A promise, a request, a surprise & a bonus.

FORCE 10

As promised in my Russia blog, their next album, now as Force 10. Basically more of the same stuff, not quite as pompous theatrical as Russia yet it's all still there, more keyboards, add Supertramp to my last name droppings maybe even some old The Tubes, more 80's sounding, definately no bad album! Favorite tracks: Watanabe, Hypnotized, Mountains Of Love. For more info, check my Russia blog, and read the comments from Russia/Force 10 keyboardist Rick White!

Tom Brighton - guitar and vocals
Rick White - keyboards and vocals
Larry Tuttle - bass and vocals
Jeff Swisstack - drums
Griff Stevens - Singing, woodwinds, guitars and computer grunts.



Force 10 - Force 10. 1981.
Produced by John Stronach.
Own vinyl rip. BitRate 192.

1. Watanabe
2. Hypnotized
3. (I Feel So) Amused
4. Pictures (Of My Favourite Things)
5. Mountains Of Love
6. Show Me Your Love
7. Bastinado
8. My Future
9. I'll See You

Link:
http://rapidshare.com/files/44787190/Force10-Force10.rar

SHANGHAI

Two albums by the name Spider, and before their third release, a change of name made them Shanghai. Good album, good well produced pop rock if you're into Heart, Fiona, Romeo's Daughter, Patty Smyth, Wendy and the Rockets... you get my point.

Amanda Blue - vocals
Keith Lentin - guitar
Beau Hill - keyboards (well known 80's & 90's hair band & AOR/rock producer)
Jimmy Lowell - bass
Anton Fig - drums (Ace Frehley, David Letterman's house band, session drummer, Kiss (Dynasty, Unmasked, Killers), Bob Dylan, and lots more)


Shanghai - Shanghai. 1982.
Produced by Bruce Fairbarn (R.I.P.)
My own rip. BitRate 192.

1. SOS
2. Always A Rebel
3. X-Ray Vision
4. I Need Your Love
5. Talk To Me
6. Born To Rock
7. Brand New Boy
8. All Of My Tears
9. On Video
10. Girl Who Likes To Cry

Link:
http://rapidshare.com/files/44781292/Shanghai-Shanghai.rar

ALAN MERRILL

Another rare piece of vinyl: Session guitarist Alan Merrill's solo album from 1985. I once saw Alan Merrill live, paired with Bob Kulick, on a Meat Loaf Concert. Great memory... Good album, basic good hard rock album, if you like Eddie Money, Streetheart, Rick Derringer in the 80's, and such stuff, check this out!

Alan Merrill - Guitar, Bass, Organ, Synth, Lead and backing vocals (The Arrows, Cozy Powell, Runner, Hilly Micheals, Rick Derringer, Weird Al, Meat Loaf, DC Lacroix, Joan Jett)

Benjy King - Synth Jimmy Wilcox - Drums, backing vocals
Donnie Kisselbach - Backing vocals
Fiona Flanagan - Backing vocals
Eddie Tuduri - Drums
Rick Derringer - Guitar, backing vocals 'Love Express'
Alan Tarney - Guitar
Trevor Spencer - Drums
Terry Taylor - Guitar
Tom Strohlman - Alto Sax
Dallas Taylor - Drums, percussion
Steve Gould - Guitar, backing vocals
Dave Still - Percussion
Steve Winwood - Keyboards
Mike Driscoll - Drums
Damalza - Percussion
Oliver Tobias - Backing vocals

