MelodicRock Classics Label

Fri

Jun

SCHERER/BATTEN 'BattleZone' Deluxe Edition Out July 26 on MRC

Artist:

Categories:

MelodicRock Classics Label

MelodicRock Classics dives back into the original MelodicRock Records catalogue for the fourth time to reissue an album long out of print, but still in high demand.

Scherer/Batten – ‘Battlezone’ was one of the most acclaimed releases signed to MRR. The 2017 release featured vocalist MARC SCHERER (Scherer/Peterik) and star guitarist JENNIFER BATTEN (Jeff Beck, Michael Jackson) alongside Jim Peterik and band.

For this 2024 re-issue, MRC is offering the Battlezone Deluxe Edition, which gathers the original album plus a selection of rough mixes and demo versions, plus 2 additional unreleased writing demos, ‘Change Everything’ (from MRCD9) and the bonus track ‘Blue Letter’, which previously appeared on the MRR100 compilation release.

Thanks to Danette Pahl, Marc Scherer and Jim Peterik for the assistance in getting this reissue going. It will be limited to just 500 units only.

Track Listing:

CD1:

01. Crazy Love 04:22
02. Rough Diamond 04:05
03. What Do You Really Think 04:14
04. The Sound Of Your Voice 05:14
05. Battle Zone 04:30
06. It Cuts Deep 05:59
07. The Harder I Try 04:58
08. Dreaming With My Eyes Wide Open 04:06
09. Space and Time 04:43
10. Tender Fire 05:30
11. All Roads 04:47

CD2:

01. Sound of Your Voice (Rough Mix)

02. Dreaming With My Eyes Wide Open (Demo)
03. Rough Diamond (Rough Mix)
04. What Do You Really Think (Demo)
05. Space And Time (Rough Mix)
06. Harder I Try (Rough Mix)

07. Tender Fire (Rough Mix)
08. Change of Heart (Writing Demo)
09. In My Lifetime (Writing Demo)

10. Change Everything (Writing Demo)(From MRCD9)

11. Blue Letter (‘The Blue Letter Breakdown’)(From MRR100)

‘BattleZone’ features material exclusively from the Jim Peterik (ex-Survivor, Pride Of Lions, The Ides of March) songbook. Featuring 8 rare musical gems from Jim’s songwriting vault, the album also features 3 brand new tracks, written for this project.

That’s 11 new classic songs, produced by Jim Peterik and featuring the impressive lineup of:

All Lead Vocals: Marc Scherer

All Lead Guitars: Jennifer Batten

Backing Vocals: Marc Scherer, Bill Champlin, Bryan Cole, Brian Hemstock, Danette Pahl

Alternate Lead and Rhythm Guitars: Jennifer Batten, Mike Aquino, Dave Carl, Jim Peterik

Bass Guitars: Bill Syniar, Klem Hayes

Keyboards: Jim Peterik, Christian Cullen, Chris Neville, Barb Unger

Drums: Dave Kelly, Ed Breckenfeld

Sax: Mindi Abair

Additional credits include:

Executive Producer: Danette Pahl

Engineered by: Larry Millas

Mastered by: Larry Millas at World Stage Studios and JK Northrup at Alien Productions

Mixed by: Jim Peterik and Larry Millas

Keyboard Programming: Larry Millas and Christian Cullen

Art Direction and Cover Art: Nello Dell'Omo

Jim Peterik comments: “As a long-time enthusiast of Marc Scherer's vocal chops and the expertise of rock guitar goddess Jennifer Batten, you can imagine how excited I am at the release of Scherer/ Batten ‘BattleZone’ album. As a song writer and producer, it was a dream come true mining some lost gems from my many years in rock, producing them to a new lustre and even writing three brand new cuts with Marc and Jennifer - Cuts Deep, The Harder I Try and the title track BattleZone.

Andrew McNeice and Danette Pahl of Melodic Rock Records gave me the artistic leeway and financial support to create the album of a lifetime.

Working with one of the best engineers in the business, Larry Millas, and musicians like multiple Grammy Award Winner Bill Champlin of Chicago, bassist Bill Syniar (formerly of Survivor), Mike Aquino (guitarist and singer from World Stage), and two-time Grammy Nominated saxophonist, Mindi Abair, along with Dave Kelly and Bryan Cole, brought depth and texture to the tracks that is palpable.

You can hear our excitement in every song. I guess you can see I'm pumped.

I dare you to crank up BattleZone or Tender Fire or Crazy Love and not rediscover why you fell in love with melodic rock in the first place. I double dare ya!!”

Jennifer Batten: “It was such a pleasure to jump into such a high-level inspiring project! Marc’s vocals are out of this world, the grooves are kickin’, and working with Jim Peterik is so joyous and creative. I can’t wait to take this to the stage!”

And finally, the vocalist fronting this extraordinary project, Marc Scherer: “Even something as innocuous as lunch with Jim Peterik can inspire great things…

It was during one such meeting that Jim and I conceived of an album showcasing his lost musical treasures. Thanks to the contributions of long-time Peterik enthusiast and personal friend Danette Pahl, we now have lift-off!

While the brain trust of talent surrounding Jim enhances any idea, this album is extra special because it features a collaboration with one of the world’s greatest guitarists, Jennifer Batten – who played three world tours with Michael Jackson and two with Jeff Beck. They say you know when it’s right in the first 30 seconds, but in this case, you can sense the magic in the first few notes. BattleZone blends the songwriting craftsmanship and storytelling genius of Jim Peterik with the artistry of some of the most amazing musicians in the business. As Jennifer observed, the battle can be internal: the fight to be better, to raise the bar and challenge yourself while stirring the musical cauldron. I truly believe that we have captured lightning in a bottle and I’m so eager for everyone to share in this experience.”

Scherer/Batten ‘BattleZone Deluxe Edition’ will be released via MelodicRock Classics on CD & Digital July 26.

Tags:

Scherer/Batten

Mon

May

RIO 'Dangerzone' Out June 30 - The Bands Second Album Repackaged & Remastered

Artist:

Rio

Categories:

MelodicRock Classics Label

PRE-ORDER NOW: https://melodicrockclassics.com/rio-dangerzone.html

MelodicRock Classics continues their partnership with acclaimed British melodic rock band RIO for the release of their second album – now presented with a new title and brand-new artwork – both driven by the band’s vision for what the second album should have looked like when originally released.

The band’s Steve Rodford sets the record straight: “We are finally be able to address the dreadful original album cover and name. Titled ‘Sex Crimes’, this was our 2nd and last album for Music For Nations and the fact that Elektra Records in the States (who had licenced the first album from MFN) hadn’t taken up the option of a 2nd album, meant the budget for this album was nowhere near what we had for ‘Borderland’. When it came to the cover art, the label had gone ahead and designed it without consulting us, and it was quite a shock to see they’d gone with a topless woman with angel wings and a whip! It all felt so seedy and we both hated it. Then they told us there was no budget left to re-design it! So it feels so good to be able to finally re-package the whole thing in a much cooler way, and also with a new name, both of us feeling that ‘Dangerzone’ is a better and more representative lead track for the record. Finally, to have the whole thing re-mastered is a real joy, getting it in a better place sonically rounds things off perfectly.”

