DESPITE THE fact that Kansas went relatively unheard of in Europe, they were one of America’s most successful rock bands during the mid to late ‘70s. Their brand of progressive pomp rock had spawned several multi platinum albums and hit singles, including the ubiquitous radio staples ‘Carry On Wayward Son’ and ‘Dust In The Wind’. However, by the early 80s all was not well within the Kansas camp. Singer Steve Walsh had elected to leave the band, paving way for the appointment of a new vocalist, the previously unknown John Elefante. Recorded in Los Angeles at Chateau Recorders with producer Ken Scott (Supertramp, Jeff Beck) and featuring Queen’s Roger Taylor on backing vocals, the band crafted a winning slice of melodic rock with all the twists and turns that you might expect from such masterful musicians. ‘Vinyl Confessions’, originally released in 1982, manages to remain true to the roots of Kansas, while at the same time noticeably moving from the band’s traditional sound of the ’70s into the more AOR-friendly ’80s. The impact of spiritualism on this version of Kansas can certainly be heard in the lyrics, too, but it would be wrong to define this album as a Christian record. It doesn’t attempt to bludgeon you to death with its message and, above all, it doesn’t neglect the most important thing of all, which is, of course, the music.

24-bit remastering from original source tapes, 3,000 word essay about the making of the album, interview with John Elefante and additional photos spread out over a 12 page full colour booklet.

TRACK LISTING: 1. Play The Game Tonight 2. Right Away 3. Fair Exchange 4. Chasing Shadows 5. Diamonds And Pearls 6. Face It 7. Windows 8. Borderline 9. Play On 10. Cross Fire

THE NWOBHM (New Wave Of British Heavy Metal) was responsible for a lot of tosh but Stampede, were one of the most respected hard rock acts during the era, receiving both critical and commercial acclaim. Signed to Polydor Records, the band released two albums of seriously impressive melodic rock, tough on delivery yet sweet enough to suggest that the band weren’t just a one trick pony. Compared to the earthy swagger of UFO and Fastway, the group’s sound made much of its British roots and yet hinted at the sort of vibe that was making Def Leppard a household name in North America. It didn’t hurt either, that vocalist Rueben Archer was a cut above the average histrionic heavy metal goon and that guitarist Lawrence Archer (yes, they are related!) had been identified by the rock cognoscenti as one of the leading lights of the genre. It’s no surprise then that Laurence was snapped up by both UFO and Thin Lizzy’s Phil Lynott immediately after Stampede’s mid 1980’s hiatus.
Fast forward some 25 years… with the band’s catalogue back in print, the interest generated prompted Rueben to consider a reformation of the original band. He floated the concept by Lawrence and received a surprisingly warm reaction, resulting in the two main offenders buckling down to a period of writing, rehearsing and recording. Together with original bassist Colin Bond and a handful of helping hands – including new hot shot guitarist Rob Wolverson and drummer Steve Graystone - the band have crafted a worthy and impressive, long lost follow-up to ‘Hurricane Town’, a new record harnessing all the promise of the original band but with the experience of years crafting their art in numerous studios and on the live circuit.

TRACK LISTING: 1. Send Me Down An Angel 2. Jessie 3. Having Fun 4. Make A Change 5. Hard Rock Hell  6. This Road 7. Homeward Bound 8. Shame On You  9. Natural Disaster 10. Humble Pie  11. Flaming Gold Bonus Tracks: 12. Recharged 13. Flaming Gold (acoustic)

FORMED IN Belfast during the late 70s and originally featuring Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell, Sweet Savage earned their NWOBHM (New Wave Of British Heavy Metal) stripes by releasing a succession of hard hitting singles and playing some of the most impressive live gigs of the era. Sadly, maybe due to geographical restrictions, the band failed to achieve the same success as their partners in crime such as Saxon, Samson, Iron Maiden and Diamond Head. It was no fault of their music that’s for sure.
With true grit and determination the band continued to make sporadic reformations over the years, most notably in 1991 following Metallica’s surprise decision to record one of their signature tracks as the b-side of ‘The Unforgiven’ single. In July last year the band reached a crisis point with the death of original guitarist Trevor Fleming but not before they had completed their latest album titled ‘Regeneration’ 
Vibrant and full of vim and vigour, perhaps the best thing of all about this latest record is the fact the band have refused to abandon their roots, crafting songs and riffs that although contemporary in execution do not for one moment lose sight of their original scruffy urchin intention.

