Fronted by the voluptuous Karen Lawrence, 1994 were one of the greatest North American hard rock bands that time and tide has indeed forgotten. Signed, in a blaze of publicity, to the mighty A&M label, produced by seventies studio wizard Jack ‘Aerosmith’ Douglas and hailed as the next big thing, the band never quite made the commercial impact all had hoped for. Critically, however, their music was bestowed with fervent praise attracting rave reviews both at home and abroad.Released in 1978, Geoff Barton, then writing for Sounds magazine, and now, of course, Editor of Classic Rock, made no secret of his love for 1994’s self titled debut album, going so far as to acclaim it as one of the years best releases; a veritable cracker box of explosive guitar based rock topped off with a stellar performance from one of the best (female) vocalists of the era – a deadly yet cool combination of Heart and Aerosmith. Fully remastered, 4,000 word essay by Stephen Allen, previously unpublished photos and 4 bonus tracks recorded live in 1978. Look out too, for a rare special guest appearance by guitarist Brad Whitford - one of only a small handful of extraneous appearances outside the Aerosmith mother ship. Track listing: 'Once Again', 'Shoot To Kill', 'Sing To me', 'Heleana', 'Bring It home', 'Radio Zone', 'Hit The Hardway', 'Read Up', 'Anastasia'. Bonus tracks: (live) 'Shoot To Kill', 'Find It In The City', 'Hit The Hardway', 'Bring It Home'.

FRONTED BY the charismatic Karen Lawrence, 1994: were one, in a long list, of great North American hard rock bands that time and fame overlooked. This, their sophomore album, was released in 1979, Geoff Barton, then writing for Sounds magazine, and now, of course, Editor At Large of Classic Rock, made no secret of his love for 1994’s music and the charms of Karen Lawrence, going so far as to acclaim them as a veritable cracker box of explosive guitar based rock topped off by a stellar performance from one of the best (female) vocalists of the era; a deadly yet cool combination of Heart and Aerosmith. Produced by the dynamic duo of Eddie Leonetti (Angel, Legs Diamond) and Jack Douglas, the album was lavished with fervent praise, attracting rave reviews both at home and abroad. 24-bit remastering from original source tapes, four bonus tracks, 4,000 word essay about the making of the album, interview with Karen Lawrence and additional previously unseen photos spread out over a 12 page full colour booklet. TRACK LISTING: 1) Once Again 2) Shoot To Kill 3) Sing To Me 4) Heleana 4) Bring It Home 5) Radio Zone 6) Hit The Hardway 7) Read Up 8) Anastasia. Bonus tracks: 9) Shoot To Kill 10) Find It In The City 11) Hit The Hard Way 12) Bring It Home.

Influenced predominantly by superstar American acts such as Foreigner, Journey, Survivor and Heart came a new breed of British melodic rock band ready and willing to take on the competition with a sense of energy and professionalism that, if lady luck had been smiling in the right direction, might have catapulted them to the same dizzying heights of success. FM, Shy, Tobruk, Lionheart, Strangeways and Grand Prix were the main frontrunners but it wasn’t until Airrace arrived on the scene that the scene gained a real contender for the NWOBMM (New Wave Of British Melodic Metal) throne. Signed to the giant and hugely influential Atlantic label, they headed straight to New York City, recording with one of the top American producers of the day, namely Beau Hill, the man behind platinum albums from Ratt, Warrant, Winger, Kix, Europe and Twisted Sister. ‘Shaft Of Light’, originally released in 1984, is a masterpiece of catchy hook laden rock with tough-guy guitar riffs, quality keyboards and the superior vocals of frontman Keith Murrell, who has one of the greatest rock voices of all time. With Jason Bonham providing a solid swing to the rhythm section it remains a mystery why Airrace failed to connect on a multi-platinum level. 24-bit remastering from original source tapes, 4,000 word story of the making of the album, full involvement by the band, rare photos, two bonus tracks, all spread out over a superb 16 page full colour booklet. Track Listing: 1. I Don’t Care 2. Promise To Call 3. First One Over The Line 4. Open your Eyes 5. Not Really Me 6. Brief Encounter 7. Caught In The Game 8. Do You Want My Love Again 9. Didn’t Wanna Lose Ya 10. All I’m Asking. Bonus Tracks: 1. Not Really Me (demo) 2. She Can’t Come Out (demo)

