If there's one classic rock genre that lends itself to a whole host of underrated major label classics it's this. Maybe it's the fact that it was never metal enough to hit that market, but not pop enough for Milli Vanilli fans to care. Maybe it's simply that the late 80's were hi-jacked by Bon Jovi. Maybe it was never taken seriously because of the lyrical prevalence linked to all things lovelorn and relationship driven.
Anyway, this music has been a source of lasting listening pleasure to me for almost 25 years and it's time I shared my knowledge of some of those long lost gems. Some more obscure than others.
The rules:
1. Major label or large independent: This type of music begs a huge sound, so as much as I love The Ramones and The Replacements, that won't cut it here.
2. Vocalist with fantastic range
3. 50 - 50 keyboard to guitar ratio. Anything either side of this moves it out of
the AOR genre
4. Generally US West Coast, but not essential
5. Hooks, hooks, hooks and big choruses.
6. Probably late 80's, but I'll accept 1975 onwards or up to around 1995. After
that, is it really that long lost?
Here goes (and this is just the start. I'll add more if the conversation interests anyone)
Full Contact - Tim Feehan (1990, MCA. Fabulous album by Canadian expat, features Steve Lukather of Toto fame and a host of other top notch session musicians. Top class).
Last of The Runaways - Giant (1989, A&M. If you love AOR you'll already have this along with second album Time To Burn. Perfect AOR. Brilliant guitarist too)
Under The One Sky - Distance (1989, Warner Bros/ WEA. Featuring Robert Hart and, astonishingly, the Chic rhythm section!)
Wired Up - Jeff Paris (1987, Polygram. An embarrassingly rich collection of top quality tunes, expertly produced and damn what a voice)
Thump - Michael Morales (1991, MCA/ Wing. Pure AOR with multi track harmonies and massive choruses).
More to follow. Please add to the list!
Anyway, this music has been a source of lasting listening pleasure to me for almost 25 years and it's time I shared my knowledge of some of those long lost gems. Some more obscure than others.
The rules:
1. Major label or large independent: This type of music begs a huge sound, so as much as I love The Ramones and The Replacements, that won't cut it here.
2. Vocalist with fantastic range
3. 50 - 50 keyboard to guitar ratio. Anything either side of this moves it out of
the AOR genre
4. Generally US West Coast, but not essential
5. Hooks, hooks, hooks and big choruses.
6. Probably late 80's, but I'll accept 1975 onwards or up to around 1995. After
that, is it really that long lost?
Here goes (and this is just the start. I'll add more if the conversation interests anyone)
Full Contact - Tim Feehan (1990, MCA. Fabulous album by Canadian expat, features Steve Lukather of Toto fame and a host of other top notch session musicians. Top class).
Last of The Runaways - Giant (1989, A&M. If you love AOR you'll already have this along with second album Time To Burn. Perfect AOR. Brilliant guitarist too)
Under The One Sky - Distance (1989, Warner Bros/ WEA. Featuring Robert Hart and, astonishingly, the Chic rhythm section!)
Wired Up - Jeff Paris (1987, Polygram. An embarrassingly rich collection of top quality tunes, expertly produced and damn what a voice)
Thump - Michael Morales (1991, MCA/ Wing. Pure AOR with multi track harmonies and massive choruses).
More to follow. Please add to the list!