RIOT 'RESTLESS BREED' CANDY402
THIS WAS RIOT’S 4th album. It followed a period of intense activity both physical and emotional, having survived a series of knockbacks over the years that would have decimated lesser contenders. The fact that they had recently survived several line-up changes, an underfunded UK tour supporting Sammy Hagar and bagged a spot on the 1st Monsters Of Rock festival was a minor miracle.
With interest building amongst grass roots fans the future was actually beginning to look bright. That was until frontman Guy Speranza made a decision to leave the band. Fatigued by years of touring and (literally) banging his head against a brick wall, he moved aside for Rhett Forester, a man seen as a golden ticket to bigger and better things. Now signed to Elektra Records, the band once again retreated to their management’s downtown New York studio to craft ‘Restless Breed’, a record that although well received in their circles, edged the band slightly towards the centre ground. It was less the full-on NWOBHM - inspired frenetic energy of their previous records and more disposed towards power metal.
Still led by guitarist Mark Reale, this record was in many respects hamstrung by a new label who really didn’t know how to market their kind of act. Previous releases had benefitted from the band’s resourceful managers and an ability to connect with an underground fan base, but this time around they were left constrained by a label that refused to support them on tour and were dropping the promotional ball at every turn. Still, hats off to the band for crafting another album that still impresses to this day.
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR’S EDITION. Fully Remastered Audio, 16 page full colour booklet, 3,500 word essay, and enhanced artwork with unpublished photos.
TRACK LISTING: 1. HARD LOVIN’ MAN 2. CIA 3. RESTLESS BREED 4. WHEN I WAS YOUNG 5. LOANSHARK 6. LOVED BY YOU 7. OVER TO YOU 8. SHOWDOWN 9. DREAM AWAY 10. VIOLENT CRIMES
ORPHAN 'LONELY AT NIGHT' CANDY407
WE AT ROCK CANDY have always kept a special place in our hearts for Canadian artists, from Coney Hatch and Harlequin to Aldo Nova and all points in between. We feel there’s something unique about their songwriting and musical ability that sets them apart from their cousins in the USA. Orphan are a perfect example of this special ingredient, lending their music a magical appeal and a sound quite unlike anybody else recording at the time.
Formed in Winnipeg from the ashes of a band called The Pumps (who had links to obscure RCA act Max Damian) the band quickly signed to the Portrait label, an offshoot of CBS records, who were bathing in the recent and unexpected success of fellow Canadian group Loverboy. With the record label deeming their name to be too new wave leaning they switched to Orphan, a more conventional and less restrictive moniker. Recorded in New York at the world famous Power Station studios and co-produced by its owner Tony Bongiovi (cousin of Jon Bon Jovi) and Lance Quinn (Bon Jovi, Danger Danger) the album hits the melodic hard rock nail firmly on the head.
As one of the best Canadian albums of the era, the record embraces all the great elements that make for compelling listening; great hooks, unrelenting melody and musical ability that takes full advantage of clever arrangements. It’s a similar, but not identical, sound to both Loverboy and Aldo Nova. Check out tracks such as ‘Miracle’, ‘Saved By The Bell’, ‘Hello’ and the title track for proof. And if it’s epic widescreen songs you like then look no further than ‘Night Parade’.
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR’S EDITION. Fully Remastered Audio, 12 page full colour booklet, 3,500 word essay, new band interview and enhanced artwork with unpublished photos.
TRACK LISTING: 1. LONELY AT NIGHT 2. WHAT KIND OF LOVE IS THIS 3. MIRACLE 4. SHE TOLD ME 5. SAVED BY THE BELL 6. ANY TIME AT ALL 7. HELLO 8. ALL OVER THE WORLD 9. NIGHT PARADE
BITE THE BULLET 'S/T' CANDY378
IT MAKES LITTLE difference to us at Rock Candy whether a record sold a million copies or just a handful to a smattering of supportive friends and family. If the record is of a certain quality then facts and figures are irrelevant - all we’re interested in is shining a spotlight on music that has stood the test of time and continues to impress. Bite The Bullet are hardly a household name but to a select few who heard their one and only album they are one of the most invigorating and accomplished melodic rock bands of the era.
Formed by Mick Benton who had already had some degree of experience as a member of obscure NWOBHM related rock band Mother’s Ruin and a subsequent solo deal with Atlantic Records, that produced a well-received EP. The seeds of Bite The Bullet came together in 1986, their demos attracting the attention of industry heavyweight Don ‘Mr Big’ Arden, the notorious owner of Jet Records, home to ELO and Ozzy Osbourne, who subsequently signed them and financed their lone album. Sadly, by the late 80s, though, the label had contracted to the point where it was no longer a powerhouse.
Originally issued in 1989 and recorded in London, the record oozed class and sophistication, conjuring up immediate comparisons to other dynamic UK melodic rock outfits such as FM, Strangeways and Dare. Tracks such as ‘Change Of Heart’, ‘Edge Of The Rain’ and ‘Finished With Love’ showcase a band in full command of both their style and direction; a sound that could’ve been made for the American airwaves.
