MOLLY HATCHET ‘S/T’ CANDY412
BY THE MID 1970s the southern rock sound had been well and truly established by the likes of the Allman Brothers Band, the Outlaws and, most prominently, Lynyrd Skynyrd. It was a style that seemed resistant to change but with the release of Molly Hatchet’s debut album in 1978, that tradition was challenged by a bigger, louder and harder sound that introduced elements of contemporary hard rock into the mix. Indeed, Hatchet’s debut album signalled a new, supercharged, approach to old school blues and country music.
Formed in Jacksonville, Florida, 1971, and led by guitarist Dave Hlubek, Molly Hatchet finally settled on their classic line-up in 1977 and signed to Epic Records by A&R man and in house record producer Tom Werman. Skynyrd leader Ronnie Van Zant heard and liked the band early on and was originally scheduled to produce their debut but his tragic death in the infamous plane crash scuppered that idea. With Danny Joe Brown on vocals and two further guitarists to beef up the sound, the band relied on the more than capable Werman to assume the producer’s role.
Released in 1978, the album single-handedly reset the southern rock template, introducing a raw and aggressive edge to the scene which won them immediate support and unexpectedly large sales. Check out tracks such as ‘Bounty Hunter’, ‘Gator Country’ and ‘The Creeper’ for unequivocal proof that southern rock had entered in a new era. There was, however, a nod to the past with a fine cover of the Allman Brothers anthem ‘Dreams’ retitled ‘Dreams I’ll Never See’. Oh, and let’s not forget the stunning album cover art by Frank Frazetta, a man that supplied the band with his distinctive artwork for the next two albums.
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR’S EDITION. Fully remastered sound shaped from 24 BIT digital technology, Southern rock classic album, 5 previously unreleased bonus tracks, 16 page full colour booklet, 3,500 word essay, enhanced artwork, rare photos and new interview.
TRACK LISTING: 1. BOUNTY HUNTER 2. GATOR COUNTRY 3. BIG APPLE 4. THE CREEPER 5. THE PRICE YOU PAY 6. DREAMS I’LL NEVER SEE 7. I’LL BE RUNNING 8. CHEATIN’ WOMAN 9. TRUST YOUR OLD FRIEND. **BONUS TRACKS** MOLLY HATCHET LIVE 1978: 10. BOUNTY HUNTER 11. GATOR COUNTRY 12. BIG APPLE 13. DREAMS I’LL NEVER SEE 14. TRUST YOUR OLD FRIEND
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR’S EDITION. Fully remastered sound shaped from 24 BIT digital technology, Southern rock classic album, 5 previously unreleased bonus tracks, 16 page full colour booklet, 3,500 word essay, enhanced artwork, rare photos and new interview.
TRACK LISTING: 1.BOUNTY HUNTER 2.GATOR COUNTRY 3.BIG APPLE 4.THE CREEPER 5.THE PRICE YOU PAY 6.DREAMS I’LL NEVER SEE 7.I’LL BE RUNNING 8.CHEATIN’ WOMAN 9.TRUST YOUR OLD FRIEND. BONUS TRACKS: LIVE 1978: 10.BOUNTY HUNTER 11.GATOR COUNTRY 12.BIG APPLE 13.DREAMS I’LL NEVER SEE 14.TRUST YOUR OLD FRIEND
SABU ‘S/T’ CANDY386
THE NAME PAUL Sabu is held in incredibly high esteem amongst rock fans. His musical output has consistently attracted praise - the quality of songwriting, singing and performance securing him a star in the AOR/melodic rock scene that continues to burn brightly. However, his first foray into the music business actually commenced in the late ‘70s, producing a succession of successful disco records for a number of artists. He was quickly offered a solo deal and released a self-titled, but band-orientated, rock/disco hybrid under the Sabu handle, which had little commercial impact.
After going back to the drawing board he was the offered an album deal with the giant MCA label, who were backing his plans to record a rock record. The result was another full band project issued, once again, with the album title ‘Sabu’, but this time the music was full-on melodic hard rock. MCA objected to a number of recorded songs and stripped a few tracks off the final release – making it a six song record of just 30 minutes duration. Clearly this was a blow for Paul, but the quality of the remaining songs was undeniable.
