Scott's Hidden Treasures - #7

[Scott]

Lucky 7?

This past week has been very busy.  "Work-Life Balance" is a phrase thats gets tossed around at my job frequently.  Sometimes I wonder if they, or we, really know what that means.  Besides a supporting wife, 4 wonderful children, and 2 grandchildren, I rely on music to fill voids and disconnect me from my work day.  I can confidently affirm that I rely on music to regenerate me daily, it's the music that releases tension, and it's the music that lifts my spirit and speaks to me in ways no human could. I think thats why this weekly list is so good for me.  There is such a reconnection that occurs when I go through this.

 

So what does that have to do with this weeks effort?  Nothing of any special note really, just another great week digging through the catalog  :-)

 

Enjoy...

Title: A Dream Within A Dream (1987 Remix)
Artist: The Alan Parson Project
Album: Tales of Mystery And Imagination
Year: 1975

I kick this weeks list off with a mood setter, an instrumental no less.  One of the best progressive efforts of all time in my humble, yet correct, opinion.  Parsons takes us on a journey though some of Edgar Allan Poe's most beloved works.  This is the lead in...  Best listened to turned up and centered between two large speakers.

 

Title: In For The Count
Artist: Balance
Album: In For The Count
Year: 1982

Now heres a real hidden gem!  Famous for his session/fill-in work with KISS, Bob Kulicks other band hit the charts in 1981 and then fell off the musical map the following year with this follow up.  But its not their fault!  This is a real solid record with much harder rocking tunes than the debut.  A very cool synth opening and great riff carry this though.

 

Title: Crazy
Artist: Icehouse
Album: Man of Colours
Year: 1987

Australians will recognize this band. For the rest of us it may have a ring of familiarity.  But what a great tune, it has pop roots and hit the charts in America, but I dont think it became anything memorable state side anyway, except it hits a nerve with me and evokes cool emotions.  The album as a whole is terrific.

 

Title: Go For A Soda
Artist: Kim Mitchell
Album: Akimbo Alogo
Year: 1984

(Taken from the Greatest Hits package)
I remember this tune from the radio in the 80's but despite is catchyness, it didnt hang around long.  Then one day on that other board, people started about Kim Mitchell and I got curous.  Now, neither me nor my 16 year old daughter can put this song down.  What was wrong with us in the 80's?  Oh well, might as well go for a soda, its better than slander...

 

Title: The Wizard
Artist: Uriah Heep
Album: Demons and Wizards
Year: 1972

OK, off the poppy stuff for a minute.  This song may not be hidden but it is a gem.  To me it's one of those songs that shaped my taste in music.  I Think I wore out my brothers album, and he may even got PO'd at me for not returning this one...   ever...

 

Title: Out In The Country
Artist: Three Dog Night
Album: It Aint Easy
Year: 1970

(Taken from the album titled "The Complete Hit Singles")

Staying old school (at least for me), heres another not quite so hidden, but still a gem tune.  Also a very influential song for me.  Three Dog Night really made my ears perk up and listen to vocal harmonies.  Loved these guys!

 

Title: This Flight Tonight
Artist: Nazareth
Album: Loud N Proud
Year: 1973

(Taken from "The Anthology")
Still sounds relevant.  I love this track and always have, even if it hit the top 40 and was "popular" song.  Its no longer payed much and has been somewhat lost.  Great slide solo and lyrics are still really cool to sing along with.

 

Title: A Place In The Sun
Artist: Pablo Cruise
Album: A Place In The Sun
Year: 1977

BIAS ALERT:  Pablo was my first concert and as such they hold a special place in my musical heart.  Although more on the pop side, they also earned the right to be called a west coast surf band.  Just great song writingthat come together and pull you in.  This album is chock full of them...

 

Title: Desert Song
Artist: Michael Schenker Group
Album: Assualt Attack
Year: 1982

Michael Schenker at his best,  Graham Bonnet belts out some great work on this release.  Is it a fusion of Rainbow and the Scorpions?  Or just great rock and roll?  You decide...

 

Title: Erotic Nightmares
Artist: Steve Vai
Album: Passion And Warfare
Year: 1990

I started this list with an instrumental, and so we come to the end with one more. Steve Vai is phenomenal, this album of guitar work is real solid.  If your into this type work, then this is a must have.  I like this one ...  A) because its cool, and B) the title of the track invokes lots of images and thoughts.

So, looking back on this list, I lied...  It was representative of the wild week I have had.  But I like this weeks selections, they give you a view of me and hopefully a view into a world of music you need to get back into or start to explore...

 

Peace Out...

 

 

[Scott]

[Niels (Mod)]

"This playlist does not contain any files" it says here on my computer?!

[Scott]

I wonder if there is an issue with your connection or FileFactory itself. Each track is streaming for me ...

[Niels (Mod)]

It looks fine now. "False alarm", I guess.

[Jon]

Good stuff Scott! Love that you posted a track from "Assault Attack" which, in my opinion (that is never wrong) is the MSG opus.

[Niels (Mod)]

Just finished listen to it. Yes, it's great stuff. Favorites are the numbers with Kim Mitchell, Uriah Heep, Nazareth and MSG.

[RJhog (Admin)]

Nice playlist Scott. I remember the Kim Mitchell song from a LAOTW post by Jon. Great song. I also liked the Nazareth tune. The Icehouse song sounds very familiar. Also, I really like the MSG song.

[Scott]

THanks RJ, I thought maybe you would appreciate the Balance tune, being the KISS fan you are, I wonder what your take on that track is?

[RJhog (Admin)]

I did like the Balance tune. It's the first time I've heard any of Bob's work outside of what he did with Kiss. And I happen to think his work with Kiss is pretty good. I really, really like his work on Paul Stanley's 1978 solo album. The guitar playing is exceptional, especially on the song Ain't Quite Right.