[2016-09-02] RTZ "Return To Zero" remaster (Rock Candy UK)

Linda · **Posted:** Wed Jul 27, 2016 12:10 pm

Description
Special Deluxe Collector's Edition / Fully Remastered Audio / Features Brad Delp and Barry Goudreau of Boston / Produced by Chris Lord Alge (21 Guns, Eddie Money) / 16 page full colour booklet 4,000 word essay, enhanced artwork, rare photos and new interview with band leader Barry Goudreau. There is no question that Boston, the band, pretty much re-wrote the rule book when it came to defining the sound of melodic hard rock. Their self-titled debut album established a blue print that provided a touchstone for every similar act that came in its wake, paving the way for numerous artists to carve out successful commercial careers for themselves; Foreigner, Journey and Survivor spring immediately to mind. After attaining huge success and experiencing all the pressures that such achievement often brings, Boston, understandably, started to fracture, with leader Tom Scholz taking complete control of his vision. Guitarist Barry Goudreau was the first member to strike out on his own, issuing a well-received solo album in 1980, followed by the formation of Orion The Hunter, who released a stellar record in 1984. Looking to further build on his reputation, he reunited with his former Boston colleague, vocalist Brad Delp, the duo collaborating in RTZ, a brand new project. Issued in 1991, RTZ took the Boston blue print one step further, writing songs very much influenced by the sound of their previous outfits, but also injected with the spit and polish of the late eighties. Recorded in Los Angeles by Chris Lord Alge, the album boasts some of the most arresting melodic hard rock that has ever been crafted. Every song is a true winner, with Brad Delp excelling beyond our wildest dreams. Overlooked at the time, primarily due to the arrival of the grunge movement, this album is actually a monumental sonic achievement.

Tracklist
1. Face The Music
2. There's Another Side
3. All You've Got
4. This Is My Life
5. Rain Down On Me
6. Every Door Is Open
7. Devil To Pay
8. Until Your Love Comes Back Around
9. Livin' For The Rock 'N' Roll
10. Hard Time (In The Big House)
11. Return To Zero

Amazon USA
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J4APED4/?tag=imwan-20

Amazon UK
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01J4APED4/?tag=imwan-21

JGordonBD · 17 Aug 2007

I missed this the first time around, including when I saw it in the cut-out bins. I think Brad Delp was an awesome singer with too few recordings, so it might need to go on the list. What do you guys think about this album: thumbs-up or thumbs-down?

Jim

Rick A · 23 Jul 2006

JGordonBD wrote:

I missed this the first time around, including when I saw it in the cut-out bins. I think Brad Delp was an awesome singer with too few recordings, so it might need to go on the list. What do you guys think about this album: thumbs-up or thumbs-down?

Jim

My vote:

Rick A.

Galley · **Joined:** 20 Apr 2010 **Posts:** 696

Very good album, but I'd rather search for an original CD pressing than anything from Rock Candy.

hbsbla · **Joined:** 18 Oct 2006 **Posts:** 615

What's wrong with Rock Candy? Everything I've purchased from them has been great. Excellent remastering and nicely done expanded booklets.

Rick A · 23 Jul 2006

hbsbla wrote:

What's wrong with Rock Candy? Everything I've purchased from them has been great. Excellent remastering and nicely done expanded booklets.

I have to agree with ajc8. Being an owner of quite of few of their releases I am happy to say I'm extremely happy with 95% of their reissues.

Are their reissues maybe alittle louder than most, maybe so but personally that's how I like them for the titles that they release.

Rick A.

Invisible Pedestrian · **Joined:** 24 Sep 2006 **Posts:** 26163

Another excellent, top-notch job by Rock Candy with this album.

This album was extremely well-produced and mixed so I was curious what Jon Astley would do here and yes, it does boom a little bit more now, but the crystalline sounds remain.

The guitars, keyboards and drums were so beautifully recorded and mixed by Chris Lord-Alge (I always thought he was an underrated producer) and what can you say about Brad Delp?

This is typical early 90's AOR and most of the songs are really, really good.

I used to play this a lot in college.

The album didn't sell all that well (reaching #169), but had 4 hits, the biggest being "Until Your Love Comes Back Around" which got to #26 and the best was "Face The Music" which was like a slicker-sounding Boston and a pretty sizable hit that made me get the album.

I didn't have the album anymore so this was a great purchase especially at $9.99.

A really nicely done remaster.

Rick A · 23 Jul 2006

RTZ is another killer release by Rock Candy. I can't say it any better than Pete did earlier, you need this people if you love Boston like most of us do.

Rick A.

Dr. Chris Evil · 26 Jul 2006

I remember that it was cool to have this because this is when Boston was routinely taking eight years between albums.

And even worse was the fact that when Walk On finally came out in 1994, Brad was gone from the lineup.

And yeah, he was one hell of a singer.

[2016-09-02] RTZ "Return To Zero" remaster (Rock Candy UK)

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