Produced by Paul himself, the results are spectacular. Opening track ‘Rock Me Slowly’ has the feel and swagger of an all-time classic rock track, with sweeping chords and terrific vocals that wouldn’t be out of place on a Bad Company or Sammy Hagar record. And it only gets better. ‘Tracks such as ‘Wet And Wild’, ‘Turn Back’ and ‘Streetheart’ pack a massive punch. But it’s the addition of several blistering bonus tracks to this re-issue, original lost material, that will excite his followers most.
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR’S EDITION. Fully remastered sound shaped from 24 BIT digital technology, First time on CD! Features 5 previously unreleased tracks, Contains ‘Rock Me Slowly’, Wet And Wild’ and ‘Streetheart’, 16 page full colour booklet – 3,500 word essay and enhanced artwork.
TRACK LISTING: 1.ROCK ME SLOWLY 2.WET AND WILD 3.TURN BACK 4.SHAKIN’ LOOSE 5.STREETHEART 6.FOR LOVERS ONLY. BONUS TRACKS: 7.SKINTIGHT 8.SIX STRING GUN 9.SHE’S NOT THERE 10.NOWHERE TO RUN 11.BAD MOON
KIDD GLOVE ‘S/T’CANDY388
PAUL SABU - already with a superb rock album under his belt - had become an early ‘80s a name to watch. His superlative voice and penchant for crafting solid yet melodic rock made him a desirable commodity, something that didn’t escape the notice of a new record label called Morocco, a spin-off from Motown. It might have sounded like a strange coupling but the revered soul and pop label was keen to penetrate the burgeoning rock market and what better way to start than to sign Paul Sabu.
However, in a strange and circuitous route, the label initially hired two renowned songwriters to write songs for an album and started the search for a frontman. Paul was recruited and the project was bestowed with the name Kidd Glove. Recording commenced at Motown’s famous Hitsville studio in Hollywood, but not without some curious manoeuvres by the label and the studio. Musicians were recruited from a proven roster of Motown session players and the producer was aghast when Paul wanted to use his Marshall amplification, equipment that had rarely been used at the studio before!
Issued in 1984, the album initially looked like it was going to connect with the public, but for some inexplicable reason the label suddenly got cold feet and cooled their publicity efforts. That was a shame as the record contained a fine selection of tough yet melodic hard rock, with tracks such as ‘Hellzarockin’, ‘Killer Instinct’ and ‘Spirit Of The Night’ emphasising Paul’s distinctive vocals and superb guitar work. For Sabu it was a bitter pill to swallow but it didn’t diminish his desire or ability to continue on with his rock ‘n’ roll quest.
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR’S EDITION. Fully remastered sound shaped from 24 BIT digital technology, features 4 bonus tracks, contains ‘Hellzarockin’, ‘Killer Instinct’ and ‘Sprit Of The Night’, 12 page full colour booklet – 3,500 word essay and enhanced artwork
TRACK LISTING: 1.GOOD CLEAN FUN 2 KILLER INSTINCT 3.STREET ANGEL 4.SPIRIT OF THE NIGHT 5.FADE TO BLACK 6.HELLZAROCKIN’ 7.SOMEWHERE IN A SONG 8.SECRETS 9.SUSIE WANTS TO BE A STAR. BONUS TRACKS: 10.BROTHERS FOREVER 11.ROCK YOUR WORLD 12.ROCK DON’T RUN 13.VIKING BOY
ZON 'ASTRAL PROJECTOR' CANDY424 (FOUR BONUS TRACKS)
BY THE TIME of the late 70s, rock music had coalesced into various styles and genres. One branch moving towards perfection and, by contrast, experimentation was accurately labelled pomp rock. It was a finely-honed amalgam of early seventies progressive rock, art rock and hard rock, bound together by a developed sense of melody and a keen feel for songwriting. The music world was on fire with such magnificent purveyors as Styx, Kansas, Starcastle, Saga and Trillion. These were acts that took their craft seriously, making sure that musicality and melody were at the very forefront of every move.
