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BABYLON A.D. | Live In Your Face | (Apocalypse Records, 1999)

Bang Go the Bells / Hammer Swings Down / The Kid Goes Wild / So Savage the Heart/ Maryanne / Sacrifice Your Love / Desperate / Take the Dog Off the Chain / Bad Blood / Down the River Of No Return / Girls Got Rhythm / Rats in the Cellar

I didn't think we would ever see another release from this band, but I'm glad they are back together. I think that their last studio release "Nothing Sacred" is an all time classic. It's one of those cd's that you can listen to every track and not once think of skipping a song! They are currently in the studio putting the finishing touches on their up and coming release "American Blitzkrieg" While most consider their self titled debut the better of the two studio albums released, I completely have to disagree. The reason I brought that up is because on this live cd there's a pretty even mix of both albums. I would of preferred to have more songs off the "Nothing Sacred" release that I feel are missing on this cd - but that's just a minor complaint. Another thing that bothers me about this release is the songs on the cd are not just from one show - which is understandable seeing as they haven't toured in some time - but I like all live songs on a cd to be from one gig. It gives you more of the feeling that you were there!

So on with the positive side of things, the album is chalked full of good time rock n' roll with high energy and they play a majority of their classic songs. "Bang Go the Bells", "Hammer Swings Down" and "The Kid Goes Wild" are all upbeat rockers that every long time fan of the band will be familiar with and enjoy immensely. "So Savage the Heart" is one of the most amazing ballads of the decade and they pull it off live incredibly well. "Maryanne" is from the debut cd and has never been a favourite of mine and this version is just as uninspiring as the original. After that things really get good! "Sacrifice Your Love", "Desperate" (another incredible ballad), "Take the Dog Off the Chain" (my all time favourite song from the band) and "Bad Blood" are as good as it gets in this genre of music. "Down the River of No Return" is a mid- paced number that's a great way to wind down the original tracks on the cd. They end the cd with two cover songs: AC/DC's "Girls Got Rhythm" and Aerosmith's "Rats In the Cellar"! I like the AC/DC cover, but I don't care much for that Aerosmith song and wish they would have put one more original track on the disc instead of that cover.

Overall, this release is a very nice treat for fans that have been a fan of the band for a long time. I'm very much looking forward to the new release and I think they will gain new fans when that cd is released in Sept/Oct. of this year.

Review by: Rob

BAD HABIT | Adult Orientation | (MTM Music, 1998)

Shine Your Light On Me / Heart Of Mine / Everytime I See You / Miss It When It's Gone / If I Could Do It All Again / Lost Without You / Suddenly / When The Sun Goes Down / Hard Rain Fallin' / Make It Easy / Makin' The Headlines / Girl / Forever

This is their 3rd full length album, and in my opinion their best to date. They have refined their sound a lot. Any hardrock intentions like on the previous "Revolution", are all replaced with a much more mature sound.
The guitars really breathe and the drum sound is adjusted to present time, as it's not as bold as before. Keyboards are also used in a more tasteful way, but more to help the guitars to come out as sharp as they do.
The new softer sound seems to suite vocalist Bax Fehling better too. He doesn't need to over work and shout, it's more about putting a really good vibe and feeling into the songs.
To mention any songs in particular should not be done because this is Album Oriented Rock.
Buy! Buy! Buy!

Review by: Stefan

BANGING RUSH | Holiday In Eden | (Psychoactive, 1997)

Welcome To The Show / Last Weekend / Under A New Sky / If Hell Had Windows / Black Rain / Mickey Mantle / Break The Fall / All Over Again / Sabrina / Who? / Can't Stop The River / Light My Fire

Here's an album that differs a bit from the usual AOR:ish stuff that we do write about.
This one's breathing today's guitar oriented pop-stuff. Perhaps they're leaning towards melodies more than most bands within the genre.
"Last Weekend" and "Break The Fall" are the only 2 tracks that could be described as AOR:ish, even if they're really not.
Pop-music sparkling with energy, melodies, distorted vocals and a very alive sound are some of the ingredients behind one of the coolest record's of '97, according to me.
Be bold, lighten your wallet and get your own copy - if you dare?