So with that said, RIO ‘Dangerzone’ will be released by MRC June 30, with new artwork from the band completed off by resident designer Nello Dell’Omo and remastered by JK Northrup.

Track Listing:

01. Pay For Love

02. Under Pressure

03. Atlantic Radio

04. Highschool Rock

05. Guilty

06. When The Walls Come Down

07. Danger Zone

08. Sex Crimes

09. Dirty Movies

10. Bad Blood

Bonus Tracks:

11. Atlantic Radio (Original Demo)

12. Guilty (Original Demo)

13. Pay For Love (Original Demo)

Vocals, Guitar & Backing Vocals – Jon Neil

Drums, Bass & Keyboards – Steve Rodford

Additional musicians: Backing Vocals – John Verity

All songs written and arranged by – Jon Neil, Steve Rodford

Producer and 1st Engineer – Steve Rodford

Remastered by JK Northrup

Additional tracks – Original demos produced and mixed by Steve Rodford.

Artwork design: Jon Neil Willoughy @StudioWibblee

Pre-orders for RIO are open now.

CD released June 30 on MelodicRock Classics

Tags:

Rio

Thu

May

THE MUGGS Triple Album Delivery on CD For The First Time May 31

Artist:

The Muggs

Categories:

MelodicRock Classics Label

MelodicRock Classics is proud to deliver a true cult 80s classic by releasing The Muggs’ 1985 gem ‘Rockin’ The Midnight Light’ on CD for the first time on May 31.

But that’s not all. It’s a triple treat of 80s American AOR with the release of the full studio catalogue from The Muggs.

Joining the release of the 1985 classic is the band’s 1983 debut album ‘Subject Of Assault’ and their cassette only 1988 album ‘Touche’ – all three titles are on CD for the very first time, fully remastered from best available sources by JK Northrup.

Although not officially part of the 500 Series of releases, it is anticipated that these titles will be limited to 500 units each. So once gone…

As a special bonus to those that pre-order the 3 CDs from The Muggs, a bonus digital download of the album ‘Most Wanted’ will be included in the advance digital audio delivery.

‘Most Wanted’ was a 1986 covers album the band recorded for fun. It was released on LP but isn’t part of the CD re-issue series.

The band would like to dedicate these CD releases to Bob Mugleston “…our brother and bass player, RIP June 1, 2023.”

PRE-ORDER NOW AT: https://melodicrockclassics.com/themuggs.html

Track Listings:

SUBJECT (1983)

01. Subject Of Assault

02. Take Her Away

03. You Sent Me Away

04. I'll Do What I Like

05. Nice And Plain

06. Thief In The Night

07. Everyday

08. All I Need

09. Hey Do You Want Me

10. Take It From Here

ROCKIN’ THE MIDNIGHT LIGHT (1985)

01. Run For Your Life

02. Don't Let Go

03. No Way To Hide

04. I Don't Want To Say Goodbye

05. I Can't Sleep At Night

06. Rockin' In The Midnight Light

07. Wire Tappin

08. Jungle

09. Matter Of Fact

10. Comeback

TOUCHE (1988)

01. Two Times Over

02. Who's Gonna Save The World Tonite

03. Survivin' On A Dream

04. State Of Mind

05. Somebody's Watchin' You

06. Caught In The Act

07. Out Of My Range

08. It's Up To You

09. This Time To Stay

10. Nothin's Lost Forever

MOST WANTED (1986)(DIGITAL BONUS)

01. Neutron Dance

02. Bang On The Drum

03. Heartache Tonight

04. Living On The Edge

05. Ain’t That A Shame

06. Great Balls Of Fire

07. Great Gosh All Mighty

08. She Won’t Dance

09. Bobby’s Drum Solo

10. Gimee Some Lovin’

About The Muggs:

The Muggs aka "The Mugleston Family Band", The Muglestons, The Muggs...

A family that started out as a small musical trio in 1963 ages 6 to 9 years old. Bob (the oldest) playing an accordion, Desiree (the only sister) on the piano, and Blaine on the drums. The younger siblings Troy and Lance joined the band as they got a little older 5 and 3 years, adding the charm of this group of kids on the stage. Their journey took them on a 24-year fun ride playing shows across the US, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Caribbean as a show band, opening for numerous headliners in the casino showrooms and at State fairgrounds across the land.

Their love for harmonies and writing songs came from the many hours spent at the piano with "Uncle Jim Hickman", the barbershop chorus director who came to the house every Monday night in the young years of the Muggs. The recording career started in 1972-73 with their first album "Little Red School House", followed by the 1977 album "The Muglestons".

Working on their song writing skills and making music became one of their favorite things to do when not on the road. In 1983 "Subject of Assault" was filled with originals, 1985 "Rockin In The Midnight Light" led to their last two albums as a group. A home studio recorded album of songs performed on stage for their fans wanting to capture the performance 1986 "The Muggs Live" and an all original album in 1988 "Touche". We are looking forward to sharing the three original albums again with our fans and some new listeners.

Lance Mugleston, the guitar man, continued to write and record albums after The Muggs came to an end in 1992. "Carousel" and "While The Giant Sleeps" are both albums that are timeless and great albums.

Enjoy the music.

Subject Of Assault, Rockin The Midnight Light and Touche are all released May 31 on MelodicRock Classics.

Tags:

The Muggs

Thu

May

BIG GAME Mega Rarity Remaster & Reissue on MelodicRock Classics May 31

Artist:

Big Game

Categories:

MelodicRock Classics Label

MelodicRock Classics goes back to the mid-90s to uncover audio from one of the rarest indie EPs released at the time. The band is BIG GAME and their self-titled 5 track EP gave them a shot at bigger things, but you know the story.

Now the tracks have been dusted off, but not only that, the archives have been fully plundered to deliver the original EP, several additional unreleased demos and a few “official bootleg” live tracks.

It is the complete BIG GAME recording sessions on one disc, remastered once again by JK Northrup and limited to just 500 Units worldwide. Once gone…they’re gone!

PRE-ORDER NOW: https://melodicrockclassics.com/biggame.html

Big Game is:

John McAfee - Lead Vocals/Guitars/Keyboard programming

Dan Strickland - Guitars/Vocals

Nep Sindel - Bass Guitar/Vocals

Sid Siddall - Drums/Percussion/Vocals

Track Listing:

01. Yesterday’s Gone

02. I Won’t Give Up

03. Out Of The Blue

04. The Assassin

05. Only For You

06. Always Gonna Be With You

07. No Room For Love (Demo)

08. Walls Come Down

09. Reason For The Season

10. Angel (Demo)

11. Let Me Be The One (Demo)

12. Broken Promises (Demo)

13. Cry Me A River (Demo)

14. And I (Demo)

15. Endless Nights (Demo)

16. Heart and Soul (Live)

17. Stop Runnin From My Love (Live)

18. Goin Off (Instrumental)(Live)

About Big Game:

BIG GAME is the Recording project launched by Mid-West Guitarist, Singer/Songwriter John McAfee in the Summer of 1995 after leaving his former band “The Affair” (Mind Dust Records) of 11 years where he paid his dues playing as many as 300 dates a year recording and touring extensively in the U.S.A., Canada, and abroad (Richard Josef Soviet Glastnost Tour 1989) receiving MTV and Radio airplay. John was also an endorsing artist for GHS Strings, Washburn Guitars, Evans Guitar Products, and Laney Amplification.

