The following eight new Rock Candy titles are all available now from www.rockcandyrecords.com for a discounted price.
SURVIVOR 'EYE OF THE TIGER' CANDY322
STOP ANYONE ON the street and ask them to name one of their all time favourite rock tracks and there's a very good chance that 'Eye Of The Tiger' will top that poll. As one of the most ubiquitous tracks of all time, this song not only topped the singles chart in the USA but it also became synonymous with one of the biggest movies of the 1980s, namely 'Rocky III'; Sylvester Stallone personally requested the track and, by including it in the film, gave the song a thirty million dollar promo video!
Up to that point survivor had proved to be moderately successful melodic hard rock band but with the boost from 'Rocky III' the band was suddenly thrust into the spotlight, securing them the same sort of adulation afforded other hard rock heavy hitters such as Journey, Foreigner and Boston. It was a pedestal that served them well for the rest of the decade and beyond. Both the single and the album topped the US charts in the summer of 1982.
The album was produced by guitarist Frankie Sullivan and engineered by Mike Clink, a man who would later go on to produce Guns N' Roses. Although the title track is universally known, the album contains a brace of superbly written and arranged tracks that indicate the band's talent had reached new levels of creativity, even spawning another massive hit single with 'American Heartbeat', proving, if proof were needed, that Survivor could do no wrong.
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR'S EDITION, FULLY REMASTERED SOUND, BONUS TRACK, 16 PAGE FULL COLOUR BOOKLET, 4,000 WORD ESSAY ABOUT THE MAKING OF THE ALBUM, NEW INTERVIEWS AND ENHANCED ARTWORK
TRACK LISTING: 1. EYE OF THE TIGER 2. FEELS LIKE LOVE 3. HESITATION DANCE 4. THE ONE THAT REALLY MATTERS 5. I'M NOT THAT MAN ANYMORE 6. CHILDREN OF THE NIGHT 7. EVER SINCE THE WORLD EGAN 8. AMERICAN HEARTBEAT 9. SILVER GIRL. BONUS TRACK: 10. EYE OF THE TIGER (SPECIAL EXTENDED VERSION)
SAMMMY HAGAR 'ALL NIGHT LONG' CANDY 290
ONE OF THE great things for rock bands during the 1970s was that they had plenty of opportunity to play live, to hugely appreciative audiences. But not only did their studio recordings have to be great they also had to deliver live in concert, and this was an area that really separated the wheat from the chaff. If you were known as a great live act then your success was almost guaranteed
With this in mind, it's no surprise that Sammy Hagar's live performances had almost become legendary. After three studio albums he had carved out a rock solid audience eager to lap up his no nonsense live performances and 'All Night Long' is a fine testament to that fact. Surrounded by members of what was, in effect, the same band that Sammy had commenced his career with, namely Montrose, and the addition of super guitarist Gary Pihl, the album cemented his ability in stone.
Originally released in 1978, and taped at headlining shows in California whilst he was promoting the 'Musical Chairs' release, the album captures Sammy in full flight. Remarkably, there are none of the usual overdubs or studio 'fixes' on this record whatsoever, just the band and a mobile studio capturing a moment in time that still sounds remarkably fresh to this very day. Of course, the ghost of Montrose is never that far away with electrifying renditions of 'Make It Last' and 'Bad Motor Scooter' underscoring a link that will always be present.
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR'S EDITION, FULLY REMASTERED SOUND, 26 PAGE FULL COLOUR BOOKLET, 4,000 WORD ESSAY ABOUT THE MAKING OF THE ALBUM, NEW INTERVIEWS AND ENHANCED ARTWORK WITH PREVIOUSLY UNSEEN PHOTOS.