TRACK LISTING: 1. Warbird 2. Powder Monkey 3. Regenerator 4. No Guts No Glory 5. Saviour (I Am Not) 6. Do Or Die 7. Money 8. Razor’s Edge 9. Whiskey In The Jar 10. Eye Of The Storm 11. Queen’s Vengeance 12. Achilles 13. The Raid

‘TOO HOT to Sleep’ was the last Survivor album to be issued during their eighties heyday. It was a record that took the band back to basics with an urgency fuelled by punchy hi-end production values and razor sharp guitar riffs. It was also an album comprised of instantly catchy tunes, big hooks and vocals, courtesy of Jimi Jamison, to die for. Produced to impressive effect by Frank Filipetti (John Waite, Foreigner etc), Survivors three core members of Jamison, Jim Peterik, Frankie Sullivan recorded the album primarily in New York City, utilising a new rhythm section that included well known drummer Mickey Curry from the Bryan Adams band. The results were spectacular; big, bold and dynamic, with the emphasis on harder rock, yet still retaining their trademark melodic AOR sheen.

24-bit remastering from original source tapes, 4,000 word essay about the making of the album, interview with band leader Jim Peterik and additional photos spread out over a 16 page full colour booklet.

TRACK LISTING: 1. She’s A Star 2. Desperate Dreams 3. Too Hot To Sleep 4. Didn’t Know It Was Love 5. Rhythm Of The City 6. Here Comes Desire 7. Across The Miles 8. Tell Me I’m The One 9. Can’t Give It Up 10. Burning Bridges.

RECORDED IN Los Angeles, produced by long time associate Ron Nevison (Heart, Bad Company, UFO etc) and featuring accomplished vocalist Jimi Jamison, the album picks up perfectly from ‘Vital Signs’ boasting a number of classic cuts including the anthemic ‘Rebel Son’, ‘How Much Love’ and heart rending power ballads ‘In Good Faith’ and top ten US hit single ‘Is This Love’.
‘WSC’, originally released in 1986, is a record choc full of great songs, placing Survivor in the pantheon of primo American AOR units, alongside masters of the craft such as REO Speedwagon, Journey and Foreigner. Newly remastered to exacting standards, this version of ‘WSC’ includes the bonus track ‘Burning Heart’, a US #2 hit single originally featured in the blockbuster Sylvester Stallone movie Rocky IV, but not included on the original album.

24-bit remastering from original source tapes, one bonus track, 4,000 word essay about the making of the album, interview with band leader Jim Peterik and additional photos spread out over a 16 page full colour booklet.

TRACK LISTING: 1. How Much Love 2. Keep It Right Here 3. Is This Love 4. Man Against The World 5. Rebel Son 6. Oceans 7. When Seconds Count 8. Backstreet Love Affair 9. In Good Faith 10. Can’t Let You Go BONUS TRACK 11. Burning Heart.

CERTAINLY ONE of the greatest characteristics of the 1970s was the diversity of musical talent on offer. From proto metal through to punk rock all bases were covered, not least of all the establishment of progressive rock. From the giants of the genre such as Yes, ELP and Genesis through to a multitude of lesser known acts, progressive rock became, against all odds, a standard bearer of quality and class.

Starcastle were a fitting addition to the progressive rock ranks. Based in Champaign, Illinois and formed from a couple of local acts, sporting improbable names such as Sea Daddy, St. James and Mad John Fever, the band overcame their geographical isolation by playing anywhere and everywhere, and attracting not only a fevered following but also the attention of label leviathans Epic Records.

Fronted by former REO Speedwagon vocalist Terry Lutrell, the band crafted a spectacular debut album, pushing at the boundaries of progressive rock. Think
Kansas, Styx, Yes and Gentle Giant for a close approximation of their complex yet easily accessible and melodic sound.

No wonder that Boston apparently threatened to kick them off a tour for upstaging them. Originally issued in 1976, the album boasts complex musicianship applied
to evocative and melodic songs, all wrapped up in one of the most beautiful and imaginative album sleeves of the era.

24-bit remastering from original source tapes, 4,000 word essay about the making of the album, interview with the band and photos spread out over a 16 page full colour booklet.

Track Listing: 1. Lady Of The Lake 2. Elliptical Seasons 3. Forces 4. Stargate 5. Sunfield 6. To The Fire Wind 7. Nova

DURING THE mid 1970s the popularity of progressive rock was at an all time high with acts such as Yes, Jethro Tull and, especially, ELP enjoying huge album sales and playing to sold out crowds the world over. Of course, shadowing these giants of prog were a number of young upstarts keen to make a challenge for gold and glory, not least of these were American mid-west contenders Starcastle.

