Tag Archives: 80s Rock

MERV SPENCE announces release of his interpretations of Phenomena catalogue

The Phenomena projects albums in the ’80s (and ’90s) were created by brothers Tom and Mel Galley (Whitesnake). These albums featured numerous British players and singers (John Wetton, Glenn Hughes, Cozy Powell, Neil Murray, and Brian May (among others). Merv Spence had joined a reformed (and short-lived) Trapeze following Peter Goalby’s departure and recorded an album with the band, which remains unreleased. He then went on to replace Trevor Bolder in Wishbone Ash for 1985’s Raw To The Bone, playing bass and singing. He would be credited as Executive Producer on the third Phenomena album Innervision (1992), as well as playing bass & vocals (under the name O’Ryan); he also featured on 1997’a Project X: 1985-1996 (compilation. tracks here were later used as bonus tracks that came with reissues of the first 2 albums). So, this 13 song release features 10 tracks that Merv Spence had recorded & issued under the name O’Ryan in the mid ’90s on the CD Initiate, as well as a few brand new recordings. Hearing these recordings makes me wonder why we haven’t heard more from Spence; these recordings and vocals are excellent, and I gotta think the guy would’ve been a great vocalist in a number of classic British bands. Well worth checking out! For more info check out the press release below, as well as the links to order.

Merv Spence is an Irish musician and former member of Wishbone Ash and Trapeze, as well as an established solo artist. He will be touring to support the release and this album features all of Merv Spence’s covers of the Phenomena tracks, both previously released and newly recorded.

Phenomena is an all-star series of albums created by Tom Galley which saw its debut album sell 1.2 million copies, and its follow-up deliver a #1 hit single ‘Did It All For Love’. Merv Spence is the former rights owner of the Phenomena albums and previously recorded his own renditions of the best-known songs.

Lead singer, musician & music producer Merv Spence said of the release: “‘Phenomena Recovered’ is a very important album for me. A lot of creative blood, sweat and tears went into producing these songs and the results make me feel incredibly proud. I embraced the challenge, and gave it my own signature. I hope ‘Phenomena’ fans will also embrace this production, and I look forward to performing these great songs live, both in a band capacity and solo, acoustically”.

Phenomena Recovered is OUT NOW and available from:
Amazon CD: https://geni.us/PhenReCoCD
Apple Music: https://geni.us/PhenReCoAM
Spotify: https://geni.us/PhenReCoSP

*To order directly from Cherry Red Records – https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/merv-spence-phenomena-recovered-cd/

MERV SPENCE LINKS:

http://www.mervspence.com

https://www.facebook.com/Mervspencemusic

https://www.facebook.com/Phenomenaproject

https://www.youtube.com/@mervspence4601

https://www.discogs.com/artist/1154520-Mervyn-Spence

CONEY HATCH Release Brand New Track from upcoming Live album!

It’s been a decade since veteran rockers Coney Hatch, a band renowned as one of Canada’s hardest rocking exports, have released a new studio recording. So the arrival of the band’s brilliant new single “It’s About A Girl” is genuine cause for celebration! Even more so since it comes on the eve of the band’s triumphant return to the stage at the Sweden Rock Festival as well as the announcement about a forthcoming live album, Postcard From Germany. Fans of the band have been anxiously awaiting an official concert recording of the group, after all it’s the band’s captivating live shows which earned them a place on tours with everyone from Judas Priest to Iron Maiden to Peter Frampton to Cheap Trick and many more back in their ’80s heyday!

Today, however, the band proudly introduces a new studio recording, and like all great rock songs, it’s about a girl. Women have been powerful figures throughout history; we idolize and woo them; we emulate and pursue them. That’s the story behind “It’s About A Girl,” the new single with a soaring melody, a punchy rock track, and an insanely catchy hook. This is what Coney Hatch sounds like in 2023!

Stream/download the single: https://orcd.co/coneyhatch_itsaboutagirl

While the new single premieres today on all digital platforms, it will also be featured on the band’s forthcoming Postcard From Germany, released under EX1 Records and Cleopatra Records under their new collaboration, which Andy Curran, Coney Hatch’s co-lead vocalist and bassist, is as excited about as the fans, saying “We’ve always taken a lot of pride in our live show, so finally releasing a live Coney Hatch record after many decades together is a bucket list check mark for us. We’re equally thrilled that the record includes 2 new studio tracks and to hit the road this summer!”

