TESLA – The Great Radio Controversy [Japan SHM-CD remastered] Out Of Print

“The Great Radio Controversy” is second TESLA album, reissued in Japan on SHM-CD in remastered form back in 2011. This was the only, Limited Release of the first 5 Tesla albums on SHM-CD now out of print and fetching high prices on eBay.

Considered by many the best Tesla album ever, “The Great Radio Controversy” retains the typical big-sounding production and anthemic hooks of ’80s pop-metal, but Tesla adds a grittier, bluesier edge to their music than most of their peers.
As on most of their records Tesla’s songwriting is consistently good, and alongside instant rockers such as ‘Hang Tough’ and the rich-harmony ‘Lady Luck’, there’s ‘The Way It Is’ or ‘Heaven’s Trail (No Way Out)’ with melodies and riffs that aren’t predictable, cookie-cutter product.

All songs in this album are goodies, but my favorite should be ‘The Way It Is’. Co-written by drummer Troy Luccketta it’s one of the highlights of album as well as Tesla’s career. The moody acoustic intro and verse eventually gives way to the strong yet deep choruses. The song’s bridge and outro bring the song to a whole new level sonically as repetition works well with theme and musical backing and Jeff Keith’s vocals are at their absolute zenith during the whole track.

‘Love Song’ is nearly as impressive, being perhaps the best power ballad ever. This uni-directional song is driven by the beautiful guitar motifs of guitarist Frank Hannon. Commencing with a complex acoustic intro before moving towards the joyful strummed electric riff that introduces the song proper. The track is complete and melodic to the end without a wasted note or moment.
‘Paradise’ is another fine number that contains a sad acoustic intro to a love song with a distinctly different feel than ‘Love Song’. Keith’s vocals pick up the pace while the music remains low key in the mid section prior to a funk-influenced alternate section which follows.

Double Platinum certified, “The Great Radio Controversy”reached the Top 20 of the American album charts and spawned three Top 40 hits, with videos receiving considerable MTV airplay that rocketed Tesla to stardom.
What I like about this remaster is the way the acoustic guitar parts and the bass have ‘reborn’ on this SHM-CD. Certainly these Tesla albums on this format need an urgent re-release / re-print.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

You’ve seen it first here, at 0dayrox

Universal Japan ~ UICY-94114 【ＬＴＤ ＳＨＭ－ＣＤ】
Ｔ Ｅ Ｓ Ｌ Ａ 『グレイト・レイディオ・コントラヴァーシー』

01 – Hang Tough
02 – Lady Luck
03 – Heaven’s Trail (No Way Out)
04 – Be A Man
05 – Lazy Days, Crazy Nights
06 – Did It For The Money
07 – Yesterdaze Gone
08 – Makin’ Magic
09 – The Way It Is
10 – Flight To Nowhere
11 – Love Song
12 – Paradise
13 – Party’s Over

Jeff Keith – vocals
Tommy Skeoch – guitars
Frank Hannon – guitars, piano, organ
Brian Wheat – bass
Troy Luccketta – drums

Out Of Print
www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/UICY-94114
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