Tryanglz - Demos 1987/88 (AOR) US
10:06Tryanglz were a California based melodic rock outfit fronted by American singer, actress and film producer Tane McClure. After she landed her self-titled debut album in 1982 through RCA Records she formed the band Tryanglz where sometimes appeared as “Tahnee Cain And Tryanglz”, started wrote songs where three of them appeared in Terminator movie of 1984. The band continue wrote and performed songs until the late 80s. The songs appeared in an unofficial release under “AOR Moon Collector’s Promo series”. Most of the songs are demo recordings so the production most of the them are not the best but the quality of the songs will satisfy you.(https://melodic-hardrock.com/)
Heartland - Wide Open 1994 (AOR)(Jap release) UK
9:57
LINK OK
Solid album with a great vocalist (Mr Chris Oussey from Virginia Wolf fame)..if you want a reference,Eric Martin (Mr Big) is more or less Oussey's tone of voice.."Give Me A Reason" opens the album perfectly the we have greatness such as "Wide Open"(one of my faves),"Indian Ground"(nice ballad),"When I'm With You"(killer ballad and definetely a highlight of the album),"Try Me","Burning The Bridges"(another fave)and "Turning My Heart Right Over"..in general lines a very round album,enjoyable and with a great but somehow underrated singer.(VZLA)
Jumpstreet - Follow Her Home Tonight 1984 (AOR)
2:22
Hailing from Minneapolis, singer James Walsh (ex- Gypsy) founded JUMPSTREET in 1980 recruiting local musicians.
For the next 9 years the band toured the Upper-Midwest becoming one of the most sought after acts in the area.
In 1984 Jumpstreet released privately their sole album "Follow Her Home Tonight" (only vinyl) which won the 'Best Album of the Year' from the Minnesota Music Awards.
The band style is a mix of American AOR, West Coast and Radio-Rock with the classic sound and vibe of the era.
At the time, James Walsh was an experienced musician, having released four albums with Gypsy, one of them through a major label (MCA). "Follow Her Home Tonight" was produced by himself so expect a quality polished sound a bar above of the common indie releases.
As said, there's a blend of genres in this recording, although stylistically all are very close.
Title track "Follow Her Home Tonight" opens the vinyl in a classic rockin' AOR vein, a combustive tune delivering fantastic guitar riffs, marching rhythm and 'those' keyboards. The vocal line is strongly melodic and the chorus simply irresistible. I love this stuff, this track alone worth the entire disc.
Follower "Just A Waste Of Time" is more relaxed, a lite AOR leaning into a more mechanistic structure, supported by cloudy synths. Quite interesting track that reminds me an old Beau Coup song.
"How I Feel About You" is a very good West Coast ballad, although sonically is pretty soft melodic rock oriented in a The Synch / Sheriff / Freddy Curci style.
"(And They) Don't Even Know" has as well a West Coast foundation but on the uptempo side. The percussion and specially the pre-chorus recalls early Toto. This is a really finely elaborated track, much more than the first listen can expose.
'Side B' opens with a poppy tune. "Ordinary People" is a stylized funk / AC track, not 'ordinary' for sure. Driven by a pumping bass line, the general orchestration is truly pop but the arrangements and class in the playing are, as mentioned earlier, above of the expected for an indie band / album. A pop song, yes, but with tons of charm and quality.
"Someone Is Always On Your Mind" is a light and ethereal West Coast affair, where Sneaker and Donald Fagen comes to mind. Great harmony vocals here.
With "You Touch Me Here" Jumpstreet returns to quality rock oriented AOR, a killer track with the '80s 'horror / action movie' atmosphere that we all love. Think Franke And The Knockouts but more driving, particularly in the sharp guitar work. A winner!
Last track "New Romance (It's A Mystery to Me)" is a cover from Holly Knight's band Spider (also covered by Lisa Hartman in her 'Letterock' album). A cool and pleasant radio rocker.
"Follow Her Home Tonight" is an impressive recording considering its indie pedigree. Production is excellent and the arrangements have great emphasis on details, almost clinical.
At first listen it's easy listening and likeable, but after repeated playing and a more meticulous inspection you'll find a solid songwriting process and juicy instrumentation. A little gem I would say.
An obscure and extremely rare piece that deserves to be discovered.
Audio restored by me. Enjoy. GRACIAS CAMELBLUE
Bad Steve - Killing The Night 1985 (Hard Rock) Germany
14:45
Bad Steve was a German heavy metal band, composed of former Accept members Jan Koemmet, Frank Friedrich and Dieter Rubach, as well as former members of more obscure bands Kanaan and Sin City. They supported Accept on a 1984 tour in Germany. Rubach later had a brief stint with Accept vocalist Udo Dirkschneider's band U.D.O.Koemmet had been with Accept previous to their recording career and re-entered that band briefly between their releases Breaker and Restless and Wild.
Bad Oskar - Listen Up...Or Else 1992 (Hard Rock) US
8:30
"Rocks The Day" is a good HardRock opener, "Rose" is an Ok bluesy HardRock song àla Vintage Whitesnake, "Mind Reader" cool riffs/choruses, "Someday" is the obligatory ballad Good one!, "Phonograph" predictable rocker song, "Luv Me Down" another rocker song but cool guitar solos on both songs.(J.CARLOS)
Bodine - Three Times Running 1984 (Hard Rock) Netherlands
6:23
This is aewsome classic 80's euro metal. A solid production makes the guitars sound soooo beefy. A couple of instrumentals and some awesome guitar work from Arjen (Star One) coupled with nice vocals makes 3 times running a near classic. Fans of Touch of Sin era Sinner will not be disapointed. The bonus tracks are almost the entire follow up bold as brass-not as good but still worth owning.(rockhead)