Rock Candy

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1994-st-candy006

1994 'S/T' CANDY006 Categories: ,

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.

Released in 1978, Geoff Barton, writing for Sounds magazine, (now Editor of Classic Rock), made no secret of his love for 1994’s self-titled debut album, acclaiming it as one of the year's best releases – a deadly yet cool combination of Heart and Aerosmith.

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.

24-bit remastering from original source tapes, huge story of 1994 liner notes, tons of additional photos and memorabilia spread out over a 16 page full colour booklet. Also includes 4 bonus tracks taken from a 1978 concert.

TRACK LISTING: 'Once Again', 'Shoot To Kill', 'Sing To Me', Heleana', 'Bring It Home', 'Radio Zone', 'Hit The Hardway', 'Read Up', 'Anastasia', BONUS TRACKS: 'Shoot To Kill', 'Find It In The City', 'Hit The Hard Way', 'Bring It Home'.

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1994-please-stand-by-candy078-2

1994: 'Please Stand By' CANDY078 Categories: ,

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. Please Stand By... 2. Wait For Me 3. Don’t Break Up 4. Our Time Will Come 5. Wild In The Streets 6. Stop This Heartache 7. So Bad 8. Nerves Of Steel 9. Keep Ravin’ On Bonus Tracks: 10. Back In Your Arms Again (unreleased outtake) 11. Get It Up, Get It Right (unreleased outtake) 12. You Better Run (unreleased outtake) 13. Our Time Will Come (alternative take)

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21-guns-salute-candy186

21 GUNS 'SALUTE' CANDY186 Categories: ,

THERE’S NO getting away from the fact that Thin Lizzy were one of the most influential rock bands of all time. Lead guitarist Scott Gorham was, of course, an essential part of that outfit, carving out a reputation on a string of spectacular albums with his spellbinding guitar playing. After the demise of Lizzy, Scott cooled his engines and spent some time planning for the future, which eventually led to the formation of 21 Guns, a band fit for purpose, boasting both precision and power.

Joining Scott in this new recording venture was an all American line-up, consisting of co-writer, bassist and keyboard player Leif Johansen (Phenomena), drummer Mike Sturgis (Asia) and vocalist Thomas La Verdi, who had previously fronted cult AOR unit A440. Partnering with renowned producer and mixing engineer Chris Lord Alge (Meatloaf, Creed), 21 Guns recorded their album in Los Angeles and found the finished product receiving plaudits from virtually everyone who heard it.

Originally released in 1992, all would have been well and good if only the grunge revolution wasn’t in full swing. With their melodic and polished sheen 21 Guns were ostracised by some quarters the media for sounding dated and being part of a musical heritage that was now rapidly becoming passé. Of course, with the benefit of hindsight we can clearly see that ‘Salute’ is one of the finest rock albums of any era, allowing Scott Gorham to unleash stupendous guitar work and spectacularly crafted songs.

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

TRACK LISTING: 1. Knee Deep 2. These Eyes 3. Walking 4. Marching In Time 5. The Rain 6. Little Sister 7. Pays Off Big 8. Just A Wish 9. Battered And Bruised 10. Jungleland 11. Tell Me 12. No Way Out

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special-forces

38 SPECIAL SPECIAL FORCES (5 BONUS TRACKS) CANDY497 Categories: ,

“WHEN IT COMES to musical trends, Southern rock is one of the most enduring styles, and one that maintains a loyal and committed following. It is also very much wrapped up in the values of an era that has experienced both good and bad times, yet it continues to endure whilst other musical trends evaporated into thin air. 38 Special are not only survivors but also one of the few groups from the Southern rock genre that crossed musical barriers, producing not only hit albums but also mainstream hit singles. Fronted by Donnie Van Zant (little brother of Sknyrd frontman Ronnie) the band’s sound was immediately embraced by an audience keen to keep the music they love alive. The band’s early albums were staunchly Southern rock in sound but by this, their 5th album, melodic influences had widened their appeal. Not that they had abandoned their heritage, far from it, as ‘Special Forces’ is still very much a traditional vehicle for the rock sounds of the South. The only difference being that they were now notching up hit singles as well as hit albums. ‘Special Forces’, originally issued in 1982 (co-produced with Rodney Mills: Skynyrd, the Outlaws, Atlanta Rhythm Section) proved to be yet another career highlight, going on to reach the US top 10, achieving a platinum award and spawning , with the help of Suvivor’s Jim Peterik, the now classic hit single ‘Caught Up In You’. Arguably this album is the band’s best work.”