Postcard From Germany will be available everywhere August 11 on digital and on a special limited edition CD hand-signed by the band!

Order the CD: https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/coney-hatch-postcard-from-germany-cd/

TRACK LIST:
1. It’s About A Girl (Studio Recording)
2. Heaven’s On The Other Side (Studio Recording)
3. We Got The Night
4. Stand Up
5. Blown Away
6. Boys Club
7. She’s Gone
8. This Ain’t Love
9. Wrong Side Of Town
10. Girl From Last Night’s Dream
11. Fantasy
12. Fallen Angel
13. Don’t Say Make Me
14. Devil’s Deck
15. Monkey Bars

Links:

http://www.coneyhatch.com

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063052548185

ASIA : Reunion album ‘Phoenix’ to get issued on vinyl!

Phoenix was the first of 3 studio albums from the reunited original line-up of ASIA. Released in 2008, following up the Fantasia (Live In Tokyo) release. At the time I thought Phoenix was a good album, and over time I’ve come to really appreciate those 3 albums (along with Omega and XXX), all made for a great set of follow ups to the band’s first 2 from 1982 and ’83. Standout tracks and favorites would be the opener “Never Again”, “An Extraordinary Life” – both of which would’ve been huge hit singles decades earlier, as well as “Alibis”, and ” Parallel Worlds / Vortex / Déyà”. Phoenix never came out on vinyl when originally released, so this will be a welcome addition to many Asia fans’ collections. *Check out the press release and links below…


ASIA are a multi-platinum selling, English Rock band who formed in 1981 and celebrated their 40th Anniversary in 2021. ASIA announce the release of Phoenix for the first time as a 2 vinyl LP set on 26th May.    Phoenix was originally released in 2008 and was their first studio album with the original line-up in a quarter century.   

In terms of sound this emotional, compelling comeback album sees Asia continue the very high standards from where they left off in 1985, as ever displaying suppleness when stretching out into multi-part suites while retaining a knack for big, arena pop hooks.

Their 1982 self-titled debut album reached number one in several countries, including 9 weeks topping the US charts, with lead single ‘Heat Of The Moment’ making the top 40 in over a dozen, including US #4.

This is the second of four critically acclaimed ‘reunion’ releases (2007-2012) featuring vocalist John Wetton ex of King Crimson, guitarist Steve Howe and keyboard player Geoff Downes from Yes and drummer Carl Palmer from Emerson, Lake & Palmer.

The sleeve comprise unique artwork by world famous rock music artist Roger Dean.

Tracklisting:

Side A

1. Never Again

2. Nothing’s Forever

3. Heroine



Side B

1. Sleeping Giant / No Way Back / Reprise

2. Alibis

3. I Will Remember You

Side C           

1. Shadow Of A Doubt

2. Parallel Worlds / Vortex / Déyà

3. Wish I’d Known All Along


Side D           

1. Orchard Of Mines

2. Over And Over

3. An Extraordinary Life

Buy here: https://Asia.lnk.to/PhoenixPR

LINKS:

http://www.originalasia.com

https://www.facebook.com/asiatheband

6CD Set Of Recordings From THIN LIZZY Vocalist PHIL LYNOTT’s GRAND SLAM to be released

6CD Treasure Trove Of Recordings From THIN LIZZY Vocalist PHIL LYNOTT’s Swan Song Project GRAND SLAM Knocks It Out Of The Park!

Phil Lynott’s passing in 1986 was and is one of the great tragic losses of music history. A mere 36 years of age when he passed, Lynott founded and fronted one of the best rock bands of the ‘70s, Thin Lizzy, and was certainly the most popular rock singer to emerge from Dublin (prior to the Bono Era). Although his struggles with substance abuse would profoundly shape his latter career, his artistic talent continued to shine through in his post-Thin Lizzy projects including the fledgling rock group that seemed to have the potential to overtake the great Lizzy, Grand Slam!

