Charlie Faye & the Fayettes s/t

Debut album from Austin trio whose music has a Spector-ish '60s girl group sound.

"Summer Holiday" by Jimmy Griffin. Real Gone Music has a nice sale going on and therefore picked this up at a super discount.

Editorial Reviews

Bread fans might know him better as James Griffin, but back in 1963 Jimmy Griffin was one of the up-and-comers on the artist roster of Frank Sinatra's Reprise label. So up and coming, in fact, that the label's newly-hired head of A&R, Jimmy Bowen, elected to produce his debut record himself and bring in Jack Nitzsche to arrange.

The result was one of those great, early-'60s productions that was a little bit pop, a little bit country and a little bit rock, with backing by the vaunted Wrecking Crew of Leon Russell, Hal Blaine, Glen Campbell et al. (Campbell contributes a couple of tunes to the album).

Amazingly, Summer Holiday makes its CD debut here, augmented by all of Jimmy's non-LP Reprise singles, with notes by musician friend Brian Gari and photos. Classic pop from the future Bread singing/songwriting stalwart!

"From Kitty Hawk To Surf City" by The Bamboo Trading Co. Another cool find from Real Gone music.

Editorial Reviews

The California surf and pop sound is alive and well with the reissue of The Bamboo Trading Company's debut album, featuring 4 bonus tracks. The BTC is comprised of veteran band members who played with the Beach Boys and Jan & Dean over the years. You can practically feel the sunshine radiating from the speakers.

Rick A.

Mac Mirage DE CD #2

So far, not impressed with the music or the sound.

Air Twentyears

Double disc anthology from the French duo. Rarities and well known cuts fill out this comp.

Finally found 1 song I like: Smile At You (Outtake) (Stevie Nicks song)

Jens Lekman - Oh You're So Silent Jens

BOC - Secret Treaties AF SACD 2.0 mode.

Much better then the dreadful Sony 96/24 DL, but a bit disappointing sonically. Mastered by Hoffman (someone else did the Quad master).

No. I had the GD box for a year or so. Just one of the many CDs I have been trying to get played

Danny & the Darleans Bug Out

Sophomore album from the Detroit garage rockers.

"The Big Shot Chronicles" by Game Theory. Another example why Omnivore Recordings may be my favorite reissue label.

Editorial Reviews

30th Anniversary Expanded Reissue of Their Revered 3rd Full-Length Album! Omnivore Recordings continues the re-examination and re-appreciation of Game Theory’s stellar 1980s catalog with The Big Shot Chronicles. Passionate fans of the group all have a favorite GT album, and the band’s drummer, Gil Ray, refers to The Big Shot Chronicles as his favorite in a revealing interview with set co-producer and Game Theory constant/confidant Dan Vallor in the new reissue’s liner notes.

Once again helmed by Mitch Easter (R.E.M., Let’s Active), the 12-track album features an expansion of the band’s sound, and contains the MTV 120 Minutes staple, “Erica’s Word.” For its 30th anniversary, 13 tracks have been added—9 of which are previously unissued. From demos, outtakes, rough mixes, and live tracks, one can see the sonic trajectory the band was on—leading up to their arguable magnum opus, Lolita Nation. In addition to alternate versions of originals, this set includes a wealth of covers of songs by Todd Rundgren, Roxy Music, Big Star, The Velvet Underground, and more. Including some surprises.

The CD and Digital versions contain 25 tracks, while the LP component (first pressing on lime-green vinyl) has the original 12-track LP, with a download for the entire CD program. Packaging again contains a plethora of unseen images from long-time group photographer “Photo Robert” Toren. Add in liner notes including the aforementioned Ray/Vallor interview, an essay from Jason Cohen, and a remembrance from The Magnetic Field’s Stephin Merritt, The Big Shot Chronicles’ 30th anniversary is everything it should be, and much more. The Chicago Reader said the album was “ambitious and elaborate . . . packed with sunny, ultracatchy melodies, sweet vocal harmonies, and soft-focus psychedelia.” So, take your first shot, or prepare for a bigger shot of The Big Shot Chronicles.

Rick A.

"Cypress / Afoot" by Let's Active. After hearing Game Theory going with Let's Active is perfect. Mitch Easter's band were so excellent. Love the re-mastering of Collector's Choice edition with of course th addition of their 1983 EP "Afoot". Freak'in classic!

Editorial Reviews

One of the biggest gaps in ’80s rock—nay, THE biggest gap—would have to be the absence on CD of R.E.M. producer and southern underground rock icon Mitch Easter’s band Let’s Active.

Composed on these two albums of Easter, bassist Faye Hunter and drummer Sara Romweber, Let’s Active blended psychedelic production, bubblegum melodies and that Athens-rock jangly guitar sound to create an American answer to the new wave bands from Britain that were sweeping the country at the time.