TRACK LISTING: 1. RED 2. ROCK 'N' ROLL WEEKEND 3. MAKE IT LAST / RECKLESS 4. TURN UP THE MUSIC 5. I'VE DONE EVERYTHING FOR YOU 6. YOUNG GIRL BLUES 7. BAD MOTOR SCOOTER
TYKETTO 'DON'T COME EASY' CANDY295
THE EARLY 90'S presented a massive challenge to a number of melodic rock bands. The musical climate was being transformed by a rush of angry young men playing a stripped down form of rock, less influenced by style and bravado, and built mainly on angst and melancholy. For Tyketto this landscape meant that their arrival would be subjected to a chilly reception from a media obsessed with trends and fads.
The fact that Tyketto were out of step with the prevailing musical winds didn't mean to say that their music was anything less than spectacular. Indeed, their style and execution caused major excitement amongst connoisseurs of the genre, leading many to proclaim the album as one of the best records of the entire movement.
Formed in the late 80's, this New Jersey four piece had links to well known groups such as White Lion and Waysted. Impressing a number of labels with their own meticulous style of melodic hard rock, they signed to industry giant Geffen Records and cut this, their debut album, with renowned producer Richie Zito (Heart, Bad English and Poison). Inexplicably, the label sat on the completed record for over a year before releasing it, at a time when the public was then beginning to focus on grunge.
But if you like your music to sound big, bold and crammed full of hooks, in the mould of say Bon Jovi, White Lion and Winger, then this record will send you to seventh heaven; It's truly a remarkable achievement.
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR'S EDITION, FULLY REMASTERED SOUND, BONUS TRACK, 16 PAGE FULL COLOUR BOOKLET, 4,000 WORD ESSAY ABOUT THE MAKING OF THE ALBUM, NEW INTERVIEWS AND ENHANCED ARTWORK WITH UNSEEN PHOTOS
TRACK LISTING: 1. FOREVER YOUNG 2. WINGS 3. BURNING DOWN INSIDE 4. SEASONS 5. STANDING ALONE 6. LAY YOUR BODY DOWN 7. WALK ON FIRE 8. NOTHING BUT LOVE 9. STRIP ME DOWN 10. SAIL AWAY. BONUS TRACK: 11. WALK AWAY
SALTY DOG 'EVERYDOG HAS ITS DAY' CANDY 304
THE SAYING GOES that every dog has its day but for one particular band that tired old proverb held no truth whatsoever. It's a shame, as the band in question , Salty Dog, happened to be one of the most outstanding acts of their time fusing red hot rock with a bluesy undertow that led others, such as Great White and Guns 'N Roses, to fame and fortune.
Formed in Los Angeles during the late 80s, but comprised of outsiders from a number of diverse locations, the band honed their chops in rehearsal studios, assembling a line up that would sound not only right together but also very different from what was happening on the strip. Indeed, the band's style incorporated a number of influences, from the old school rock of Led Zeppelin and Aerosmith, to the contemporary cut and thrust of Guns 'N Roses. It was also a sound that paid homage to the blues. That's the vintage gnarly influences of cats such a Muddy Waters and T-Bone Walker.
Originally released in 1990, the band received universal acclaim from critics, but failed to generate serious sales momentum. Produced by Peter Collins (Rush, Queensryche, Gary Moore) and engineered by British wunderkind Geoff Workman (Journey, Foreigner, M'tley Cr'e) the music resonates with killer intention. A sound that suggested the band would rightly take their place in the hard rock pantheon, alongside true greats, but sadly that was not to be.
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR'S EDITION, FULLY REMASTERED SOUND, FOUR BONUS TRACKS, 16 PAGE FULL COLOUR BOOKLET, 4,000 WORD ESSAY ABOUT THE MAKING OF THE ALBUM, NEW INTERVIEWS AND ENHANCED ARTWORK WITH UNSEEN PHOTOS
TRACK LISTING: 1. COME ALONG 2. CAT'S GOT NINE 3. RING MY BELL 4. WHERE THE SUN DON'T SHINE 5. SPOONFUL 6. JUST LIKE A WOMAN 7. SIM SALA BIM 8. KEEP ME DOWN 9. HEAVE HARD (SHE COMES EASY) 10. LONESOME FOOL 11. SLOW DAZE 12. SACRIFICE ME 13. NOTHIN' BUT A DREAM. BONUS TRACKS: 14. KEEP ME DOWN (Demo) 15. COME ALONG (Demo) 16. THE BUCKET SONG (Demo) 17. RING MY BELL (Demo)
NYMPHS 'S/T' CANDY305
THAT THE NYMPHS were not made for this commercial world is, on reflection, a pretty obvious statement. This is the story of a gloriously talented and forward thinking band, led by one of the most enigmatic and fascinating female vocalists of the time. In many respects they were destined for failure; it was a scenario written in the stars and one that maybe could never have succeeded, despite valiant attempts made by all those involved in the project. Indeed, if you are looking for a text book example of a great concept that crashed and burnt then this is the one.
