Hard Rock / AOR Heaven

KADOMATSU T's SONGS FROM L.A. - The Pop Covers Collection (2004) front

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

Japanese multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger and orchestrator Toshiki Kadomatsu has been very popular in Asia since the early '80s creating music for other artists and recording his own albums in a Westcoast / AOR / Pop style, with many American musicians as session players.
During the '90s, and due the musical climate in the US, top artists from the genre found refugee in the Japanese market, always eager for delicate sounds and melodies.

Then Kadomatsu had the idea to re-work his most popular Japanese songs to be performed by US musicians, and moved to California to record this "KADOMATSU T's SONGS FROM L.A. - The Pop Covers Collection", and another volume but focused on ballads.
The best L.A. session cats were part of the project, including superb guitarists Michael Landau and Tim Pierce, alongside other monsters like Brett Raymond, CJ Vanston, Tom Keane, Vinnie Colaiuta, Abraham Laboriel and more.
And the vocalists involved are top notch too: Joseph Williams (Toto), Starship's Mickey Thomas, Mike Reno (Loverboy), Chicago's Jason Scheff, the great Tommy Funderburk... just to name some.

KADOMATSU T's SONGS FROM L.A. - The Pop Covers Collection (2004) back

All singers did the lyric adaptation to English language and Kadomatsu the arrangements to fit the new versions.
As you could imagine, this is a bunch of excellent material spotlessly clean produced and rich in smooth melodies all over.
Delicious CD only released in Japan, now out of print.

01 - Kadomatsu T - Sea Line
02 - Jason Scheff - I Don't Want Let You Go Again
03 - Mickey Thomas - Never Touch Again
04 - Tommy Funderburk - Take It Away
05 - Will Champlin - City Nights
06 - Joseph Williams - Secret Lover
07 - Patrice Rushen - Take Me Far Away
08 - Buzz Feiten - After 5 Crash
09 - Pauline Wilson - Summer Babe
10 - Mike Reno - Can't You See

Michael Landau: Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Tim Pierce: Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Ray Fuller: Electric Guitar
Grant Geissman: Acoustic Guitars
Brett Raymond: Keyboards, Programming
CJ Vanston: Keyboards, Programming
Tom Keane: Keyboards, Programming
Mark Portmann: Keyboards
Tom Washington: Piano
John Pena, Abraham Laboriel, Leland Sklar: Bass
Curt Bisquera, Abraham Laboriel Jr.: Drums
Vinnie Colaiuta: Drums, Percussion
Andy Suzuki: Tenor Sax
Wayne Bergeron. Larry Lunetta, Alex Ailes: Horns
Jason Scheff, Joseph Williams, Bernie Barlow, Bill Champlin, Tamara Champlin: Background Vocals

KADOMATSU T's SONGS FROM L.A. Pop Covers Collection
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KADOMATSU T's SONGS FROM L.A. - The Ballad Covers Collection (2004) front

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

Japanese multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger and orchestrator Toshiki Kadomatsu has been very popular in Asia since the early '80s creating music for other artists and recording his own albums in a Westcoast / AOR / Pop style, with many American musicians as session players.
During the '90s, and due the musical climate in the US, top artists from the genre found refugee in the Japanese market, always eager for delicate sounds and melodies.

Then Kadomatsu had the idea to re-work his most popular Japanese songs to be performed by US musicians, and moved to California to record this "KADOMATSU T's SONGS FROM L.A. - The Ballad Covers Collection" after the other volume including more poppy songs, previously featured here on the blog.
The best L.A. session cats were part of the project, including superb guitarists Jay Graydon & Michael Landau, alongside other monsters like Brett Raymond, Gino Vannelli, Tom Keane, Abraham Laboriel and more.

KADOMATSU T's SONGS FROM L.A. - The Ballad Covers Collection (2004) back

As on the previous volume the vocalists involved are top notch too: again Joseph Williams (Toto), Chicago's Jason Scheff and the great Tommy Funderburk, but now featuring the likes of Richard Page (Mr. Mister) and talented Brett Raymond doing lead vocals apart of playing keyboards and programming.
All singers did the lyric adaptation to English language and Kadomatsu the arrangements to fit the new versions. As you could imagine, this is a bunch of excellent material spotlessly clean produced and rich in smooth melodies all over.
Delicious CD only released in Japan, now out of print.

01 - Gino Vanelli - Still I'm In Love With You
02 - Michael North - Midnight Girl
03 - Jessica Sheely - You're My Only Shinin' Star
04 - Richard Page - Desire
05 - Lea Herman - August Rain
06 - Jason Scheff - Distance
07 - Henry Kapono - It's Hard to Say Good-Bye
08 - Presley Tucker - Mermaid Princess
09 - Brett Raymond - Let Me Say...
10 - Tommy Funderburk - Ramp In

Jay Graydon: Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Michael Landau: Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Toshi Onikuza: Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Tak Akimoto: Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Grant Geissman, Abraham Laboriel: Acoustic Guitars
John H. Wayne, Jim Stout: Bass
Todd Sorensen: Drums
Gino Vannelli: Piano
Brett Raymond: Keyboards & Programming
Tom Keane: Keyboards
Michael Binikos, Tak Akimoto: Keyboards, Programming
Marco Tessier: Programming
Richard Beaudette: Sax
Larry Lunetta, Andy Suzuki, Alex Ailes: Horns
Jason Scheff, Joseph Williams, Marilyn Martin, Tom Keane, Margaret Linn, Mary Linn, Michael North: Background vocals

KADOMATSU T's SONGS FROM L.A. Ballad Covers Collection
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BODY ELECTRIC - Body Electric + Two Worlds EP [remastered reissue] (1984) front

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

Founded by two talented cats from the Canadian musical scene, BODY ELECTRIC was a great band pretty unknown by AOR fans.
Keyboardist Bob Buckley (born in UK) and David Sinclair (guitar, vocals) were part of Straight Lines, a really nice AOR act which released two LP on a major label in the early '80s. The band split soon but both decided to stay together for a new project.

