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INTO THE LIGHT | Into The Light | (Frontiers Records, 2000)

No Turning Away / Into the Light / Time to Run / Acceleron / Skyrocket / Live Today / Tonight / Devil In Her Eyes / No Regrets / To Your Heart / Alien Talk

Tim Donahue is a guitarist that has had two previous solo discs that I believe were only released in Japan. On this project Kelly Hansen (Hurricane, Unruly Child) has taken over the vocal duties and is what makes this album appealing to me.
Some of the songs like "Into the Light," "Tonight" and "Time to Run" are quite close in style to the Unruly Child cd "Waiting For The Sun". Then there's other songs that are quite different in style. I think the most outstanding track on the album is the ballad "No Regrets." Other highlights include the hard hitting opener "No Turning Away" and "To Your Heart" which (like the rest of the cd) is accompanied by some excellent guitar work from Tim.
Although this album is not for everyone - Kelly Hansen diehards will probably want to at least take a listen to this disc. If you listen to it with an open mind - you'll find it quite enjoyable.

Review by: Rob

I-TEN | I-Ten | (Rewind Records, 2000)

Taking A Cold Look / Quicksand / Alone / Workin' For A Lovin' / Lonely In Each Other's Arms / I Don't Want To Lose You / Time To Say Goodbye / The Easy Way Out / I've Been Crying / Pressing My Luck

Another reissue on Rewind Records. This is one of the very best Westcoast projects, ever. A classic sure, but perhaps not as pristine as the outrageously brilliant AIRPLAY (w. Foster, Graydon, Funderburk, Champlin etc), but it is still great and definitely a MUST in every record collection!
In short, I-Ten was songwriters Billy Steinberg & Tom Kelly´s pet project (originally released 1983) helped out by Steve Lukather, Richard Page, Champlin, Pasqua, Paich, et al with Keith Olsen handling the production together with Lukather.
Most songs have since then been covered by others like "Alone" (which Heart had a smaller hit with), "Taking A Cold Look" (Honeymoon Suite, REO Speedwagon), "The Easy Way Out" (Jack Wagner), and so on so forth. 10 tracks, pretty much top-notch all the way.
Compared to new releases this would receive a full blasting 5, but consider it being a classic I will have to give it a 4,5 as it has a tendency to become a bit too sterile in places for its own good, but hey; who am I to complain? Just get it!

Review by: Larry

IVORY TOWER | Beyond The Stars | (Inside Out/SPV, 2000)

Silence / Secret In Me / Foreboding / Game of Life / Peeping Tom / Beyond the Stars / When Thoughts Are Running Wild / Flight Into the Self / Treehouse Theme / Treehouse

Ivory Tower appeared on the progressive metal scene a few years back with their self titled debut. Although I've never heard it, I've been told that their sound has become quite heavier with this new release "Beyond the Stars".
When I put this disc in my player for the first time I thought - here's a prog-metal band that reminds me very much of the great Dream Theater. Sadly, I don't enjoy these guys nearly as much as I do Dream Theater though. Trying not to compare one band to another, but when their sound is this close - it's inevitable. At times the singer also reminds me of Tony Harnell (TNT).
Some highlights include the first two tracks and closing number "Treehouse". For the most part this cd does nothing for me - but I can only speak for myself.

Review by: Rob