TRILLION: TRILLION

The late seventies/early eighties American music scene was a veritable breeding ground for melodically infused hard rock. However, in many ways, it was a sound built principally on British roots including clearly identifiable stimulation from later period Beatles to the early seventies progressive rock movement dominated by Yes, Genesis and Camel to name but a few. It was this pre-occupation with all things British that gave rise to a brilliantly dynamic style that relied equally on adroit arrangements as it did on melody and accessibility.

Alongside more familiar names such as Kansas, Boston and Styx, Trillion were one of the greatest - yet in many ways unheralded at the time - bands of the era. Combining stunningly melodic songs with adventurous arrangements and tricky instrumentation the band straddled a knife edge between the deliciously hook laden pomp of Toto and the daring anything-goes musicality of pomp-prog masters Kansas and Starcastle. It was a style that had no boundaries, incorporating raging guitar driven hard rock to delicate and complex progressive compositions.

Originally released in 1978, helmed by British producer Gary Lyons (Foreigner, Lone Star, Gamma) and featuring future Toto vocalist Fergie Frederiksen, Trillion’s debut album is an astounding and accomplished work that sounds is as impressive today as it was when first released.

24-bit remastering from original source tapes, 4,000 word essay about the making of the album and a new interview and full involvement from the band. Additional photos and memorabilia spread out over a 12 page full colour booklet.

Track Listing:
1. Hold Out
2. Big Boy
3. Give Me Your Money Honey
4. Never Had It So Good
5. May As Well Go
6. Fancy Action
7. Hand It To The Wind
8. Bright Night Lights
9. Child Upon The Earth

Amazon U.S.: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0030V3IL4/?tag=imwan-20

Amazon U.K.: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0030V3IL4/?tag=imwan-21

For those who missed it, here's the info on Rock Candy's earlier release of the second Trillion album:

TRILLION: CLEAR APPROACH

One of the most promising acts to emerge from the US early 80’s pomp rock scene was Chicago-based quintet Trillion. Signed to industry powerhouse Epic Records, the band made major inroads with their debut album, but it wasn’t until the release of this, their second, album, ‘Clear Approach’, that matters reached a musical crescendo. With the addition of new vocalist Thom Griffin, and an astounding selection of songs, the band hit a level of sophistication and emotion that few have ever matched.

‘Clear Approach’, originally released in 1980, is unquestionably one of the most accomplished and impressive albums of the era, packing a powerful punch with intelligent songs, masterful vocals, complex – almost progressive - arrangements and polished production (by John Boylan, producer of the debut Boston album). A pomp-rock classic no less.
24-bit remastering from original source tapes, 4,000 word story of the making of the album by Stephen Allen, full band involvement, previously unpublished photos, one previously unreleased bonus track, all spread out over a super 12 page full colour booklet.

Track listing:
1. Make Time For Love
2. Love Me Anytime
3. I Know The Feeling
4. Make It Last Forever
5. Promises
6. Cities
7. What Can You Do
8. Clear Approach
9. Wishing I Knew It All
10. You Clown (Bonus Track)

Amazon U.S.: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001MRS43K/?tag=imwan-20

Amazon U.K.: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001MRS43K/?tag=imwan-21

The album in the first post pretty much single handedly put a small indy record store i managed in 1980 out of business.

The owner was a bit of an eccentric collector. He thought because the Trillion album was on yellow vinyl that it would be worth a ton. Unfortunately he spent a ton of $'s on a ton of copies & of course it was a very slow selling title (to put it nicely) & that pre-empted paying the rent, buying product & paying my salary!

I finally got my salary by walking out with most of his stock & holding them hostage until he paid me.......

Great story, Geff! Oh, the humanity...