Zon were no exception to the ensuing flood of young pomp rock hopefuls. Originating from Toronto, they garnered the attention of Epic records, who signed them hoping to score big with the band’s unique brand of quirky, yet superbly crafted, rock that sounded not unlike a young Styx. Their debut album, ‘Astral Projector’, made quite a splash, hooking fans and critics with its punchy content and adventurous arrangements. Vocalist Denton Young leading the band through a knock-out selection of tracks that were determined to impress.
Boasting a full complement of streamlined tracks, such as opener ‘Put On The Show’, and the fascinating ‘Man In The Mirror’, their glorious mash-up of Styx/Kansas and Genesis is electrifying. There’s even pop rock on offer, such as ‘Talkin’ About’ and ‘Melody’, but the undoubtedly brilliant title track is the cream of the crop. Also look out for four previously unreleased bonus tracks, including ‘The Battle’, an eight minute pomp rock masterclass.
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR’S EDITION. Fully remastered sound shaped from 24 BIT digital technology, Canadian pomp rock classic album, 4 bonus tracks, 16 page full colour booklet, 3,500 word essay, enhanced artwork, rare photos and new interviews
TRACK LISTING: 1. PUT ON THE SHOW 2. TIME FOR YOUR LOVE 3. POINT OF VIEW / WHERE TO SPEND MY DOLLAR? 4. MAN IN THE MIRROR 5. TALKIN’ ABOUT 6. MELODY 7. ON THE ROAD 8. ASTRAL PROJECTOR 9. HOLLYWOOD BONUS TRACKS:10. ASTRAL PROJECTOR (Alt Take) 11. THE BATTLE (Unreleased) 12. HOLLYWOOD (Full version) 13. ON THE ROAD (Alt Take)
ORPHAN 'SALUTE' CANDY336
ORPHAN WERE FORMED in Winnipeg, Manitoba in the early 80s, initially going under the handle of The Pumps. They released a moderately successful album titled ‘Gotta Move’ in 1983 but a planned follow up album was inexplicably shelved, forcing the band to re-evaluate their future. Undeterred, they regrouped, switched their name to Orphan
and scored a coveted contract with label giant Portrait Records. Under this guise they recorded the, now highly praised, album ‘Lonely At Night’ (also available on Rock Candy) produced in New York by Tony Bongiovi and Lance Quinn - the same production team that nurtured Bon Jovi’s early records.
‘Salute’, the band’s highly anticipated follow up album, was a more mature and sophisticated record. Produced by the same British team who worked on The Pumps album (Jon Astley and Phil Chapman) and recorded in Long Island, New York, the record oozes quality and class. Blessed with a polished sheen and a rich tapestry of songs the sound is highly reminiscent of equally impressive Canadian acts such as Red Rider, Honeymoon Suite and Streetheart. But don’t go running away with any idea that they had mellowed out, there’s enough pulsating hard rock to satisfy the most discerning heavy-leaning ear.
Check out tracks such as ‘Stand Up’, ‘Lyin’ To Me’ and ‘Uncle Sam Wants You’ for proof positive of a new found sophistication, whilst the luxuriant, widescreen, vibe of ‘The Way It Should Be’ displays them as more than just a one Dimensional rock outfit. We can’t recommend this album highly enough.
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR’S EDITION. Fully remastered sound shaped from 24 BIT digital technology, Classy Canadian's second highly rated AOR album, 12 page full colour booklet, 3,500 word essay, enhanced artwork and new interviews
TRACK LISTING: 1. OPEN UP THE SKIES 2. LYIN’ TO ME 3. WOMAN IN LOVE 4. CRAZY FOR THE NIGHT 5. STAND UP 6. A LITTLE HEART AND SOUL 7. OLD ENOUGH TO KNOW 8. UNCLE SAM WANTS YOU 9. STEEL & IRON 10. THE WAY IT SHOULD BE