Review by: Stefan

BATON ROUGE | Baton Rouge | (MTM Music, 1997)

Didn't I / The Ghost Of You / You Can Jump Alone / Shelter / Victims Of The Night / Hands Of Time / Love by the numbers / Not In The Mood For A Heartache / I Know Better Than You Do / Love's A Loaded Gun / Love Takes / Back Under Fire

Baton Rouge is back! Only original member still left in the band is vocalist Kelly Keeling.
As I understand guitarist Lance Bulen now has a punk/hardcore band.... His spot is being filled by producer/songwriter Jack Ponti.
Baton Rouge's trademark is their hybrid form of AOR filled with a lot of harmonies and spiced with the unique and raspy voice of Kelly Keeling.
If their first album "Shake Your Soul" was a minor killer their 2nd effort "Lights Out On The Playground" lacked a bit on the song quality.
This new effort has a sharper songwriting than "Lights Out On The Playground", but it loses some touch towards the end.
But Mr. Keeling seems to be in a very good voice for the moment and that helps keeping the album interested the whole way.
If you have heard them before and liked them this effort won't disappoint you.

Review by: Stefan

BEGGARS & THIEVES | Look What You Create | (MTM Music, 1997)

What's Going On / Red Rose Parade / Price Of Mercy / Soul Confession / Stranger / Shine A Light / Mystify / Mad Dog Wine / Bittersweet And Blue / True To Yourself / Look What You Create

When I heard that MTM would release a second album from this group Beggars & Thieves I rushed off and got myself a copy of their debut (1990, Atlantic). What a piece of crap! That was harsh, but I just had to unload myself (or as "Kramer" probably would've put it; "It was eating me up inside").
Anyway, I wasn't exactly that excited anymore of how this was going to sound like.
"Stranger", co-written with the producer of this album, Jim Vallance, is maybe the closest you get to AOR on this album. The grunge influenced "Shine A Light" has surprisingly become a small favourite.
I just wish there could have been more songs like these two, especially "Stranger".
There are in my opinion way too many cowboy/blues moody songs.

Review by: Stefan

BEGGARS & THIEVES | The Grey Album | (MTM Music, 1999)

Don't Call It Love / Cost Ya Nothing To Love / Complicate It / Piece Of My Heart / The Closer / Party World / Done / Faster / Beady Eyes / XL XL / In-Between

Doesn't it seem strange sometimes how you can go from almost hating something to loving it? Beggars & Thieves (Ron Mancuso & Louie Merlino) I didn't hate but with a decent debut (ATCO, 1990) I found the follow-up "Look What You Create" (MTM Music, 1997) too bluesy and cowboy moody for my taste.
But I must say that "The Grey Album" has everything and more that I could ever wish from a circular thin piece of plastic.
There's power, energy, harmonies, vitality, melodies and a current sounding production! Yes, this is indeed a modern sounding record. Most importantly though is that they this time have a strong body of great songs.
Listen to the hilariously pop-flavoured "Done", and "Cost Ya Nothing Love" for that matter too.
"Don't Call It Love", "Party World", "Faster" and "Piece Of My Heart" (all 4 songs co-written with Jim Vallance, who also produced them) have all a raw intensity, yet so appealing for my melodic ears.
There is no need to ramble on any further - this record must be heard!

Review by: Stefan

BIG BAD WOLF | Big Bad Wolf | (MTM Music, 1998)

Midnight Angel / Whereyawannago / I Can't Get Over You / Walk Don't Run / Crystal / Shot Down By Love / Cutting Edge / Three Cords Of Steel / Light On For You / Blame It On Rock / Don't Say Goodbye