On Drums and backing Vocals, John’s long-time friend, former band mate and future Brother–in-law Sid Sidall (The Affair, Shyster, Classic IV). Sid’s showmanship and technical finesse was the heart of this red-blooded American Rock & Roll Band. Sid was also known for his work in radio as program director for Toledo’s Rock Station WIOT FM 104.

Bass guitar duties are provided by Nep Sindel (VXN a.k.a. Edwin Dare, D.E.Z., Wolfgang, Gunnar Ross). Nep’s reputation as an accomplished Bassist and Songwriter is well known in the Detroit area, and not only confirms his maturity as a pocket groove player, but also in his contributions as a performer and songwriting team player.

Last but certainly not least on Guitars and Vocals is Dan Strickland (D.E.Z., Wolfgang). Dan’s extensive musical background and classical training often fuels his creative fire as a soloist and songwriter. A multi-instrumentalist, Dan’s use of musical textures adds to the identifiable edge and energy of the band, which is undeniable on tracks like “The Assassin” and Instrumental “Goin Off”.

This Lineup produced an original 5 song EP released in 1996. With 12 other songs that never made it past the Demo stage and live performance, the band went on to headline regional shows and provide support for acts like The Spin Doctors, Vince Neil, .38 Special and more until the turn of the decade.

BIG GAME is released via MelodicRock Classics May 31.

Tags:

Big Game

Tue

Feb

CHRIS ANTBLAD – Collected Works Vol. One, 6CD Set Due March 29 on MRC

Artist:

Chris Antblad

Categories:

MelodicRock Classics Label

PRE-ORDER NOW: https://melodicrockclassics.com/chrisantblad.html

MelodicRock Classics is thrilled to reunite with an old friend – Swedish singer/songwriter CHRIS ANTBLAD – for a 6CD Box Set ‘Collected Works, Volume 1’, a Limited Edition (500 Units) set, which takes in 6 of Chris’ studio albums from recent years, all previously only available via streaming and digital outlets.

This is Chris Antblad’s first physical CD release since ‘A New Dawn’ in 2012.

Chris first worked with MRC’s Andrew McNeice for the release of his debut solo album ‘Century’, back in 2011.

This limited box set captures 6 acclaimed albums, plus several bonus tracks, exclusive for this release.

Available for pre-order NOW, ‘Collected Works Volume 1’ will be released March 29 on MelodicRock Classics.

About Chris Antblad:

Chris Antblad was a big part of the songwriting and vocal talent behind the Spin Galley release ‘Standing Tall’, which came out on Atenzia Records in 2004.

That's just the start - Chris Antblad has spent the better part of his adult life as a musician and primarily as a songwriter. A mix of versatility and exceptional lyricism, has led to many interesting collaborations over the years. Primarily, the songwriting has been concentrated on adult oriented rock music and country. Two styles of music that both are reliant on advanced vocal-parts and arrangements.

After a few years of songwriting, the necessity for good demos fostered a vocal ability that in later years led to more and more vocal work. Growing up outside the Swedish music scene, there was little to choose from, in terms of vocalists, and necessity once again turned out to be the mother of invention. He was forced to learn the art of singing, and after a couple of uncomfortable years, he found himself a decent singer. Combined with the experience as a session keyboard player, with a lot of jazz under the belt, and decent abilities on guitar and bass, the quality of the work started to reach a professional level.

The songwriting led to Nashville and collaborations with some of his heroes like John Bettis, Gary Baker, Eric Martin, Paul Carrack, Michael Jay, Joe Lynn Turner, John Capek, Randy Goodrum, Jay Graydon, Brett James and Wayne Kirkpatrick. His interest for AOR always lingered as a result of growing up in the 80-ies and has led to a long-time collaboration with Joe Lynn Turner and a few noted appearances, one of which was the noted one-off Spin Gallery project.

‘Chris Antblad – Collected Works Vol. 1’ Features:

Disc One - Age Of Concord III: The Last Day Of Summer (2020)

Disc Two - Age Of Concord: America (2020)

Disc Three - Age Of Concord IV (2021)

Disc Four - Age Of Concord 80 (2021)

Disc Five - Sweet Surrender (2022)

Disc Six - The End Of The Beginning (2022)

Full Track Listing:

DISC ONE Age Of Concord III: The Last Day Of Summer

01. Unbroken

02. Lion

03. The Last Day Of Summer

04. Mr. Preacherman

05. A Painting

06. My Heart's Forever Young

07. Tattoos

08. I Played The Piano And She Danced

09. I Prayed For Rain

10. When It Was Only You And Me

11. Words

12. Another Pointless Song (Bonus Track)

13. Hell Is Empty (Bonus Track)

14. Long Live The King (Bonus Track)

DISC TWO Age Of Concord: America

01. When The Rain Is Done

02. Keep On Running

03. Bring Me Down

04. I Knew That Love Was Over

05. Just Hold On

06. Cry On My Shoulder

07. Love Is Nothing More

08. I’m Not Scared

09. A New Girl in Town

10. While Our Broken World Is Weeping

11. Show Me

DISC THREE Age Of Concord IV

01. I Just Needed To Know

02. Breaking Away From The Hero

03. A Summer That Won’t End

04. White Man’s Overbite

05. Everyone Knows

06. Love Was Never Lost Along The Way

07. Mr. Primeminister

08. There Is A Light

09. The Days

10. Summer Has Finally Come

11. Music City

12. Song For My M

13. I Play The Game (Bonus Track)

14. Noice (Bonus Track)

DISC FOUR Age Of Concord 80

01. It’s Summer Once Again

02. Lonely Nights

03. Through The Open Door

04. What If We Never Say Goodbye

05. Not Today

06. You Knew This Was Love

07. Run

08. I’ll Be Waiting

09. I’m Not Afraid To Come Closer

10. Here Between Now And Forever

DISC FIVE Sweet Surrender

01. Love Was Easy

02. Once Again

03. What’s Not To Like

04. Time To Catch Another Wave

05. One-Way Ticket

06. When There Is Nothing To Hide

07. More Than We Dared To Pretend

08. Play Me A Song From The Old Days

09. Sweet Surrender

10. Praying For Another Day

11. Lie To Me

12. A Box Of Moo-Juice

13. How Do You Know When It’s Done

14. Looking For A Place To Hide

15. I Have Faith

16. Fine, Fine, Fine

17. Anything, Anywhere

18. Wild Women

DISC SIX The End Of The Beginning

01. Deep In Your Eyes

02. You Started Something New

03. Now When The Brighter Days Are Gone

04. They Don’t Live Here Anymore

05. I Will Never Run

06. Maybe I’m Dreaming

07. We Had It All

08. Summeryoung

09. The One That Got Away

10. She Is Waiting By The Telephone

11. Cigarettes And Photographs (Bonus Track)

12. Faded Pictures (Bonus Track)

13. The Teremana Song (Bonus Track)

Tags:

Chris Antblad

Wed

Jan

PRE-ORDER AVION Reissues Plus MATREE LeBOW Now

Categories:

MelodicRock Classics Label

PRE-ORDER NOW: http://www.melodicrockclassics.com

Tags:

Avion

Martee LeBow

Sat

Jan

MARTEE LeBOW 'Rock Anthology' Gathers 80s Material & Unreleased Demos

Artist:

Martee LeBow

Categories:

MelodicRock Classics Label

MelodicRock Classics is excited to announce the first ever CD release for New York City rocker Martee LeBow’s two popular 80s records ‘Crimes of The Heart’ and ‘Love’s A Liar’.

