BANDIT – Partners In Crime [Bad Reputation remastered] (2021)

UK’s BANDIT are mostly remembered for their connection to AC/DC, this time being the former band of bassist, Cliff Williams. After Williams departed his prior band, Home, he and vocalist Jim Diamond drafted a few other musicians – including drummer Graham Broad (now of Roger Waters’ band) and guitarist Danny McIntosh Jr (now the guitarist for, and husband of, singer-songwriter Kate Bush) for their new project, Bandit.
Arista Records were quick to show interest and by 1977, their self-titled debut had hit record store shelves. Sales were slow and minimal, prompting a return to the studio in 1978, which yielded “Partners In Crime“.
Though the debut was bluesy hard rock, this second LP saw the band evolving toward a softer AOR sound. Now Bad Reputation records has not only remastered this good album, but also is releasing it for the first time on CD.

When the Bandit’s debut album came out the group was almost dissolved, but Danny McIntosh Jr decided to continue with the name, recruit new musicians and change the musical focus to a more melodic, radio friendly material.
”Partners in Crime” was produced by Matthew Fisher of Procol Harum. “One Way Love”, a single from the album reached No. 76 on the American Billboard chart. “Stick Around” rocks great with fuzzy guitars, then follower ‘High On Your Love’ surprises with its almost West Coast sound, plenty of harmony vocals – all members contribute.

‘Love Song’ is a very catchy, late ’70s style rock n roller, as well as ‘I’m A Rocker. ‘Visions Of You’ has some of Eagles on it, FM friendly all over, then ‘Best Of You’ adds a bluesy touch to its midtempo rocking guitar groove.
I can see why ‘One Way Love’ charted well as single, as it’s a smooth melodic tune with a proto AOR atmosphere.

A really welcomed remaster and reissue by Bad Reputation to this very hard to find LP. An album rich in melodies / harmonies with a late ’70s warm sound & production.
Highly Recommended

01 – Stick Around
02 – High On Your Love
03 – Love Song
04 – One Way Love
05 – Visions Of You
06 – I’m A Rocker
07 – Best Of You
08 – Memories Of You
09 – Change Of Heart
10 – Don’t You Worry

Lead Vocals – Gerry Trew
Guitar, Harmony Vocals – Danny McIntosh Jr
Bass, Harmony Vocals – Tony Lester
Drums, Percussion, Harmony Vocals – Theodore Thunder

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