[2018-08-24] Hotel "Hotel" and "Half Moon Silver" Collector's Editions (Rock Candy UK)

Linda · **Posted:** Sat Jul 21, 2018 2:00 pm

Hotel

Description
Digitally remastered deluxe edition includes 12 page full color booklet with 3,500 word essay, enhanced artwork with unpublished photos and new interview. It appears that there is something of an insatiable appetite for music from melodic rock acts such as this, with a penchant for melody and strong hooks. Originating from Birmingham, Alabama, Hotel evolved through a number of line-ups, based around the central duo of Marc Phillips and Tommy Carlton. They were originally signed to the Mercury label in 1977 but, after releasing one solitary single, found themselves cast adrift. In a fortuitous meeting on a plane journey, the head of the Scotti Brothers records was handed a tape which led to a new record deal. Recorded in Nashville and produced by their mentor Dain Eric, this album was issued in 1981, but despite good intentions failed to gain traction with the paying public at the time. The album itself is a measured example of carefully crafted AOR, drinking from the same goblet as Player, Air Supply, Le Roux and the Little River Band. The musicianship is first class in all respects, with careful attention paid to arrangements and execution. From the harder rock of 'City Lights' and 'Not Wise To Say' to the beautifully crafted 'Right On Time' and 'You've Got Another Thing Coming', the material is a fine example of the era's signature slick sound.

Tracklist
1. You've Got Another Thing Coming
2. You'll Love Again
3. Losing My Mind
4. Right On Time
5. Old Silver
6. Not Wise To Say
7. Hold On To The Night
8. City Lights
9. One Time Too Many
10. Your Green Eyes

Amazon USA
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FDTF4JF/?tag=imwan-20

Amazon UK
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07FDTF4JF/?tag=imwan-21

Half Moon Silver

Description
Digitally remastered deluxe edition includes 12 page full color booklet with 3,500 word essay, enhanced artwork with unpublished photos and new interview. It's always very uplifting when a band originally tipped for better things actually fulfils their inherent musical potential. In the case of Hotel, a little-known outfit from Birmingham Alabama, their self-titled debut album hinted at a somewhat suppressed melodic AOR talent that was itching to fully blossom. Fortunately, that embryonic promise was perfectly realized with this, their second album, a record that has almost become a touchstone for fans of the AOR obscure. Half Moon Silver is quite rightly regarded as a minor classic amongst AOR aficionados. Issued in 1980 and produced, once again, by their mentor Dain Eric, the album lunges purposely towards a harder rock edge. The vibe is very much one of waking up the neighbors, but not in a chest thumping sense, more in a measured and intense way. The guitars are far more prominent and the rhythm section is out to impress, but they leave room for vocalist Marc Phillips to inject passion and excitement into songs that have been meticulously constructed. There's plenty to highlight, but it's the double whammy of 'A Place In Time (Refugee)' and 'Now That She Loves You' that really sets the pace. Elsewhere, there are some particularly delightful ballads, including 'Talk To Me' and the sublime title track. Once again, their label failed to maximize the potential of the record and, despite the band touring with Hall & Oates, the record sadly fell through the gaps, leaving them deserted in a world that, sadly, failed to recognize a seriously talented outfit.

Tracklist
1. A Place In Time (Refugee)
2. Cold Blooded Red Hot Love
3. Now That She Loves You
4. Ned & Mary
5. Half Moon Silver
6. Blind Side Of Love
7. I Can't Believe
8. Wanting You Too My Love
9. How It Feels
10. Talk To Me

Amazon USA
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FDNT6NC/?tag=imwan-20

Amazon UK
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07FDNT6NC/?tag=imwan-21

Linda · **Posted:** Thu Sep 13, 2018 12:32 pm

Bump: After a couple of weeks of fluctuating release dates, both of the CDs are now in stock at both Amazon USA and Amazon UK, linked in the first post.

[2018-08-24] Hotel "Hotel" and "Half Moon Silver" Collector's Editions (Rock Candy UK)

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