And to sweeten the deal, the 2CD set includes Martee’s out of print 1993 three track EP plus 11 previously unreleased bonus demos.

The double compilation ‘Rock Anthology (1986-1993)’ will be released February 23.

About Martee LeBow:

Martee LeBow is an acclaimed recording artist, singer/songwriter from upstate NY.

She taught herself to play the piano at age 3 and began writing songs at 10. In her teens she recorded her first album, "The Lady Wants To be A Star" produced by Charlie Calello, featuring NYC session royalty including Will Lee, The Brecker Bros, John Tropea and Jeff Mirinov. She supported the critically acclaimed release of that debut album with a nationwide tour before moving to NYC to continue to play her brand of bluesy rock in the clubs with her band.

In the 80s Martee signed with Atlantic Records and released "Crimes of the Heart" EP (prod. Robbie Buchanan) and "Love's A Liar" album (prod. John Jansen).

Martee has collaborated with some great writers including, the late, great Keith Reid (Procol Harum) and Grammy award winner Will Jennings ("Roll Away", a sentimental favorite recorded by Dusty Springfield on her very last album).

She has also had a successful jingle career, singing on many commercials over the years such as Coke, Folgers, Budweiser, JC Penney, AT+T, Mercedes Benz, Sears, Dominos, Mc Donald's, Charmin', and Dannon, just to name a few.

As a background singer, she has supported other artists, including recording and traveling the globe with world music band, Alabina and Ishtar (singing in 5 languages!)

Her favorite gig for many years, has been as lead singer of The Mar-Tays, a slammin’ A-list NYC band with Irwin Fisch, John Siegler, Frank Vilardi, Ira Siegel, Larry Saltzman, and Robbie Kondor.

Most recently, she is very excited about the in-development show ”Last Night at the Rue Bayou”, for which she is the musical composer. https://www.ruebayoumusical.com

Martee describes herself as ”still having too much fun!”

CD1: Crimes Of The Heart (1986) & Love’s A Liar (1987)

01. Crimes Of The Heart 3:47

02. Stranded in the Moonlight 3:43

03. Love Just Ain't Enough 3:32

04. One Down 3:43

05. Hearts Of Stone 4:12

06. Where Do I Stand 3:34

07. Another Lonely Heart 4:04

08. Love's A Liar 4:04

09. Maybe You'll Remember 3:31

10. Learning The Hard Way 3:30

11. Hang On (To My Reckless Youth) 4:04

12. Fallen Angel 3:45

13. Forbidden 5:05

14. I Must Be In Love 3:58

15. One Good Reason 3:18

CD2: Roll Away (CD Single) & Unreleased

01. Roll Away 4:31

02. Gone 3:05

03. Sail On 3:53

Unreleased Bonus Tracks:

04. Written In Stone 4:03

05. Running Out Of Time 4:24

06. Lost To The City 3:36

07. Remember Me 4:27

08. Crest Of A Wave 3:34

09. The Real You 4:23

10. Shade Of Green 3:50

11. Moonshine 3:17

12. Under The Sun 4:13

13. Hurtin You 3:36

14. In Your Own Backyard 4:06

Tags:

Martee LeBow

Sat

Jan

AVION Finally Gets Official CD Release via MRC February 23

Artist:

Avion

Categories:

MelodicRock Classics Label

MelodicRock Classics kicks off their 2024 Release Schedule with some long-awaited gems, starting with four new titles on February 23.

To start, MRC is thrilled to partner with Randall Waller to bring fans the first ever official CD releases from the classic Aussie melodic rock band AVION.

Avion’s two acclaimed studio albums: ‘Avion’ (1983) and ‘White Noise’ (1986) have both been the subject of bootlegs but have never had an official CD release.

In addition to the two studio albums, Avion released an independent live album on cassette only in 1987 and that too is now going to find its way to CD a part of this reissue series.

All 3 CDs are remastered by JK Northrup from the best available master sources and will feature non-album singles and B-sides as bonus tracks.

Check out Randall’s brand-new solo album ‘More’ at: https://randallwaller.bandcamp.com/album/more

About Avion:

Avion's lead guitarist and lead singer, Randall Waller had previously released two albums as a solo artist, Oasis (1978) and Midnight Fire (1980). In 1981 Waller formed pop rock group Lionheart in Sydney with Evan Murray on keyboards, Martyn Toole on guitar, and his two brothers: John Waller on drums and Kendall Waller on bass guitar - the group was soon renamed as Avion.

Avion signed with RCA Records and, in September 1983, released their debut self-titled album, mixed by Bob Clearmountain at the Power Station recording studio in NYC. The album spawned three singles, "I Need You" (March 1983), "Diamond Eyes" (September) and "Never Let Me Go" (October).

In August 1984 the group issued a non-album single, "Still the Night". Paul Gannell replaced Toole on guitar and, in September 1985, released "We've Got Secrets" on RCA. In 1986, the band signed a deal with EMI Records and "Celebration" appeared in September. In 1987 the band's second album, “White Noise”, followed.

In September 1987 Evan Murray died in a car accident while the group were on tour and the band essentially disbanded.

Randall Waller remaining in the industry, working as a producer, engineer, and then guitarist in Shania Twain’s band.

TRACK LISTINGS:

Avion – Avion (1983)

01. I Need You

02. Diamond Eyes

03. Lady Of The Night

04. We Can Try

05. Warrior

06. Never Let Me Go

07. Where Do We Go From Here

08. Always Waiting

09. Who's Crying Now

10. Once Bitten, Twice Shy

Bonus Tracks:

11. Still The Night (1984 Single)

12. Southern Cross (1984 Single B-Side)

Avion – White Noise (1986)

01. Celebration

02. Berlin Wall

03. Elle

04. In My Mind

05. Ships

06. We've Got Secrets

07. Calm Before The Storm

08. The Next Big Thing

09. On And On

10. Never Too Late

Bonus Tracks:

The Bigger You Are (1985 B-Side)

Ransom (1986 B-Side)

Avion – Live (1987 Release)

01. Long Night

02. Where Do We Go From Here

03. In My Mind

04. Ships

05. Secrets

06. Warrior

07. Ransom

08. On And On

09. Money Or Love

10. Berlin Wall

11. Celebration

12. I Need You

13. The Bigger You Are

14. Never Too Late

Bonus Tracks:

15. Ransom (Alt. Live Mix)

16. Money Or Love (Alt. Live Mix)

Tags:

Avion

Wed

Jan

AVION, MARTEE LeBOW, CHRIS ANTBLAD & BRICKLIN Coming to MelodicRock Classics

Categories:

MelodicRock Classics Label

MelodicRock Classics kicks off their 2024 Release Schedule with some long-awaited gems, starting with four new titles on February 23.

