - Modern Day Delilah
02 - I Know Who You Are (And I Saw What You Did)
03 - What The Big Girls Do
04 - Don't Do That
05 - Others Only Dream
06 - Righteous Anger
07 - The Cure Will Kill You
08 - You've Been Lied To Before
09 - Heart Over Mind
10 - All American Boy

Van Stephenson - lead vocals
Dann Huff - guitars
Alan Pasqua - keyboards, synthesizers
Dennis Belfield - bass
Mike Baird - drums
Richard Landis - percussion, producer
Ken Mims, George Doering - add. guitars
Mike Hanna - add. keyboards
Tom Kelly, Bill Champlin, Phil Brown - backing vocals




VAN STEPHENSON - Righteous Anger HQ
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VAN STEPHENSON - China Girl (1981)

Re-posted as requested

The rare and hard to find first album by VAN STEPHENSON...
Released through the small label Handshake Records in 1981, "China Girl" was Stephenson's entry into the music business as solo artist.
At the time Van was writing hit songs for artists from the Nashville scene (e.g. Restless Heart) and the songwriting for "China Girl" follow these musical roots.
Originally songwriters becoming producers, Bob Montgomery & Jeff Silbar provided to "China Girl" a warm, melodic Mid-WestCoast sound, with some late '70s / early '80s AOR feel.

There's many gems here such as the radio-friendly "Looks Like A Loser", the climatic "Looks Like A Loser", the awesome title track (with some Eagles on it), the dynamic "Lion In The Night" or the WestCoast midtempo "I Would If I Could".
Van Stephenson's voice is like an elegant lady velvet dress, just check his incredible performance on the exquisitely orchestrated "New York, Hold Her Tight". It still gives me chills on my spine after dozens of listenings.



Absurdly never pressed on CD, had to be the Asians who did it last year (2013), but I still haven't managed to get a copy.
Anyway, for the moment I am happy with this nicely done vinyl rip, cleaned and de-noised from scratches.
Delicious.


1. You′ve Got A Good Love Coming
2. Looks Like A Loser
3. Seeing Is Believing
4. China Girl
5. Weekend Warrior
6. I Would If I Could
7. Tonight The Love's On Me
8. Hotter In The Night
9. New York, Hold Her Tight
10. Lion In The Night

Van Stephenson: Lead & Backing Vocals, Guitar
Wayne Perkins, Kenny Mims: Guitars
Larry Baxton: Bass
Mike Hanna: Keyboards
Shane Keister: Synthesizers
Joe English: Drums
Bob Montgomery: Wind Chimes, Production




VAN STEPHENSON - China Girl (1981)
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JAY FERGUSON - White Noise (1982) + extras

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

American singer JAY FERGUSON achieved respectable success both in US & Europe as frontman for the bands Spirit (alongside talented guitarist Randy California) and later Jo Jo Gunne. After the latter split in the mid-seventies, Ferguson was signed by Asylum Records as solo artist.
Jay recorded 4 LP with the label (scoring a US Top 10 hit in 1978) and then moved to Capitol to deliver two more during the '80s.
But perhaps Jay Ferguson is more known by AOR fans for his contributions to some cult movie soundtracks, such as Crystal Heart and Terminator.

"White Noise" was his last solo LP as 'recording artist', appeared in 1982.
Despite of being regarded as a 'L.A. Session' album typical of the era including first class musicians often linked to West Coast / AOR projects, "White Noise" is a pretty rocking album.
Indeed, there's great drummer Tris Imboden (Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald, David Foster, and later Chicago), Tom Kelly (Player, Airplay) providing harmony vocals / arrangements and guitarist Mike Hamilton (Robbie Patton) among others.
However, a prove of White Noise's rocking edge is the inclusion as guests of Joe Walsh and long time friend Randy California dropping six-string solos.

Produced by Michael Verdick (David Pack) "White Noise" delivers an eclectic mix of styles all revolving around the radio-rock, melodic rock sound from the US first half of the '80s. There's no surprise to find a song in the tracklist co-penned with Gerard McMahon (another movie soundtrack specialist) as musically "White Noise" has very much in common with McMahon's solo album 'No Looking Back' released at the same time frame.
Good rockers like title track, "She's Mine Tonite", "Inside Out", "Million$", "Tonite (Fallin' For Ya)" are mixed with the AORish bluesy midtempo "In The Heat Of The Night" and fine ballads in "I Come Alive" and "Empty Sky".

