Hidden Treasures (Shooting Star)

[Scott]

Dear 2.167 Listeners,

This is a special edition, at least to me.  Recently Mike Pell posted a podcast that referenced old style FM radio, and when I think of the days when FM radio was free to play new music it was truly a special time that I took for granted.  But, one of the best new band discoveries I ever made was during one evening in the very early 80's when my local FM Rock radio station played a live simulcast of a Shooting Star concert.  I learned this tour was in support of an album named III Wishes.  So in typical fashion, I bought that album the next day, the rest as they say, is history!

 

And now you get a chance to hear what I continue to hear to this day!  A great Classic Rock band...

LISTEN HERE -> http://snack.to/azkmenuz

	Shooting Star 1979 1 - Midnight Man A great acoustic blazer. Some of my favorite geetar work can be found in this song as well. There is so much more to the songs on this debut album than meet the ears (so to speak). Take a deep listen and see if you can hear the heart and depth of whats really happening here.
	Hang On For Your Life 1981 2 - Breakout No sophomore slump to be found here! More straight ahead Mid-West rock and roll! Just what I need! You maybe had heard this track as it hit FM radio in some markets.
	III Wishes 1982 3 - Standing In The Light Probably my favorite Shooting Star album. This album finds the band entering the Top 40 (Heartache) briefly, but what should have been a break-through album didn't hit as hoped. Still the band never compromised its musical vision as they moved forward, as maybe we will see next week.... For now I hope you enjoyed this.

[RJhog (Admin)]

I've heard you and others mention Shooting Star several times.  I'm sure you've played something by them at some time or another.   These songs are all good.  They sound like a pretty cool classic rock band.

 

That first track is a real rocker.  I could easily hear it on a Styx album.  Out of these 3 songs, I'll say I liked Standing In The Light the best, but like I said, all 3 are good.  I will keep my eyes open for old vinyl or used CDs on these guys and probably pick up one or two.

 

Nice post.

[Jon]

Where in the blu blazes is Last Chance?????? That is the greatest Shooting Star song EVER.

Don't make me wanna tussle again!

[Scott]

Hard to argue with that, it is a great tune...

[Jon]

So you admit defeat again?

[Scott]

No... But there may be a bonus track in next weeks follow up. If I decide to go that way or not.

[Jon]

I think it would make a LASTing impression if you took a CHANCE and included a bonus track.

[Jon]

This is exactly what bugs me about Shooting Star. They have some really good tracks (1 & 2) and then there's something like track #3 which I do not like at all. Just sounds like they're trying to get a song to get some airplay, and that's what happens with their albums. Really good songs and then some not so good ones. 

The album cover for Hang On To Your Life is really cool.

Their debut album has one of the greatest LAST songs on an album. If nobody has yet, give that song a listen and CHANCEes are you'll agree. Oh yeah, it's been posted somewhere on this site......

[Alan Christensen]

I have thought about getting a CD or two from this band. I might look tomorrow and see if one of the few music stores left still has some CDs fro this band like they have in the past.

I 

[Gordon Williams]

I have "Hang On For Your Life" on vinyl, but have not heard it in a long time, as I dont listen to my vinyl collection that often anymore. And I honestly do not remember the track posted here.

But, I do really like this track, "Breakout". A great chorus, for sure. Like the rhythm guitar...punchy, power chords through a lot of it. Nice lead work as well...especially the one as the song starts its ending section. The lead over the vocals is very good! I need to go back and listen to this album soon!

Track one definitely mixes accoustic and electric guitar well. Another good sing-along chorus that Shooting Star has a strong knack for. Another nice, rockin' guitar lead.

Track three for me, is the weaker of the 3. But still a decent listen, for sure. Another good lead. Actually two...the one in the middle section of the song is the better of the 2 guitar leads for me...but the lead during the ending section is nice, as well.

So, good post for me. Enjoyed it. It's strange...because I have always liked what I have heard by Shooting Star, but I never purchased that much. The only other release I have is a CD I found in a cut out bin..."It's Not Over". I dont recall being that impressed with it, so it's been a long time since I heard it. I need to go find it, and listen again. This might be a band I sort of tuned out too soon.

One last comment...I love the title track to "Hang On For Your Life"...an awesome, awesome song. There is one more absolute killer on that as well, called "Are You On My Side?" This is another killer cut. "Are you with me" on that Scott??

I just looked on line, and there is a 2 disc, 36 track "Anthology" CD for Shooting Star. Just might be something I purchase. According to CDUniverse (who does not have it), you can get this for less that $5 on Amazon Marketplace??? Sounds like a wise purchase, for sure!

 

 

 

[Scott]

Love their first 4 releases (up through Burning) then they drop off for me.  Although they did release a very cool CD titled Circles in 2006!  And yes, I am with you on this!