Individual expanded Press Releases with full title details will follow shortly.

To start, MRC is thrilled to partner with Randall Waller to bring fans the first ever official CD releases from the classic Aussie melodic rock band AVION.

Avion’s two acclaimed studio albums: ‘Avion’ (1983) and ‘White Noise’ (1986) have both been the subject of bootlegs but have never had an official CD release.

In addition to the two studio albums, Avion released an independent live album on cassette only in 1987 and that too is now going to find its way to CD a part of this reissue series.

All 3 CDs are remastered by JK Northrup from the best available master sources and will feature non-album singles and b-sides as bonus tracks.

Check out Randall’s brand new solo album ‘More’ at: https://randallwaller.bandcamp.com/album/more

February 23 will also be the release date for a much-needed compilation featuring New York singer/songwriter MARTEE LeBOW.

Martee is of course responsible for some classic 80s American rock anthems, as featured on her 1986 EP ‘Crimes Of The Heart’ and the full-length follow-up ‘Love’s A Liar’ in 1987.

In 1993 there was a new 3-Track single ‘Roll Away’, before Martee moved on to other roles in the music world.

The debut EP and LP were never released on CD at the time, so with the assistance of JK Northrup, all of this material has been remastered for a 2CD ‘Rock Anthology 1986-1993’, which will be released February 23.

Martee graciously went through her musical archives to dig up a selection of previously unreleased songs, which will round out the compilation, including one song that surely would have been a hit single! Full details shortly – along with pre-order links.

MelodicRock Classics is excited to announce a March 29 release from the great Swedish singer/songwriter CHRIS ANTBLAD! A 6CD Box Set will gather 6 individual Chris Antblad/Age Of Concorde digital solo albums, previously released worldwide on streaming platforms only – now gathered for the very first time on a 6CD Box Set titled ‘Collected Works – Volume One’; strictly limited to 500 Units worldwide.

Full details soon!

On April 26, the retail release of the 8CD BRICKLIN Box Set ‘Anthology – The Complete Story’ will arrive. Pre-orders will be shipped out as soon as the sets arrive, with wholesale orders filled with any remaining copies.

Pre-orders and full details of the set can be found here: https://melodicrockclassics.com/bricklin.html

All those that pre-order will receive the full set audio in the coming couple of weeks.

Two May 31 releases will be announced shortly. Two very cool box sets and a really obscure cult melodic rock title.

Tags:

MelodicRock Classics

Mon

Dec

BRICKLIN - Anthology - The Complete Story (1979-1999)

Artist:

Bricklin

Categories:

MelodicRock Classics Label

Bricklin will be best known to AOR fans for their massive cult anthem ‘Walk Away’ and their much-loved debut album ‘Bricklin’, but there has always been so much more to the band. From Schoolboys to Bricklin to Martin’s Dam, the core has always been brothers Brian and Scott Bricklin and together with MelodicRock Classics, are finally putting all their recorded work together in the one place for the first time – with an absolute plethora of additional demos and unreleased songs.

Bricklin – Anthology – The Complete Story (1979-1999) gathers the Bricklin debut and both Martin’s Dam albums along with the best of their song recordings over the years, the majority of being previously unreleased until now. We also get a dive back into the start of the brothers work in their first band Schoolboys. This 8CD Deluxe Box Set leaves no stone unturned in showcasing the guys’ unique writing style.

As a special treat for Bricklin fans, MRC and the band are excited to announce that Disc 2 of the set will include a brand new 2023 Bricklin song – ‘Backseat Driver’, which will be released as a single soon!

PRE-ORDERS for the 8CD DVD Size Package are available now for $129 (including tracked worldwide express shipping).

The set is limited to strictly 500 units worldwide. Those familiar with MRC’s first release Hollyridgeland will be familiar with the packaging.

The official retail release and delivery of the sets will come in April. The package complexity requires a 12-week manufacturing window, but digital audio will be delivered well in advance for all pre-orders.

Full track listing below, but the set comprises of the following discs:

CD1 – ‘Bricklin’ (Album Released 1986)

CD2 – ‘Bricklin’ Album Demos + New Track

CD3 – The Unreleased Bricklin Demos Part 1

CD4 – The Unreleased Bricklin Demos Part 2

CD5 – The Unreleased Bricklin Demos Part 3

CD6 – Martin’s Dam ‘The Healing’ & Demos (Album Released 1994)

CD7 – Martin’s Dam ‘Sky Above’ & Demos (Album Released 1998)

CD8 – Early & Later (More Unreleased Demos)

Martin’s Dam (Unreleased) and Schoolboys (Tracks Recorded 1979 - 1982)

PLUS DIGITAL BONUS TRACKS!

About Bricklin:

Brothers Brian and Scott Bricklin first started writing and performing together in the late 70s. Their first collaboration came under the moniker Schoolboys. They virtually still were. From 1979 to 1982, the band saw the brothers already developing their power pop sound.

In 1982 they changed lineups and band name, brining the Bricklin name to life.

From 1982-1989 Bricklin did their best to take over the melodic rock world. Signed to A&M Records, the band released one album, which featured the hit single ‘Walk Away’, a treasured AOR classic that appeared in the movie and soundtrack for Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.

Numerous recordings followed the acclaimed debut, but sadly none of those songs were officially released.

Sensing the need for change, in 1990 the band became Martin’s Dam. For the next decade, the guys wrote and recorded music, culminating in two studio albums being released.

The debut The Healing was released in 1994 and re-released in 1995 and the sophomore record Sky Above saw them signed to Hybrid/Sire Records. The acoustic driven power pop records again found numerous fans, but worldwide domination would elude the talented writers.

Since that time both have continued writing, performing and working in the industry. Scott as a multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter, session musician, sound engineer, producer and teacher.

Brian as a producer and engineer, mixing and mastering for over 200 bands, label recording artists, singer-songwriters.

The guys are so excited for this period of their professional lives to be showcased in this deluxe box set, spanning the years 1979 – 1999.

