RICK KELLEY

Artist: RICK KELLEY

Title: Top Priority     

Format: Vinyl LP

Year: 1985

Songs: 9

Label: Top Priority Records

Style: AOR 

Rick Kelley is a SSW and producer who at the time was based out of Redondo Beach, CA.  This was his self-produced solo album, which was augmented by the four-member backing band called The Rhythm Kings.  Top Priority has a crisp production with melodic AOR led tracks.  The title track starts things off well with a tight mid-paced AOR arrangement.  There’s a few ballads – like the wimpy but melancholic ‘Do You Ever Wonder’ and ‘Come With Me’.  Catchy, passionate choruses delight on both ‘How Can You Do It’ and ‘It’s A Shame’.   Closer ‘Bringing The Music Back’ is a cool up-tempo track, even with its harmonica touches. 

CRIMSON

Artist: CRIMSON

Title: Self-Titled       

Format: Vinyl LP

Year: 1983

Songs: 10

Label: Celesta Records

Style: Christian AOR

Obscure Christian rock band that operated out of Denver, CO.  There are some preachy lyrical elements that flair up, but over-all it’s not over the top.  The essential song is the sultry mid-paced opener ‘Angel Dust’.  Other notable tracks: ‘Look At The Lady’, the melancholic ballad ‘Spinning’, ‘Lukewarm’ and ‘Master Of Disguise’.  

Q8

Artist: Q8

Title: Equations       

Format: Vinyl EP

Year: 1983

Songs: 5

Label: Self Released

Style: Power Pop Rock

Des Plaines, IL rock band.  Power pop new wave melodies work their way in on Side A standout ‘Guided Missles’.  ‘How Are You’ moves even more into power pop land with some nice touches of sax and Cheap Trick influences.

MARK SHAFFER BAND

Artist: MARK SHAFFER BAND        

Title: Blame It On Rock N’ Roll      

Format: Vinyl EP

Year: 1984

Songs: 5

Label: Etiquette Records

Style: AOR

Mark Shaffer is a SSW from Seattle, WA who put together this high energy rock trio.  The band plays full sounding spirited rock songs with solid production values and crisp melodies.  The band worked the club/tavern circuit in the Pacific Northwest and was able to release this obscure private press EP.  

THE PATTERSONS

Artist: THE PATTERSONS

Title: Atoms In Motion        

Format: Vinyl EP

Year: 1986

Songs: 6

Label: Big Hand Records

Style: Rural Pop Rock

Obscure rural flavored AOR rock from Durham, NC five-some.  They put together a pretty catchy set of tunes that have an underlying rural-tinged flair.  ‘I Got It Good’ is a pretty cool rocker with variety.  ‘Big Time Small Talk’ has catchy melodies and album opener ‘Radio Wave’ even straddles slightly into new wave.

HOT MAMA SILVER

Artist: HOT MAMA SILVER

Title: Self Titled

Format: Vinyl LP

Year: 1979

Songs: 9

Label: Silver Star Records

Style: Hard Rock

These boys originated in Waukegan, Illinois and were a popular live band on the club circuit in the Midwest during the 1970s.  Two quality guitarists were on board – Tom Rutledge and Randy Massey with leader Herb Eimerman leading the way.  The band opened for such acts as Rush, Sammy Hagar, The Outlaws, REO Speedwagon and J.Geils Band.  They combine hard rock, melodic rock and AOR melodies for a satisfying late 70’s rousing set.

ME

Artist: ME     

Title: ME       

Format: 7” Vinyl EP

Year: 1979

Songs: 4

Label: My Music Records

Style: Power Pop Rock

Obscure San Francisco power pop indie outfit.

JOHNNY BALTIMORE

Artist: JOHNNY BALTIMORE

Title: Music To Jerk

Format: Vinyl EP

Year: 1980

Songs: 6

Label: Fangs Music

Style: AOR    

California band with new wave hints and AOR tendencies and just the slightest bit of power pop thrown in.  ‘The Big Suspicion’ is a cool new wave rock cut.  The slower paced melancholic ‘Sensation’ brings in some nice keyboard work. The new wave tinged closer ‘Fashion And Music’ is a standout.