Lynott started working with Magnum keyboardist Mark Stanway as part of Lynott’s live solo band in 1983 and by 1984 would eventually solidify a line-up that included guitarist Laurence Archer, rhythm guitarist Doish Nagle, and drummer Robbie Brennan and change their name to Grand Slam. Although the group never issued an official studio album, they played numerous shows around Europe and cut a series of demos that proved Lynott still had incredible songs in him and a brilliant career ahead. Grand Slam songs such as “Sisters Of Mercy” and “Nineteen” were so good they eventually ended up on some posthumous Thin Lizzy albums!

Now those songs and those live performances have been remastered to their absolute best sonic quality and packaged in a deluxe 6CD box set to be released on June 9. Slam Anthems is a true treasure trove of superb new mixes of Grand Slam songs as well as killer full concert recordings that feature songs from throughout Lynott’s stellar career. Each disc comes packaged in its own wallet with rare band photos and the whole box features a 20-page full-color booklet filled with informative liner notes from music historian Dave Thompson.

For a small taste of what’s in store, check out the newly remixed version of “Nineteen” that is being released today to all digital stores as well as the accompanying video, which cuts together rarely-seen footage of Lynott along with photos of the band on stage and in the studio!

Phil may be gone, but Grand Slam lives on in the current incarnation of the band, led by Laurence Archer. They have a re-recorded and remixed version of their previous release “Hit The Ground” coming soon, as well as a brand new studio album in the works.

Stream the single: https://orcd.co/phillynottsgrandslam_nineteen2022remix

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmXx-36L7kw

Order the 6CD box: https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/phil-lynotts-grand-slam-slam-anthems-6-cd-box-set/

Pre-order/pre-save the digital: https://orcd.co/phillynottsgrandslam_slamanthems

TRACK LIST:
DISC 1: 2022 REMIXES
1. Breakdown
2. Crazy
3. I Still Think Of You
4. Crime Rate
5. Dedication
6. Military Man
7. Look In These Eyes
8. Harlem
9. I Don’t Need This
10. Sisters Of Mercy
11. Nineteen
12. Hot N Spicy
13. Sarah

DISC 2: OREBRO 1983
1. Yellow Pearl
2. Old Town
3. Sarah
4. A Night In The Life Of A Blues Singer
5. Look In These Eyes
6. Parisienne Walkways
7. Solo In Soho
8. King’s Call
9. Baby Drives Me Crazy
10. The Boys Are Back In Town
11. Still In Love With You

DISC 3: LIFFORD 1984
1. Nineteen
2. Yellow Pearl
3. Sarah
4. Parisienne Walkways
5. Crime Rate
6. Young Boy
7. Night In The Life Of A Blues Singer
8. Cold Sweat
9. Dear Miss Lonely Hearts
10. Whisky In The Jar

DISC 4: LONDON 1984
1. Nineteen
2. Sisters Of Mercy
3. Crime Rate
4. Military Man
5. Dedication

DISC 5: GREAT YARMOUTH 1984
1. Yellow Pearl
2. Nineteen
3. Harlem
4. Parisienne Walkways
5. Cold Sweat
6. Sisters Of Mercy
7. Crime Rate
8. Military Man
9. Dedication

DISC 6: DEMOS
1. Nineteen
2. Crime Rate
3. Crazy
4. Sisters Of Mercy
5. Whiter Shade Of Pale / Like A Rolling Stone
6. Military Man
7. Hot N Spicy
8. I Don’t Need This
9. Harlem
10. I Still Think Of You
11. Gay Boys
12. Breakdown
13. Look In These Eyes
14. She Cries
15. Slam

Links:

https://cleopatrarecords.bandcamp.com/album/slam-anthems

https://www.facebook.com/grandslamrocks

Mark Stanway’s story

https://www.facebook.com/grandslambandofficial

Album of the Day – Ace Frehley’s Comet

Ace Frehley made his post-KISS vinyl debut in 1987 with Frehley’s Comet. His solo band had been going for a few years, recorded demos, and had undergone a few personnel changes, but the band (on record) would consist of drummer Anton Fig (who played on Kiss’ Dynasty and Unmasked, plus Frehley’s 1978 solo album), as well as guitarist/singer Tod Howarth (ex 707). Frehley’s Comet was easily as good or better as anything Kiss did in the ’80s, featuring the classic Ace anthem “Rock Soldiers”, co-written with Chip Taylor) as well as favorites like “Breakout” (co-written by Ace with Eric Carr and Richie Scarlet), “Stranger In A Strange Land”, and the single “Into The Night” – another Russ Ballard tune (Ace’s solo hit “New York Groove” was a Ballard song).