THERE IS nothing as exciting as an album appearing out of nowhere and blowing away the cobwebs. Aldo Nova’s debut album is one such creation; a record so perfectly formed that it has rightfully been compared to the groundbreaking achievements of classic albums by rival masters of melodic hard rock, including Boston, REO Speedwagon and Loverboy. Crammed with ten of the most infectious tracks this side of a Cheap Trick record, it is a work of major importance and one that is still revered to this very day. Originally issued in 1982, it instantly became a best seller, going on to eventually attain a double platinum certificate. With such rich and hugely melodic tracks as ‘Fantasy’, ‘Hot Love’, ‘Ball And Chain’ and ‘Heart To Heart’ it’s no wonder that Aldo’s brand of immaculate AOR attracted instant success. 24-bit remastering from original source tapes, 3,500 word essay about the making of the album, new interview with Aldo and additional photos spread out over a 12 page full colour booklet. TRACK LISTING: 1. FANTASY 2. HOT LOVE 3. IT’S TOO LATE 4. BALL AND CHAIN 5. HEART TO HEART 6. FOOLIN’ YOURSELF 7. UNDER THE GUN 8. YOU’RE MY LOVE 9. CAN’T STOP LOVIN’ YOU 10. SEE THE LIGHT

ORIGINALLY RELEASED in 1983, ‘Subject: Aldo Nova’ is a richer and far more intense effort than his debut album. Sure, initial reviews lambasted its ‘difficult’ musical thread and ‘post apocalyptic’ lyrical concept as a tad too highbrow for what he was then perceived as (a melodic hard rocker) but time and distance has invited an altogether more positive reaction. The songs here can be classified as progressive pop rock in the grandest sense, with an emphasis focused on precise arrangements and carefully crafted instrumentation. But the good thing is that Aldo didn’t fully abandon his penchant for finely tuned melodies, crafting a number of superlative track, such as ‘Monkey On Your Back’, ‘Hold Back’, ‘Cry Baby Cry’ and a surprising interpretation of the Coney Hatch classic, ‘Hey Operator’.” 24-bit remastering from original source tapes, 3,500 word essay about the making of the album, new interview with Aldo and additional photos spread out over a 12 page full colour booklet. TRACK LISTING: 1. Subject’s Theme 2. Armageddon (Race Cars) 3. Armageddon 4. Monkey On Your Back 5. Hey Operator 6. Cry Baby Cry 7. Victim Of A Broken Heart 8. Africa (Primal Love) 9. Hold Back The Night 10. Always Be Mine 11. All Night Long 12. War Suite 13. Prelude To Paradise 14. Paradise

‘HELLUVA BAND’ was Angel’s second album, and a record that took their brand of adventurous pomp-rock to astonishing levels. Unafraid of throwing everything and the kitchen sink into their music, they reached a new level of achievement which allowed every member of the band to excel at their craft. Singer Frank DiMino in particular, unleashes one of the definitive vocal performances of the era, an ostentatious operatic style that thrilled audiences back then and still continues to make its mark to this day. Originally issued in 1976,and produced by British ex pats Derek Lawrence and Big Jim Sullivan in Los Angeles, the albums contains a clutch of 24 Karat showstoppers, including the epic ‘Feelings’, ‘Mirrors’, ‘Pressure Point’ and ‘The Fortune’, a progressive pomp-rock watershed with all the trimmings you might reasonably expect from such a genre defining band. 24-bit remastering from original source tapes, 4,000 word essay about the making of the album, new interviews with the band, enhanced artwork and previously unseen photos spread out over a 16 page full colour booklet. TRACK LISTING: 1.Feelin’ Right 2. The Fortune 3. Anyway You Want It 4. Dr. Ice 5. Mirrors 6. Feelings 7. Pressure Point 8. Chicken Soup 9. Angel Theme