They called Frank Ludwig (ex-Trooper, Union) as lead vocalist, and Body Electric born. With Sinclair handling guitars & bass, and guests such as ex- Straight Lines bandmate Daryl Burgess, Doug Edwards (Skylark) and talented Marc LaFrance, the band recorded their self-titled debut released through Attic Records in 1984.

"Body Electric" is an album of pure keyboard-laden songs in a light AOR / synth-rock&pop style with a melodic sound and the typically pristine Canadian production. The LP was pretty successful with "Don't Take Me For A Fool" (my favorite), "Somewhere in Time" and "Stop The Music" released as singles.
Although in my opinion the band's finest hour arrived with their second full length album '87s Walking Through Walls (more hi-tech), "Body Electric" includes some stupendous tracks with excellent arrangements, as the awesome opener "The More Things Change".

"Body Electric" never was released on CD until 2007 when Canadian label Unidisc remastered the album from the master tapes.
But the real find here is the inclusion of the band's rare vinyl EP "Two Worlds", appeared in 1985.
For the EP, Sinclair switched to full lead vocals, and with the production of Bill Henderson (Chilliwack) and engineered by mega-man Bob Rock (Bon Jovi, Motley Crue), this is a pure mid-Eighties unknown AOR gem.
Just check the super-chorus of "All Through the Night", the elegant "Two Worlds", the mysterious "Crime of Passion" (love that atmosphere!) or the velvety ballad "Don't Look Back".

BODY ELECTRIC - Body Electric + Two Worlds EP [remastered reissue] (1984) back

This "Body Electric" reissue is pure gold. The Unidisc Records remaster is excellent, and as plus there's the great "Two Worlds" EP.
A collectors piece (now out of print) and a great addition to your AOR cluster.

01 - The more things change
02 - Stop the music
03 - Judy's in her room
04 - Living two lives
05 - Midnight madness
06 - Somewhere in time
07 - Don't take me for a fool
08 - It's gonna hurt
09 - One step back
10 - You can't take it with you
11 - Do you think they can tell (Bonus)
12 - All through the night (Bonus)
13 - Two worlds (Bonus)
14 - Crime of passion (Bonus)
15 - Don't Look Back (Bonus)

tracks 11-15 from the 1985 EP Two Worlds

David Sinclair - guitar, bass, lead vocals 11-15
Bob Buckley - keyboards
Frank Ludwig - lead vocals, keyboards
Brian Newcombe - bass 11-15
Ross Friesen - drums
Daryl Burgess (Straight Lines) - percussion
Doug Edwards (Skylark) - guest guitar
Ken Chalmers - guest guitar
Marc LaFrance - guest vocals

BODY ELECTRIC - Body Electric + Two Worlds EP [remastered reissue]
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GUYS IN DISGUISE - Guys In Disguise (1994) front

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

Now we have here a rarity, as far I know only released in Norway back in 1994 and deleted since. GUYS IN DISGUISE was the project of keyboardist Dag Kolsrud, previously known in Scandinavia as part of pop-rockers One 2 Many which had some singles ranking all over European charts.
Kolsrud teamed up with singer Carsten Loly, guitarist Stein Bull-Hansen and a bunch of Norwegian session musicians to record "Guys In Disguise" self-titled - and only - album.

The overall sound of "Guys In Disguise" reminds me David Foster projects and at places Mr. Mister, a Westcoast with a poppy feel and some Hi-Tech elements. On some tunes, they have an unmistakable European flavor, akin Lava / Rolf Graf.
Perhaps some of you have heard Guys In Disguise's "One Goal" (track 6), an anthem composed for the 1994 Winter Olympics celebrated in Norway. The song also was used by Ferrari on the institutional video to celebrate their Formula 1 World Championship in 2000 (in the hands of Michael Schumacher).

GUYS IN DISGUISE - Guys In Disguise (1994) back

Although "Guys In Disguise" does not much for me, it's a nice record with some cool melodies. Production & Mix is handled by Dag Kolsrud, absolutely pristine and clear.
An extremely rare CD, much sought after by collectors of all genres.
RARE.

01 - Going Nowhere
02 - Roxy
03 - No Worries
04 - I Need You Now
05 - Long Rainy Summer
06 - One Goal
07 - Feeling Like A Fool
08 - Feel Free
09 - Dixie
10 - Fire On Ice

Carsten Loly: vocals
Stein Bull-Hansen: guitars
Dag Kolsrud: keyboards, programming
Kim Ojstod, Per Hillestand: drums
Kjell Solom, Bjorn Kjellemyr: bass

Guys In Disguise (1994)
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Updated July 29 , 2015

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VA - Elektra AOR Collection [Japan only] (1993) Rare

Some time ago a reader requested some early material from John David Souther, who in very late '70s changed his artistic name to J.D. Souther releasing the stupendous You're Only Lonely LP. His previous albums are not easy to find, but digging deep in my collection something appeared.
And it's this rare compilation only released in Japan (limited quantities) in 1993 by Elektra / Warner Records, including tracks from their AOR / Westcoast artist roster.