Based in Los Angeles during the late 80s and led by Inger Lorre, the band were snapped up by label giant Geffen Records and touted as a revelation. Sounding pretty much unlike anything else at the time, their firebrand alt hard rock galvanised the label into believing the band held the key to the future. In many ways they did by making a stunning record, helmed by respected British producer Bill Price, the very same man who tamed the Sex Pistols, set fire to the Clash and gave the Pretenders a sound that continues to endure.
It was, however, Lorre's charismatic leadership and song writing that has secured the band's place in the pantheon of missed opportunities. Controversial, volatile and unapologetic, Inger led from the front, missing no opportunity to cause mayhem at every opportunity. Truly, this is one of the most extraordinary records of the last twenty five years.
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR'S EDITION, FULLY REMASTERED SOUND, 20 PAGE FULL COLOUR BOOKLET, 4,000 WORD ESSAY ABOUT THE MAKING OF THE ALBUM, NEW INTERVIEWS AND ENHANCED ARTWORK WITH PREVIOUSLY UNSEEN PHOTOS.
TRACK LISTING: 1. JUST ONE HAPPY DAY 2. COLD 3. 2 CATS 4. IMITATING ANGELS 5. WASTING MY DAYS 6. HEAVEN 7. SUPERSONIC 8. SAD AND DAMNED 9. DEATH OF A SCENESTER 10. THE RIVER 11. REVOLT 12. THE HIGHWAY
KICK AXE 'VICES' CANDY337
CANADIAN ROCK HAS always been highly regarded amongst discerning heavy metal fans. In general, the quality of the craftsmanship, songwriting and playing is, in many respects, superior to any other country in the world, lending the acts an air of confidence and accomplishment that has always impressed. Kick Axe were, it must be said, one of the best Canadian hard rock acts that emerged during the early eighties, rubbing shoulders with other hot contenders such as Helix, Coney Hatch and Anvil to name but a few.
The Saskatchewan based five piece were initially formed by two brothers, that's Larry and Brian Gillstrom, together with bassist Victor Langen, all spurred on by the onslaught of British metal acts such as Judas Priest and Iron Maiden. Their intention was to craft a unit that embraced all the cut and thrust of the original genre, while injecting their sound with a melodic and contemporary edge. Signing to CBS Records in Canada the band was then, surprisingly, taken under the wing of Pasha Records in the USA, home of multiplatinum sellers Quiet Riot.
Produced by Spencer Proffer (Quiet Riot, King Kobra, W.A.S.P.) and originally issued in 1984, the album contains a sterling selection of tracks that place the band center stage in the burgeoning mid 80s hard rock renaissance, and give vocalist George Criston room to impress at every turn. As a prime example of 24 Karat Canadian rock, 'Vices' takes no prisoners and lays down the law with focussed intent.
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR'S EDITION, FULLY REMASTERED SOUND, BONUS TRACK, 12 PAGE FULL COLOUR BOOKLET, 3,500 WORD ESSAY ABOUT THE MAKING OF THE ALBUM, NEW INTERVIEW AND ENHANCED ARTWORK.
