KIDD GLOVE (Paul Sabu) – Kidd Glove [YesterRock remaster + bonus]

With the recently presented here Hard Rock Zombies soundtrack performed by Paul Sabu and his -then- bandmates in KIDD GLOVE, one of you readers asked for this one.
Among the many labels that re-release classics in the melodic rock genre, two are among the best: 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 – so be fast to get yours as most are becoming out of print.
Among these is this terrific Paul Sabu album released under the pseudonym KIDD GLOVE.

All we know the melodic hard rock side of Paul Sabu since the mid-Eighties. But a young Sabu started his career in the Seventies recording some stuff mixing the popular ‘disco music’ of the era with Rock.

“Kidd Glove” was his first approach to pure Melodic Rock, with an AOR / Radio Rock sound typical of the year (1984) in the US.
For Kidd Glove it all started when Motown Records (known for their many quality soul releases) decided to add a Rock division to their record company.

Paul Sabu was paired with some of Motown’s staff writers and together they wrote the material for the “Kidd Glove” album, which was subsequently recorded with the help of guest musicians such as talented drummer Mike Baird (wrongly credited as Baer) who worked with Prism, Eddie Money and later played in Journey’s Raised On Radio.
The radio-ready ‘Good Clean Fun’ opens the album, followed by the melodic rock bliss of ‘Killer Instinct’. A killer midtempo tune indeed.

Next arrives, in my opinion, the best track in Paul Sabu’s career; “Street Angel”. This is a pure ’80s heaven plenty of gorgeous vocals, delicious synths, sharp guitar riffs, a pumping rhythm section and a chorus to die for. Easily, one of the best songs from the decade.
There’s much more to enjoy: the AOR magic of ‘Spirit Of The Night’ and ‘Fade To Black’ (love the those keys!), the smooth radio-ready refrain of “Secrets”, or the anthemic, action movie-like ‘Hellzarockin’.
‘Suzie Wants To Be Star’ is close to melodic rock perfection, the way the song is arranged (and played) is simply great.

This digitally remastered reissue from YesterRock is excellent, but we also have 4 juicy bonus tracks, as far I know, previously unreleased.
Mostly are taken from ‘The Babysitters’ soundtrack, a 1994 movie also known as ‘Twin Sitters’. All are fun, but special mention goes for “Brothers Forever”, a little melodic rock gem.
YesterRock ceased its operations and all their re-issue catalog will be out of print soon. Go and get it before it’s too late!
As for “Kidd Glove”, it’s a must have cult classic.

01 – Good Clean Fun
02 – Killer Instinct
03 – Street Angel
04 – Spirit Of The Night
05 – Fade To Black
06 – Hellzarockin’
07 – Somewhere In A Song
08 – Secrets
09 – Susie Wants To Be A Star
BONUS TRACKS:
10 – Viking Boy
11 – At War With The Weights
12 – The Babysitters
13 – Brothers Forever

Paul Sabu – vocals, guitars
Mike Baird, Tommy Amato – drums
Jeff Steele, Murril Maglio – bass
Bobby Sandstorm, Tommy Rude – keyboards

Try Here:
www.amazon.co.uk/Kidd-Glove/dp/B00BEMV0MA
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