All music guide:
'Alan Merrill has had a long and varied career as a pop musician on three continents. Born Allan Sachs, the son of singer Helen Merrill and horn man Aaron Sachs, singer, guitarist, bassist and songwriter Merrill played in several bands in Greenwich Village as a teen before moving to Japan, where, as a member of the group the Lead, he signed a recording deal with RCA Victor Tokyo in 1968. The Lead had one big hit in Japan, "Aoi Bara," before breaking up, leaving Merrill as a solo act. He recorded two albums in 1970 and 1971, Merrill 1 and Alone in Tokyo, becoming a huge star in Japan's domestic market, working as a TV host and soap opera actor as well as recording music. Tired of being viewed as a "teen idol," Merrill formed the glam rock group Vodka Collins with drummer Horoshi Oguchi, recording the enduring TokyoNew York album for EMI Records, which spawned three hit singles, including a beautiful Merrill composition, "Sands of Time."
Merrill left Vodka Collins to form The Arrows in the U.K. in 1974. Among the groups' hits was the first version of "I Love Rock N Roll," later an even larger smash for Joan Jett. Merrill continued his television appearances in Britain, hosting a weekly series called The Arrows Show. When punk hit, The Arrows broke up, and Merrill formed the band Runner, recording the selftitled Runner for Island Records in 1978, before returning to the States, where he joined Rick Derringer's band. He released a solo album on Polydor in 1985, then joined Meat Loaf's band for a pair of albums. He had a reoccurring part in the HBO series Encyclopedia Brown, and began working with producer Jon Tiven in the Jon Tiven Group. Demand for a Vodka Collins reunion brought him back to Japan for three reunion albums by the band in the late 1990s. In 2002 Merrill released a 22song solo
project called Cupid Deranged, which was in essence a career retrospective. A holiday album, A Merrilly Christmas appeared that same year. A double album tribute to songwriters Arthur Alexander and Otis Blackwell, Double Shot Rocks, saw release in 2003, followed by another solo project, Aleecat, in 2004. Steve Leggett, All Music Guide'.

Alan Merrill - Alan Merril. 1985.
Produced by Alan Merrill.
Own vinyl rip. BitRate 192.

01 - She Rocks Me
02 - Hard Hearted Woman
03 - Keep On Comin
04 - Love Express
05 - Cold Cold September
06 - Rock Me In Rhythm
07 - N.Y. City
08 - Rain Chasing Dreams
09 - Freewheeler
10 - Always Another Train

Link:
http://rapidshare.com/files/44792077/AlanMerrill-AlanMerrill.rar


My next posts will have 1 NWOBHM double single added as a bonus. None of the artists need more info, and here's the first one out:

NWOBHM Bonus single 1:

Tygers Of Pan Tang - Hellbound Single. 1981.
Produced by Chris Tsangarides
Side A: 01 - Hellbound
Side B: 02 - Don't Give A Damn

Free Bonus Single - The Audition Tapes
Side A: 03 - Bad Times
Side B: 04 - Don't Take Nothin'


Link:
http://rapidshare.com/files/44776582/TygersEP.rar

Hope you'll like this stuff, and if you do, please leave a comment :) Rock on!

No Dice, Gambler? Gulliver, Taxxi!! Have fun...

A few recently ripped vinyls. One amazingly good album, 3 pure gems for the completionists.
I'd like to say Thank You! to all for some kind words'n'messages, I'll try to blog what you ask for, but I gotta say that some people out there are looking for real hard to find stuff. Most of what you're asking for, I sadly can't help, but at least I can have an eye open for it now... Well, and now the music...

NO DICE

Another band I know very little about. Other than I love this album!
It sometimes make me think of the UK band Widowmaker and their debut album, the mix of classic slow songs and solid rockers. There might have been a new-wave'ish promotion of this band, but I assure you, this album are good hard rock combined with a nose for great songs.
If you haven't heard it, what are you waiting for!? Two more to come by No Dice, I actually got no idea how many they released. Info, anyone!? :)

No Dice - 2 Faced. 1979.
Produced by Rupert Holmes

Roger Ferris - Vocals
David Martin - Guitar, Harmonica
Gary Strange - Bass Guitar
Chris Wyles - Percussion, Drums

1. Momma Do Stop Your Children Watchin' What Your Momma Do
2. Shooting In The Dark
3. I Keep It To Myself
4. Angel With A Dirty Face
5. No Stone Unturned
6. Come Dancing
7. If You Had Nothing
8. Bad Boys
9. Upt Up 'N' Left Me

Link:
http://rapidshare.com/files/43837007/NoDice-2Faced.rar

TAXXI

Taxxi - State Of Emergency. 1982.
Produced by Phil Kaffel

David Cumming - Guitars, lead and background vocals
Colin Payne - Keyboards, background vocals
Jeffrey Nead - Drums
with
Tim Gorman - Keyboards, background vocals
Danny Chauncey - Guitars
Randy Jackson - Bass

