New Releases
CUSTOMERS IN THE EUROPEAN UNION Please note that due to new VAT changes the EU have put in place you will have to pay VAT and possibly a handling fee to RECEIVE ANY CDs sent from us in the UK. Since July 1st 2021 there is NO LONGER A VAT FREE AMOUNT to receive parcels. We have to suggest that you buy our CDs from local stores or Amazon/web sellers in your country. We have added a list of sellers in EU countries to this website, click on the link button above. Thank you for being our customers!
PLEASE NOTE: North America and all other global territories are not affected by the above changes.
VIXEN WERE the target of numerous sexist clichés when they first appeared on the scene back in the late ’80s, much in the same way as previous female acts had suffered from such disrespectful male misogyny. But the band’s musical virtuosity soon affirmed their place in the hard rock pantheon. Formed in St. Paul Minnesota and later based in Los Angeles, the band eventually consisted of vocalist and guitarist Janet Gardner, lead guitarist Jan Kuehnemund, bassist Share Pederson and drummer Roxy Petrucci. Attracting major management they signed to EMI records, issuing their debut album in 1988, which surprised many of their doubters by quickly achieving Gold status and allowing them to tour extensively. Buoyed by this flush of success the band returned to the studio to record ‘Rev It Up’, produced by Randy Nicklaus (Shark Island) and released in July 1990. Receiving positive reviews, and achieving good chart positions, the album was regarded as a step above their debut, signalling a significant musical development and a far more direct approach to the recordings. Rough and raw, the record contained a number of high points and helped to secure them a following beyond North America, touring with Deep Purple and KISS. Sadly, however, due to the eventual emergence of grunge and management problems the band’s initial run was short lived and they elected to split up at that point rather than carry on in the face of overwhelming odds. Versions of the band continued the work later, and still do, but Sadly Jan Kuehnemund passed away in 2013.
24-bit remastering from original source tapes, 4,000 word story of the making of the album, full involvement by the band, rare photos all spread out over a superb 16 page full colour booklet.
TRACK LISTING: 1.REV IT UP 2.HOW MUCH LOVE 3.LOVE IS A KILLER 4. NOT A MINUTE TOO SOON 5.STREETS IN PARADISE 6.HARD 16 7.BAD REPUTATION 8.FALLEN HERO 9. ONLY A HEARTBREAK AWAY 10.IT WOULDN’T BE LOVE 11.WRECKING BALL
(Price £13.99)
WE AT ROCK CANDY HQ, often hail albums we reissue as forgotten jewels that didn’t achieve the commercial success they deserved. New England’s 1979 self-titled debut album, which critically set the melodic rock world on fire back in the day, is a prime example of this. The album is so impressive, packed with well defined AOR, that everyone, not just their record label, expected them to take charge of the scene. They had it all; beautiful, fully formed songs and a sound and style that meant business, with a production to die for (from the fingers of veteran producer Mike Stone and KISS man Paul Stanley). And, for a while, it appeared to be working according to plan when the first single from the album ‘Don’t Ever Wanna Lose Ya’ gained serious traction at US radio. Sadly, it was not to last, despite the band’s unrivalled musical assurance, with a sound that seemed to merge the past with the present. It was as if the Beatles had joined forces with The Cars unleashing a melodic tidal wave, but with enough of their own identity to set them apart from the pack. As the name suggests, the band were formed in Boston, New England, during the late ’70s and were quickly snapped up for management by Bill Aucoin of KISS fame. Released on the newly formed Infinity label (MCA), the album is packed with explosive tracks such as the aforementioned debut single, ‘P.U.N.K. (Puny Undernourished Kid)’, ‘Shall I Run Away’ and clarion call ‘Hello, Hello, Hello’, which was the second single. These were songs that allowed frontman John Fannon’s melodic voice to soar - he’s without doubt one of the greatest singers in the AOR sphere.
24-bit remastering from original source tapes, 6 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 16 page full colour booklet.