After this record, Jay Ferguson focused his career as soundtrack composer for movies and television shows like The Office, NCIS: Los Angeles, and many more. Jay wrote 'Prologue / Elm Street Kids', the main theme from A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child, and several of the incidental music to The Terminator alongside Brad Fiedel.
Precisely to The Terminator, Jay Ferguson apported as well a song entitled "Pictures Of You", which I've included here - with his two tracks for Crystal Heart OST - as bonuses.



"White Noise" was re-issued on CD some years ago together with his previous Capitol album (2-in-1 CD), but this rip is taken from a rare 2000's French edition featuring "White Noise" alone. It's a good sounding CD although I think the source is taken from vinyl.
A quite rare, unknown and fun addition to your collection.


01 - White Noise
02 - I'm Down
03 - I Come Alive
04 - Inside Out
05 - Empty Sky
06 - Tonite (Fallin' for Ya')
07 - Baby Come Back
08 - The Heat of the Night
09 - Million $
10 - She's Mine Tonight
11 - Let Me Believe In You [Crystal Heart OST]
12 - Brave New World [Crystal Heart OST]
13 - Pictures Of You [Terminator OST]

Jay Ferguson: vocals, keyboards
Tom Kelly: harmony vocals
Mike Hamilton, Bob Webb: guitars
Mark Andes: bass
Tris Imboden: drums
Tom Ferguson: strings
David Tolegian: horns
Joe Walsh, Randy California: guest guitar


JAY FERGUSON - White Noise (1982) + extras
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RALPH VAN MANEN - Language Of Love (1996)

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

Dutch singer RALPH VAN MANEN started his career in the early '90s, releasing a bunch of delicate AOR albums. I still prefer his slightly more rocking first CD, but this requested "Language Of Love" - his 4th studio album recorded in the USA - is another fine slab of Lite AOR / melodic WestCoast sounds.
Ralph's vocals are really smooth and melodious with some Canadian influences such as Michael Breen or Tim Feehan. Although with a root in the CCM territory, you vaguely discover in Van Manen's lyrics religious themes.

Musically, all is polished to the limit with excellent session musicians doing their best, including talented Chris Eaton providing harmony vocals.
There's a mix of lite AOR tunes like "Walk Tall" (very Mr. Mister) and "All Embracing Love", poppier in "Miracles", WestCoast ("Forever Yours") and more melodic rock oriented in the great "You Better Believe It" and title track.



If you like these genres in the vein of the already featured in this blog David Pack, Time Gallery and Fingerprints, but also West Of Sunset, Richard Page, Mr. Mister, Martin Stenmarck, etc, then Ralph Van Manen's "Language Of Love" is a necessary addition to your collection.


01 - Testify to Love
02 - Walk Tall
03 - Come Live in Me
04 - Language of Love
05 - Empty Page
06 - Miracles
07 - You Better Believe It
08 - All Embracing Love
09 - All I Need
10 - Faces at the Window
11 - Forever Yours

Lead Vocals: Ralph Van Manen
Harmony Vocals: Chris Eaton
Bass: Jackie Street
Drums, Percussion: Steve Brewster
Guitar: Jerry McPherson, Robert Riekerk
Acoustic Guitar: Tom Hemby
Strings: Luca Genta
Keyboards, Synths, Piano, Hammond: Henk Pool
Backing Vocals: Chris Rodriguez, Hans Sigmond, Michael Mellett, Ralph Van Manen, Robert Riekerk, Tommy Riekerk


RALPH VAN MANEN - Language Of Love HQ
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BOULEVARD - Into The Street (1990) [remastered]

The genesis of Canadian AORsters BOULEVARD was already portrayed here in the previous post about their self-titled debut.
With their name officially changed from 'Blvd.' to Boulevard, for their second and final album "Into The Street" the group really sounded 'as a band'. The songwriting is stronger, the instrumentation more natural and the overall feeling absolutely organic.
This, simply put, is one of the best AOR-Rock albums of all time.

You have it all here; heavenly melodies, catchy-perfect choruses, delicate keyboards, sharp guitars and smooth vocals & harmonies. All songs here soar, all are fantastic.
But I have to mention "Talk To Me". This tune changed my life in many ways, at least musically. Oh yes, this is one of the best songs in AOR / Melodic Rock history.



Essential in your collection, this remastered version adds more brightness to the original and a better output balance.
A Must Have.


