KING KOBRA 'READY TO STRIKE' CANDY298
“ALTHOUGH THE AMERICAN market place was bursting with many great, hip thrusting rock bands during the 1980’s, some of them multi-platinum sellers such as Mötley Crüe, Quiet Riot and RATT, there was always, we thought, room for talented new contenders. For King Kobra this was an invitation from heaven, launching onto a landscape that was primed for production of killer hard rock, shifting enormous quantities of it, and ruling the airwaves.
Formed in California in 1984, by seasoned drummer Carmine Appice (Cactus, Beck Bogart & Appice, Rod Stewart) and featuring vocalist Mark Free (Unruly Child), guitarists John Michael Philips & Mick Sweda (Bulletboys) and bassist Johnny Rod (WASP), the band won instant attention for their unique look – four blondes and one brunette. Musically they received plaudits for their compelling energy infused riffs, shout-it-out-loud hooks and high-flying vocals.
Produced by Spencer Proffer (Quiet Riot, WASP, Cheap Trick) and signed to Capitol Records, the band’s debut album, ‘Ready To Strike’, was originally issued in 1985, and won them the attention of fans and critics alike by delivering one of the year’s best records. Tracks such as ‘Hunger’, ‘Tough Guys’, ‘Piece Of The Rock’ and the title track itself, made for an arresting and compelling moment in a genre that is often underappreciated and misunderstood. Certainly this record is one of the best examples of mid 80’s hard rock ever created.”
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR’S EDITION, FULLY REMASTERED AUDIO, 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. READY TO STRIKE 2. HUNGER 3. SHADOW RIDER 4. SHAKE UP 5. ATTENTION 6. BREAKIN’ OUT 7. TOUGH GUYS 8. DANCING WITH DESIRE 9. SECOND THOUGHTS 10. PIECE OF THE ROCK
KING KOBRA 'THE THRILL OF A LIFETIME' CANDY299
“FOR A TIME it seemed that King Kobra could do no wrong. When they released their debut album ‘Ready To Strike’ in 1985, great things were expected from the five-piece, led by celebrated drummer Carmine Appice (Cactus, Jeff Beck, Blue Murder). Appice had come up with the idea for the band when he left Ozzy Osbourne’s touring line-up in 1983. In fact, he had a clear vision for an image, based on the reverse of Mötley Crüe’s four brunettes and one blonde look.
‘Thrill Of A Lifetime’, their sophomore album, originally issued in 1986 and produced by their previous studio co-hort Spencer Proffer (Quiet Riot, WASP, Cheap Trick), saw the band shift gear, modernising their sound and focussing on more accessible songs, perhaps modelled on the chart success of artists like Bon Jovi and Survivor. It was a brave move alright and one that should have generated larger sales but, sadly, the prevailing musical winds were by this time blowing in the wrong direction, leaving the band floundering within a record company that was fast losing faith.
The material however was top notch, spearheaded by the hugely infectious ‘Iron Eagle (Never Say Die)’, a track that was included on the hit movie ‘Iron Eagle’. Elsewhere there’s ‘Feel The Heat’, ‘Raise Your Hands To Rock’ and ‘Dream On’ for further proof of this album’s immense appeal.”
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR’S EDITION, FULLY REMASTERED AUDIO, BONUS TRACK, 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. SECOND TIME AROUND 2. DREAM ON 3. FEEL THE HEAT 4. THRILL OF A LIFETIME 5. ONLY THE STRONG WILL SURVIVE 6. IRON EAGLE (NEVER SAY DIE) 7. HOME STREET HOME 8. OVERNIGHT SENSATION 9. RAISE YOUR HANDS TO ROCK 10. PARTY ANIMAL BONUS TRACK: 11. HOME SWEET HOME (Street Mix)
THE OUTLAWS 'PLAYIN' TO WIN' CANDY321
“DURING THE 1970s Southern Rock music was at its zenith. Several groups reigned supreme, helping to fly the confederate flag loud and proud, whilst also receiving huge commercial accolades and setting out a mandate that would carry through to the next decade. The Outlaws were one of the movement’s most accomplished acts, securing a prime position in the southern rock hierarchy because they delivered the goods time after time.