TRACK LIST: 1.HELLO, HELLO, HELLO 2.DON’T EVER WANNA LOSE YA 3.P.U.N.K. (PUNY UNDERNOURISHED KID) 4.SHALL I RUN AWAY 5.ALONE TONIGHT 6.NOTHING TO FEAR 7.SHOOT 8.TURN OUT THE LIGHT 9.THE LAST SHOW 10.ENCORE BONUS TRACKS: 11.HELLO, HELLO, HELLO (LIVE) 12.SHOOT (LIVE) 13.P.U.N.K. (PUNY UNDERNOURISHED KID) (LIVE) 14.SHALL I RUN AWAY (LIVE) 15.NOTHING TO FEAR (LIVE) 16.DON’T EVER WANNA LOSE YA (LIVE)
(Price £13.99)
PROGRESSIVE ROCK’S COMMERCIALITY ebbs and flows depending on its relevance and timing in the marketplace. It is similar, in fact, to the machinations of stocks and shares giving rise to unexpected highs and lows in the financial world. When World Trade first appeared on the scene the general view was that they would signal a new flood of progressive rock bands into the scene, one that would see them replacing the old guard with fresh blood. Indeed, immediate comparisons were made to Yes’s late ’80s golden period of hi-tech sheen and powerful production. World Trade delivered a sound that promised much yet ultimately delivered little in the way of commercial success. It wasn’t as if the playing or the songwriting was at fault. The musical content was similar to the recent Yes triumphs but the market in 1989 was already moving ahead swiftly, edging towards what would eventually be called grunge. It also didn’t help that behind the scenes their record label was going through a tumultuous reshaping, leaving the band high and dry with very little in the way of support morally or financially. Helmed by guitarist Bruce Gowdy (Stone Fury) and bassist/vocalist Billy Sherwood (now in Yes!) the album was produced with pin point accuracy by Keith Olsen (Whitesnake, Heart, Foreigner) and features a bright selection of tracks that conjure up comparisons to Yes’s ‘90125’ and ‘Big Generator’ records. Songs such as ‘The Moment Is Here’, ‘Life Time’, ‘Fight To Win’ and ‘Can’t Let You Go’ laid down a bedrock of faultless progressive rock that still ring with breathtaking clarity.
24-bit remastering from original source tapes, 4,000 word story of the making of the album, full involvement by the band, rare photos all spread out over a superb 16 page full colour booklet
TRACK LISTING: 1.THE PAINTED CORNER 2.THE MOMENT IS HERE 3.CAN’T LET YOU GO 4.LIFE-TIME 5.FIGHT TO WIN 6.SENSE OF FREEDOM 7.THE REVOLUTION SONG 8.ONE LAST CHANCE 9.WASTING TIME 10.EMOTIONAL WASTELAND 11.OPEN THE DOOR
(Price £13.99)
IAN HUNTER IS unquestionably amongst the elite of British rock. As the leader of Mott The Hoople his style, voice and song writing ability helped the band into the charts on both sides of the Atlantic and also secured him the respect and admiration of fellow musicians across the spectrum, from pop to rock. A gifted songwriter, he is compared to such names as Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. Blessed with the ability to pen melodic songs that contain hummable refrains and striking, often deeply revealing, lyrics, Hunter’s place in the pantheon of great singer songwriters has been secured… ‘All The Way From Memphis’, ‘Honaloochie Boogie’ and ‘Once Bitten, Twice Shy’. This was Ian’s third solo album post Mott The Hoople, recorded with the intent to silence critics that he’d gone ‘soft’ on his previous solo album. Enlisting the heavy duty firepower of producer Roy Thomas Baker (Queen, Foreigner, Free) and recruiting new band members, including lauded guitarist Earl Slick, Foreigner drummer Dennis Elliott (Curly Smith actually plays on the album), Sparks member Peter Oxendale on keyboards and former Chicken Shack bassist Rob Rawlinson. The results are spectacular, conjuring up a variety of styles but always heavy via the robust production values of Baker and his engineer Gary Lyons. Recorded in Canada at Le Studio, Quebec and polished in London, the record contains a selection of classic now tracks, including ‘Justice Of The Peace’, ‘Wild ‘N’ Free’, ‘Golden Opportunity’ and ‘Overnight Angels’, all indicating that Hunter had shed another skin in a serious intent to impress not only his existing fan base but also to attract curious onlookers keeping tabs on his career development.
