ROCK CANDY – Sucker For A Pretty Face ’87 [Extended Version +8] (2024) HQ *Exclusive*

Originally from Boston but relocated in Buffalo, NY, melodic hard rockers ROCK CANDY were simply one of the ’80s best unsigned bands from the genre. Their one and only 1987’s album titled “Sucker For A Pretty Face” is one of the most sought after records by fans & collectors, and there’s a reason: all the 10 tracks are winners – no filler.
Now the album is being reissued on CD in limited quantities titled ”Sucker For A Pretty Face [Extended Version +8]”, including well recorded demos from 1985-1986 as bonus tracks.

ROCK CANDY were so good that deserved major exposure – it’s simple; great musicianship (plus excellent harmony vocals), and above all, very consistent songwriters. Despite being an indie production / release, ”Sucker For A Pretty Face [Extended Version +8]” sound quality is strong and clear.

These guys mixed up some AOR to the sharp guitar work, a blend that enriched the overall songwriting and provided variety. It’s a crime ROCK CANDY didn’t make it big, they were much better then many major acts from the era. The band opened shows for renowned artists, and some record labels were interested to sign them, however good luck eluded the group, and split up in 1989.

Before the Goo Goo Dolls, there was another Buffalo, NY based band that was poised to breakout and become a dominant force in the music scene. That band was called Rock Randy, a glam-metal / melodic hard rock act that consisted of Stephen Shaw – lead guitar, Joey Anes vocals, Jeff Powell- bass, David Joel- drums, and Johnny Angel (who previously played in Talas with Billy Sheehan) – lead guitar.

Rock Candy was originally formed in Boston, Massachusetts. The band was called LA Twist, but changed the name to Rock Candy when Angel, who lived in Buffalo, joined the band on the recommendation of guitar guru Mike Varney, founder of the Shrapnel Records.
The entire band then moved to Buffalo NY, making the Queen City their home base.

Rock Candy dominated the Western New York club scene during 1985-1988, selling out shows and creating a big buzz on local rock radio stations. The band mainly played headlining shows, but they did open for a few major artists such as The Ramones, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, The Romantics, etc.

In 1987, Rock Candy released their debut record, “Sucker For A Pretty Face. This 10 track LP was filled with great melodic hooks, catchy choruses and infectious lyrics. The record was critically acclaimed and many insiders predicted that Rock Candy would soon become international superstars.
But shockingly, in 1988, Johnny Angel suddenly decided to leave the band. Rock Candy soldiered on for awhile, but as a wave of sleazier rock (Guns n’ Roses, Jane’s Addiction) become the new trend, the band saw the writing on the wall and decided to call it a day in 1989.

After the break-up of the band, Stephen Shaw returned back to his hometown of Providence, RI. He joined up with his brother, Dave Shaw and formed the band Bittersweet. Stephen only remained in the band for a year, but a great 2 CD compilation of Bittersweet was released years later in 2004 by Retrospect Records entitled, “Loaded Up” – featured here at 0dayrox.
During the 90s, Stephen started working on the other side of the stage, doing sound for many national artists that played in his hometown. He quickly built up a reputation as a hard working, very talented, reliable and professional sound man.

A really, really good ’80s album and band.
HIGHLY Recommended (contributors get lossless today)

01 – Radio
02 – Stop Stop
03 – Head Over Heels
04 – Long Distance Love Affair
05 – Two Sides Of A Coin
06 – Sucker For A Pretty Face
07 – Wounded
08 – Ball & Chain
09 – Finders Keepers
10 – Come On, Come On
BONUS TRACKS:
11 – Wild Ones (Demo)
12 – No Tell Motel (Demo)
13 – Live Without Your Love (Demo)
14 – Hot, Sweet & Sticky (Demo)
15 – Love Loaded (Demo)
16 – Daddy’s Little Girls (Demo)
17 – Dirty Money (Demo)
18 – Alone At Last (Demo)

Tracks 1-10: Sucker For A Pretty Face 1987 album
Tracks 11-18: Unreleased Demos 1985-86

Jose Anes – vocals
Johnny Angel – guitar, vocals
Stephen Shaw – guitar
Jeff Powell – bass, vocals
David Joel – drums

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