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

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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 .