I had some incredible high expectations on this record, mainly because former Jefferson Starship/Starship guitarist Craig Chaquico's participation. After the first play I wondered why, but after a couple of more spins I discovered that this album needs some listening to grow on you so don't put it aside just after a few listening. I'm glad I didn't.
Style wise it's definitely heavier than Starship, the production is also rougher. Songs like "Walk Don't Run", "Midnight Angel" and "Shot Down By Love" are of that hardrock style that bands like Dokken and others represented; melodic, strong choruses with Def Leppard esque harmonies.
"I Can't Get Over You", "Cutting Edge" and "Light On For You" moves in more Adult Orientated Rock territories. Not to forget "Crystal", where vocalist Rolf Hartley hits really high notes.
He sure knows how to hit those high notes, but he tends to get a bit too hysterical in places.
Even though "Three Chords Of Steel" and "Blame It On Rock" are way below normal standards for a guy like Craig Chaquico (the lyrics are so unbelievable ridiculous) the album sums up pretty okay. So even though it's nowhere near Starship's magnificent "Love Among The Cannibals" this could be a worthwhile purchase.

Review by: Stefan

BIG MOUTH | Hands Of Time | (Zoo Money Records, 1997)

Where Were You / Show Me The Way / Valerie / Borderline / Without You / Hands Of Time / All The Way / Save Me / Million Miles Away / Shout It

To follow up the re-release of Phil Cristian's solo-album "No Prisoner" we now get Big Mouth. Only with the exception that this time around a guy named Larry Leon handle the leadvocals does, very well I might add. His singing reminds a lot of Phil's, as he has the same whispering hoarseness, perfect for this kind of AOR!
This band-effort isn't, unfortunately, as solid right through as Phil's solo-record. But that doesn't mean we can't find songs of real interest here.
"Valerie", "Borderline" and "Without Love" are just plain and simple three beautiful AOR-tracks.
As I understand this material is recorded not long after the original release of Phil's solo-album, and that makes perfect sense as the production is similar with that one.

Review by: Stefan

BLAZE | Silicon Messiah | (SPV Records, 2000)

Ghost In The Machine / Evolution / Silicon Messiah / Born As A Stranger / The Hunger / The Brave / Identity / Reach For The Horizon / The Launch / Stare At the Sun

Blaze who once fronted Iron Maiden is back with his first solo cd. Not being a fan of Maiden I've never heard him sing with them (and from what I'm told - I'm not missing anything). Well onto the music, the direction of this cd is best described as heavy metal with a modern edge. We get things started with the heavy "Ghost In The Machine" which doesn't do anything for me. "Evolution" sounds a little better and wouldn't be out of place on Zakk Wylde's band Black Label Society new cd.
After about the fourth track I start to wonder if the entire album is going to sound the exact same because I haven't heard one style change yet! Unfortunately, I predicted right - because there's nothing here that I found an enjoyable listen. I'm sure there's people out there that are really going to enjoy this cd - but for me I couldn't get into it at all.

Review by: Rob

JOHN BONGIOVI | The Power Station Years 1980-1983 | (Power Station Rec., 1997)

Who Said It Would Last Forever / Open Your Heart / Stringin' A Line / Don't Leave Me Tonight / Hollywood Dreams / Don't You Believe Him / More Than We Bargained For / Head Over Heels / What You Want / Talkin' In Your Sleep / Don't Keep Me Wondering

JOHN BONGIOVI | More Music From The Power Station Years 1980-1983 | (Power Station Rec., 1997)

All Talk No Action / For You / No One Does It Like You / Bobby's Girl / Gimme Some Lovin' Charlene / This Woman Is Dangerous / Don't Do That To Me Anymore / Maybe Tomorrow / More Than We Bargained For (edited version) / Runaway (instrumental)

These two records compiles material that Jon Bongiovi (aka Jon Bon Jovi) recorded at the Power Station studios between years 1980-1983.
Style wise it's the "typical" New Jersey sound, sometimes in the vein as the likes of Bruce Springsteen, but the songs are all pretty average.
At the same time there's no tune that is really laughable.
Tracks with most personality on the first volume are opener "Who Said It Would Last Forever", perhaps the most AOR:ish song on these 2 compilations all together, the simple "Open Your Heart" and "More Than We Bargained For" (appears in an edited version on volume 2 also).
The second volume is a tad weaker, but "Don't Do That To Me Anymore" and "No One Does It Like You" sounds pretty okay.
As said these two records aren't of that exceptional kind, there may be a reason why these songs never was released before...
The CD's are probably only for real die-hard Bon Jovi-fans.