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR’S EDITION. Fully Remastered Audio, 12 page full colour booklet, 3,500 word essay, new interview and enhanced artwork with unpublished photos.
TRACK LISTING: 1. CHANGE OF HEART 2. FINISHED WITH LOVE 3. EDGE OF THE RAIN 4. FAITH HEALING 5. COLD SURPRISE 6. RUNNING TO STAND STILL 7. DARK AGE 8. PLAYING AT LOVE 9. BIG MOUNTAIN 10. SAILORS SONG 11. WATERSHED
NIGHT 'S/T' CANDY379
THE STORY BEHIND Night is arguably one of the most intriguing and, by implication, frustrating in the history of rock. As a mini supergroup, with a super-slick FM radio style, they had the potential to fit neatly into the heavy-hitting platinum rock niche occupied by the likes of Fleetwood Mac, the Doobie Brothers and Air Supply. However, despite signing to an American record label and giving birth to two hit singles, their valiant efforts to compete fell short of expectations.
It’s therefore surprising to know that the band were actually formed in the UK, by Manfred Mann’s Earth Band lead vocalist Chris Thompson (he sang on the #1 single ‘Blinded By The Light’), together with celebrated backing vocalist Stevie Lange (wife of ‘Mutt’ Lange). Indeed, the band were well-known faces on the UK pub and club circuit before being unexpectedly signed up by Planet Records, a US-based label helmed by celebrated producer Richard Perry (Rod Stewart, Carly Simon, Pointer Sisters). The band moved to Los Angeles, and Perry recorded the album over an exhaustive twelve months, enlisting the help of special guest players, including Bobby LaKind, Steve Porcaro and Michael McDonald.
The results are pretty spectacular. Musically the sound was very much in vogue with FM radio, featuring strident yet powerful rock tracks and emotive power ballads. It was an album that yielded two American hit singles with ‘If You Remember Me’ and the anthemic ‘Hot Summer Nights’. However, despite this chart success, the album failed to perform as well as it might have been expected and it was back to the drawing board for the follow up.
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR’S EDITION. Fully Remastered Audio, 16 page full colour booklet, 3,500 word essay, new interview and enhanced artwork with unpublished photos.
TRACK LISTING: 1. HOT SUMMER NIGHTS 2. COLD WIND ACROSS MY HEART 3. IF YOU’VE GOTTA MAKE A FOOL OF SOMEBODY 4. AIN’T THAT PECULIAR 5. IF YOU REMEMBER ME 6. COME AROUND (IF YOU WANT ME) 7. YOU AIN’T PRETTY ENOUGH 8. SHOCKED 9. LOVE MESSAGE 10. PARTY SHUFFLE
NIGHT 'LONG DISTANCE' CANDY380
ARGUABLY NIGHT ARE one of the great lost acts of the late 70s/early 80s. Formed in London as a somewhat ad-hoc pub rock band going under the handle of Filthy McNasty, and fronted by two superlative vocalists, Chris Thompson (of Manfred Mann’s Earth Band) and Stevie Lange (wife of superproducer Robert ‘Mutt’ Lange). They secured a loyal following on the club circuit and were eventually offered a record deal from Planet Records, an American-based label affiliated to Warner Bros.
Night’s debut album certainly garnered critical and commercial attention, enough in fact to secure two hit singles in the lucrative American market place. Whilst the album stalled sales wise, the future still looked extremely promising and so with enthusiastic support they set about recording the follow-up record, ‘Long Distance’. Whilst the debut had been recorded during an extensive sojourn in Los Angeles, this time around, mainly for financial reasons, they opted to record in London. They also chose to switch producer and enlisted the services of bright young upstart Tim Friese-Green (Touch, Praying Mantis). It was a wise decision, as the album showcased a more strident style, moving away from the previous comparison to Fleetwood Mac, towards more forceful and harder rock laced with tougher guitars and solid hooks, a sound somewhat reminisant of REO Speedwagon and Survivor.
Released in 1980, the album, despite its sound quality and the undeniably good song writing displayed, failed to ignite commercial interest. It also suffered from label politics, with Planet Records dropping the band and album, despite some great reviews and encouraging reactions at several American FM radio stations. But ‘Long Distance’ is one of the best overlooked albums of the era.
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR’S EDITION. Fully Remastered Audio, 16 page full colour booklet, 3,500 word essay, new interview and enhanced artwork with unpublished photos.
TRACK LISTING: 1. DR. ROCK 2. DON’T BREAK MY HEART 3. LOVE ON THE AIRWAVES 4. THE LETTER 5. CALLIN’ ME BACK 6. YOU CRIED WOLF 7. STEALIN’ 8. MISS YOU (LIKE I DO) 9. DAY AFTER DAY 10. GOOD TO BE BACK IN YOUR ARMS