01 - Talk To Me
02 - Where Is The Love
03 - Lead Me On
04 - Eye Of The Hurricane
05 - Light Of Day
06 - Crazy Life
07 - Rainy Day In London
08 - Where Are You Now
09 - Need You Tonight
10 - Eye To Eye

David Forbes – Vocals
Randy Gould – Guitar
Andrew Johns – Keyboards
Tom Christiansen – Bass
Mark Holden – Saxophone
Randall Stoll – Drums




BOULEVARD Into The Street [remastered]
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BOULEVARD - Blvd. (1988) [remastered]

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

Recently reunited to play at FireFest the last weekend, this is a nice request to revise the career of Canadians BOULEVARD.
The band released two of the finest AOR albums appeared in the second half of the Eighties, and deserved to be featured on this humble blog.

Founder member Mark Holden owned a recording facility in Canada, and started a studio project together with session musicians called Modern Minds. One of the songs picked the interest from CBS records in Germany and signed the band. The single gained success in central Europe so the guys traveled to Germany to make a video and appear in TV shows.
But with most of the musicians with obligations in Canada and the impossibility to get a reciprocal record deal in North America, the band returned to Calgary.

However, two years after, Holden's connections ended up inking a deal with MCA Records and consequently the group moved to Vancouver.
Baptized BLVD (they would switch the name later to BOULEVARD), and with some line-up changes, the band recorded the debut LP with producer Pierre Bazinet (Luba, Sass Jordan) who helped to shape their sound; they hadn't even performed together as a band or road tested any of the songs.
But the stupendous initial results encouraged MCA to brought in legendary cats like Mike Fraser, Bob Rock and Humberto Gatica to mix the songs.



"Blvd." was commercially successful, spawning four singles and two video-clips, with Blvd. touring North America with Glass Tiger, Boston, etc. This is music done with class, top AOR I'd say.
It has the 'Canadian sound' of the era: velvety melodies, clean instrumentation, pristine production and the smooth vocals of US born David Forbes.

This is the remastered version appeared some years ago in Europe (and not easy to find) numbered and limited to 2000 copies.
"Blvd." is an essential record in your AOR collection. The second from the band, also a must have, coming up next.


01 - Dream On
02 - Far From Over
03 - Western Skies
04 - Never Give Up
05 - In The Twilight
06 - When The Lights Go Down
07 - Under The Moonlight
08 - You And I
09 - Missing Persons
10 - You're For Me

David Forbes - lead vocals
Randy Gould - guitars
Andrew Johns - keyboards, , backing vocals
Randy Burgess - bass
Jerry Adolphe - drums
Matt Frenette - percussion
Marc LaFrance, Brett Wade - backing vocals




BOULEVARD - Blvd. [remastered]
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HAYWIRE : Bad Boys +1 (1986)

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

Easily one the best Melodic (Hard) Rock bands produced by Canada during the '80s, HAYWIRE is rarely mentioned as among the best exponents from the genre when you ask someone. You get as an answer Loverboy, Honeymoon Suite, Triumph, etc. but this 5-piece from Charlottetown were second to none, and even better than many of their contemporaries.
After entering in a Toronto radio station 'battle of the bands' contest in 1985, Haywire recorded by themselves an EP and eventually got signed by the now legendary Canadian label Attic Records (Triumph).



The label secured the expert hands & ears of Brian Allen (Toronto, Lee Aaron, Santers) to produce Haywire's debut, and the result was "Bad Boys" released in 1986. The title track, chosen as single, exploded at local radio stations, and soon conquered America and MTV.
This is the kind of Melodic Rock with poppy AOR melodies that ruled the mid-'80s, with catchy choruses all over. The other singles "Standin' In Line" and "Shot In The Dark" (all also video-clips) were typical of the album; slick production, clean instrumentation and lots of keyboard-oriented tunes.



The CD was reissued years ago with different artwork (included into the file), but strangely, never received a remaster treatment. This is a HQ rip from the original plus a remix / extended version of a hit from the band's second album.
"Bad Boys" is prime Canuck Melodic Rock / AOR from the golden era, and a must have in your collection if you are fan of the genre.