"Elektra AOR Collection" is wonderful compilation featuring some of the finest Westcoast artists from the late '70s / early '80s - the golden age of the genre. You can't go wrong with cats of the stature of John O'Banion, Bruce Roberts, Robbie Dupree (tracks from his 1st and 2nd albums) or Bill Champlin.
However, most of them are well known by AOR fans, and the real find here are the songs from J.D. Souther, plus the excellent Rupert Holmes, Andrew Gold and Terence Boylan.

VA - Elektra AOR Collection [Japan only] (1993) back cover

All the albums from where these tracks are taken have been reissued on CD, but today are almost impossible to find. So this is a great chance to have on CD quality these hard-to-get tunes.
"Elektra AOR Collection" is a collectors piece and a stunning set of songs to enjoy.
MEGA RARE.

01 - John O'Banion - Love you like I never loved before
02 - Andrew Gold - Lonely boy
03 - Carole Bayer Sager - It's the falling in love
04 - Bruce Roberts - Cool fool
05 - Robbie Dupree - Steal away
06 - Terence Boylan - Don't hang up those dancing shoes
07 - Rupert Holmes - Full circle
08 - Andrew Gold - That's why I love you
09 - John David Souther - Black rose
10 - Robbie Dupree - Saturday night
11 - Bill Champlin - Sara
12 - Terence Boylan - Shake it
13 - John David Souther - It's the same

VA - Elektra AOR Collection 1993
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RESTLESS (USA) - Alone In The Dark [Japanese Edition +3] (1999)

re-posted as requested, really hard to find

RESTLESS isn't the 'real' name of this band. This moniker was chosen by leader Roger Sommers and the German label MTM who resurrected this material on CD format in the late Nineties.
All these songs were recorded during the '80s (I think 1988) under the band name FREELANCE, but the group never managed to get a recording deal back then, a real shame.

"Alone In The Dark" consists of tracks from two original four song demos that were recorded on a 16-track home studio plus some later "proper" studio tracks with much better production. But the roughness of some of these demos isn't a problem at all, believe me.
Musically this is '80s AOR with some pomp influences, while the newer songs are more hair / arena rock, strongly influenced by Def Leppard with lots of keyboards.
First track "Guilty" (from the 2nd demo) is a killer melodic hard rocker in the vein of the best White Sister with an updated sound. On "Alone In The Dark" the lead vocals of Sommers sounds like a young Steve Overland, and except some 'hair metal' twists, the whole band sounds like the british FM here.

"Don’t Do It To Me" is real belter. It's a great midtempo classic AOR tune with tons of keyboards, very British to my ears, similar to Shy or After Hours. Next, "Lightnin’ Strikes" is another highlight, a Journey-esque melodic semi-ballad that was featured on the mythical AOR Basement 'unsigned bands' compilation 'Hot Night In The City' in 1988 under their original name Freelance.
"Leavin' You" is the first track featured here in the Def Leppard style. The rhythm guitars are fat and the chorus multi-layered. Strong rocker.

Now... the best track here in my opinion. "Keep The Fire Burning" is pure '80s pompy AOR with wonderful keyboards. Define AOR: this song! This one alone worth this disc.
"Painted Lady" is one from the 'old' recordings. A keyboard driven melodic rock full of energy and attitude.
On "I Don't Wanna Want You" the band decided to write a Foreigner-style ballady, and don't disappoint. Of course Sommers isn't Lou Gramm but he does a really good job.

"Body To Body" links directly to Def Lepp. Big choruses and arena rock vibe. Compared to Blue Tears too.
"Feels Like Love" has a definite pomp feel with 'that' pulsing rhythm section, bright keyboards and big harmonies. An early '80s influenced track in the Roadmaster style.
The emotional ballad "Willing" close the regular edition of this release. Grand piano and orchestration, featuring a tight vocal performance.

RESTLESS (USA) - Alone In The Dark [Japanese Edition +3] (1999) back cover

The CD was released in Japan in 1999 featuring 3 juicy bonus tracks (not listed on the back cover). The first, "What Do You Know About Love" is from the last recording period, Def Leppard meets Billy Squier with a bluesy melodic rock touch and huge backing vocals.
Next, "Carry That Weight", is a sweet acoustic based ballad that increases the tempo in the Damn Yankees style, very early Nineties. I like this a lot.
Then the last of the bonus "Lay Me Down" follows the melodic rock pattern of opener "Guilty". A gutsy track with big, big guitars.

Even when production isn't first rate at times, all this material is very well rounded and sounds absolutely professional.
Produced by Roger Sommers itself, during the '80s he has been studying sound engineering and that's evident here, now he's a well-respected studio man working with Saga, Jamie Rowe and others.
The personnel involved are all accomplished musicians, including guest appearances by Chuck Wright (Giuffria, House Of Lords) and Jeff Scott Soto on backing vocals.

"Alone In The Dark" is posted everywhere, but not this Japan edition with 3 bonus tracks.
This is pure '80s bliss. Don't miss it.
Highly Recommended.

01 - Guilty
02 - Alone In The Dark
03 - Don't Do It To Me
04 - Lightning Strikes
05 - In Your Eyes
06 - Leavin' You
07 - Keep The Fire Burning
08 - Painted Lady
09 - I Don't Wanna Want You
10 - Body To Body
11 - Feels Like Love
12 - Willing
Japanese Bonus Tracks:
13 - What Do You Know About Love
14 - Carry That Weight
15 - Lay Me Down

Roger Sommers: Lead vocals, Guitar, Backing Vocals
Michael Lord: Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Jason Orme: Guitar
Scott Polluck: Bass
Danny Lux: Drums
Jac Mandel: Guitar
Bruffie Brigham: Bass
Mark Bennett: Drums
Chuck Wright: Bass
Jeff Scott Soto: Backing Vocals

RESTLESS Alone In The Dark [Japanese Edition +3]
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GOTTHARD - El Traidor [CDMaxi] (2006) full

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

Released at the time of GOTTHARD's album Lipservice (one of their best), "El Traidor" is one of these 'hard to find' maxi-singles released in limited quantities which turned out of print soon.
"El Traidor" is the Spanish version of the band's anthemic hit 'Anytime, Anywhere', recorded with the intention to bring new Latin fans to Gotthard's base.