The band’s carefully executed debut album attracted a number of converts, selling something in the region of a quarter of a million copies, resulting in Epic records taking a keener interest. In an effort to up the ante, so to speak, the band was sent into the studio (Morin Heights, Quebec) to record their next album with flamboyant and creative British producer Roy Thomas Baker (Queen, Journey, Foreigner).

‘Fountains Of Light’ is arguably Starcastle’s finest moment. Baker’s production is meticulous yet forceful, allowing the band to stretch out and take on the competition without sacrificing integrity or a natural melodic song writing ability.

Packed out with hooks to die for and submerged in complex yet accessible arrangements, the album oozes charm and class. Housed in one of the most impressively designed album sleeves of the seventies ‘Fountains Of Light’ still presses all the right buttons.

24-bit remastering from original source tapes, 4,000 word essay about the making of the album, new interview with band and additional photos spread out over a 16 page full colour booklet.

Track Listing: 1. Fountains 2. Dawning Of The Day 3. Silver Winds 4. True To The Light 5. Portraits 6. Diamond Song (Deep Is The Light)

AS A FOUNDING member of progressive rock giants King Crimson and ELP, Greg Lake’s presence during the 1970s was both impressive and influential. ELP’s impact on both a commercial and creative level was omnipresent, notching up a succession of chart busting albums and sold out shows the world over. So, when the band disbanded in 1978, all eyes were naturally on Greg’s next move.

Choosing to pursue a solo career, Greg fled to Los Angeles and worked with a number of well known session players (including most of Toto) in an effort to craft a musical direction that would allow him enough breathing space to escape the confines of the progressive rock style that he had been wedded to for so long.

Moving back to London, Greg finally focussed on a direction that would marry finely honed progressive rock with memorable songs – including one co-written by Bob Dylan. This was accomplished with the aid of a supporting cast of top rate musicians, including ex Sensational Alex Harvey Band members Ted McKenna and Tommy Eyre together with super guitarist Gary Moore. Indeed, Moore’s presence was keenly felt; he even provided the lead track ‘Nuclear Attack’ (previously recorded by Moore on his Dirty Fingers album). Greg’s debut solo album (originally released in 1981) was a comprehensive return to form for this progressive rock demi-god.

24-bit remastering from original source tapes, huge 3,000 word essay about the making of the album. Additional photos and memorabilia spread out over a 12 page full colour booklet.

Track Listing: 1. Nuclear Attack  2. Love You Too Much 3. It Hurts  4. Black And Blue  5. Retribution Drive 6. Long Goodbye  7. The Lie  8. Someone 9. Let Me Love You once Before You Go 10. For Those Who Dare

WHEN ELP disbanded in 1978, following their poorly received ‘Love Beach’ album, the smart money was on Greg Lake to emerge phoenix like from the ashes as part of yet another progressive rock supergroup. Few would have expected him to opt for a solo career. Commencing with 1981’s self titled debut, and using a top rate backing band, Greg’s second solo album - originally released in 1983 - continued his journey from progressive rock maestro to a more challenging song orientated minstrel.

With top talent, including the brilliant Gary Moore,‘Manoeuvres’ is a riveting soupcon of melodic pop prog mixed with carefully executed AOR, including lashings of blistering guitar work from the fret board of Mr Moore. The songs are both accessible and yet precise, and there is even a contribution from Sweet guitarist Andy Scott.

‘Manoeuvres’ is a huge departure from his work with both King Crimson and ELP, the style is clearly edging closer to the melodic progressive rock of Asia and latter day Yes, boasting well structured songs,meticulous arrangements and contributions from a superlative roster of high calibre musicians. Time to revisit this much overlooked album from a figurehead of the British progressive rock movement.

24-bit remastering from original source tapes, huge 3,000 word essay about the making of the album. Additional photos and memorabilia spread out over a 12 page full colour booklet. New. Sealed!

Track Listing: 1. Manoeuvres  2. Too Young To Love  3. Paralysed 4. A Woman Like You  5. I Don’t Wanna Lose Your Love Tonight 6. It’s You, You’ve Gotta Believe  7. Famous Last Words 8. Slave To Love  9. Haunted 10. I Don’t Know Why I Still Love You

“DESPITE NOTCHING up a huge worldwide hit single with ‘Eye Of The Tiger’, Survivor’s career trajectory was in a state of some flux. The band’s last album - the 1983 released ‘Caught In The Game’ - although still maintaining an outstanding level of production and song writing, failed to connect with their audience, leaving the band scratching their heads in disbelief.

