BILLY SATELLITE – II (2016)
Finally after decades of waiting, the second album from American AOR band BILLY SATELLITE is released by AOR Heaven Records. Titled “II“, the album was recorded in 1985 after the band’s successful self-titled debut but shelved… until now.
After a tour together with the legends Night Ranger, the production work on Billy Satellite’s album #2 begun. The plan was to start production on the record together with top class producer Keith Olsen (Foreigner) at his Good Night L.A. studios in Summer 1985.
Unfortunately, like with so many other bands of the time, their A&R at Capitol Records was replaced, the second Billy Satellite album was quietly shelved and the band was dropped. There was never any working title for the second album and, to singer Monty Byrom’s knowledge, none of the songs were utilised anywhere else.
Featuring a great array of tunes, with a noticeably heavier direction in places than the first album that would’ve garnered rave reviews had it actually been released in 1985 or 86, Monty is really pleased that this record is finally – after twenty years, seeing official release.
Of course, after Billy Satellite split Monty put together New Frontier with keyboardist David Neuhauser, drummer Marc Nelson and ex-Gamma bassist Glenn Letsch, releasing an album in 1987 through Polydor’s MIKA Records imprint.
Monty then gravitated more towards production and songwriting work with Eddie Money (who had scored a chart hit in 1986 with a cover of Billy Satellite’s ‘I Wanna Go Back’) and Grateful Dead’s Brent Mydlands, in addition to writing credits on records by David Lee Roth, the Stray Cats and Rita Coolidge.
At times reminiscent of John Waite in his heydays, in Billy Satellite II you get hot rockers as well as radio-friendly poppy ballads. “Secrets In Her Heart” perfectly fits Rick Springfield circa 1984 or Mr. Mister.
“You Got Nothing On Me” is a wonderful midtempo, while the pure ’80s AOR of ‘You and Me and the Night’ is my personal favorite.
Billy Satellite’s “II” was remastered by Chris Lyne (ex Soul Doctor, Mother Road) who did his best to obtain the greatest quality. These were pre-production demos, but quality is more than decent.
A true ’80s AOR lost gem, Highly Recommended.
01 – You and Me and the Night
02 – Sorry
03 – Honesty
04 – You Got Nothing On Me
05 – Girls Like You
06 – Fantasy Girl
07 – Secrets in Her Heart
08 – Slippin Away
09 – Turning Pages
10 – Final Stand
Monty Byrom (vocals, guitar)
Danny Chauncey (guitar, backing vocals)
Ira Walker (bass, backing vocals)
Thomas “Fee” Falletti (drums)
Bill Coumo (keyboards)
BUY IT !
www.aorheaven.com/index.php/englisch_a/billy-satellite-ii-digitally-remastered.html
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