For most people it's a cool rarity, but Spaniard audiences will find an interesting lyric re-shaped for this version. Additionally, there's a 'Classical Version' including very nice string arrangements.

GOTTHARD - El Traidor [CDMaxi] (2006) cd scan

As plus, the maxi-CD includes "Anytime, Anywhere" in its original version and the live take of "The Other Side Of Me", originally the Japanese bonus track for the 'Made In Switzerland' Gotthard album.
A cool collectors piece.

01. El Traidor (Anytime, Anywhere Spanish Version)
02. El Traidor (Anytime, Anywhere Spanish Classical Version)
03. Anytime, Anywhere
04. The Other Side Of Me (Live)

Tracks 1 & 2 Exclusive to this CDM
Track 3 taken from the album "Lipservice"
Track 4 is the Japanese bonus track for "Made In Switzerland"

Vocals – Steve Lee
Guitars – Freddy Scherer, Leo Leoni
Bass – Marc Lynn
Drums – Hena Habegger

GOTTHARD - El Traidor [CDMaxi]
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GOTTHARD - Tu Pasion [CDMaxi] (2006) full

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

"Tu Pasion" is another GOTTHARD maxi-single released in limited quantities which turned out of print soon.
As happened with the previous CDM featured here (El Traidor), "Tu Pasion" is the Spanish version of other Gotthard single, the catchy 'Lift 'U' Up', recorded with the intention to bring new Latin fans to Gotthard's base.

For most people it's a cool rarity and a collectors item, but Spaniard audiences will find an interesting lyric re-shaped for this version. Additionally, there's a 'classical version' of Gotthard's classic "One Life One Soul", featuring opera diva Monserrat Caballe in a duet (as Freddie Mercury did before) with the late Steve Lee.

GOTTHARD - Tu Pasion [CDMaxi] (2006) back

As far I know, Maxi-CD only released in Spain.
Out of print.

01 - Tu Pasion / Lift 'U' Up (Spanish Version)
02 - Lift 'U' Up (Radio Edit)
03 - One Life One Soul (feat. Monserrat Caballe)
04 - Nothing Left At All (Live)
05 - Anytime, Anywhere (Live)

Vocals – Steve Lee
Guitars – Freddy Scherer, Leo Leoni
Bass – Marc Lynn
Drums – Hena Habegger

GOTTHARD - Tu Pasion [CDMaxi]
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BON JOVI - The Slippery When Wet Outtakes / Demos front

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

It's not strange the interest in BON JOVI's demos from their 'Slippery When Wet' era, because this is the band's more popular, best-selling album to date.
Even someone, some time ago, pressed on CD (and a quite well done Bootleg including artwork) all these pre-production demos for sale. Sadly, what it is not so good is the tape transfer audio quality.
Anyway, it's very interesting to hear the genesis of such classics like "You Give Love A Bad Name", "Wanted Dead Or Alive" or "Livin' On A Prayer".

Additionally, there's the early versions of songs that never were included into the final release. "Borderline" was a single B-side (featured here in a demo form), but "Game Of The Heart" (wrongly titled Give My Heart), "Lonely in The Night" and "Deep Cuts The Night" (wrongly titled Dick After Night !), never were finished and remain unreleased.

BON JOVI - The Slippery When Wet Outtakes / Demos back

I did a very quick'remastering' of these tracks to clean and enhance the sound a bit. Got the Bootleg in lossless format but I encoded the resulting files into VBR mp3, it's more than enough, believe me.
As bonus, I've added a couple of tracks from other source that sound slightly better.

01 - You Give Love A Bad Name
02 - Without Love
03 - Wild in The Streets
04 - Wanted Dead Or Alive
05 - Raise Your Hands
06 - Never Enough*
07 - Edge of a Broken Heart
08 - Borderline
09 - Give My Heart (Game Of The Heart)*
10 - I'd Die for You
11 - Let It Rock
12 - Social Disease
13 - Livin' on a Prayer
14 - Lonely in The Night*
15 - Dick After Night (Deep Cuts The Night)*
16 - Never Say Goodbye
17 - Deep Cuts The Night (different source)
18 - Game Of The Heart (different source)

Jon Bon Jovi – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Richie Sambora – lead guitar, background vocals
David Bryan – keyboards, background vocals
Alec John Such – bass, background vocals
Tico Torres – drums

BON JOVI Slippery When Wet Outtakes
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V.A. - An '80s Metal Tribute To Journey (2006) front

Someone asked in a comment for this Journey tribute album; "An '80s Metal Tribute To Journey".
Although the timeless classics from the giant outfit commanded by Neal Schon are impossible to improve, this is a very good recording.
There was a previous tribute including almost the same songs (titled 'A Tribute To Journey' 2002) but NOT the same performers, clearly far inferior.

For this one, talented Billy Sherwood (a specialist in tribute albums) brought to the fore great vocalists such as Mickey Thomas (Starship), Bobby Kimball (TOTO), Kip Winger, Tommy Shaw (Styx, Damn Yankees) and more, and the result was more than satisfactory.