Review by: Stefan

BOSTON | Greatest Hits | (Epic / Sony Music, 1997)

Tell Me / Higher Power / More Than A Feeling / Peace Of Mind / Don't Look Back / Cool the Engines / Livin' For You / Feelin' Satisfied / Party / Foreplay-Long Time / Amanda / Rock & Roll Band / Smokin' / A Man I'll Never Be / The Star Spangled Banner-4th Of July Reprise / Higher Power /Kalodner edit)

The summer of 1994 I bought my first Boston record, "Walk On". Do I have to say that my very first, and only experience prior to that was "More Than A Feeling".
Their 4th album "Walk On" took me on a journey through white silk smooth clouds on a light blue summer sky. I was in AOR-heaven!
"I Need Your Love", "Surrender To Me", "What's Your Name" etc. were some of the songs causing that uplifting feeling.
I spent no time hesitating purchasing their previous records. To be honest I didn't think that they could in a million years match "Walk On".
After the first look on the track listening on this "Greatest Hits"-album I was very disappointed. Only one song from "Walk On", two from "Third Stage" and no less than 9 compositions from their 2 first records.
Add to those two new songs ("Tell Me" & "Higher Power"), "The Star Spangled Banner" and also an edited version of "Higher Power" done by John Kalodner and you have Boston's "Greatest Hits".
Almost all of my favourites of theirs are not included. But of course we find songs like "More Than A Feeling", "Amanda", "Livin' For You" and "Don't Look Back".
Commenting the 2 new songs it has to be said that they're nothing else but rubbish coming from Boston.
This "Greatest Hits" isn't smokin', and I'm not jokin'.

Review by: Stefan

VINNY BURNS | The Journey | (Frontiers Records, 1999)

Irish Eyes / Superstar / Fire Burning / Freedom / This World / Where You Gonna Run / I Believe / Live The Dream / Lonely Man / Already Gone / Falling / The Journey

Ten guitarist Burns with a solo-effort which is really OK I guess. It doesn't however give me a reason to pick up my infamous air-guitar as I thought it would!
But nonetheless, Burns has managed to write a couple of decent songs, and with Sam Blue (ex-YaYa) and Gary Hughes helping him out on vocals, this is fairly good. "Superstar", "Freedom", and "Falling" are standout tracks on offer. Good.

Review by: Larry

STAN BUSH AND BARRAGE | Heaven | (Frontiers Records, 1998)

Hard To Find An Easy Way / Cross That Line / Didn't I / Joanna / Beginners Luck / Heaven / Promises / Dreamin' / Love Don't Come Easy / My Father's Son

For the unindated, Stan Bush may be a new name. But he is one of the last survivors of the "old school" of AOR. Sure, it's been a gazillion of years since he released anything in the AOR-vein, but now he has returned with a collection of old songs released for your pleasure.

Hard To Find An Easy Way
Stefan Edström: Brett Walker's magnificent rocker from his debut ("Nevertheless", 1994) here in an amazingly thin version. It's almost laughable, not even close to approved.
Larry Schörling: Classic track in a not-as-good version as Walker's, but laughable? Definitely not!

Cross That Line
LS: Another cool track with a very AOR-ish verse. Actually, it's a REALLY good song, even if I'm not a huge fan of that drum-machine...
SE: Finally something happens, it has been 11 years since he "kicked some ass". Stan sings with a furious vengeance in the chorus. This is how I'd like him to see him approach the songs. LS: Agreed.

Didn't I
SE: Baton Rouge already did this one on their 3rd self titled album from last year. Stan is nowhere near the power and intensity Kelly Keeling & co. had in their version.
LS: In reality I'm not really bothered about who's doing what version. I never really cared about this song before anyway...

