MICHAEL DES BARRES – Somebody Up There Likes Me [Yesterrock remaster]

Among the many labels that re-release classics in the melodic rock genre, two are doing a really fine job: Rock Candy Records and YesterRock. The latter, sadly, ceased its operations. But in about 6 years of existence, YesterRock has remastered a lot of true gems from the genre. “Somebody Up There Likes Me“, MICHAEL DES BARRES second album, was one of them, also for the first time appeared on CD.

Well known for his work with glam rock act Silverhead and rockers Detective, Michael Des Barres indulged in the sex, drugs & rock and roll lifestyle to the max. Making his first solo album in 1981, ‘I’m Only Human’ proved to be a musical departure, aiming to sit closer to the new wave pop of the time.
After fronting the short lived but excellent rock band Chequered Past, Michael was catapulted in front of a worldwide audience when he was vocalist for The Power Station at Live Aid, replacing Robert Palmer. The Power Station toured the world with Des Barres, but sadly they only recorded one song with him, ‘We Fight For Love’, which was used on the closing credits of the Schwarzenegger action movie Commando.

Michael returned to his solo career in 1986 with this “Somebody Up There Likes Me”, a superb rocking, melodic album featuring a dazzling array of stars.
With guitars contributed by the great Andy Taylor, Steve Jones, bass from Phil Chen, the Tower Of Power providing the horns section, and songwriting contributions from the likes of Dave Stewart and Kevin Savigar, the album is a winner all the way.

‘Money Don’t Come Easy’ (which featured Melanie Griffith in the video) is a great ’80s rocker, while ‘Is There Someone Else’ is a glorious heartfelt ballad.
There is an excellent cover of ‘I Can See Clearly Now’ and the title track boasts a fantastic chorus which, once heard, is never forgotten.
Des Barres sounds fantastic, especially on the moody ‘Too Good To Be Bad’. He also displays his bluesy influences with the Dave Stewart penned ‘Locked In The Cage Of Love’ where the Tower Of Power really shine.
‘Thinking With Your Body’, a personal favourite of mine, rounds out a superb record.

YesterRock have done us all a big favour by finally making Michael Des Barres “Somebody Up There Likes Me” available on CD, and with a great remaster job by MSM-Studios Munich.
Sometimes I see many reissues and think… ‘Why?’ With this one, I think ‘About Time!’
Highly Recommended

01 – Money Don’t Come Easy
02 – Do You Belong?
03 – Is There Someone Else?
04 – Everything Reminds Me Of You
05 – I Can See Clearly Now
06 – Somebody Up There Likes Me
07 – Too Good To Be Bad
08 – Locked In The Cage Of Love
09 – Camera Eyes
10 – Thinking With Your Body

Michael Des Barres – vocals
Andy Taylor – guitar, backing vocals
Steve Jones, Laurence Juber – guitar
Jim Keltner – drums
Bill Summers – percussion
Philip Chen – bass
Kevin Savigar – keyboards

Try Here:
www.musicstack.com/album/michael+des+barres/somebody+up+there+likes+me
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