Tod Howarth also contributed a few good songs – “Something Moved” and “Calling To You” – a re-writing of 707’s “Mega Force” (co-credited to Ace, Jim McClarty, and Kevin Russell). Frehley’s Comet was a solid production – co-produced by Eddie Kramer & Ace, with Kramer engineering, and Howarth & Regan credited as assistant producers. Frehley’s Comet charted in Canada at #38, the US @ #43, and Sweden @ #20. It brought Ace Frehley back in to the public eye with tours and an excellent follow up album as the band Frehley’s Comet. Great album cover too!

RIP John Regan (Apr 7, ’23), who’s career also included numerous records with Peter Frampton, as well as Chip Taylor, as well as credits on albums by The Stones, David Bowie, Robin Trower, and David Lee Roth. In 2016 he was part of Four By Fate, along with Tod Howarth releasing the album Relentless.

LINKS:

https://acefrehley.com/

https://todhowarth.biz/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064583923921

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100047698971793

https://bravewords.com/news/former-frehley-s-comet-bassist-john-regan-passes-at-age-71

CZAKAN – German rockers return with ‘Unreal’

German hard-rockers CZAKAN return with their first new album in 30 years titled Unreal, due to be released April 14. The band’s 1989 debut State Of Confusion was recently reissued, an album that sold 25 thousand copies in Germany upon it’s original release.

Unreal is straight out of that class of great ’80s hard-rock & aor, think fellow German bands like Scorpions, Frontline and Bonfire, as well as the likes of Dokken and Firehouse. Guitar driven rockers, with keyboards, harmonies, cool solos, 14 tracks. First run through and I like this; like a lost favorite ’80s heavy melodic rock album, with excellent tracks like – “City Nights”, “Under The Gun”, “Living In A Nightmare”, and “Show Me All Your Love”, sounds excellent. Not a duff cut here! If this was an ;80s album, it’d be tough choosing a first single, but lead off rocker “Free Line” will is an excellent choice!

Line Up: Michael Schennach – Vocals, Oliver Güttinger – Guitar, Tom Fein –Keyboard, Randy Arcachon – Drums, Frank Schrafft – Bass

Links:

https://www.czakan-band.de/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.phpid=100085605874815

RUSH : Signals 40th anniversary – box set, picture disc…

Rush’s Signals was originally released in September of 1982. Preceded by the single “New World Man”, it marked a change in the band’s sound, with more use of modern keyboards and less heavy guitar. I am sure this was an issue for many Rush fans at the time, but it was a success as the band kept evolving and staying current. The met with mixed reviews, among the most comical being Rolling Stones’ horrible review, calling the band’s latest “duller than ever“, among other things! I wasn’t so into “New World Man”, but the rest of the album (most of) I preferred – particularly “Subdivisions” and “The Analog Kid”, plus favorites like “Countdown” and “Digital Man”.

Not only did the singles get lots of air-play (particularly in Toronto – which is where our closest rock stations were), but the video for “Subdivisions” was a classic, fitting the lyrics of being the outsider trying to fit in – “be cool or be cast out“. The video was filmed in various areas of Toronto (Scarborough), so it’s interesting to see for that aspect as well.

Signals remains one of my Top 3 Rush albums, with the other 2 being Permanent Waves and Moving Pictures – that period where the band sized things down from the lengthy epics to more strong shorter songs, easily accessible for many who might have shied away before. Rush was at their peak with Signals – selling out 3 nights at Maple Leaf Gardens. The album charted at #1 in Canada (their 2nd in a row), #3 in the UK (their 3rd #3), #19 in Sweden, and #10 in the US, while “New World Man” would become the band’s biggest single in the US, and “Subdivisions” would become a mainstay in the band’s live show thereafter (As far as I know…was it ever out of the live set?) Again, another interesting and iconic cover design by Canadian Hugh Syme.