1. Girl (New York City)
2. The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter
3. Cocktail Queen (Don't She Love To Rock & Roll)
4. I'm Leaving
5. Players
6. Gold Digger
7. Whipping Boy
8. I Remember

Link:

http://rapidshare.com/files/44608320/Taxxi-StatesOfEmergency.rar

GULLIVER

Talkin' about knowing nothing. I once bought this album, and although it didn't strike me as the album I hoped for, but I've given it quite some spins through the years. The reason I bought it was 'Produced By Richie Wise', short enough after ending their work with the the two first albums of KISS. No loud guitars on this one. Kind of Pop Pomp. If I do have to make a comparing... I might say REO Speedwagon from Hi In-fidelity and after. With a touch of Styx/Dennis De Young here and there... without touching the classic stuff made by those two mentioned bands. Quite enjoyable anyway, and to judge it yourself, give it a try.

Gulliver - Ridin' The Wind. 1979.
Produced by Richie Wise.

John Weider (Steve Marriott, Eric Burdon, Stud, Ro Ro)
Dana Buck
David Buck
David Carron

Info on David Carron (R.I.P.) here:
http://www.wendydarling.org/index.html

1. Miracle Tonight
2. Lovin' A Dream
3. The Wonder Of It All
4. Bright Lights
5. Ridin' The Wind
6. Danger In The Night
7. Heartaches And Heartaches
8. Wild Bells
9. No Livin' Without You
10. See It Comin'



Link:
http://rapidshare.com/files/43598373/Gulliver-Ridin_TheWind.rar

GAMBLER

As promised, the second album by Gambler. I kinda like both albums, but would've suited my ears better with another singer. Enjoy it anyway. I'll do my own rip of 'Teenage Magic', later this week.

Nathan Shaffer - Lead Vocals, Guitar
Warren Mays - Lead Guitar and Vocals
Del Breckenfeld - Bass Guitar and Vocals
Bruce Breckenfeild - Assorted Keyboards and Vocals
Chuck Schwartz - Drums and Percussion

(A bit more info in the 'Teenage Magic' posting, look in the archives, June.)

Gambler - Love And Other Crimes. 1980.
Produced by Phil Bonananno and Gambler.

1. Something Crazy
2. It Never Felt Like This
3. Even A Loser
4. Dirty Susie
5. Double Indemnity
6. Head Hunter
7. She's My Girl
8. Hotline
9. Life On The Line
10. I Put My Love



Link:
http://rapidshare.com/files/43827524/Gambler-LoveAndOtherCrimes.rar

A request...

Hi all. Back from some days at a rock festival. The recovery takes more time each year, but I'll soon be rippin' vinyls like there's no tomorrow, so drop by once in a while. And please leave a message if there's anything you appreciate.First a quick request. I have this vinyl somewhere, and I'd be happy to rip it in a better condition if I can, when I find it. But this might do in the meantime.

TROOPER

Trooper - Trooper. 1975.
BitRate 128. Not my rip.

1. I'm In Trouble Again
2. General Hand Grenade
3. All Of The Time
4. Eddy Takes It Easy
5. Roller Rink
6. Baby Woncha Please Come Home
7. Love Of My Life
8. Don't Stop Now

Link:
http://rapidshare.com/files/43470768/Trooper-1st-1975.rar

Triple treat & some days off... see ya.

Small Talk

RockDetector:

'Founded from the ashes of the Columbia signed Pop Rock outfit ROCK ROSE, SMALL TALK basically featured the same line-up with the exception of drummer Jack D'Amore, who had been replaced by frontman Frank Demme's brother Lou. ROCK ROSE had only recorded one album, released in 1979. SMALL TALK could also only manage a single, self-titled album through MCA Records in 1981 that meandered in the same general direction as ROCK ROSE with a similar lack of success.'

-

I really like the Rock Rose album a lot (posted here, look in the archives), and this is the same band with a new drummer, but also softer all over. There's no 'Diary of Fools', 'Daddy's Car' or 'Matinee Mood' here. Sadly enough. I like the album, but there should've been some uptempo or rockin' tracks here. Which there aren't at all. As they states on the album cover, 'Thanks to hard pop lovers everywhere'. It's just isn't hard. More like a randomly picked Toto album without the sparkling highlights. And without the surgical precision approch to the studio, playing and production that Toto have.