BRICKLIN – Anthology (1979-1999) TRACK LIST

CD1 – ‘Bricklin’ (Album Released 1986)

01. Fear Of Life 04:27

02. For Her Love 04:49

03. Even When You're Done With Me 03:46

04. All I Know 04:28

05. Love Without Pain 03:53

06. If This Is Love 04:24

07. All You Own 04:55

08. She's Not My Girl 04:51

09. How Come I 03:51

10. The Sleeping Dream 03:58

11. Walk Away 04:19

Bonus Demos:

12. Fear Of Life (Demo) 04:11

13. For Her Love (Demo) 1 03:47

14. All I Know (Demo) 04:30

15. Love Without Pain (Demo) 03:41

16. If This Is Love (Demo) 04:00

17. How Come I (Demo) 04:07

72:36

CD2 – ‘Bricklin’ Album Demos + 1

01. Backseat Driver (Brand New 2023 Song) 03:58

02. Walk Away (Demo) 04:20

03. For Her Love (Demo 2) 04:14

04. If This Is Love (Demo Dance Mix) 05:29

05. The Sleeping Dream (Demo) 03:59

06. Angel (Demo 1) 03:12

07. Even When Your Done With Me (Cassette Demo) 03:07

08. Hold On (Demo) 03:36

09. How Come I (Demo 2) 04:02

10. The Sleeping Dream (Acoustic) 04:33

11. Angel (Demo 2) 03:18

12. For Her Love (Demo 3) 04:22

13. All In A Circle (The Christmas Song)(Unreleased) 04:17

14. A Man Without Dreams (Unreleased) 04:14

15. Invitation (Unreleased) 05:15

16. The Wave (Unreleased) 05:42

72:48

CD3 – The Unreleased Bricklin Demos Part 1

01. Baby Blue 04:02

02. Face To Faith 04:04

03. Gone Too Far 03:53

04. Hard Life Hard 03:22

05. House Of Cards 05:26

06. How Can I Be Sure 04:32

07. I Said She Said 03:24

08. It's Just Begun 4:01

09. Life Is Fine 05:10

10. Love Machine 03:40

11. My Little Gypsy 04:03

12. Push Me 04:04

13. Sunday 04:41

14. We'll Be Gone 04:38

15. Can't You See I'm Tryin 04:29

16. Gone Too Far (Live) 4.31

17. The Wave (Live) 5.00

18. Shake Your Body (Live) 5.24

79:02

CD4 – The Unreleased Bricklin Demos Part 2

01. We Are Together 04:15

02. Good Morning America 03:51

03. In This Life 04:17

04. When You Wanted More 03:47

05. King Of Your Own World 04:35

06. More And More 03:21

07. This World is Our World 04:33

08. Step By Step (Version 1) 04:56

09. A Little Too Late 03:25

10. Every Little Thing 04:31

11. Nowhere To Go 04:20

12. Unpredictable 04:42

13. Keep This Feeling Up 04:24

14. Step By Step (Version 2) 05:15

60:47

CD5 – The Unreleased Bricklin Demos Part 3

01. Sex Without Love 04:44

02. The Box 04:15

03. Hole 02:59

04. Haircut 109 02:39

05. Dance The Blue 04:27

06. Heaven 04:52

07. Lovers And Losers (Version 1) 03:56

08. Strangest Darkness 05:00

09. Ignore You 04:23

10. The Straight Life 04:42

11. Save Yourself 05:01

12. You Know How Hard It Is 04:11

13. She 05:46

14. Words And Pictures 04:42

15. Try A Little Love 03:08

16. Lovers And Losers (Version 2) 03:54

69:19

CD6 – Martin’s Dam ‘The Healing’ & Demos (Album Released 1994)

01. Fear Of Flying 03:53

02. Mercy Blue 03:50

03. Shadowland 04:08

04. Don't Do It 04:25

05. Selfish Breed 04:11

06. The Healing 04:34

07. It Ain't You 05:11

08. You Must Come 04:54

09. Two Gods 04:59

10. The Big One 04:33

Bonus Demos:

11. Fear Of Flying (Alt Mono Mix) 03:32

12. Mercy Blue (Demo) 03:35

13. Shadowland (Demo) 04:11

14. Two Gods (Demo) 05:35

15. It Aint You (Demo) 05:10

16. Die In Vein (Unreleased)

72:40

CD7 – Martin’s Dam ‘Sky Above’ & Demos (Album Released 1998)

01. Fear Of Flying 03:56

02. Mercy Blue 04:25

03. Take You Down 04:36

04. Only God Knows 04:20

05. Come See Julia 03:49

06. Thinking Of You 04:56

07. Carousel 04:40

08. I Wanna 04:48

09. Angel 03:42

10. The Sky Above 07:26

Bonus Demos:

11. Take You Down (Demo) 04:04

12. Only God Knows (Demo) 04:30

13. Come See Julia (Demo) 04:59

14. Thinking Of You (Demo 1) 03:26

15. Carousel (Demo) 04:02

16. Thinking Of You (Demo 2) 03:59

72:16

CD8 – Early & Later (More Unreleased Demos)

Martin’s Dam (Unreleased)

01. Next Big Thing 03:45

02. Run Away 03:48

03. Carry Your Weight 04:33

04. Party Doll 03:55

05. Fall Into You 04:26

06. Ground Zero 03:30

07. Into Thin Air 03:08

08. Water 04:21

09. Virtual Reality 04:27

10. I'm Not Sorry 04:07

11. Flag 02:53

12. Telling You Tonight 04:12

Schoolboys (Tracks Recorded 1979 - 1982)

13. Hello 03:21

14. Mister Mouth 03:01

15. Good Girls 03:57

16. Talking To You (Version 1) 03:20

17. If My Love Is Enough 03:36

18. Sweet Candy 03:46

19. She Is My World 05:13

20. Universe Stepper 02:55

21. Just For Now 01:08

78:15

DIGITAL BONUS TRACKS:

Schoolboys - Talking To You (Version 2) 03:06

Schoolboys - You Said That You Loved Me 04:16

Schoolboys - Sweet Teenie 03:29

Schoolboys - Under My Shoes 02:14

Schoolboys - Keep It Up 02:49

Schoolboys - Waiting For The Sun 04:14

Tags:

Bricklin

Martin's Dam

Schoolboys

Tue

Oct

BRINKER Classic 1985 Album on CD For The First Time Nov 24 via MRC

Artist:

Brinker

Categories:

MelodicRock Classics Label

PRE-ORDER NOW https://melodicrockclassics.com/brinker-alloyrock.html

MelodicRock Classics is thrilled to finally announce the long-awaited release date of the one and only BRINKER album, resurrected from its original (and limited) cassette only release back in 1985.

Considerable time has gone into making sure this is the complete story of Brinker.

Drummer and namesake Ray Brinker unearthed the original reel to reel masters, which were sent to Nashville to be baked and digitized, then sent to MRC HQ in Australia, where the digitized files were sent to JK Northrup for him to work his remastering magic.

Even better – the original tapes contained not only the full 12 track original album, but an additional 6 bonus tracks, which are included in this Deluxe Edition CD ‘Alloy Rock’.

Brinker’s members include guitarist Andy Timmons – known to everyone for his role in Danger Danger as well as his own solo releases. Drummer Ray Brinker went on to be one of Los Angeles’ most in demand session hires, with credits including Cinderella, Pat Benatar, Jon Butcher Axis, David Lee Roth, Steve Morse, Frank Gambale, Joe Cocker, Ray Charles and many more.

Bassist Steve Bailey toured and recorded with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Willie Nelson, Jethro Tull, Paquito D’rivera, Larry Carlton, and the Rippingtons and all points in between. For 30 years he has partnered with fellow bassist Victor Wooten in Bass Extremes.

Powerhouse vocalist Mark Pyburn left the music business but recently found his way back, venturing back into leading music in houses of worship in his 40s and 50s.

MelodicRock Classics will release BRINKER ‘Alloy Rock’ (Deluxe Edition) on November 24.