V.A. - An '80s Metal Tribute To Journey (2006) back

The album title seems a bit misplaced - there's no 'metal' at all here, but velvety melodies.
Really nice versions.

01 - Don't Stop Believin - Mickey Thomas (STARSHIP)
02 - Who's Crying Now - Bobby Kimball (TOTO)
03 - Send Her My Love - Kip Winger (WINGER)
04 - Open Arms - Tommy Shaw (STYX)
05 - Any Way You Want It - Jack Rusell (GREAT WHITE)
06 - Faithfully - Robin McAuley (MSG)
07 - Wheel In The Sky - Kelly Hansen (FOREIGNER)
08 - Girl Can t Help It - John Corabi (ex-MÖTLEY CRÜE)
09 - Only The Young - Mark Knight (WORRY BEADS)
10 - Lovin Touchin Squeezin - Chaz West (JASON BONHAM)
11 - Be Good To Yourself - Ralph Saenz (METAL SKOOL)
12 - Lights - Stevie Rachelle (TUFF)
13 - Separate Ways - Kelly Hansen (FOREIGNER)

An '80s A Tribute To Journey (2006)
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Requested in "REQUEST & FILL CORNER" section...

Time for some rocking stuff in this blog and this request is the perfect excuse.
The first thing you got clear while listening "High Time" - the first album by THE WILD BOYS - is that this trio are unmistakable German.
Their brand of Melodic Rock bring to mind that classic Teutonic sound akin Bonfire. This happens mostly due to Hansjörg “Hanse” Fichter vocals - and especially his phrasing - very similar to Claus Lessmann, but also Jorg Sieber (Dominoe) and Robby Musenbichler (Jojo / Tokyo).

These aforementioned bands are as well a pretty good reference to THE WILD BOYS style, minus the keyboards and hi-tech twists; "High Time" is a guitar / bass / real drums based record.
After the short, fun intro "Wild Boys Rap", you can hear that easy melodies on "Asian Eyes" (very Bonfire), "Shadows", the dynamic & catchy "Let It Out" (Dominoe) and "Minds Eye Diary", a very nice melodic rocker included in the Vol.7 of 'Munich's Hardest Hits ... Melodic Rock Is Back" compilation.

THE WILD BOYS - High Time (2004) booklet

THE WILD BOYS also mix to their music some power rock&pop in "Cheap Tricks" with some The Outfield on it, and later on "Dreams".
The guys also feature here two outside songs (not strange as they started as a cover band); their own, melodic rock version of Backstreet Boys (!) megahit "Quit Playing Games", and The Sweet's classic "Wig Wam Bam".
Although Hanse's guitar playing is cool, his riffs are a bit unidimensional and begin to get tired at the middle of the album.

Nevertheless, all works flawlessly, and what surprises you is the great production / mix, excellent for an indie release.
Pretty rare, out of print debut album from this unknown (and good) German Melodic Rock band.

01 - Wild Boys Rap
02 - Asian Eyes
03 - Cheap Tricks
04 - Shadows
05 - Quit Playing Games
06 - Let It Out
07 - Minds Eye Diary
08 - Wig Wam Bam
09 - Drunken Sailor
10 - Dreams
11 - High Time
12 - 40 (bonus track)

Hansjörg 'Hanse' Fichter: vocals, guitars, keyboards
Bernd 'Nando' Fichter: bass, backing vocals
Harry 'Jusy' Joos: drums, percussion

THE WILD BOYS - High Time (2004)
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CHRIS IRVINE - Chris Irvine (1992) front

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

Few things are known about this terrific British vocalist CHRIS IRVINE and his (only) self-titled album from 1992.
The 10 wonderful tracks on this CD were an integral production of talented musicians Peter Yellowstone and Phil Radford who worked for the small label / publishing agency Red Bus Music. Both were involved with many productions / artists from the same company.
All the songs were composed, arranged and produced by Yellowstone & Radford, and seems they needed a vocalist to sing them. The duo got Chris Irvine presumably from a demo tape, and what a great find it was.

Irvine's smooth vocal timbre perfectly fits the melodic, breezy essence of these songs.
With a style and a polished sound bringing to mind Canadians Boulevard / Blvd, cuts like 'Frozen rivers', the pulsating 'Vital signs', the superb mid-tempo 'Never listen to rumours' or the totally '80s 'Kicking up dust' (great guitar work) are a wet dream for any AOR aficionado.
You have more radio friendly numbers in the awesome 'Can you see me now?', the poppy 'Hypnotise' (with some John Warren on it) and the great ballad 'In need of an Angel' (remind me Brian Spence), all complete with catchy choruses and really nice keyboards.

Personnel is not listed, but top class musicians were used for the recording, and alongside Irvine's angelic voice the the result was stupendous. Sadly never recorded an album again, but he's still active as entertainer singing at corporate events, weddings, etc.
I assure you "Chris Irvine" is a must have album in your AOR collection.

01 - Frozen rivers
02 - Vital signs
03 - Never listen to rumours
04 - Hypnotise
05 - In need of an angel
06 - Really need to know
07 - You've got the right
08 - Kicking up dust
09 - Can you see me now?
10 - Get a grip

Chris Irvine: Vocals
Peter Yellowstone: Production
Phil Radford: Production

CHRIS IRVINE - Chris Irvine (1992)
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KEVEN JORDAN - No Sign Of Rain (1991) front

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

"No Sign Of Rain" is the debut album by Canadian KEVEN JORDAN, not only a smooth vocalist but also a complete musician & songwriter (he co-writes & arrange all songs here).
To put it in few words, this record is one of the best light AOR albums ever produced from the Canadian factory. It's really hard to find a weak track among the 10 little gems on offer.