Small Talk - Small Talk. 1981.
Produced by Joe Falsia.
Own vinyl rip. BitRate 192.

1. When I Get You Alone
2. Stop In The Name Of Love
3. Survive
4. I Like The Fire
5. I Want Your Love
6. She Said Stay
7. That's Rock n' Roll
8. What's Your Name
9. Say Goodbye
10. Ten Minutes

Link:
http://rapidshare.com/files/42375781/SmallTalk-SmallTalk.rar

OZZ

Is this a terrible cheesy cover or what? Yes it is. Is the album any good? Yes, indeed it is!! I don't exactly know why I bought this back then, but I've never regreted. Filled with good quality hard rock, and I'm sure a lot of you'll like it. Forget the cover, give it a try, you'll be surprised. I never knew much about this album/band/project, but if you're interested in some input, ckeck out rockdetector.com


Ozz - No Prisoners. 1980.
Produced by Andy Johns, Gregg Parker and Alexis T. Angel.
Own vinyl rip. BitRate 192. Some clicks.

1. Sail On
2. Ain't No Money
3. Givin' Up On Love
4. Sister Madness
5. Checkin' It Out
6. Baby Don't You Cry
7. Hungry Love
8. Dreams
9. Lonely Rider
10. Just Got Back

Alexis T. Angel - Lead & backing vocals
Gregg Parker - All guitars & backing vocals
Musicians:
Donnell Hagen - Drums
Craig Gruber - Bass
Willie Bass - Bass (!)
Michael Cavanaugh - Keyboards & synthesizers
Ollie Brown - Percussion

Link:
http://rapidshare.com/files/42367974/Ozz-NoPrisoners.rar

Spanos

Well, what can I say. Why not post this one too, as I've recently posted 2 albums by Danny Spanos. Another one with a Streetheart track and connection, and Spencer Proffer, Randy Bishop contributing... and enough guitars to be an album worth hearing & having. More like if Eddie Money were into The Small Faces kinda rock'n'roll. Actually sometimes a bit like Quireboys. Just a thought... it says on the cover 'To all of you beautiful blondes out for Trouble... see ya!' And I think he actually DID see a lot of them. I may be wrong, but my guess is that the one with the most trouble would be Spanos himself. 3 albums with songtitles as Lorraine, Molly, Hot Cherie, Anita, I'd Lie To You For Your Love, Excuse Me... says it all.

Danny Spanos - Looks Like Trouble. 1984.
Produced by Spencer Proffer.
Engineered by Duane Baron.
Own vinyl rip. BitRate 192.

1. I'd Lie To You For Your Love(Frankie Miller, Jeff Barry)
2. Change Of Heart (Spencer Proffer, David Payne)
3. Wherever There's Smoke (There's Fire)(Randy Bishop)
4. Lorraine (Jeff Neill)
5. Excuse Me(Spencer Proffer, David Payne)
6. Comin' True(Jeff Neill, Spider Sinnaeve, Kenny Shields, Daryl Gutheil, Randy Bishop)
7. Are You Ready Now (Spencer Proffer, David Payne)
8. Molly (Randy Bishop)
9. Looks Like Trouble(Danny Spanos, Dana Strum, Ron Mancuso)
10. Good Girl (Danny Spanos, Dana Strum, Ron Mancuso)

Danny Spanos - Lead and backing vocals.
Dana Strum - Bass and backing vocals.
Joey DePompeis - Drums, percussion and backing vocals.
Jawn Bertzer - Guitar.

Guests:
Ron Marcuso, guitars all tracks.
Ross Bolton, keyboards all tracks.
Frankie Banali, drums 'Excuse Me'.
Rick Derringer, guitar 'Excuse Me'.
Duane Hitchings, keyboards 'Excuse Me'.
Jimmy Johnson, bass 'Excuse Me'.

Link:

http://rapidshare.com/files/42327918/DannySpanos-LooksLikeTrouble.rar

First Spanos

Danny Spanos

For a bit more info, see last blog. For my mentioning of Eddie Money/Rod Stewart, definately forget Rod Stewart on this one, no associations what so ever in that direction. More like basic hard rock. Earl Slick, as always, don't deliver bad stuff. Recommended.