Disappointed but not deterred, they retreated back to their home city of Chicago and laid down plans to record another album, one that would, as it turned out, put them squarely back in the spotlight. Naturally, changes had to be made, not least of all a change of lead vocalist from Dave Bickler (who had left because of vocal problems) to Jimi Jamison. In addition, the band decided to recall veteran producer Ron Nevison (Heart, Led Zeppelin, Bad Company) back into the fold to handle knob twiddling duties.

The results were spectacular. ‘Vital Signs’ blew the roof of the charts, delivering three US top 20 hit singles (‘The Search Is Over’, ‘High On You’ & ‘I Can’t Hold Back’) whilst the album itself made #16 on the album charts. It was a spectacular recovery from what had looked like a desperate situation and is now recognised as arguably Survivor’s finest moment, packed with killer tracks and boasting a superior production. Truly one of the most essential AOR albums of all time.”

24-bit remastering from original source tapes, one bonus track, 4,000 word essay about the making of the album, interview with band leader Jim Peterik and additional previously unseen photos spread out over a 16 page full colour booklet.

TRACK LISTING: 1. I Can’t Hold Back  2. High On You  3. First Night  4. The Search Is Over 5. Broken Promises 6. Popular Girl 7. Everlasting 8. It’s The Singer Not The Song 9. I See You In Everyone BONUS TRACK 10. The Moment Of Truth

“FROM PRETTY much out of nowhere Survivor scored one of the biggest ever selling hit singles in 1982 with the classic ‘Eye Of The Tiger’, a song written for the blockbuster movie ‘Rocky III’, featuring Sylvester Stallone. Buoyed by that success, the band took stock and regrouped to record their fourth album, the much overlooked ‘Caught In The Game’.

Mostly written and rehearsed in a Carpet Warehouse in their native Chicago, then recorded in Los Angeles and produced by guitarist Frankie Sullivan (engineered by future Guns N’ Roses producer Mike Clink), the album is a pithy coalescence of Survivor’s trademark sound and style. Arresting but smoothly produced, the songs ring with crystal clear clarity, refusing to out stay their welcome. With ‘Caught In The Game’, ‘What Do You Really Think?’, ‘I Never Stopped Loving You’ and the epic ‘Santa Ana Winds’ standing out from the pack.

Amazingly, the album (originally released in 1983) failed to repeat the massive achievement of the ‘Eye Of The Tiger’ record, delivering no hit singles and making only a fleeting appearance on the album charts.  It was a shocking development especially when you consider that ‘Caught In The Game’ harbours some of the band’s best songs. It was also the last album to feature vocalist Dave Bickler, and saw the band going through some major changes in an effort to reverse their lack of continued good fortune.”

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

TRACK LISTING: 1. Caught In The Game 2. Jackie Don’t Go 3. I Never Stopped Loving You  4. It Doesn’t Have To Be This Way 5. Ready For The Real Thing 6. Half-Life 7. What Do You Really Think? 8. Slander 9. Santa Ana Winds

TAKING THEIR cue from late sixties Blues boomers such as Cream, Mountain and the Jimi Hendrix Experience Burning Tree cooked up a musical soup by showboating a number of golden elements, including hard rock, psych, soul and blues.
The power trio approach was, for the era, something of an exception, and focused the spotlight not on outrageous antics but squarely on the music. Marc Ford’s guitar work was pivotal to the band’s sound; a sinewy stylist with a carefully executed sound that placed the emphasis not on how many notes he could squeeze into each track but more on how much space he could leave for the song to breathe. No wonder the Black Crowes snapped him up immediately after Burning Tree’s demise.

24-bit remastering from original source tapes, 5 bonus tracks, 4,000 word story of the making of the album, full involvement by the band, rare photos, all spread out over a superb 12 page full colour booklet.

TRACK LISTING: 1. Burning Tree 2. Wigs, Blues And High Heeled Shoes 3. Fly On 4. Mistreated Lover 5. Masquerade 6. Playing In The Wind 7. Last Laugh 8. Crush 9. Same Old Story 10. Baker’s Song 11. Baby Blue 12. Turtle BONUS TRACKS: 13. Burning Tree (Live) 14. Fly On (Live) 15. Mistreated Lover (Live) 16. Same Old Story (Live)