Track Listing:

01. Your Love

02. Just Missing You Tonight

03. Dreams & Yesterday

04. Feelin'

05. The Storm

06. Forget It

07. Give It All Away

08. Love Is Too Good For Me

09. Can't Go On

10. World Bathed In Red

11. Don't Hold Back

12. Can't Stop It

Bonus Tracks:

13. Let Me Out To Play

14. Tell Me Why

15. Carry Me Back

16. Runaway Girl

17. Fight

18. Winner

Brinker is:

Mark Pyburn – Vocals

Andy Timmons – Guitar

Ray Brinker – Drums

Steve Bailey – Bass

Produced by: Brinker and David Rosenblad

Assisted by: Chuck Chiles

Executive Producer: Ray Schiding

About BRINKER:

Roaring out of North Texas in 1985, BRINKER was an amalgamation of the major rock influences of the fertile 1980’s music scene, created by four master musicians who would go on the establish themselves as some of the most successful players of today’s rock, jazz and studio disciplines.

Guitar god Andy Timmons’ crushing guitar power chords and soaring melodic lines are perfectly balanced by the stratospheric vocals of Mark Pyburn, while Steve Bailey’s iconic fretted and fretless bass lines and Ray Brinker’s thunderous and relentless drumming hold down the bottom end. These original tracks pay homage to the band’s musical heroes, from Journey and Peter Gabriel to AC/DC and The Scorpions, while establishing the unique and individual voice of BRINKER.

Drummer Ray Brinker and bassist Steve Bailey met in 1978 as freshmen in North Texas State University’s Jazz Studies program. Kindred musical spirits, they played together throughout school, and toured the world together with various artists, including jazz trumpet legend Maynard Ferguson and Dixie Dregs veterans T Lavitz and Steve Morse. Despite their jazz roots, they shared a desire to form their ultimate vision of a rock band.

In 1984, with the financial backing of executive producer Ray Schiding, the seeds of BRINKER were born, and Ray and Steve began their search for like-minded band-mates. That search led them to Miami, Florida to recruit guitar virtuoso Andy Timmons from the University of Miami’s Jazz Studies program. Three months later, the trio relocated to Denton, TX to continue writing and begin production of the recording. Texas vocalist extraordinaire Mark Pyburn, with his signature stratospheric range, was discovered, and the band BRINKER was officially born.

Living together in a band house for a year enabled the group to write and rehearse daily, and recording began in 1985 with engineer David Rosenblat.

BRINKER ‘Alloy Rock’ was never officially released, and only a handful of cassettes remain in circulation.

The four members of BRINKER went on to experience successful solo careers with extensive playing credits, while the original master tapes lived in storage in Ray’s garage for nearly 4 decades. Now digitized from original master tapes and remastered, BRINKER ‘Alloy Rock’ is re-born. Welcome to 1985! We hope you enjoy BRINKER.

Tags:

Tue

Sep

RIO's Classic AOR Debut 'Borderland' To Be Remastered & Reissued by MRC

Artist:

Rio

Categories:

MelodicRock Classics Label

PRE-ORDER NOW! http://www.melodicrockclassics.com

MelodicRock Classics is thrilled to announce a new partnership with acclaimed British melodic rock band RIO for the first ever official release on CD of their classic catalogue, which will also feature a third unreleased album!

Starting with the band’s debut album ‘Borderland’, the freshly remastered release (thanks to JK Northrup) features an additional 4 bonus tracks.

The band’s Steve Rodford had this to say about the long-awaited release: “We recorded this album in 1984 as part of our first major record deal, self-produced and recorded at home, then finished off and mixed in London. We’ve been amazed at how it has become a bit of a cult classic over the years and are delighted to be able to present Borderland, in partnership with MelodicRock Classics, featuring exclusive bonus material. It’s so good to be able to present original ‘band’ mixes of “I Don’t Wanna Be The Fool” and “State Of Emergency” as they are closer to the original sound and vision we had for the record. It was a real labour of love recording this album, and it’s so great there’s still interest in it all these years later and would be wonderful to think some new people might discover it.

A very big thank you to Marcus Mason, Jamie and Matt at Sunfish and Andrew McNeice at MelodicRock Classics.”

Track Listing:

01. I Don't Wanna Be The Fool (Original Mix)

02. Straight To The Heart

03. Tommy Can't Help It

04. Better This Time

05. State Of Emergency

06. Shy Girl

07. She's A Virgin

08. Close To You

09. Borderland

Bonus Tracks:

10. I Don't Wanna Be The Fool (Single Mix)

11. Casualty (Previously Unreleased)

12. State Of Emergency (Band Mix)

13. I Don't Wanna Be The Fool (Band Mix)

Pre-orders for RIO and PINK ROSE available Tuesday Sept 12.

CD released October 6 on MelodicRock Classics.

Tags:

Rio

Borderland

Mon

Sep

PINK ROSE Deliver Just What You Needed & We Needed Out Sept 29 on MRC

Artist:

Pink Rose

Categories:

MelodicRock Classics Label

MelodicRock Classics has something a little different for fans come September 29.

The label is not only delivering a 1986 cult classic hard rock album on CD for the first time ever, but also delivering a brand-new re-recording of the same album, all in the one package.

The band is French rockers PINK ROSE, the album is ‘Just What You Needed’. Originally released on LP back in 1986, the album features Marc Quee on vocals; Fabrice Fourgeaud on guitar; Thierry Gaulme on drums; and Pierre Bremond on bass.

Formed out of the ashes of Attentat Rock, PINK ROSE only recorded the one album, but following an Attentat Rock reunion in 2009, the 4 members of Pink Rose started talks about re-recording the album. Now almost 15 years later (37 since the release of Just What You Needed), the new cathartic recording is completed and is aptly titled Just What We Needed.

‘Just What We Needed’ will be Disc 1 of a 2-Disc set, with the original remastered album Just What You Needed being the second disc.

About PINK ROSE:

When Attentat Rock went into the Studio Maunoir in Geneva in January 1986, their intention was to record the bands 4th album, which was going to be called "Pink Rose”.

A few months before, Herve Raynal, who was the bands main composer, left the band and was replaced by Stéphane Bonneau (Satan Jokers). After the first week of the recordings, Stephane decided to leave the band, which left the band as a quartet.

Instead of bringing in a new lead guitarist the band opted to add keyboards to the songs (played by Thierry Fervant, owner of Studio Maunoir). This - and the fact that the new compositions were different to what had been the style of Attentat Rock – caused the band to decide to take a completely different path, changing their name to Pink Rose.

The band was never happy with the production, which they felt didn't give justice to the songs and after a few months after the release of the album they split up. Until now.

MRC will release the 2CD Set Just What We Needed on September 29.