01 - Bad Bad Boy
02 - Standin' In Line
03 - She's Not (The Kind Of Girl)
04 - Holding You
05 - Out Of My Head
06 - When You Fall Out Of Love
07 - 3 Wishes
08 - Girl In Love
09 - Shot In The Dark
10 - Crazy
11 - Dance Desire (Basuchi Mix) [bonus]

Paul MacAusland - vocals
Dave Rashed - keyboards, backing vocals
Marvin Birt - guitars, backing vocals
Ronnie Switzer - bass
Sean Kilbride - drums






HAYWIRE Bad Boys +1
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TWENTY TWENTY : Twenty Twenty (1985) + Altered (1987)

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

TWENTY TWENTY was a band from the mid-Eighties CCM field that somehow managed to be appreciated by secular listeners. Around those years there was a change in consideration to Christian acts, as they were musically really good despite the religious themes. But there isn't too much preachiness in their lyrics which is good.

Twenty Twenty's self-titled debut from 1985 was produced by WhiteHeart's Billy Smiley, so expect pristine sound. The band mixed an interesting blend of pomp AOR with cool new wave melodies, all wrapped by a very Eighties arsenal of keyboards, synthesizers, synclavier and electronic drums.



Some tracks come out pretty Hi-Tech but with substance. There's a really fine guitar work by Roscoe Meek, especially creating a sustained, clean rythmic riffs, and we have excellent vocalist Ron Collins who released a stupendous AOR solo album in the Nineties.
To my ears, "Twenty Twenty" resulted a successful mix of Styx, Rick Springfield and Allies.

Two yeas after, the band changed their name to 20/Twenty and slighlty their sound as well.



"Altered", appeared in 1987 delivered a more straight AOR style and 'regular' instrumentation. Almost the complete White Heart line up also play here as guests.
The stylings on this new LP are more mature with many tracks bringing to my mind Jay Graydon's Planet 3, that say a mix of poppy AOR with delicate melodies and a touch of West Coast. The Hi-Tech from the debut is still present in a couple of tracks as well as the synth effects, but mostly this second album is a smooth AOR affair.



Both Twenty Twenty - 20/Twenty albums are really hard to find, the second even since its original release back in 1987.
There's some poor vinyl rips floating around (if you have both check them out because some tracks are missing), and I think this pair are, if not the best in the world, far better. Both audio cleaned by myself, including artwork.


Twenty Twenty (1985)
01 - You Are So True
02 - Security Code
03 - War Games
04 - His Fame
05 - Second Mile
06 - Love To Go
07 - He's Still Here
08 - Danger Zone
09 - You Can Know Them All
10 - World Premier

Ron Collins - vocals
Roscoe Meek - guitars
Earnie Chaney - keyboards
Gary MacAnally - bass
Greg Herrington - drums
Mark Gersmehl, John Slick, Billy Smiley - synths
Richard Head - Synclavier Programming
Dennis Holt - Simmons Drums
Gary Lunn - Linn Drum Programming
Marty McCall - Background Vocals


Altered (1987)
01 - Fine Line
02 - Get Altered
03 - Can't Run From You
04 - For Heaven's Sake
05 - Eternity In Every Heart
06 - Hold Your Head Up
07 - Caught Up In Heaven
08 - Find Your Way Back
09 - Material Things
10 - The Tears You've Cried

Ron Collins - lead vocals
Roscoe Meek - guitars
Earnie Chaney - keyboards
Gary McAnelly, Tommy Sims - bass
Greg Herrington - drums
Billy Smiley - synths
Rick Florian - backing vocals




20/Twenty, Twenty Twenty + Altered
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MARTEE LeBOW - Crimes Of The Heart '86 + Love's A Liar '87 + EP '93

Restored from vinyl by me, MARTEE LeBOW's records "Crimes Of The Heart" and "Love's A Liar" were featured here some years ago. Requested again, I made a pack including both plus a rare self-titled EP from 1993 and as bonus a song recorded for a soundtrack.

Martee LeBow is a recording artist, singer/songwriter and keyboardist born in NY state.
At her teens, as Martee Lebous, the girl released her first album 'The Lady Wants To Be A Star' in the mid of the seventies. While playing with her band, LeBow has maintained a successful career as live & studio back-up vocalist, singing commercial jingles / soundtrack songs, and collaborating with many songwriters.
By 1985, a major label singed Martee as solo artist.
Her debut "Crimes Of The Heart" was a mini-LP with only five songs, but what songs! This is without a doubt one of the best female AOR albums from the '80s.
Opener, title track "Crimes Of The Heart" (penned by maestro Jeff Silverman) is a terrific semi-midtempo rockin' AOR gem. From the first note you will be amazed by LeBow's trained and powerful pipes.
"Stranded In The Moonlight" is pure AOR bliss. Check the songwriting quality (Michael Smith). This isn't an ordinary song by any means.