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR’S EDITION. Fully remastered sound shaped from 24 BIT digital technology, features 1 bonus track, 16 page full colour booklet, 4,000 word essay and enhanced artwork
TRACK LISTING:1. GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY 2. SHALLOW CRYSTALS 3. OVERNIGHT ANGELS 4. BROADWAY 5. JUSTICE OF THE PEACE 6. (MISS) SILVER DIME 7. WILD N’ FREE 8. THE BALLAD OF LITTLE STAR 9. TO LOVE A WOMAN BONUS TRACK:10 ENGLAND ROCKS
(Price £13.99)
BACK IN THE late ’80s melodic hard rock bands were appearing out of the scene at a fast rate of knots. Some weren’t that great but some were truly exceptional and one of those top contenders, Femme Fatale made significant impact amongst fans of top grade rock. Fronted by the superb vocals of Lorraine Lewis and boasting a brilliant selection of songs with the hooks and swagger to impress anyone who heard the material, it beggars belief that their album failed to connect to a wider public. Sadly no matter how hard the band and label pushed for success it seemed as though the gods of rock refused to listen, eventually leaving the band cast adrift at a time when rock was at the zenith of its commercial appeal. Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Lorraine began piecing together a band that was ultimately solidified in Los Angeles. Word soon spread at how good the band was, sparking a bidding war which resulted in MCA winning the race whilst major management (Frontline) stepped in to secure them for representation. The future looked bright, especially with production being helmed by new kid on the block Jim Feraci (LA Guns, Poison) who gave the band a raw yet commercial edge to their sound. Launching with the first single and video ‘Waiting For The Big One’ (co-written by David Cole and Avalon’s Rick Neigher) the future looked bright but sadly the music failed to connect with a big enough audience, leaving the band struggling to gain traction. Despite touring extensively (supporting Cheap Trick) it was an uphill struggle, but no one could deny the quality of the music and Lorraine’s outstanding vocal ability. This is an album that undeservedly flew under the radar.
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR’S EDITION. Fully remastered sound shaped from 24 BIT digital technology, features 4 bonus tracks, 16 page full colour booklet, 4,000 word essay and enhanced artwork
TRACK LISTING: 1.WAITING FOR THE BIG ONE 2.FALLING IN AND OUT OF LOVE 3.MY BABY’S GUN 4.BACK IN YOUR ARMS AGAIN 5.REBEL 6.FORTUNE & FAME 7.TOUCH AND GO 8.IF 9.HEAT THE FIRE 10.CRADLE’S ROCKIN’ BONUS TRACKS: 11.IT’S A LONG WAY TO THE TOP (IF YOU WANNA ROCK AND ROLL) 12.CHAINS’13.LADY IN WAITING 14.TILL IT’S SHOT
(Price £13.99)
LATE ’80S LOS Angeles was the breeding ground for a myriad of wannabe rock stars. Some made it big and some barely scraped by, and are now mostly remembered for a cornucopia of hair styles, garish clothes and snazzy cowboy boots. However, the few contenders who stood out from the pack were often musical combos who that took their musical cues not from glam rock but from a more earthy influence. Bang Tango were one such act whose influences tugged bravely on the sleeves of a darker direction, like The Cult and Jane’s Addiction. Sure they were hard rockin’ but the overtones suggested that other musical forces were being utilised, much the same way as Love/Hate, L.A. Guns and Zodiac Mindwarp did. Signed to MCA/Mechanic Records, the band issued this, their debut studio album in 1989 to very positive, some might say ecstatic, reviews which hinted at greater things to come. Recorded in Texas and finished in L.A. the album was produced by fledgling producer Howard Benson, who honed and forged a unique style that helped to pave the way for a solid placing on the all important Billboard chart, nestling just outside the top 50. The single ‘Someone Like You’ garnered solid radio and MTV support and positioned the band as ‘ones to watch’ for bigger and better things. With a unique hard edged sound, heavy on raw guitar playing and featuring immediately identifiable vocals from frontman Joe Lestĕ, this five piece band unleashed a number of super catchy, pocket rocket riffs that still sound vibrant and undated. Along with ‘Someone Like You’, tracks like ‘Attack Of Life’, ‘Breaking Up A Heart Of Stone’ and ‘Sweet Little Razor’ quite rightly stand loud, proud and different to other acts of the period.”