Opener "There Is A Reason" recall the finest Stan Meissner moments, the happy melody of "Just Another Day" has all the quality akin this blog's favorite Paul Janz, while the elegant midtempo "Your Disguise" comes straight from the Marc Jordan (not related) book.
The atmospheric "Traces Of You" has some Richard Marx on it (and a West Coast feel), then awesome closer "The Path That Leads To You" breathes Mr. Mister / Richard Page from every pore.

KEVEN JORDAN - No Sign Of Rain (1991) cd

Those comparisons are only to give you an idea of the quality on display here, sometimes even better than the monster AOR artists mentioned.
Production is crystal clear, just perfect, bringing to your ears a magical aura plenty of melody.
As said, Jordan's vocals are really smooth but there's some underlying power on his pipes that I can imagine him singing rockin' AOR tunes with ease.

KEVEN JORDAN - No Sign Of Rain (1991) back

All session musicians involved are impecabble, special mention to Tim McAuley's clever keyboard arrangements (he co-writes all tracks as well) and the awesome bass playing of Peter Cardinali (very well enhanced by the production) resulting in a really bass 'guitar' work.
Keven Jordan's "No Sign Of Rain" is a must have in your AOR collection, believe me.

01 - There Is A Reason
02 - No Sign Of Rain
03 - I Look To You
04 - Just Another Day
05 - True Believers
06 - Your Disguise
07 - She Lives
08 - Traces of You
09 - How Can We Believe?
10 - The Path That Leads To You

Keven Jordan: vocals, guitars
Tim McAuley: keyboards, programming
Marty Walsh: guitars
Peter Cardinali: bass guitar
Matthew Mcauley: keyboards, vocals
Scott Humphrey: drums

KEVEN JORDAN No Sign Of Rain (1991)
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Requested in "REQUEST & FILL CORNER" section...

Canadian TIM FEEHAN is considered by the fans one of the greatest AOR / Westcoast artists ever, but also is a highly respected person in the music industry as composer, producer and talent discover. Tim has played with all, from Steve Lukather to David Foster.
As main artist, Feehan released a bunch of mainstream albums during the '80s, but since the beginning of the Nineties concentrated his efforts into the creation of his own recording studio / company.
However, Feehan continued composing and occasionally putting on tape his own songs for a future release.

"Pray For Rain" was the result of these recording sessions which took place between 1990-95.
All along the way, some serious top class musicians were part of it: awesome guitarist Michael Thompson, Jeff Paris and talented Gene Black (Wild Blue, Device) among others.
The album only was released in Sweden in 1996 and never re-issued, becoming a collector's piece.

"Pray For Rain" is top notch in all departments, production, performances and songwriting, starting with the uptempo "Worth a Fight" (co-written by Gregg Fulkerson of Blue Tears) and the AOR gem "If Ever You Need Someone" pretty much in the Stan Bush style.
You can hear Jeff Paris' touch in the great "Lessons Of The Heart", while the atmospheric "You Should Be Mine" features the excellent backing vocals from the superb Chrissy Steele. Feehan was involved in Steele's solo album together with Brian McLeod (Chilliwack) who sadly died in 1992; the terrific ballad "When You Think Of Me" is dedicated to him.

Although not as bombastic (in terms of sound) as his '80s albums, I think this is Tim Feehan's best, mature album. You can't go wrong with Tim Feehan's "Pray For Rain", a must for any AOR fan.
Out Of Print.

01 - Worth A Fight
02 - If Ever You Need Someone
03 - When The Marnier Sails
04 - Yo Te Quiero
05 - When You Think Of Me
06 - Mother Superior
07 - You Should Be Mine
08 - Lessons Of The Heart
09 - I Don't Miss You Too
10 - Pray For Rain
11 - Do It All Over
12 - Magic Hour

Tim Feehan: vocals, keyboards, programming
Gene Black: guitars
Jeff Paris: guitars, background vocals
Michael Thompson: guitars
Louis Sedmak: guitars
Chrissy Steele: additional background vocals

TIM FEEHAN Pray For Rain 1996
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FAR CRY - The More Things Change... [Japanese CD edition] (1980-2001) front

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

FAR CRY was the studio project of New Yorker Phil Galdston and Canadian Peter Thom who worked together during the Seventies when recording companies used to hire 'songwriter artists'. Some of their penned tunes were pretty successful, and they got an album deal releasing the LP American Gypsies as Galdston & Thom in the second half of that decade.
The album passed without notice, however the music industry does not lose the faith in the duo's potential.

Giant executive Phil Ramone called his alumni Elliot Scheiner (later involved in Michael Bolton's Everybody's Crazy, Toto's IV, et all) to produce Galdston & Thom second effort, now under the Far Cry moniker.
This time all would be under the 'high profile production standards', with a big budget at hand and top session musicians contributing, including guitarists Mark Doyle, Elliott Randall, shuffle master Bernard 'Pretty' Purdie on drums, Donald Fagen on backing vocals & more.

Far Cry's one and only album was entitled "The More Things Change...", and basically comprises the early '80s smooth melodies of those years rising West Coast style: FM ready, melodic, poppy at times and plenty of sweet harmonies.
This is the kind of records from that time where all was done clinically and with extreme attention to detail: arrangements, playing, production.
Session guitarist Mark Doyle recalls; "Producer Elliot Scheiner had four different guitar players in for a solo, punching in each note, even using combinations of different players for the same solo. I couldn't get more than two bars into it before I would be stopped, hummed some phrase, punched in, hummed some other phrase, etc." Well, Mutt Lange later perfected this with Def Leppard, but that's another story.
This example provide you an idea of how "The More Things Change..." sounds: perfect.