‘ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN’ was Angels’ third album and showcases the band expanding their horizons by taking a more melodic hard rock path, but one with hooks and riffs to the fore. Just because the music was harder and edgier, isn’t to say that they had abandoned their progressive roots altogether as Gregg Giuffria’s keyboard work will testify. Produced by seasoned sound man Eddie Kramer (Hendrix, Zeppelin), the songs here display a raw edge that provides guitarist Punky Meadows with a platform to unleash some of his best riffs, whilst vocalist extraordinaire Frank DiMino soars to new operatic heights. Songs such as ‘Can You Feel It’, ‘Cast The First Stone’ and ‘White Lightning’ explode with a sense of urgency that suggests the band were scaling new heights of creativity and feeling all the better for it. Oh, and check out the band’s logo – it reads the same upside down, back to front and in a mirror!” 24-bit remastering from original source tapes, original Japanese mix and superior track sequence, 4,000 word essay about the making of the album, new interviews with the band, enhanced artwork and previously unseen photos spread out over a 16 page full colour booklet. TRACK LISTING: 1. Can You Feel It 2. She's A Mover 3. You're Not Fooling Me 4. That Magic Touch 5. Big Boy (Let's Do It Again) 6. White Lightning 7. Telephone Exchange 8. On The Rocks 9. Cast The First Stone 10. Just A Dream

AND THEN there was Angel... Meticulously assembled as part of an advanced master plan to create the perfect rock band, Angel’s manifest destiny revolved around two key components: that’s killer hooks and killer looks. Seasoned players all, their arrival on the Los Angeles rock scene certainly put the cat amongst the pigeons in a world crying out for something fresh, original and very different. Based in Los Angeles, and signed to the forward thinking Casablanca label (home to Kiss and Parliament), Angel’s debut album was issued in 1975 and received instant approval from anyone hip to the trip. Musically the focus was firmly on a sort of pioneering seventies mash-up of progressive and melodic hard rock, spearheaded by the extraordinary operatic vocals of Frank DiMino and the wildly dexterous keyboard virtuosity of Gregg Giuffria. Produced by Englishmen Derek Lawrence (Deep Purple, Wishbone Ash) and session guitarist extraordinaire Big Jim Sullivan, the album is treasure trove of surprises and includes several songs that have since gone on to become standard bearers in the star spangled world of melodic-rock mayhem. For categorical proof look no further than the straight-from-the-hip attack of ‘Rock & Rollers’, ‘On And On’ and, arguably the greatest pomp-rock creation of all time, ‘Tower’, a pumping behemoth of a track with keyboards and guitars locked in mortal combat. No home should be without a copy. 24-bit remastering from original source tapes, 4,000 word essay about the making of the album, new interviews with the band, enhanced artwork and previously unseen photos spread out over a 16 page full colour booklet. TRACK LISTING: 1. Tower 2. Long Time 3. Rock & Rollers 4. Broken Dreams 5. Mariner 6. Sunday Morning 7. On & On 8. Angel (Theme)

ANGEL 3 CD BUNDLE

ANGEL 'S/T' CANDY153
ANGEL 'HELLUVA BAND' CANDY154
ANGEL 'ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN' CANDY155

AN AC/DC connection was crucial to the Angel’s story, in more ways than just musical. It was Bon Scott and Malcolm Young who recommended the band to their record label, Albert Productions, who signed them in 1975. Developing a musical swagger built on the riff hungry shuffle of AC/DC’s finest moments, the band soon carved out a following that sent their domestic releases skyrocketing up the charts. Signing worldwide to Epic Records in 1980, the band’s first foray into the great wide open was ‘Face To Face’, a compilation of the best tracks lifted from two domestic releases. Sure, the music is brittle and deeply indebted to AC/DC’s uncompromising raucous boogie but the twist in the tale is the band’s lyrical component. Front man Doc Neeson’s hypnotic story telling formed the backbone of a style that caught the imagination and propelled them to success on stages from London to Los Angeles. ‘Face To Face’ remains one of the greatest and most enduring albums of the era. 24-bit remastering from original source tapes, 3,500 word essay about the making of the album, interview with Doc Neeson and additional photos spread out over a 16 page full colour booklet. TRACK LIST: 1. Take A Long Line  2. Marseilles 3. After The Rain 4. Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again? 5. Shadow Boxer 6. Comin’ Down 7. Out Of The Blue  8. Can’t Shake It  9. Waiting For The World 10. No Exit

