GOTHAM – Pictures +5 [MelodicRock Classics] (2025) *HQ*

320_1 /// 320_2 /// HQ

Once again, a slightly obscure but strong and long gone AOR record resurfaces. “Pictures“, by GOTHAM, recorded 1989, is really fine music for lovers of  Honeymoon Suite, Styx, Toto, etc. “Pictures”, originally under the name of “Home Sweet Home” released on cassette only, comes out again, remastered with the addition of bonus tracks.
You might know this band as Manito Park (the name they change to later) but these guys had a previous life of creating meticulously grand ’80s AOR. Evoking memories of early Honeymoon Suite, Da Vinci, Touch and Le Roux, GOTHAM were pure and masterful ‘feel-good’ bliss.
The bonus tracks are songs from Manito Park self-titled CD released 1991, but different, remixed versions. The title song “Pictures” is a perfect example of GOTHAM brand of AOR, and could have been a major radio hit back in the day.

Formed in the heart of Spokane, Washington, Gotham began as a trio of passionate musicians eager to leave their mark on the Pacific Northwest music scene. Lead vocalist and keyboardist Dave DuPree, vocalist and bass player Cary Beare, and vocalist and guitarist Bob Burdett first made their presence known in the small bars and resorts of Eastern Washington and North Idaho, creating a sound that resonated with both the rugged outdoors and the vibrant, gritty energy of the local scene.

In 1989, with the addition of drummer Rusty Knorr, the band transformed into the powerhouse unit that would go on to record their debut cassette release, ‘Home Sweet Home’.
This bold new era for Gotham was defined by a fresh direction in sound, blending rock, pop, soulful melodies and flawless vocal harmonies into an unforgettable mix that captured the spirit of a generation.

From Spokane’s underground venues to the very heart of the Pacific Northwest music culture, Gotham’s melodic energy, unforgettable hooks, and honest lyrics continue to echo through the ages. Their journey was one of persistence, a passion for live gigging, and a love for creating music. Better days, indeed.

The release has been re-titled ‘Pictures’ and adds bonus tracks Manito Park (Remixed and Remastered from original Master Tapes).
Highly Recommended

01 – Prelude
02 – Dirty Love
03 – Let It Go (Extended Mix)
04 – Pictures
05 – Stolen Moments
06 – Better Days (Instrumental)
07 – Home Sweet Home
08 – House of Grey Light
09 – I’ll Be There
10 – Girl in Green (Monster of Rock Mix)
11 – One Last Look (Lovers Mix)
12 – Daydreamer (Castle to the Sky Mix)
13 – Outro
14 – House of Grey Light (Mystical Vision Master)

Dave Dupree – vocals, keyboards
Bob Burdett – guitars, vocals
Cary Beare – bass, vocals
Rusty Knorr – drums

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amazon.com/Pictures-Gotham/dp/B0F642CMJ5