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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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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alpha-centauri-st-candy408

ALPHA CENTAURI 'S/T' CANDY408 Categories: ,

AS HIGHLY RATED collectibles go the Alpha Centauri album has to be one of the most coveted records of all time. It’s an album that spent years lurking in the shadows, heard by few but lauded quite rightly as a masterpiece of 70s rock, embroidered with the all the moves and grooves of the great headlining acts of the day. Compared favourably to such heavy hitters as Deep Purple, Uriah Heep, Styx, Angel and Head East, the band’s style was a formidable blast of pompous energy but not, it must be said, a carbon copy or pastiche. This was a unit that knew how to play and also how to write serious material.

Originally thought to have originated from Canada, it came as something of a surprise to eventually find out that they were formed and mainly based in Colorado, but had moved to Winnipeg for a while to expand their horizons and record an album. Represented by an expat British manager, they planned to issue the record for promotion (it’s thought that 300 copies were pressed at the time) using it to attract major label interest. However, despite concerted efforts and a professionally filmed half hour live-in-concert appearance for Canadian TV, it all failed to achieve the desired attention.

Issued in 1977, on the band’s own Salt Records label, the album is a masterclass in heavy pomp rock, showcasing a band who could not only write catchy melodies but also imbue them with the sort of stunning arrangements normally associated with far more successful groups. Tracks such as ‘Hard Life’, ‘Love Is A Curse’ and ‘One Night At A Time’ benefit enormously from stellar instrumental dog fights. In particular, the guitar playing of Jess Redmon is off the chart, drawing accurate comparisons to Ritchie Blackmore and Tommy Bolin.

SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR’S EDITION. Fully Remastered Audio, 16 page full colour booklet – 3,500 word essay, enhanced artwork with unpublished photos and new band interview.

TRACK LISTING: 1. HARD LIFE 2. ONE NIGHT AT A TIME 3. I’M A REBEL 4. EARTH IN MOTION 5. LOVE IS A CURSE 6. YOU SHOT ME DOWN 7. LOVE ONLY YOU 8. MAKE IT AT ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

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angel-live-without-net-candy418

ANGEL 'LIVE WITHOUT A NET' CANDY418 Categories: ,

IN THE 1970s double live albums were often the calling card of an act that had either made its mark or were about to explode to international fame. They were a marker of confidence by both the record label and the artist. Angel was no exception as all eyes had been on the band for some considerable time in preparation for an anointment to the premier league. Because label mates KISS had exploded with their epoch-making ‘Alive!’ double album it seemed as though Angel could have the same success. Sadly, however, that success was not to be. With five studio albums behind them there was no shortage of material from which to compile this album. Recording two concerts in California during 1978, the band had a red hot selection of tracks that incorporated such nuggets as ‘Tower’ and ‘Feelin’ Right’ (complete with a Jeff Beck tribute) from their very earliest, prog-influenced, days to the pop metal of ‘Ain’t Gonna Eat My Heart Out Anymore’, ‘Got Love If You Want It’ and ‘White Lightning’. They also found room to include some surprises, such as a fine rendition of the Mott The Hoople standard ‘All The Young Dudes’ and a brand studio track, ‘20th Century Foxes’, recorded for the 1980 ‘Foxes’ film soundtrack. Despite the album’s explosive content and no-holds-barred performance, the record failed to connect in the way that everyone had hoped for. In addition, Casablanca Records were fast losing traction as a company and facing massive destabilising forces, which left the band pretty much rudderless. They had in many respects reached the end of the line but at least they went out with a bang!

SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR’S EDITION. Fully Remastered Audio, 16 page full colour booklet, 3,500 word essay, new liner notes by Angel expert Dave Reynolds and enhanced artwork.

TRACK LISTING: 1. TOWER 2. CAN YOU FEEL IT 3. DON’T LEAVE ME LONELY 4. TELEPHONE EXCHANGE 5. I AIN’T GONNA EAT OUT MY HEART ANYMORE 6. OVER AND OVER 7. ANYWAY YOU WANT IT 8. ON THE ROCKS 9. WILD & HOT 10. ALL THE YOUNG DUDES 11. ROCK & ROLLERS 12. WHITE LIGHTNING 13. HOLD ME, SQUEEZE ME 14. GOT LOVE IF YOU WANT IT 15. FEELIN’ RIGHT 16. 20TH CENTURY FOXES

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