We’re thrilled to announce that we’re going to release the entire Let’s Active catalog, and here we’ve put together their 1983 EP 'Afoot' and their 1984 debut LP 'Cypress', plus two bonus tracks for a total of 20 tracks of irresistible jangle pop. Includes from 'Afoot—Every Word Means No; Make Up with Me; Edge of the World; Room with a View; In Between', and 'Leader of Men'. From 'Cypress—Easy Does; Waters Part; Lowdown; Gravel Truck; Crows on a Phone Line; Ring True; Blue Line; Flags for Everything; Prey; Co-Star; Ornamental', and 'Counting Down'. And 'Grey Scale' and 'Two Yous' are the bonus tracks. We’ve also included new liner notes…an indispensable ’80s 'Collectors’ Choice Music'

Rick A.

"Return To Zero" by RTZ. This is the Rock Candy re-master. So glad they did this release!

Product 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. Track listing: Face The Music; There's Another Side; All You've Got; This Is My Life; Rain Down On Me; Every Door Is Open; Devil To Pay; Until Your Love Comes Back Around; Livin' For The Rock n Roll; Hard Time (In The Big House); Return To Zero.

Rick A.

"Badlands" by Badlands. This is the Japanese edition. Originally released in 1989. It fu&*'in rocks!

Badlands was a rock band founded by former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Jake E. Lee and former Black Sabbath members Ray Gillen and Eric Singer. Badlands also featured bassist Greg Chaisson. After the first Badlands album, Eric Singer was replaced by Jeff Martin. The group lasted from 1988 to 1993 and released two albums, Badlands (1989) and Voodoo Highway (1991) before Gillen left and was replaced by singer John West from New York. Ray's death in 1993 effectively ended any hopes of re-uniting the project. The album Dusk (a demo recorded in 1992 - 1993) was posthumously released in 1998.

"Zebra" by Zebra. This is the Rock Candy 2013 re-master. Originally released in 1983. Wore out my vinyl copy for sure.

Product Description

Special Deluxe Collector's Edition / Fully remastered sound shaped from 24 BIT digital technology / Produced by Jack 'Aerosmith' Douglas / Contains Tell Me What You Want , One More Chance & Who's Behind The Door / 12 page full colour booklet 3,500 word essay, enhanced artwork and band involvement.

Apart from the Beatles, there is no doubt that Rock music's second greatest influence was the power and glory crafted by Led Zeppelin. From the very moment their epoch changing debut album was released they have since set the standard for every emerging blues rock band. A runaway roller coaster ride, if you will, upon which an entire industry was erected in its honour. Because of this, you cannot talk about the work of Zebra without mentioning the Beatles or more pointedly Led Zeppelin.

Fortunately, unlike some other less astute acts, Zebra's homage to the world's most influential blues-based rock band is not pastiche or mere karaoke but a distant, if admittedly recognizable, trace element that permeates the music with rare subtlety and beauty.

A classic power trio, Zebra were formed during the mid 70s in New Orleans, later shifting their power base to Long Island, New York where they attracted the attention of powerful local radio station WBAB FM who included them on a new talent compilation album.

It wasn't long before Atlantic Records, based on their instantly identifiable sound and impressive fan following, signed them. Issued in 1982 and produced by Jack 'Aerosmith' Douglas they cut this, their impressive debut LP, perfectly balancing scorching hard rock with adventurous progressive rock influences. Indeed, such was the advance interest in the band the record became the fastest selling debut album in Atlantic's long and illustrious history, firmly establishing Zebra as one of the most exciting acts of the time. Track listing: Tell Me What You Want; One More Chance; Slow Down; As I Said Before; Who's Behind The Door; When You Get There; Take Your Fingers From My Hair; Don't Walk Away; The La La Song.

Rick A.

A real shame that this keeps going out of print. Essential album that helps define the early 80's for me.

You and I agree on this Dean. I love everything Mitch Easter does but this one really is so special. My introduction to Mitch and the girls.

Rick A.

Hard to believe it's almost been 10 years since Dynamico was released. He played a solo show in LA and the stupid club cut him off before his last song. But he was sweet and gracious about it.

Wow, that long, 10 years already? Damm, how time really flies. He played here in Tampa for a one night during that release and I missed it, worked that evening. Kick myself in the ass for missing that one. I will probably never will see him again. Did see Let's Active once in the mid 80's, such a tight little group.

"The Prelude Implicit" by Kansas. Without Steve Walsh and Kerry Livgren how good it can it be? Well, actually very very good. These boys learned a lot from these greats and having original and long time members in the band really helped in providing the great music we come to expect from one of the best American rock bands of all-time.


Kansas in 2016

On February 26, 2016, the group officially announced The Prelude Implicit for a September 2016 release. The album's co-producer and co-writer, Zak Rizvi, was subsequently named as a full member of the band, giving Kansas a second full-time guitarist for the first time since Steve Morse's departure in 1991.

Amazon has this for $7.86. What a steal! Get it Icer's, you will not be disappointed.

Rick A.

Dwight Yoakam Swimmin' Pools, Movie Stars...

Dwight re-does a batch of his songs with a heavy non-traditional bluegrass vibe. From the get-go these tracks aren't as immediate as the originals but they certainly are strong growers. Love the bluegrass-y cover of "Purple Rain".

Momus - Pubic Intellectual: An Anthology 1986-2016