Disc 1: Just What We Needed (Re-Recording)

01. Sunrise

02. Lady From Germany

03. Just What I Needed

04. Longing For Love

05. Lonely In The Street

06. Cheating Lady

07. Our Love

08. Rocker

09. Across The Seven Seas

10. Rocking Child

Disc 2: Just What You Needed (Original Remaster)

01. Sunrise

02. Lady From Germany

03. Just What I Needed

04. Longing For Love

05. Lonely In The Street

06. Cheating Lady

07. Our Love

08. Rocker

09. Across The Seven Seas

10. Rocking Child

Line-up:

Marc Quee – Vocals

Fabrice Fourgeaud – Guitar

Thierry Gaulme – Drums

Pierre Bremond – Bass

Tags:

Pink Rose

MelodicRock Classics

Fri

Jul

Brian Bart - Best Of You (Remastered) Album 'Future Vision' Out on CD August 25 via MRC

Artist:

Brian Bart

Categories:

MelodicRock Classics Label

PRE-ORDER NOW: https://melodicrockclassics.com/index.html

Brian Bart’s resume now goes back 40 years. He has been a stalwart of the Minneapolis rock scene since the start of the 80s – as a guitarist, songwriter, producer, engineer just for starters.

In recent years Brian has been the owner, engineer and producer at Logic Studios & Logic Recordings. He has recorded over 300 albums, played multiple instruments on over 100 records, including ten of his own.

Best known as founding member of Dare Force, Brain’s solo debut ‘Future Vision’ came in 1987 and features a wild set of songs spanning hard rock, pomp, melodic anthems, fusion and some inspired instrumentals that show an artist in full command of his craft. The album features some fine displays of shredding and riffing, intelligent song arrangements and a guitar tone and sound that rivals the great Boston.

Unfortunately for fans of 80s melodic rock, the album remains largely a mystery – it was only ever released independently on cassette. Until now. Brian Bart has re-arranged the cassette running order to better suit the flow of a CD and the material has been remastered once again by JK Northrup.

‘Future Vision’ can now be heard in all its glory on a Limited Edition 500 Series CD release from MelodicRock Classics on August 25.

Track Listing:

01. Electricity

02. Post Toastee

03. Stay The Night

04. Evil

05. Can You See The Light

06. Future Vision

07. Living On The Edge

08. Get The Best Of You

09. Voice Inside My Head

10. One More Chance

11. She Knows How To UseIt

12. What Do You Want

13. Machines

14. Renaissance

15. Bells / Flamingo Blues

16. Phantom Of The Opera

17. The Ocean

Tags:

Brian Bart

Dare Force

JK Northrup

Thu

Jul

Izod - In The Dark Of Night (Remastered) EP + Bonus Tracks Out Aug 25 via MelodicRock Classics

Artist:

Izod

Categories:

MelodicRock Classics Label

PRE-ORDER NOW: https://melodicrockclassics.com/index.html

There’s nothing more satisfying than delving deep into the archives of rock music history in order to breathe new life into an old band. And sometimes the more obscure bands deliver the best surprises.

Canada’s Izod is one of those bands. Their name comes from the ‘Izod Impact Test’, a test used to measure a metal’s resistance to impact. These guys literally have metal in their name.

Izod was formed in 1978 when Mike Mayer brought together Paul Gayne and Gary Green as the foundation for a new heavy rock band. The three band mates were heavily influenced by the sound and style of British Heavy metal pioneers, Judas Priest. It wasn’t long before they added Greg Roxworth and Luke Moretti and began playing regularly as a Judas Priest cover band.

After a few years of playing, making demos and other recordings of their own songs, it was time to take the next step. Roxworth and Moretti left the group and were replaced by Steve Lewis and Max Fodero. Izod had truly formed.

The newly formed group began playing complete sets of their own music across Canada. They started to get the attention of record companies before winning the Q107 Homegrown contest in 1984, and soon caught the attention of WEA producer Gary Furniss. After many months of writing and pre-production, Furniss produced the Overdrive EP which was released in early 1987.

Izod began touring across Canada while promoting the EP and continued to be a very popular live act. Their shows did not disappoint, featuring plenty of fireworks and pyrotechnics.

The expanded and remastered release for ‘Overdrive’ consists of the original 1987 EP, plus an unreleased track from the sessions called ‘Rock This Town’; the single from the Q107 ‘Homegrown’ contest titled ‘Heavy Metal Madman’ and 3 additional tracks from the early 1983 demo sessions ‘Lost In The Night’, ‘High And Mighty’ and ‘Rechmachine’.

Rounding out the release are two extra live tracks from a pro-shot band showcase – the rest of which you can see on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzrEBcsoef8

All tracks have been carefully restored and remastered by JK Northrup, giving the material a new punch.

MelodicRock Classics will release Izod – Overdrive (Expanded and Remastered) August 25 as part of the 500 Series of releases – strictly limited to 500 units only.

Izod is:

Steve Lewis - Lead Vocals

Gary Green - Lead Guitar and Backing Vocals

Mike Mayer - Bass guitar and Backing Vocals

L. Paul Gayne - Drums and Backing Vocals

Max Fodero - Guitar and Backing Vocals

Additional Lead Vocals - Mike Jacob, Greg Roxworth

Additional Guitars - Ted Hamlin, Luke Moretti

Keyboards - Pier Rubesta

Track Listing:

01. In The Dark Of The Night

02. Bitch Is Hot

03. Where There’s Smoke

04. Overdrive

05. Angel

06. Rock The Town

07. Heavy Metal Madman

08. High & Mighty (1983 Demo)

09. Lost In The Night (1983 Demo)

10. Rechenmashine (1983 Demo)

11. Angel (Live)

12. Overdrive (Live)

Tags:

Izod

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SCHERER/BATTEN 'BattleZone' Deluxe Edition Out July 26 on MRC

RIO 'Dangerzone' Out June 30 - The Bands Second Album Repackaged & Remastered

THE MUGGS Triple Album Delivery on CD For The First Time May 31

BIG GAME Mega Rarity Remaster & Reissue on MelodicRock Classics May 31

CHRIS ANTBLAD – Collected Works Vol. One, 6CD Set Due March 29 on MRC

PRE-ORDER AVION Reissues Plus MATREE LeBOW Now

MARTEE LeBOW 'Rock Anthology' Gathers 80s Material & Unreleased Demos

AVION Finally Gets Official CD Release via MRC February 23

AVION, MARTEE LeBOW, CHRIS ANTBLAD & BRICKLIN Coming to MelodicRock Classics

BRICKLIN - Anthology - The Complete Story (1979-1999)

BRINKER Classic 1985 Album on CD For The First Time Nov 24 via MRC

RIO's Classic AOR Debut 'Borderland' To Be Remastered & Reissued by MRC

PINK ROSE Deliver Just What You Needed & We Needed Out Sept 29 on MRC

Brian Bart - Best Of You (Remastered) Album 'Future Vision' Out on CD August 25 via MRC

Izod - In The Dark Of Night (Remastered) EP + Bonus Tracks Out Aug 25 via MelodicRock Classics

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RIO 'Dangerzone' Out June 30 - The Bands Second Album Repackaged & Remastered

THE MUGGS Triple Album Delivery on CD For The First Time May 31

BIG GAME Mega Rarity Remaster & Reissue on MelodicRock Classics May 31

CHRIS ANTBLAD – Collected Works Vol. One, 6CD Set Due March 29 on MRC

PRE-ORDER AVION Reissues Plus MATREE LeBOW Now

MARTEE LeBOW 'Rock Anthology' Gathers 80s Material & Unreleased Demos

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