Danny Spanos - Danny Spanos. 1980.
Produced by John Alcock and Andy Johns.
Own vinyl rip. BitRate 192.

1. One Night Stands
2. Going For The One
3. Rastaman
4. Livewire Express
5. In The Morning
6. Queen Of The Boulevard
7. Under My Skin
8. She Is Butter
9. Come See Me Live
10. Rock Me Shock Me

Keyboards - Duane Hitchings
Guitars - Earl Slick
Bass - Sam Pate, Kim Gardner, Pat Vegas
Drums - A. J. Maday, Ross Salamon
Harmonica - Curly Smith
Saxophone - Tom Scott
Background vocals - Danny Spanos, John Joyce

Link:
http://rapidshare.com/files/42186331/DannySpanosDanny_Spanos.rar

Spanos Passion

DANNY SPANOS

wikipedia.org:
'Danny Spanos is best know for his 1983 Rock and Roll Album "Passion In The Dark" which produced the top 40 hit single "Hot Cherie" and received big airplay on radio stations nationwide in the summer of 1983. He had a video for the song "Excuse Me" which made it into the MTV video rotation in early 1983. Born and Raised in South Lyon, Michigan, he was know as George Spannos, and went on to play drums under his given name with several groups, including Redbone, known best for their hit song "come and get your love" in the 1970s. He also played drums on the theme music for the 1970s TV series Starsky and Hutch.'

Really not an 'album' as it contains only 5 tracks, more like an EP. It's the best Spanos 'album' I've heard, and the reason might be that his albums tends to be a bit boring in my ears. NOT like Van Stephenson as I've seen mentioned some places, think Eddie Money, think Rod Stewart, and you're pretty close to what style this is. Some highly experienced and respected musicians on this EP. Recommended listening, and your girlfriend might love it.


Danny Spanos - Passion In The Dark. 1983.
Produced by Spencer Proffer. Engineered by Duane Baron.

1. One Track Heart (Passion In The Dark)(Randy Bishop, Carmine Appice, Duane Hitchings)
2. Hot Cherie(Randy Bishop, Jeff Neill, Kenny Shields, Spider Sinnaeve, Darryl Gutheil)(The opening track on Streethearts '84 album 'Buried Treasures', and later on
Hardline's 'Double Eclipse' 1992.)
3. Excuse Me (Spencer Proffer, Devin Payne)
4. Slice Of Life(Kerryn Tolhurst)
5. Anita(Randy Bishop, Carmine Appice, Duane Hitchings)

Danny Spanos - Vocals
Carmaine Appice - Drums
Frankie Banali - Drums
Rick Derringer - Guitars
Richard Bennett - Acoustic guitars 'Excuse Me'
Jimmy Johnson - Bass
Duane Hitchings - Keyboards
Randy Kerber - Keyboards 'Excuse Me'
Backing vocals - Randy Bishop, Tommy Faragher, Danny Spanos



Link:
http://rapidshare.com/files/41885456/DannySpanos-PassionInTheDark_.rar

Hellfield 2

Hellfield

Hellfield - Nightmusic. 1979.
Own vinyl rip. BitRate 192.

As promised, the second release from canadian group Hellfield. More info in the archives, where you can find their first album too.

canadianbands.com:
'By the release of NIGHT MUSIC in '79, the band had Charlie Mitchell as the new drummer and Paul Rowes had replaced Hovey on guitars. Gosewich and Gallo returned as the production team and the new record again featured tight writing and a melodic metal approach, spawning another two singles, the title track and "Caroline". Other noteable tracks included "Sister Blue" and "Running Back To You".'

I totally disagree the use of the term 'a melodic metal approach' here. It's not a bad album, but much more soft and less prog & rock than their first album, which I like a lot better. No rockers here. Enjoy it anyway!

1. Caroline
2. Crazy
3. Sister Blue
4. Small World
5. Out Of The Night
6. Night Music
7. I Shoulda Seen It In Your Eyes
8. Man Teasing Woman
9. Know It From The Start
10.Runnin Back To You

Link:
http://rapidshare.com/files/41871224/Hellfield-Nightmusic.rar