WHEN THE history of Heavy Metal is finally written, Armored Saint will be remembered as a band that should have joined the elite platinum club, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Metallica, Anthrax, Megadeath and Slayer. Tipped by those who know such things, they displayed both the promise and the talent to springboard them to worldwide success yet, for a number of frustrating reasons, it was not to be. ‘March Of The Saint’, the band’s debut album, was a competent introduction for sure, but was hampered by an arguably incompatible production, and a label not fully versed in the fine art of marketing metal to the masses. Taking matters into their own hands for ‘Delirious Nomad’, they enlisted the help of seasoned producer Max Norman (Ozzy Osbourne, Megadeath) and set to work creating the album that they should have recorded all along. Taped in Los Angeles, the sessions progressed well but not without a degree of angst, particularly when guitarist Phil Sandoval was asked to step aside, reducing the band’s compliment to a quartet. For all that, ‘Delirious Nomad’ remains, for most people, the band’s high point, in a career that has lasted on and off for the best part of thirty years. Max Norman’s production is crisp yet crushing, whilst the band’s attack and energy level is through the roof. That the songs are truly impressive is indeed the icing on the cake. 24-bit remastering from original source tapes, 3,500 word essay about the making of the album, 2 bonus tracks, new interview with the band and additional photos spread out over a 16 page full colour booklet. TRACK LISTING: 1. LONG BEFORE I DIE 2. NERVOUS MAN 3. OVER THE EDGE 4. THE LAUGH 5. CONQUEROR 6. FOR THE SAKE OF HEAVINESS 7. AFTERMATH 8. IN THE HOLE 9. YOU’RE NEVER ALONE 10. RELEASED. BONUS TRACKS 11. THE LAUGH (demo) 12. YOU’RE NEVER ALONE (rough mix)

Formed in Los Angeles during the early 1980's, Armoured Saint were part of an explosive West Coast scene that included the likes of Dokken, Malice, Ratt, Quiet Riot, Motley Crue and Metallica. By 1984 they were signed up to a major (Chrysalis) and recording their debut album with producer Michael James Jackson, fresh from working with a rejuvenated Kiss. The result was 'March Of The Saint' - hailed by Kerrang! magazine as having 'more balls than a snooker marathon', and generally regarded as one of the era's finest Power Metal releases. Fully remastered, enhanced original artwork, previously unseen photographs, 4,000 word essay from Malcolm Dome, full involvement from band members and 3 bonus tracks. Track listing: 'March Of The Saint', 'Can U Deliver', 'Mad House', 'Take A Turn', 'Seducer', 'Mutiny On The World', 'Glory Hunter', 'Stricken By Fate', 'Envy', 'False Alarm'. Bonus tracks: 'March Of The Saint' (demo), 'Seducer' (demo), 'Mutiny On The World' (demo).

Appearing in 1984, seemingly from out of nowhere, Los Angeles outfit Autograph were hand picked by Van Halen to join them on a mammoth North American tour...and they didn't even have a record deal at the time! However, the unsigned tag was soon to disappear, with RCA Records securing their signatures backstage at Madison Square Gardens in New York. Between 1984 - 87, this West Coast quintet released a string of successful records, all of them doing their bit to give melodic hard rock a good name. However, it's their third outing that is widely regarded as the pick of the pack...one of the all time great albums of the 80's LA scene, ably produced by studio legend Andy Johns. Fully remastered, original and enhanced art work, 4,000 word essay by Paul Suter, previously unseen photographs and full involvement from Steve 'Plunk' Plunkett. Track listing: 'Loud And Clear', 'Dance The Night Away', 'She Never Looked That Good For Me', 'Bad Boy', 'She's A Tease', 'Just Got Back From Heaven', 'Down 'N Dirty', 'More Than A Million Times', 'When The Sun Goes Down'.