"Love Just Ain't Enough" is a perfect ballad, with a soulful performance (reminds you Fiona but thousand times better). The guitar solo (the unmistakable master Dan Huff) is simply perfect. Why this song isn't became a hit on par with, let's say, Heart, it's a total mystery.
"One Down" is a marching melodic rocker with a great riff / keyboards. Maybe the best example of Martee's quality vocals. Awesome tune.
What? "Hearts Of Stone" is a Bruce Springsteen cover? Well, the result is magical. A fantastic midtempo with a bluesy touch yes, but beautifully AOR-arranged. Martee shines again here.
This mini album is pure gold.
Fantastic vocalist, excellent songwriting (Martee on 3,4), the best session royalty you could imagine (check personnel) and terrific production by the expertise Robbie Buchanan.



"Love's A Liar" was the second Martee Lebow album, by then firmly established as a solo artist and after extensive touring presenting her mini-LP debut, she had the opportunity to record her full-length record.
And this is really her own. All songs are written and arranged by LeBow, supported by a solid live band including the great Bobby Messano (Lou Gramm, Benny Mardones, Joe Lynn Turner, Fiona).

First track "Where Do I Stand" is a commercial melodic American classic rocker much in the vein of Scandal. "Another Lonely Heart" sounds a lot like canadians Refugee, with a very nice piano line. The sax solo is good, but a guitar one would have been a better choice in my opinion. This song was later recorded by Bernie Shanahan (who does backing vocals here).
Title track "Love's A Liar" starts slow with an intimate guitar, then develops into a midwestern flavored classic rocker. "Maybe You'll Remember" is a high point, massive harmonies in the hook, pushing melody to the very brink, although the verses dominate the eventual chorus.



"Learning The Hard Way" is a midtempo rocker with an overall sense of drama and desperation through all melody lines. A Robin Beck-like tune but more stripped. "Hang On (To My Reckless Youth)" has a simple and fun rhythm. Messano here is allowed to let loose in his own understated way.
"Fallen Angel" is an affected semi-ballad propelled by Martee's great vocal performance. One of my favorite tracks. Some smooth keys lay the platform for the delicious "Forbidden". This is an outstanding tune with a vintage, classic feel.
The poignant "I Must Be In Love" has an organic flavor and moves fluidly along similar to the commercial moments of The Headpins for instance. "One Good Reason" has a bluesy-rock vibe where LeBow's vocal power comes to the fore.



And then we have the quite rare EP from 1993, only released in Canada.
"Roll Away" is a slow, sweet bluesy ballad plenty of magic, followed by soulful uptempo classic rocker "Gone" complete with vintage keyboards (organ), while "Sail On" is a solid midtempo where LeBow offer a varied spectre of her gifted pipes to enjoy.



The bonus is a song from the soundtrack "Pokemon 2.B.A. Master", from the series of the same name. Although recorded and published at the end of the nineties, this is a typical ballad heard on many mid-80s movies.
A complete Martee LeBow package, especially compiled for lovers of Eighties female fronted AOR.


Crimes Of The Heart 1986
1 - Crimes Of The Heart
2 - Stranded In The Moonlight
3 - Love Just Ain't Enough
4 - One Down
5 - Hearts Of Stone

Martee LeBow - Lead vocals
Dan Huff - Guitar
Neil Stubenhaus - Bass
Robbie Buchanan - Keyboards
Mike Baird - Drums
Tommy Funderburk, Steve Lively - Backing Vocals

Love's A Liar 1987
01 - Where Do I Stand
02 - Another Lonely Heart
03 - Love's A Liar
04 - Maybe You'll Remember
05 - Learning The Hard Way
06 - Hang On (To My Reckless Youth)
07 - Fallen Angel
08 - Forbidden
09 - I Must Be In Love
10 - One Good Reason

Lead Vocals: Martee LeBow
Guitars, Backing Vocals: Bobby Messano
Keyboards, Programming: Danny Stein
Bass: Dave Conrad
Drums: Yogi Morton, Jimmy Clark
Piano: Lloyd Landesman
Sax: Rick Bell, Lou Cortelezzi
Percussion: Bill Scheinman
Backing Vocals: Joel Krauss, Bernie Shanahan, Eric Troyer

Martee LeBow - 1993 EP
1 - Roll Away
2 - Gone
3 - Sail On
Bonus; The Time Has Come [from Pokemon 2.B.A. Master OST]





MARTEE LeBOW 3 albums
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