And all of this brings me to the 40th anniversary release of Signals – particularly the box set, coming out in April. ( The re-issue will be available in three versions – Super Deluxe Edition, one-LP Picture Disc Edition, and Dolby Atmos Digital Edition). Upon seeing what’s coming (and what’s been on previous Rush box’s), I am pretty torn about this one, somewhat disappointed. There is the LP, 4 singles, CD (2015 remaster), a blue-ray disc, a hard cover book, poster, new artwork, prints, etc… You can check out the full details here > https://www.rush.com/signals-40th-anniversary-release/

What this Signals box doesn’t have, however – is anything new to listen to, ie – a live recording from the era, And that is a big drawback for me. Retailing at $229 US (!) – and No live show or rare live tracks … !? Hard to believe, but I guess possible, that maybe something of top quality just doesn’t exist!? (Maybe a bigger Rush collector can clarify?) I love the artwork (and keen to see all the new art from Hugh Syme), as well as the 40 page book, and all, but ….for me – I like to get something (new to me) to listen to. Maybe I’ll just eventually end up getting the new picture-disc version of Signals.

Links:

https://www.rushbackstage.com/

https://www.rushisaband.com/

https://www.facebook.com/rushtheband

https://www.facebook.com/rushisaband2112

http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19821206bostonglobe.htm

BLLY SQUIER returns with new music

Bill Squier, who released such classic ’80s albums as Don’t Say No, Emotions In Motion and Signs Of Life, is returning with a new record after years of being out of the music business. Following 1993’s Tell The Truth, Squier was done with Capitol Records, and would record just one more album – 1998’s Happy Blue, an acoustic album on J-Bird Records, before seemingly disappearing.

But in the past months there’s been signs of a return and finally a confirmation. Longtime friend and bass player Mark Clarke posted on his facebook page (accompanied by a new photo) back in November that he’d been in the studio with Billy, recoding a new song. They’ve also posted brief snippets of new music titled “Give Her A Kiss”. (Now on youtube)

A few days ago, an announcement came from Eddie Trunk – “Psyched to announce I will be world premiering the first new full band / electric Billy Squier song in about 20 years! March 7th 3:30P ET on #TrunkNation SiriusXM 103 Faction Talk or SXM app. And Billy will join me for an exclusive live interview to discuss it! Do not miss it! As a lifelong fan excited for this and honored Billy is breaking it on my show. Billy Squier

So, finally new music from Billy Squier will come out! Now, if someone would reissue a few of the later albums on vinyl!

Links:

http://www.billysquier.com

https://www.facebook.com/BillySquier

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkAL6ClDK61rQJTVzoW3hHQ

APRIL WINE – Myles Goodwyn retires from live performances

Canada’s APRIL WINE got together in 1968, moved to Montreal, signed to Aquarius Records, and released their first album in 1970. That album featured the hit single “Fast Train”. And from there, April Wine went on to become one of the biggest band’s in Canada. By the time the band’s 3rd album was released Myles Goodwyn was the lone original member. He sang lead, played guitar, and wrote the majority of the band’s material. Over time, he would go on to write almost all of the band’s material, add keyboards, and produce. Guitarist Brian Greenway joined in 1977, and the band took off with the hit “Roller”, from the album First Glance. April Wine split in the mid ’80s, but reformed in the early ’90s, recording more studio albums, and touring extensively. After a number of personal changes only Goodwyn and Greenway remained from the band’s classic late 70s-early 80s classic era. Now Myles Goodwyn has announced his retirement from touring with the band that he lead for 5 decades. Replacing him will be Montreal musician Marc Parent, from the Ottawa based band Eight Seconds. Goodwyn posted on Facebook on December 19 (with the above photo): “New April Wine group to hit stages everywhere in 2023. (l to r) Brian Greenway, Marc Parent, Richard Lanthier and Roy Nichol. Although I’m still in the band writing, recording the guys and producing, I am now officially retired from touring. My last stage performance after 50+ yrs. on the road, will be in Nova Scotia, March 2, 2023. It all started here and ends here for me. I will miss the shows, the fans and the other bands that have been friends for years, but health reasons have made this decision necessary. Cheers everyone and thanks for all the support over the years.”