Fully Remastered Audio, Platinum album from revered southern rockers featuring vocalist Donnie Van Zant, Contains the hit single’Caught Up In You’ and 5 bonus live tracks, 16 page full colour booklet – 3,500 word essay, enhanced artwork, rarely seen photos and new interviews

Track Listing: 1: Caught Up In You 2: Back Door Stranger 3: Back On The Track 4: Chain Lightnin' 5: Rough Housin 6: You Keep Runnin Away 7: Breakin' Loose 8: Take 'Em Out 9: Firestarter Bonus Tracks 10: Prisoners Of Rock 'N' Roll 11: Rough Housin (Live) 12: Wild-Eyed Southern Boys (Live) 13: Stone Cold Believer (Live) 14: Twentieth Century Fox (Live)

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wide-eyed

38 SPECIAL WILD-EYED SOUTHERN BOYS (4 BONUS TRACKS) CANDY496 Categories: ,

“ALTOUGH THE AMERICAN marketplace was bursting with great Southern rock bands during the 1970s, many of them multi-platinum sellers such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Marshall Tucker Band and Molly Hatchet, there was always room for talented newcomers. For 38 Special this was manna from heaven, launching into a marketplace that was primed for regional music, shifting enormous quantities of records, and selling out big venues. Formed in Jacksonville, Florida, and fronted by Donnie Van Zant (brother of Skynyd’s Ronnie and Johnny), the band secured a deal with cool independent label A&M, and carved out a solid reputation as one of the best Southern rock bands. But the early 1980s the movement had to face some harsh realities, as musical trends were rapidly changing. ‘Wild-Eyed Southern Boys’, their fourth album, produced by Rodney Mills (Skynyrd, the Outlaws) and originally issued in 1981, showcased the band engaged in a wider musical palette; one that paid handsome dividends and, ultimately, prolonged their commercial shelf life by some considerable time. Focussing on sharper, more hook-laden songs, the band’s sound was refined but not tampered with. They were still very much a gritty, guitar driven, down-home rock band, but with songs that could now be played on mainstream radio. Tracks like the title track, ‘Throw Out The Line’, ‘Bring It On’ and, with the help of Survivor’s Jim Peterik, the hit single ‘Hold On Loosely’ helped to propel the album into the US top 20 securing them a platinum award and a reputation second to none.”

Fully Remastered Audio, Platinum album from revered southern rockers featuring vocalist Donnie Van Zant, 16 page full colour booklet – 3,500 word essay, enhanced artwork, rarely seen photos and new interviews and four bonus tracks

Track Listing: 1: Hold On Loosely 2: First Time Around 3: Wild Eyed Southern Boys 4: Back Alley Sally 5: Fantasy Girl 6: Hittin' And Runnin' 7: Honky Tonk Dancer 8: Throw Out The Line 9: Bring it On Bonus Tracks: 10: Turn It On (Live) 11: Stone Cold Believer (Live) 12: Robin Hood (Live) 13: Rockin' Into The Night (Live)

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707 'MEGA FORCE' CANDY333

707 'MEGA FORCE' CANDY333 Categories: ,

IT APPEARS THAT nearly every band back in the day experienced a never ending stream of difficulties, a series of ups and downs that made even basic existence almost impossible. For 707 the situation was no different. Their debut album produced an unexpected hit single, but Casablanca Records failed to fuel the fire and by the time they released a follow up album they were hearing rumours about the label’s unstable financial position. Indeed, a third album was recorded but had to be shelved when Casablanca finally crashed and burnt. Amazingly, a life line was thrown by their old label boss Neil Bogart when he set up a new company, Broadwalk records, and offered the band a fresh start. Recruiting a new lead vocalist/frontman, Kevin Chalfant, the band also received a leg up when they were asked to write songs for a new action movie, ‘MagaForce’, helping to give them much needed promotion and exposure. It was a tremendous opportunity, spoilt only by the movie’s lacklustre box office performance. Opting to continue in a more forceful direction, the band’s sound evoked comparisons to Journey, REO Speedwagon and Night Ranger, placing the emphasis on solid riffs and memorable songs. For example the title track ‘Mega Force’, ‘Get To You’, ‘Write Again’ and Can’t Hold Back’. The record is now regarded as a true underground classic, harbouring, as it does, a prime, melodic, AOR sound to die for.

SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR’S EDITION, FULLY REMASTERED SOUND, 6 BONUS TRACKS, 16 PAGE FULL COLOUR BOOKLET, 3,500 WORD ESSAY ABOUT THE MAKING OF THE ALBUM, NEW INTERVIEW AND ENHANCED ARTWORK WITH UNSEEN PHOTOS.

TRACK LISTING: 1. MEGA FORCE 2. CAN’T HOLD BACK 3. GET TO YOU 4. OUT OF THE DARK 5. HELL OR HIGH WATER 6. WE WILL LAST 7. HELLO GIRL 8. WRITE AGAIN 9. NO BETTER FEELING 10. HEARTBEAT BONUS TRACKS: 11. EAGLE ONE 12. MEGA STOMP 13. MEGA FORCE (ALT VERSION) 14. EAGLE ONE (INSTRUMENTAL) 15. THE FLOAT 16. MEGA FORCE (LIVE)

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707-st-candy331

707 'S/T' CANDY331 Categories: ,

THERE’S NO question that 707 had one of the most distinctive sounds of any band emerging from the late 70s. Most melodic west coast rock acts of the era were powered almost exclusively by loud guitars, but the twist in 707’s style was the prominent use of grand piano as a lead instrument. Amazingly, however, this didn’t in anyway compromise their power. Indeed, the piano became a method of musical propulsion that leant them a unique and instantly identifiable character. Formed in Los Angeles during the late 70s, and led by guitarist/vocalist Kevin Russell and keyboard player Duke McFadden, this talented four-piece scored a coveted record deal with the Casablanca label, one of the hottest companies operating at the time. Recorded and issued in 1980, their self titled debut album made an instant impact, encouraging comparisons to Toto, REO Speedwagon and Chicago. The songs were well written, superbly performed and imbued with a sense of maturity far outstripping their relatively tender years of existence. It was also a record that took everyone by surprise, including their label, when the opening track, ‘I Could Be Good For You’, emerged as an unlikely hit single when radio stations in America’s heartland started to play the song of their own accord. But that’s not to say they were a one trick pony as the record contained a number of tremendous tracks, including ‘Let Me Live My Life’, ‘Save Me’ and the epic ‘You Who Needs To Know’.

THERE’S NO question that 707 had one of the most distinctive sounds of any band emerging from the late 70s. Most melodic west coast rock acts of the era were powered almost exclusively by loud guitars, but the twist in 707’s style was the prominent use of grand piano as a lead instrument. Amazingly, however, this didn’t in anyway compromise their power. Indeed, the piano became a method of musical propulsion that leant them a unique and instantly identifiable character. Formed in Los Angeles during the late 70s, and led by guitarist/vocalist Kevin Russell and keyboard player Duke McFadden, this talented four-piece scored a coveted record deal with the Casablanca label, one of the hottest companies operating at the time. Recorded and issued in 1980, their self titled debut album made an instant impact, encouraging comparisons to Toto, REO Speedwagon and Chicago. The songs were well written, superbly performed and imbued with a sense of maturity far outstripping their relatively tender years of existence. It was also a record that took everyone by surprise, including their label, when the opening track, ‘I Could Be Good For You’, emerged as an unlikely hit single when radio stations in America’s heartland started to play the song of their own accord. But that’s not to say they were a one trick pony as the record contained a number of tremendous tracks, including ‘Let Me Live My Life’, ‘Save Me’ and the epic ‘You Who Needs To Know’.

SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR’S EDITION, FULLY REMASTERED SOUND, 16 PAGE FULL COLOUR BOOKLET, 3,500 WORD ESSAY ABOUT THE MAKING OF THE ALBUM, NEW INTERVIEW AND ENHANCED ARTWORK.