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR’S EDITION. Fully remastered sound shaped from 24 BIT digital technology, 16 page full colour booklet, 4,000 word essay and enhanced artwork
TRACK LISTING: 1. ATTACK OF LIFE 2. SOMEONE LIKE YOU 3. WRAP MY WINGS 4. BREAKING UP A HEART OF STONE 5. SHOTGUN MAN 6. DON’T STOP NOW 7. LOVE INJECTION 8. JUST FOR YOU 9. DO WHAT YOU’RE TOLD 10. SWEET LITTLE RAZOR
(Price £13.99)
BY THE END of the ’80s the hard rock scene was bursting with a number of successful acts spearheaded by the likes of Guns N’ Roses, Skid Row, Warrant, Slaughter and Winger. Originating from New York, Danger Danger seemed poised to capitalise on this wave, especially after scoring success with their-self titled debut album, which broke into the US album charts and earned them gold status and extensive MTV airplay. All eyes were therefore on the release of their second album ‘Screw It!’, which was issued in October 1991. However there was a problem. The music scene had changed considerably, leaving melodic, catchy, pop rock bands to battle over tougher terrain as the rise of grunge suddenly reared its all conquering head. This rendered bands like Danger Danger out of synch with the prevailing winds. This impressive five-piece had returned to the studio earlier in ’91 armed with another collection of insanely catchy songs, with a mind set to bulldoze their way through any tough resistance. The fact of the matter was they did their job in delivering an album brimming with potential but sadly with the lack of support from their label, radio and MTV, all switching allegiance at this point to the emerging new music scene, the band were left battling into an impossible to overcome headwind. Produced by the band with Dutch studio wizard Erwin Musper (Metallica, Scorpions) and recorded in the Netherlands and Florida, the record contains a selection of top notch tracks, including ‘Don’t Blame It On Love’, ‘Crazy Nites’, ‘Beat The Bullet’ and not forgetting ‘Monkey Business’, all of which in another time and place might well have continued their upward momentum.
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR’S EDITION. Fully remastered sound shaped from 24 BIT digital technology, 16 page full colour booklet, 4,000 word essay and enhanced artwork
TRACK LISTING: 1.1 GINGER SNAPS (INTRO) 1.2 MONKEY BUSINESS 2. SLIPPED HER THE BIG ONE 3.1 C’EST LOUPÉ (PRELUDE) 3.2 BEAT THE BULLET 4. I STILL THINK ABOUT YOU 5. GET YOUR S**T TOGETHER 6. CRAZY NITES 7. PUPPET SHOW 8. EVERYBODY WANTS SOME 9. DON’T BLAME IT ON LOVE 10. COMIN’ HOME 11. HORNY S.O.B. 12. FIND YOUR WAY BACK HOME 13. YEAH, YOU WANT IT! 14. D.F.N.S.
(Price £13.99)
MOST OF US see the blues as a respected musical style played by folks with serious talent. Invariably it is a musical form that attracts virtuoso players; especially guitarists. Bearing that in mind, Bloodline were a band of young yet seasoned members with impressive talents and a sound that should have propelled them to far greater heights than they actually achieved. The spotlight, of course, has subsequently been focussed on Joe Bonamassa, a guitar player that has lit up the blues world with his playing, making him, for some, the greatest player since Stevie Ray Vaughan. The rest of the band on this album are no musical slouches either and their roots are very impressive; bassist and vocalist Berry Oakley Jr. is the son of the Allman Brothers Band’s Berry Oakley, second guitarist Waylon Krieger is the son of Robby Krieger of the Doors and drummer Erin Davis is the son of jazz pioneer Miles Davis. That linage was certainly enough to turn heads but with the presence of the young and hotly tipped ‘Smokin’ Joe’ Bonamassa on lead guitar the band’s cachet shot through the roof. The appropriately named Bloodline recorded their debut (and only) album at Ardent Studios in Memphis with long time ZZ Top collaborator Joe Hardy tweaking the knobs and pushing the faders. The album features twelve songs of beautifully recorded and expressive blues rock which received, as you might expect, overwhelming praise at the time of release. Yet, despite a gallant effort to secure a foothold in the market, and support dates with ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd, lady luck failed to shine her light on the band leaving them to flounder and eventually split up.