Following a career defining double live album, the band made preparations for their fourth studio album, one that would not only showcase their roots but also pave the way for the future. To do this they tapped into a new producer, Robert ‘Mutt’ Lange, then just another rising star with, at the time, no global success. Recognising a creative genius, the band set about recording ‘Playing To Win’ in Georgia with Lange at the Helm and Rodney Mills (.38 Special, Lynyrd Skynyrd) in the engineer’s seat. This was to prove a highly potent combination.
Originally issued in 1978, the album showcased a band in search of something fresh but not crazy enough to abandon their heritage. As you might expect, the focus with Lange in the driving seat was on songs and melody, showcasing a style that sounded big, beefy and highly commercial. This was also a record to feature new guitarist Freddie Salem, a man who plied his trade with copious amounts of brawn, helping the band to evolve into a heavier rock rather than a country rock outfit. Check out songs such as ‘Take It Anyway You Want It’ and ‘You Are The Show’ for proof.”
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR’S EDITION, FULLY REMASTERED SOUND, 16 PAGE FULL COLOUR BOOKLET, 3,500 WORD ESSAY ABOUT THE MAKING OF THE ALBUM, NEW INTERVIEWS, ENHANCED ARTWORK AND UNSEEN PHOTOS.
TRACK LISTING: 1. TAKE IT ANYWAY YOU WANT IT 2. CRY SOME MORE 3. YOU ARE THE SHOW 4. YOU CAN HAVE IT 5. IF DREAMS CAME TRUE 6. A REAL GOOD FEELIN’ 7. LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT 8. FALLING RAIN 9. DIRTY CITY
CREED 'S/T' CANDY330
“WE’VE SAID IT once and, no doubt, we’ll be saying it many more times in the future, but Memphis, despite its authentic blues heritage, gave birth to a number of great rock acts that are still remembered with great affection, despite the fact that they may not have topped the national or, indeed, international charts. Chief amongst them were Target and Creed. Two bands that gave it their all, recording for major labels and making a splash that still shake the foundations to this day.
For Creed the road to recognition was, like most acts of the era, strewn with disappointment, and difficulties that ultimately brought the band to its knees, despite valiant attempts to overcome the obstacles. Signed to the prestigious Elektra/Asylum label (home of the Eagles) the band’s initial prospects looked bright but progress would soon grind to a halt when they were paired with a country-pop producer who toned down the band’s hard rock edge, looking to tame their sound and position them closer to the AOR style popular at the time.
But the album didn’t neuter their style completely, and leaves us in no doubt about the band’s hard rock heart. It was a tough, lean and mean sound, sitting somewhere between the Southern rock style of Molly Hatchet and the raw punch of late 70s hard rock acts such as Aerosmith. With tracks like ‘Keep On Rockin’, ‘Tied Down’ and the explosive ‘Firecracker’ leading the way, it right and proper to re-evaluate this album from the finest Memphis hard rock stable.”
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. KEEP ON ROCKIN’ 2. TIED DOWN 3. FIRECRACKER 4. YOU NEVER SEE IT THAT WAY 5. WE’RE GONNA MAKE IT 6. JUST CAN’T STOP 7. TOO PROUD TO CRY 8. CAN’T FIND LOVE 9. TIME AND TIME AGAIN BONUS TRACKS: 10. YOU NEVER SEE IT THAT WAY (LIVE) 11. WE NEED YA (LIVE) 12. CRAZY WOMAN (LIVE) 13. CAN'T FIND LOVE (LIVE) 14. TIME AND TIME AGAIN (LIVE) 15. LIVIN' IN DREAMS (DEMO)
707 'S/T' CANDY331
“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
707 'THE SECOND ALBUM' CANDY332
“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
707 'MEGA FORCE' CANDY333
“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)
In other Rock Candy news - the label has introduced a range of Rock Candy T-shirts and a baseball cap for sale on the website: www.rockcandyrecords.com