Joanna
LS: There is something about this track I don't like. The verse is great but the chorus sounds a bit forced...
SE: Stan getting back to some rockier moods again. A good song with Stan having that "passion" in his voice, like he used to have.

Beginners Luck
SE: The type of ballads that...sigh... It's descent really, but too ordinary.
LS: Aha! Classic balladry ála Bush! Magnificent in the vein of “Love Don’t Lie”. A masterpiece!

Heaven
LS: Airkraft recorded this a couple of years ago, but it's a killer song which Bush performs in his own, flawless way. Great!
SE: Mainstream FM-rock/AOR. A nice bridge which leads into a catchy chorus.

Promises
SE: There have been so much talk about this CD that it would be similar in style with the classic "Barrage"-record from 1987. In my opinion this track is really the only one causing flashbacks. It has power, a pumped up Stan Bush ready to deliver the gods - and he does!
LS: Yes, I have to agree with you on this one! This is perhaps the best song on here. Killer verses, killer chorus, balls, hooks and quite simply a great song! Magic! Pure AOR heaven...

Dreamin'
LS: A Very Def Leppard-esque verse. Reminds me of "Pure Some Sugar On Me". Typical 87-ish stuff. The chorus is great the song as a whole is ok.
SE: A really crappy production on this otherwise chorus strong tune. The stuff inbetween aren't of the same calibre though.

Love Don't Come Easy
SE: A ballad of that standard format. You've heard it a thousand times before...
LS: ...maybe not a thousand times but at least a hundred times. I like the verse on this one. Arenarock-balladry with lighters held high, but the chorus is iffy and won't change the world. "I've been down this road before...", our man Stan sings in the beginning, and maybe he should have sang "I've been singing this song before...".

My Father's Son
LS: Great way to end the CD. One of the better tracks despite travelling down that road of clichés. More stuff like this could have made this an essential release!
SE: A mainstream rocker done after a formula that seems to have been used one too many times.

There you go. These are our very personal thoughts about the long awaited return (?) of Stan Bush.
A good album for sure, but lacks a proper production.
The fact that we're basically talking old demos being released is a bit so-so but still it's nice to hear Stan again even if it would have been better with something completely new. Who knows what the future may bring...

Review by: Larry & Stefan

STAN BUSH | Stan Bush | (Rewind Records, 2000)

It's Hot / Fire In My Heart / Can't Live Without Her / Don't Accuse Her / Love Has Taken Me Away / All American Boy / Say The Word / Time Isn't Changing You / Round And Round / Keep Your Love Alive

A reissue of the solo-debut from one of the better songwriters (at least once he used to be) in the business, Stan Bush. After having played with the band Boulder (who released an album 1979) he went solo and this album was originally released in 1983 on Columbia.
Today it sounds slightly dated, and not as good as his following Barrage album (released 1987). But fear not, there are some great songs on offer. Pure, guitar driven hook-laden AOR songs like "It's Hot", "Love Has Taken Me Away", Van Stephenson's "All American Boy", and the right out brilliant "Fire In My Heart".
This is not an essential release, but it is definitely worth having in your record collection!

Review by: Larry

JON BUTCHER | The Best Of Jun Butcher …Dreamers Would Ride | (Razor & Tie Ent., 1998)

Might As Well Be Free / Life Takes A Life / Goodbye Saving Grace / Holy War / Don't Say Goodnight / Stop / Sounds Of Your Voice / Waiting For A Miracle / May This Be Love / Wishes / The Ritual / Whiskey River / If I Love You / Send Me Somebody / This Raging Fire / It's Only Words (live) / Division Street

This Jimi Hendrix look-a-like released 5 records in the eighties, 3 under the moniker Jon Butcher Axis.
This "Best Of" collects pretty much the best from all those five records really.
Featured is also "This Raging Fire" from the soundtrack "Iron Eagle".
Jon Butcher's sound is really the eighties defined. There are some rockers; some well-arranged ballads and all packed in a typical eighties production.
This "Best Of" might fulfil your every need of this mans music.

Review by: Stefan