TRACK LISTING: 1. I COULD BE GOOD FOR YOU 2. LET ME LIVE MY LIFE 3. ONE WAY HIGHWAY 4. SAVE ME 5. YOU WHO NEEDS TO KNOW 6. SLOW DOWN 7. FEEL THIS WAY 8. WASTE OF TIME 9. WHOLE LOT BETTER

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707-second-album-candy332

707 'THE SECOND ALBUM' CANDY332 Categories: ,

NO ONE WAS more surprised than the band when it emerged that 707, an obscure baby act from Los Angeles who had recently released their debut album, suddenly had a hit single on their hands. ‘I Could Be Good For You’, a forceful rock track propelled by a grand piano, and even though they were signed to Casablanca Records it had all the hallmarks of an organic birth. It was enough of a success story to ensure that the band would head back into the studio to record a now highly anticipated second album.

Enlisting the assistance of producer Jai Winding (Le Roux, Stephen Crane) and recorded in Los Angeles, the band’s sophomore album (cunningly titled ‘The Second Album’) solidified their potential, albeit with the loss of pianist Duke McFadden who left the band for pastures new. His departure was quite a traumatic blow but they weren’t holed beneath the waterline because the other members rose to the challenge with a defiant show of force.

Issued in 1980, the album showcased a more forceful approach, something more in keeping with the AOR zeitgeist of the day and evoking comparisons this time around with Journey, Foreigner and Cheap Trick. Showcasing this harder edge, tracks such as ‘Tonite’s Your Nite’, ‘Rockin’ Is Easy’ and the glorious ‘Strings Around My Heart’ elevate the band into the stratosphere. If it wasn’t for the implosion of Casablanca Records the record could’ve have been a huge commercial success.

SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR’S EDITION, FULLY REMASTERED SOUND, 16 PAGE FULL COLOUR BOOKLET, 3,500 WORD ESSAY ABOUT THE MAKING OF THE ALBUM, NEW INTERVIEW AND ENHANCED ARTWORK WITH UNSEEN PHOTOS.

TRACK LISTING: 1. TONITE’S YOUR NIGHT 2. MILLIONAIRE 3. LIVE WITH THE GIRL 4. STRINGS AROUND MY HEART 5. PRESSURE RISE 6. ROCKIN’ IS EASY 7. CITY LIFE 8. LIVE WITHOUT HER 9. LOVE ON THE RUN 10. THE PARTY’S OVER

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707-bundle

707 Bundle Categories: ,

707 'S/T' CANDY331, 707 'The Second Album' CANDY332, 707 'Mega Force' CANDY333

707 bundle with the price of £29.99

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aldo-nova-twitch-candy406

ALDO NOVA 'TWITCH' CANDY406 Categories: ,

“ALDO NOVA enjoyed an impressive rocket ride to success with the release of his debut album in 1982. The record shot to #8 on the US Billboard chart led by the infectious hit single ‘Fantasy’, a song that cemented his reputation as one of Canada’s most talented rock singer/songwriters, alongside Brian Adams. It was a commercial crown that perfectly fitted this Montreal native, with many believing that it was the opening salvo to a career that would continue to blossom and reap ever increasing rewards. Sadly that was not to be. Despite a valiant and comprehensive second album, ‘Subject…Aldo Nova’, his commercial star began to fade leaving all eyes on this third album ‘Twitch’. Recorded in 1985 and released in the same year, the record was a determined effort to return to the satisfying and exciting style of his debut with immediately catchy pop rock tracks boasting copious melody. Despite a return to his roots, the results were unfairly overlooked, resulting in the record failing to chart and causing friction with his record label. Aldo vowed not to release further solo albums unless he had complete control over his output, something not achieved until 1991. Despite the strain between Nova and his label at the time, ‘Twitch’ is a meaningful and impressive statement harbouring a number of instantly catchy songs that are injected with solid hooks and fine guitar playing; tracks that should have been the launch pad to far greater success. Recorded in New York, the album is also notable for guest vocals from Michael Bolton and Fiona (Flanagan). It remains a truly great statement from a proven talent.” SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR’S EDITION. Fully Remastered Audio, 16 page full colour booklet, new interview with Aldo and enhanced artwork with rare photos TRACK LISTING: 1.TONIGHT (LIFT ME UP) 2.RUMOURS OF YOU 3.SURRENDER YOUR HEART 4.IF LOOKS COULD KILL 5.HEARTLESS 6.LONG HOT SUMMER 7.FALLEN ANGEL 8.STAY 9.LAY YOUR LOVE ON ME 10.TWITCH

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