TRACK LISTING: 1. HEAVY METAL SHUFFLE 2. VICES 3. STAY ON TOP 4. DREAMIN' ABOUT YOU 5. MANEATER 6. ON THE ROAD TO ROCK 7. CAUSE FOR ALARM 8. ALIVE & KICKIN' 9. ALL THE RIGHT MOVES 10. JUST PASSIN' THROUGH BONUS TRACK: 11. 30 DAYS IN THE HOLE
KICK AXE 'WELCOME TO THE CLUB' CANDY338
THE MID 80S WAS an extremely healthy time for hard rock and heavy metal. It was also a prime era for Canadian acts, which seemed to be appearing at an alarming rate and all with one thing in common; they were consistently accomplished and uniquely skilful. Several of them were going global, such as Rush, Triumph and April Wine, but it was at a grass roots level that the real impact was being felt, with Kick Axe being at the sharp end of this new wave of maple leaf metal.
Following on the heels of their debut album, Kick Axe got right back in the saddle with a well crafted follow up; 'Welcome To The Club', produced, once again, by Spencer Proffer (Quiet Riot, King Kobra, W.A.S.P.) and his, for this record, assistant Randy Bishop. It was a far more mature recording, exuding a new level of sophistication by bringing in to play the sort of sound being pioneered by artists such as Queensryche and Dio. They didn't, however, take their eyes off the prize, keeping brute force to the fore and all hands on the steering wheel.
Issued in 1985, the record received, quite rightly, solid critical praise as it contains a brace of killer tracks, including 'Feel The Power', 'Hellraisers', 'Make Your Move' and a surprising cover version of the Beatles' 'With A Little Help from My Friends' that features several prominent Canadian musicians, including members of Triumph, Coney Hatch , Toronto, Sheriff, and Lee Aaron.
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR'S EDITION, FULLY REMASTERED SOUND, 12 PAGE FULL COLOUR BOOKLET, 3,500 WORD ESSAY ABOUT THE MAKING OF THE ALBUM, NEW INTERVIEW AND ENHANCED ARTWORK.
TRACK LISTING: 1. WELCOME TO THE CLUB 2. FEELS GOOD ' DON'T STOP 3. COMIN' AFTER YOU 4. MAKE YOUR MOVE 5. NEVER LET GO 6. HELLRAISERS 7. CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU 8. TOO LOUD...TOO OLD 9. FEEL THE POWER 10. WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS
KICK AXE 'ROCK THE WORLD' CANDY339
IT'S OFTEN THE case with artists that they produce their best work when they are most under the most pressure. For Kick Axe this theory proved to be true when they unexpectedly found themselves cast adrift from their American label Pasha Records. It was a tough pill to swallow at first, but with the support of their Canadian label CBS the band lived on to not only fight another day but also to deliver their most accomplished record.
The Vancouver based quintet had made strong inroads into the world of hard rock and metal over the previous years, but had failed to connect on a commercial level. Their brand of tough muscular rock secured them a firm and committed following but various factors had prevented them from developing their unique abilities. The recording of 'Rock The World' showed that they could not only write great material but also refine their style of grandiose hard rock to reach its full potential.
Issued in 1986, the record featured ten superlative tracks; from short sharp red hot rock to captivating widescreen epics such as 'We Still Remember', 'Magic Man' and 'Warrior', all emblazoned with grandiose arrangements yet offering a firm power metal foundation. The production, handled by the band, is crisp and tight, giving no indication that they were forced to record the album on a shoestring budget. Truly, this is one of the rock world's best kept secrets, deserving of a place in any discerning collection.
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR'S EDITION, FULLY REMASTERED SOUND, 12 PAGE FULL COLOUR BOOKLET, 3,500 WORD ESSAY ABOUT THE MAKING OF THE ALBUM, NEW INTERVIEW AND ENHANCED ARTWORK.
TRACK LISTING: 1. ROCK THE WORLD 2. THE CHAIN 3. RED LINE 4. DEVACHAN 5. WARRIOR 6. WE STILL REMEMBER 7. GREAT ESCAPE 8. MEDUSA 9. THE DARK CRUSADE 10. MAGIC MAN
