Rock Candy

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dawn-patrol

NIGHT RANGER DAWN PATROL CANDY 494 Categories: ,

"ONE THE GREATEST rock bands to emerge during the early Eighties was San Francisco based Night Ranger. Somewhat surprisingly, however, their origins originated from a very different musical background, most notably as members of a large scale soul-funk cabal called Rubicon (a unit that had links to Sly Stone) who recorded two now largely forgotten, albums. Members of this unit coalesced under the handle of Ranger, and later, Night Ranger. Night Ranger’s arsenal of formidable talent contained the twin lead guitar work of Brad Gillis and Jeff Watson and – unusually - two identifiable lead vocalists in bassist Jack Blades and drummer Kelly Keagy. It was this combination that afforded the band a unique sound, giving them an edge that distanced them from other similar sounding outfits. At one point, however, the band’s very existence was thrown into jeopardy when Brad Gillis was tapped to replace the late Randy Rhoads in Ozzy Osbourne’s Blizzard Of Oz. Fortunately this only turned out to be a temporary arrangement. Despite being turned down by every record company in the US, not once but twice, the band’s debut album ‘Dawn Patrol’, originally issued in 1982, on the newly-formed Boardwalk label, was an immediate critical and commercial success, and boasted a cache of supremely catchy tracks, led by the triple knockout blows of ‘Don’t Tell Me You Love Me’, ‘Sing Me Away’and ‘At Night She Sleeps’. A finer debut album you will not find.

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.DON’T TELL ME YOU LOVE ME 2.SING ME AWAY 3.AT NIGHT SHE SLEEPS 4.CALL MY NAME 5.EDDIE’S COMIN’ OUT TONIGHT 6.CAN’T FIND ME A THRILL 7.YOUNG GIRL IN LOVE 8. PLAY ROUGH 9.PENNY 10.NIGHT RANGER

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midnight-madness

NIGHT RANGER MIDNIGHT MADNESS CANDY495 Categories: ,

“NIGHT RANGER WERE one of the biggest success stories of the early 1980s, racking up hit singles and big selling albums during a time when the ‘hip’ music media had written off mainstream hard rock as little more than an annoying pest. Those people seemed to forget that memorable songs delivered with razor sharp riffs and passionate vocals can always ride roughshod over fashion and trends. Night Ranger’s debut album ‘Dawn Patrol’ had set the scene for even bigger and better things to come, something they accomplished with ‘Midnight Madness’. Issued late in 1983, and produced once again by Pat Glasser (Giuffria, Refugee), the record harnessed a number of essential tracks, two of which would become central in the Night Ranger cannon. The first, ‘(You Can Still) Rock In America’ (with Glenn Hughes on backing vocals) was a call to arms, letting everyone know that the band were very much committed to melodic hard rock, the backbone upon which this album was crafted. The second was the power ballad ‘Sister Christian’ gave them a song that would accelerate their popularity to heights previously unimagined, reaching the top 5 of the US singles charts. For Night Ranger, it was a life changing moment and it’s still a track that continues to be hugely popular to this day. ‘Midnight Madness’ is a platinum album and it is truly one of the greatest records of the era.”

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:(You Can Still) Rock In America 2: Rumours In The Air 3: Why Does Love Have To Change 4: Sister Christian 5: Touch Of Madness 6: Passion Play 7: When You Close Your Eyes 8: Chippin' Away 9: Let Him Run

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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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vixen

VIXEN 'S/T' (6 BONUS TRACKS)CANDY473 Categories: ,

“WHEN VIXENfirst appeared on the scene it’s not an exaggeration to say that a lot of rock fans were amazed by the fact that they were an all female band. Heavy rock had been almost an entirely male dominated occupation, apart from a few notable exceptions, so Vixen were seen by a number of people as a curiosity. Surely they couldn’t be good enough to compete with the rock giants of the day? Well, think again! A potent four piece, the band originated in St Paul, Minnesota in the early ’80s. They moved their base of operation to Los Angeles in 1985, where they completed their line-up and attracted industry attention. With major management in place they quickly secured an enviable record deal with Capitol Records spin off label EMI Manhattan. Recording their album with a number of major producers, the band crafted an album of superb melodic hard rock. They also involved a number of more seasoned writers, including Richard Marx, Jeff Paris and Jon Butcher, lending even more credence to the results. Spearheaded by a trio of killer songs, including the Richard Marx/Fee Waybill written first single ‘Edge Of A Broken Heart’, the album signalled a real and credible attempt to establish the band as contenders. ‘Cryin’’ and ‘I Want You To Rock Me’ added further proof - if proof were even necessary - to the theory, that Vixen could easily compete in any field of musicians. Their subsequent touring schedule further cemented their reputation and demonstrated their no nonsense, give it everything, approach to their music. In fact, the album was eventually certified gold – a fitting tribute to their talent and self-belief.

Fully Remastered Audio shaped from 24 BIT digital technology, Includes ‘Edge Of A Broken Heart’, ‘Cryin’, ‘Hell Raisers’, Six bonus tracks 12 page full colour booklet – 3,500 word essay, enhanced artwork and new interviews

TRACK LISTING:1. EDGE OF A BROKEN HEART 2. I WANT YOU TO ROCK ME 3. CRYIN’ 4. AMERICAN DREAM 5. DESPERATE 6. ONE NIGHT ALONE 7. HELL RAISERS 8. LOVE MADE ME 9. WAITING 10. CRUISIN’ BONUS TRACKS: 11. EDGE OF A BROKEN HEART (EXTENDED MIX) 12. CHARMED LIFE 13. LOVE MADE ME (REMIX) 14. CRUISIN’ (LIVE) 15. EDGE OF A BROKEN HEART (LIVE) 16. HELL RAISERS (LIVE)

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vixen-rev-it-candy472

VIXEN 'REV IT UP' CANDY472 Categories: ,

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

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new-england-st-candy459

NEW ENGLAND 'S/T' CANDY459 (6 BONUS TRACKS) Categories: ,

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)

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world-trade-st-candy471

WORLD TRADE 'S/T' CANDY471 Categories: ,

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

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ian-hunter-overnight-angels

IAN HUNTER 'OVERNIGHT ANGELS' CANDY480 Categories: ,

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

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femme-fatale-st

FEMME FATALE 'S/T' (4 BONUS TRACKS) CANDY484 Categories: ,

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

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