FAR CRY - The More Things Change... [Japanese CD edition] (1980-2001) back

Musically, Far Cry's "The More Things Change..." never turned me crazy about it. It's a very nice record with some really cool songs and melodies, but not a classic at all.
The album was pressed on CD for the first time in 2001, only released in Japan and now out of print. This is a HQ rip from the CD including artwork. A collectors item.

01 - The Hits Just Keep On Comin'
02 - Eldorado Escape
03 - The One And Lonely
04 - Because It's There
05 - It's Not As Simple As That
06 - Fight, Fight, Fight
07 - Ocean Eyes
08 - Suddenly Strings
09 - Tell Jack
10 - Some Things Will Never Change

Lead & Backing Vocals: Peter Thom
Lead & Backing Vocals, Piano: Phil Galdston
Guitars: Elliott Randall, Steve Khan, Mark Doyle, Jeff Mironov
Keyboards, Synths: Rob Mounsey
Bass: Tony Levin, Neil Jason, Will Lee, Doug Stegmeyer
Drums: Chris Parker, Bernard Purdie, Ed Greene, Liberty DeVitto
Percussion: Ralph MacDonald
Horns: Marvin Stamm, Randy Brecker, Timmy Cappello, Ronnie Cuber, David Tofani, Barry Rogers
Backing Vocals: Donald Fagen, Patti Austin, John Barranco, Zachary Sanders, Frank Floyd

FAR CRY The More Things Change [Japanese CD edition]
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Requested in "REQUEST & FILL CORNER" section...

Canadian singer / songwriter KERRI ANDERSON released her debut album "Labyrinth" in 1991, a 10-track record pretty varied in style yet always revolving around the melodic rock / pop-rock sound typical of the late '80s. And when I say typical, it means 'typical Canadian'.
Indeed, although there's a clear USA target in the overall production, "Labyrinth" has that unmistakable Canuck feel.

Kerri Anderson not only can sing really fine - she's like a mix of Chrissie Hynde, Robin Beck and Stevie Nicks - but also compose very good, catchy songs.
"Labyrinth" is quite diverse, as heard on the first 4 tracks from the record spanning a meaty melodic rocker ("In The Night"), a radio-ready rock&pop ("Corner Of Life"), an atmospheric ballad ("I Will Disappear") and an elegant FM Rock number in the great opener "Ghosts".

"Without Me" and the haunting title track (not exactly a ballad which starts as a hidden track) blend acoustic and electric guitars cleverly arranged to obtain a nice, warm contrast. Talking about guitars, special mention go to Spencer Sercombe (Shark Island, Michael Schenker) for his, at places, hot six-string work ("Day By Day").

Distributed by MCA, "Labyrinth" did well in the US and garnered Kerri Anderson a Canadian Juno nomination in 1992. As far I know, this is Anderson's only major album, but she still performs occasional acoustic shows in his native country.
This is the kind of albums that grows in you with each listen thanks to the strong songwriting, melodic arrangements and solid performances. Production is bright & open, courtesy of expert Randy Nicklaus (Vixen, Shark Island).
Quite Rare.

01 - Ghosts
02 - In The Night
03 - Corner Of Life
04 - I Will Disappear
05 - Angel Says
06 - One Day
07 - Where David Sleeps
08 - Without Me
09 - Day By Day
10 - Labyrinth

Kerri Anderson - vocals, guitar
Spencer Sercombe - lead guitars, backing vocals
Jeff Morrow - keyboards
Don Schiff - bass, chapman stick
Gregg Ellis - drums
Mark Levang, Jim Lang - programming
Lenny Castro - percussion

KERRI ANDERSON - Labyrinth
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OFF COURSE - Back Streets Of Tokyo (1985) front

Re-posted as requested 'cos it's really hard to find (and good)

Regarded by the Japan press as one of the best native Westcoast AOR groups, OFF COURSE have recorded a handful of albums only released in Asia.
"Back Streets Of Tokyo" is their 'more international' effort, produced & mixed in Los Angeles with PETER WOLF (Chicago, Nielsen-Pearson, Jack Wagner) in front of the table to make them sound more 'Western'. All songs were carefully arranged in the L.A. Session style with some greats involved such as Tom Kelly or Tommy Funderburk (also providing backing vocals).

"Back Streets Of Tokyo" is a smooth record were melodies abound, you have nice guitars, pretty good choruses and an overall polished product, wrapped by a pristine mix and production.
Reissued on CD in 1994 - only Japan, again - it has become a hard to find collectors item.

1. Fool (What Does a Fool Do Now)
2. Second Chance
3. Love's Determination
4. Her Pretender
5. Eyes In The Back Of My Heart
6. Melody
7. Love's On Fire
8. Endless Nights

Kazumasa Oda: vocals, keyboards
Hitoshi Shimizu: bass
Jiri Oma: drums, percussion
Kazuhiko Matsuo: guitars
Peter Wolf: keyboards, arrangements, production / mix
Tom Kelly, Tommy Funderburk: backing vocals, arrangements

OFF COURSE Back Streets Of Tokyo HQ
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AEROSMITH - Fly Away From Here [Japanese Maxi-Single] (2001) 6 tracks

Featured again as requested. Grab it while it's hot, it won't be re-posted anymore.

The discography of Hard Rock masters AEROSMITH is well known and reachable, but I am posting this rare Japanese maxi-single because it was requested by a reader, and it's really hard to find (out of print).