Brian Greenway commented (further on) – “The new fellow’s name is Marc Parent from the band 8 Seconds. He plays excellent guitar and sings great! He was hand picked and is a gift as he can play and sing a lot like Myles. The song book will carry on. It’s all about the songs.”

In recent years Myles Goodwyn has recorded and released 3 solo albums – Myles Goodwyn and Friends of the Blues (2018), Friends of the Blues 2 (2019), and his most recent (2021) Long Pants. There has also been talk of a new April Wine album over the last couple of years, hopefully that will still happen. The band’s catalogue has more recently been reissued on colored vinyl via Unidisc.

*For more details on Myles’ decision to retire from touring and his choice of replacement check out this CTV interview – https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/april-wine-s-myles-goodwyn-announces-tour-departure-1.6201900

LINKS:

http://www.aprilwine.ca

https://www.facebook.com/AprilWineOfficial

https://www.youtube.com/@aprilwine7976

https://www.youtube.com/@mylesgoodwynofficial6425

https://www.youtube.com/@marcparent9106

CONEY HATCH release track from forthcoming album Postcard From Germany

Canadian rockers Coney Hatch have released a track from their forthcoming live album Postcard From Germany. The album will be out early next year. (See previous post for further details.)

The live cut now available is the classic “Devil’s Deck”, which opened the band’s 1982 debut album. The song is one of the album’s best known tracks, along with “Monkey Bars” and “Hey Operator”, and is always a highlight of the band’s live show. The track is available to stream and the album can be pre-ordered digitally – https://found.ee/ConeyHatchPFG (and see Youtube below)

*As previously noted the band will be playing the entire debut album at the El Mocambo on December 29. May be tix still left, see the press release below…

CONEY HATCH CELEBRATE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF DEBUT ALBUM WITH UPCOMING SHOW AT EL MOCAMBO

The El Mocambo in Toronto is undoubtedly one of the most instantly recognizable names when it comes to music venues. After all, such iconic artists as the Rolling Stones, Elvis Costello, the Cars, and Stevie Ray Vaughan have all performed at the legendary hall over the years (and also issued recordings from their performances there). And on Thursday, December 29, 2022, Canadian hard rockers Coney Hatch will headline the venue – to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their gold-certified self-titled debut.

VIP tickets will include entry to the venue early to witness part of the soundcheck, plus a meet & greet with all four members and a photo with the band. The band will also autograph one item per person. Details TBA – limited to 50, so purchase quickly before they sell out! Tickets can be purchased via this link: https://www.ticketweb.ca/event/coney-hatch-40th-anniversary-under-the-neon-palms-at-tickets/12695535

The El Mocambo performance will be a homecoming of sorts for the band (lead vocalist/guitarist Carl Dixon, guitarist Sean Kelly, bass player/vocalist Andy Curran, and drummer Dave Ketchum), as they previously played the venue in 1983, and hail from Toronto. To mark this special occasion, the band will be performing the debut album in its entirety that evening (a recording that spawned such hard rock gems as “Monkey Bars,” “Devil’s Deck,” and “Hey Operator”). This is Hatch’s only Canadian show before they start a UK tour in January 2023 (opening a string of dates for Steve Harris’ British Lion). The show will also include additional songs from their extensive catalog.

“The El Mocambo is a venue that has been near and dear to our hearts,” says Curran. “All of the Coney’s loved performing there and we all saw so many amazing bands and artists perform there, as well. It’s so rich in history and the logical place for us to perform our debut record for the 40th anniversary for our hometown Toronto fans.”

Also, arriving soon from the Hatch will be a live album, ‘Postcard from Germany.’ “We’re very excited and grateful that after all these years, we’re still getting along and releasing new songs. We’re a brotherhood and this new live record totally captures the spirit of Coney Hatch live. In your face double guitar attack! Also two spankin’ new songs to boot! That’s a pretty cool thing for our fans.”

But first, Toronto fans will get the unique opportunity to close 2022 by witnessing Coney Hatch perform a classic album…at a classic venue!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT:

https://www.coneyhatch.com

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063052548185
https://twitter.com/monkeybars3