MISERY – Risk It All ’92 [Eonian Records digitally remastered] (2023)

Following the reissue of US rockers MISERY album ‘Misery Loves Company’, Eonian Records has just remastered the band’s follow-up album, 1992’s ”Risk It All”. Misery continues to allow their catchy guitar melodies to highlight this second album. They sound tighter than they ever have before. Members Joe, Greg, Kevin, and Marcus are absolutely at the top of their game.
There are so many moments where a drum and vocal bridge suddenly explode into harmonized arena rock heaven and Joe Villarreal is firing off heavenly guitar licks left, right and center, creating a rocking sound akin Dokken and Lynch Mob.

The story of MISERY began deep in the heart of Texas, Pasadena to be exact. Pasadena was not only the band’s hometown but also home to Gilley’s, the world’s largest honky-tonk bar. Gilley’s, named after country music star Mickey Gilley, opened in 1971 and gained national notoriety in 1980 with the success of the major motion picture “Urban Cowboy,” starring John Travolta.
MISERY singer Greg Gilley also happened to be the son of Mickey. Greg and MISERY may have had that famous connection to stand behind initially, but the band made a name for itself during its time.

It all started in mid-1989 when singer & guitarist Greg Gilley was trying to get his project off the ground and reached out to guitarist Joe Villarreal who was fresh out of playing in the Houston band, The Jaxx. Joe brought in drummer Kevin Coffey from the band Project X, and the nucleus of MISERY was formed. Bassist Manuel Gonzales completed the original lineup. Manuel stayed with the band through the recording process but left the band and was replaced by Gerald Martin, aka Gerald Berger of AXE.
Greg had written several songs, while Joe and Kevin brought in several great ideas. The band recorded their first independent cassette release in 1991, “Misery Loves Company,” with no outside producers or engineers. The album featured ten tracks, including a cover of “Great Balls Of Fire,” made famous by Jerry Lee Lewis, a cousin of the late, great Mickey Gilley. Mickey played piano on the track as well.

Following the success of “Misery Loves Company,” the band recorded “Risk It All” in 1992 with ten new songs, this time bringing in bassist Marcus Johnson (from Stride & Winter). With the first two studio recordings finished, the band made a trip to the legendary Sunset Strip in Hollywood, CA.
With a tour bus supplied by Mickey Gilley, MISERY found themselves on a week-long adventure on the west coast showcasing at clubs like the Whisky a Go-Go, where the band opened for shock rocker Lizzy Borden, Filthy McNasty’s/Spice, later to be known as the infamous Viper Room which was co-owned by actor & musician Johnny Depp, and finally the FM Station in North Hollywood.

The trip’s timing didn’t spark a record contract, but they did have a brush with Atlantic Records that never materialized. However, the trip is part of the band’s legacy and, ultimately, made great memories, and was a lot of fun.
”Risk It All” rocks with groove and fine melodies, well produced & mixed, new properly remastered.
Highly Recommended

1. Risk It All
2. Love
3. Angel
4. I Need You
5. Crystal Clear
6. Do You Wanna
7. Out Of The Gutter
8. All Your Love
9. Feel It Too
10. Can You Hear Me

Greg Gilley – Lead Vocals, Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Joe Villarreal – Lead Guitar, Vocals
Marcus Johnson – Bass, Vocals
Kevin Coffey – Drums, Keyboards, Vocals

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www.eonianrecords.com/new-products/misery-risk-it-all