"Fly Away From Here" was the hit power ballad from the Just Push Play album, featured here in four different versions, being the 'rock mix' and the 'orchestral mix' my favorites.
The really interesting number is "Face", not included into the main album and exclusive to this CDs. Also we find a very good live version of "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" recorded at Cape Canaveral, FL, in 1998.
A collector's item.

1. Fly Away From Here [radio remix edit] (4:25)
2. Fly Away From Here [album version] (5:04)
3. Fly Away From Here [rock mix] (4:25)
4. Face [non-album track] (3:07)
5. Fly Away From Here [orchestral mix] (4:26)
6. I Don't Want To Miss A Thing [live] (5:16)

Steven Tyler – lead vocals
Joe Perry – guitar, backing vocals
Brad Whitford – guitar
Tom Hamilton – bass
Joey Kramer – drums
Jim Cox – piano on "Fly Away From Here"
Paul Santo – Kurzweil on "Fly Away From Here"

AEROSMITH Fly Away From Here 6-track single
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A curious album this one. Not only for its rarity (as far I know only released in Japan) but for the mixture of styles, yet turning out a consistent and homogeneous piece.
LEE Z is the brainchild of German multi-instrumentalist Thomas Zink, and has been active since 1988 with several line-up changes though. "Time Line" is the band's 2nd album appeared in 1995 (but I think it was recorded in the early '90s), and as said, featuring a captivating mix of Melodic Rock, Hard Rock, AOR and some light progressive arrangements here and there.
But their prog pedigree isn't in the classical vein, the approach is more melodic and personal, with emphasis into the songs structures rather than going all over the place with jam sessions and solos, where the staccato riffs and key changes are encompassed with the tune and the use of keyboard layers add color and substance.

Don't be fooled by the slightly neoclassical style of opener "Up To The Sky". This is the only track in this vein here, and a good one by the way. The double drum attack is in your face, the guitars trepidating and the swirling keys are all over. Think classic '80s Yngwie. Then "Way Of Live" is a syncopated and melodic midtempo rocker in the Queensryche style circa 'Rage For Order'.

The orchestral keyboard intro of "Fancy Dress Ball" turns into a climatic European melodic hard rocker plenty of key changes and big keyboards. "Hands Of Touch" is a moody slow paced AOR track with a nice, catchy refrain. Great vocal arrangement too.
The programmed drums of "Try To Find My Way" don't bother at all, as this is a very commercial 'let's sing together' tune with clean guitars that sounds very 'British'.

"Hold On" is a keyboard driven melodic rock, with lots, lots of keys. Maybe the chorus is a bit weak, but the pace of the track rocks. Now the band offers, again, something different. "Getting Older" is an instrumental featuring a really good guitar work.
Are you waiting for a ballad? "Sad Paradise" arrives... but not your typical one. Starts with a long, climatic keyboard/vocal passage and a 8/8 drum pattern (really uncommon) and then explodes into a passionate legitimate power ballad with a guitar solo inspired by Gary Moore.

"Don't Wanna Loose My Mind" returns to the melodic rock territory. The catchy, hooky chorus is the 'leitmotiv' of this track. But the band, again, is far to wrote-by-numbers. The middle section features a pace change that reminds me the group Fates Warning, and then returns to the chorus. This kind of arrangements is not easy to do warmly, but on Lee Z's hands this comes flawlessly.
Final track "One Night Love Affair" is another winner. A very British AOR midtempo similar to SHY featuring a superb guitar solo and keyboards.

"Time Line" is a great, pretty unknown album, much better than you can appreciate at first listen. It's clever, varied, well written. You have first rate musicianship, original arrangements and a slick production its indie origin.
Try Lee Z. Try something different. Japan only and out of print.

01 - Up To The Sky
02 - Way Of Live
03 - Fancy Dress Ball
04 - Hands Of Touch
05 - Try To Find My Way
06 - Hold On
07 - Getting Older
08 - Sad Paradise
09 - Don't Wanna Loose My Mind
10 - One Night Love Affair

Peter Pauliks: Vocals
Thomas Zink: Guitars, Keyboards, Synths, Piano
Matthias 'Rethi' Rethmann: Bass, Programming
Andreas Guth: Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Gerald Voss: Drums

LEE Z - Time Line
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KADOMATSU T's SONGS FROM L.A. - The Pop Covers Collection (2004)

KADOMATSU T's SONGS FROM L.A. - The Ballad Covers Collection (2004)

BODY ELECTRIC - Body Electric + Two Worlds EP [remastered reissue] (1984)

GUYS IN DISGUISE - Guys In Disguise (1994)

0 Day Rock

VA - Elektra AOR Collection [Japan only] (1993)

RESTLESS (USA) - Alone In The Dark [Japanese Edition +3] (1999)

GOTTHARD - El Traidor [CDMaxi] (2006)

GOTTHARD - Tu Pasion [CDMaxi] (2006)

BON JOVI - The Slippery When Wet Outtakes / Demos

V.A. - An '80s Metal Tribute To Journey (2006)

THE WILD BOYS - High Time (2004)

CHRIS IRVINE - Chris Irvine (1992)

KEVEN JORDAN - No Sign Of Rain (1991)

TIM FEEHAN - Pray For Rain (1996)

FAR CRY - The More Things Change... [Japanese CD edition] (1980-2001)

KERRI ANDERSON - Labyrinth (1991)

OFF COURSE - Back Streets Of Tokyo (1985)

AEROSMITH - Fly Away From Here [Japanese Maxi-Single] (2001)

LEE Z - Time Line (1995)