EMERGING IN the early eighties, unsigned at the time, Autograph were hand picked by Van Halen to open a mammoth North American concert trek – an accomplishment that quickly led to their inking with industry giant RCA Records and an ensuing hit single, the energetic and infectious, ‘Turn Up The Radio’ which made the US top 30 in the same year. Feted and championed by the hard rock cognoscenti (supporters included Mötley Crüe and Ozzy Osbourne) this Los Angeles based quintet made all the right noises by packing both melody and muscle into their music; highly valuable commodities that found Autograph reaching a level of success that would see them out perform most of the competition. ‘Sign In Please’ was, then, the bands highly praised debut album, unleashing a beast of significant fire power and songs that would stand not only the test of time but would also improve with age including the classic hit single ‘Turn Up The Radio’. Taped by renowned British producer Neil Kernon (Queensryche, Dokken etc) the album exudes Class-A hard rock all the way with big hooks and solid riffs. Definitely one of the greatest albums from the 1980’s LA scene. 24-bit remastering from original source tapes, 4,000 word story of the making of the album by Pail Suter and exclusive interview with Steve Plunkett, previously unpublished photos, one bonus track, all spread out over a super 12 page full colour booklet. Track listing: Send Her To Me, Turn Up The Radio, Nighteen & Non Stop, Cloud 10, Deep End, My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend Isn’t Me, Thrill Of Love, Friday, In The Night, All I’m Gonna Take. Bonus Track: Turn Up The Radio (remix)

AUTOGRAPH'S DEBUT album ‘Sign In Please’ contained a surprise hit single, the infectious ‘Turn Up The Radio’, whilst a sell out tour supporting Van Halen elevated them into the upper echelons of the eighties hard rock elite. Things were looking more than good. However, when a Stateside tour supporting Mötley Crüe was secured, RCA, their record label, hit the panic button, insisting that in order to keep momentum rocketing the band should get back into the studio and cut a follow up album as quickly as humanly possible. It was inevitable that things began to slide; a rushed choice of producer, a lack of preproduction time and a touring deadline that was looming ever closer. Amazingly, when the album was released its cover had to be changed due to bungled copyright issues. And if that wasn’t enough, in order to combat the appearance of Russian band Avtograf (pronounced Autograph), RCA thought it might be a good idea for Autograph to record a cover of Grand Funk Railroad’s classic ‘We’re An American Band’ adding it to the record half way through the campaign. Under any other circumstance this set of events might have spelled disaster but for Autograph it was just a one more river to cross and one more hurdle to jump. ‘That’s The Stuff’, despite all the pressures baring down on them, was hailed as another solid slice of prime-time American hard rock, big on hooks and crammed with some of the best guitar playing that Steve Lynch ever recorded.   24-bit remastering from original source tapes, one bonus track, 4,000 word essay about the making of the album and a new interview and full involvement from Steve Plunkett. Additional photos and memorabilia spread out over a 16 page full colour booklet. Track Listing: 1. That’s The Stuff  2. Take No Prisoners 3. Blondes In Black cars  4. You’ll Get Over It 5. Crazy World 6. Six String Fever 7. Changing Hands 8. Hammerhead 9. Built For Speed 10. Paint This Town  Bonus Track: 11. We’re An American Band

IMAGINE YOU are a mid seventies rock band from London. You get signed to a hip and happening label - Chrysalis Records. You’re debut album is recorded in Toronto with Bob Ezrin (Alice Cooper, Pink Floyd). The label pays for you to relocate to Los Angeles where you sit in the sun and record your second album, which unexpectedly produces a worldwide hit single, ‘Isn’t It Time’. Life is good and it can only get better, right? Well, not exactly… Cocky and full of self confidence the Babys recorded their third album ‘Head First’, produced by Ron Nevison (Led Zeppelin, Bad Company, Heart etc), only to be told by their label that it wasn’t, er, ‘what they were expecting’ and could they please go back and take another stab at it. It was a soul destroying moment and one that resulted in major upheaval, with founding member Mike Corby departing the band for good. Reluctantly, the band re-cut ‘Head First’ and, against all odds, continued their path to fame and fortune by producing yet another sizeable US hit single, with the classic ‘Every Time I Think Of You’, and touring with some of the biggest names in rock. Fronted by one of the world’s most talented vocalists, John Waite, ‘Head First’ (released in 1978) is a remarkable album, from conception to execution, containing a brace of tracks that builds on the band’s blues rock roots to incorporate melody and sophistication tailor made for American rock radio. 24-bit remastering from original source tapes, 4,000 word story of the making of the album by Howrad Johnson, exclusive interview with John Waite, photos and memorabilia, all spread out over a superb 16 page full colour booklet. Track listing: 1. Love Don’t Prove I’m Right  2. Every Time I Think Of You 3. I Was One 4. White Lightning 5. Run To Mexico 6. Head First 7. You (Got It) 8. Please Don’t Leave Me Here 9. California