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR’S EDITION. Fully remastered sound shaped from 24 BIT digital technology, 16 page full colour booklet, 4,000 word essay and enhanced artwork
TRACK LISTING: 1. STONE COLD HEARTED 2. DIXIE PEACH 3. CELL BLOCK 7 4. THE STORM 5. THE GOOD LUCK YOU’RE HAVING 6. HONEST CRIME 7. SO FAR AWAY 8. CALLING ME BACK 9. BAD GIRLS 10. SINCE YOU’RE GONE 11. TROUBLE IS MY BUSINESS 12. GET OFF YOUR BACK
(Price £13.99)
NO DOUBT YOU know the song that Danny Wilde as leader of the Rembrandts is best known for, the massive hit single, in 1995, ‘I’ll Be There For You’, the theme tune to the TV series ‘Friends’. As a calling card it doesn’t get much more impressive but it came after many years of hard work, including several now long forgotten bands. In certain circles Danny was always regarded as a major talent and always within touching distance of major success. The Rembrandts finally provided him with a platform to showcase his skills, not only with the Friends theme but also the earlier hit single ‘Just The Way It Is, Baby’. Danny’s first venture into a solo career came via this album, ‘The Boyfriend’, in 1986, a record that has maintained its appeal for being a record that not only showcased his compositional ability but also his compelling vocals. Big on hooks and superb arrangements, the record also features future Rembrandts members Phil Solem on guitar and Mr. Mister drummer Pat Mastelotto. Issued on the Island label in 1986 and produced by British-born Peter Coleman, the record inexplicably failed to gain traction, despite its searing quality and top notch songwriting. Chief amongst the tracks that hit the mark is the opening cut ‘Isn’t It Enough’, a song that will be familiar to a lot of melodic rock fans due to it being covered by Patty Smyth on her 1987 solo album ‘Never Enough’. Elsewhere there’s the superbly crafted ‘Restless Heart’, the harder rockin’ ‘Body To Body’ and ‘Hold Out For Me’. It’s magnificent record and one that should have catapulted Danny to much wider acclaim.
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR’S EDITION. Fully remastered sound shaped from 24 BIT digital technology, 16 page full colour booklet, 4,000 word essay and enhanced artwork
TRACK LISTING: 1.ISN’T IT ENOUGH 2.BODY TO BODY 3.RESTLESS HEART 4.ANGEL (THIS MUST BE HEAVEN) 5.HOLD OUT FOR ME 6.THE SOUND OF MY HEART BREAKING 7.KATHERINE 8.HE CAN HAVE YOU 9.CRIMINAL MIND 10.THE BOYFRIEND
(Price £13.99)
THEY MAY NOT be a household name but a section of hard rock fans hold TNT in the highest regard. That they never sold millions or hardly made a dent in the US charts does not appear to have diminished their stature in the eyes of those that have been exposed to their majestic brand of grandiose rock. Indeed, the more the band’s small but select following continues to champion their legacy, the more their reputation appears to be enhanced. ‘Intuition’ was the highly anticipated follow-up to their previous album, the universally applauded ‘Tell No Tales’ and continued to attract accolades.
With all eyes on a triumphant follow-up album, the band made a concerted effort to drill down deep and concoct a record rich in melody and hard rockin’ goodness. Once again, producer Bjørn Nessjø was in the driving seat and helped to extract tremendous performances, honing in on serious riffs and helping both guitarist Ronni Le Tekrø and vocalist Tony Harnell pull out all the stops. With songs such as ‘Caught Between The Tigers’, ‘Forever Shine On’, and the title track, it was clear that the band had used their time wisely working hard to finely hone their style.
Whilst ‘Intuition', issued in early 1989, hit the spot creatively, the commercial impact of the album faltered and despite hoped for headline touring in the US and Japan, momentum wasn’t sufficient to propel the band to a higher level of achievement. Nonetheless, TNT’s legacy was now cast in stone and, not surprisingly, the band’s reputation has continued to grow and resonate louder than ever.
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTORS EDITION. Fully Remastered Audio, 16 page full colour booklet, new interviews and enhanced artwork with rare photos
TRACK LISTING:1.A NATION FREE (INTRO) 2.CAUGHT BETWEEN THE TIGERS 3.TONIGHT I’M FALLING 4.END OF THE LINE 5.INTUITION 6.FOREVER SHINE ON 7.LEARN TO LOVE 8.ORDINARY LOVER 9.TAKE ME DOWN (FALLEN ANGEL) 10.WISDOM
(Price £13.99)
