LUBA – Chain Reaction [original LP mastering / UniDisc CD reissue] (1980/2010) *HQ*

320_1 /// 320_2 /// HQ 1 /// HQ 2

The Montreal-born dynamo Luba Kowalchyk started her musical pursuits with vocal lessons in the Seventies, and in 1979 with drummer Peter Marunzak, guitarist Mark Lyman, bassist Mike Zwonok, guitarist John Nestorowich, and keyboardist Doug Short formed the band LUBA.
LUBA released the Tony Green produced debut LP ”Chain Reaction” on the small Canadian record label TGO. Distribution through Parlophone / Capitol-EMI helped bring the band some attention outside of Quebec. In 1982 Capitol-EMI signed the act but this time as the solo artist ‘Luba’ and the remaining members served as her backup band. As solo artist, Luba developed a pretty successful pop-rock career during the ’80s.

But this first and only album from LUBA (the band) is rawer, with a straight new wave rock sound not far from very early Loverboy and Pat Benatar. Black & White, Chain Reaction, Lookin’ at Love, Seems Like a Dream, Stay – all are pure early 80s sounding stuff, well recorded & mixed.
Note this is the UniDisc CD reissue, the only taking the original LP mastering. There’s a 1995 CD release but taking as source the unmastered tapes.

This “Chain Reaction [original LP mastering / UniDisc CD reissue]” is exactly the same as the 1980 Canadian LP, but placing as opening track the ballad Seems Like a Dream, the single from the album.
The original LP track-listing works better, opening with the rocking title track. Anyway, this UniDisc release is the only CD reissue respecting the original sound of ‘Chain Reaction’.
Very nice female fronted rock n’ roll. Highly Recommended.

01 – Seems Like a Dream
02 – Chain Reaction
03 – Runaround
04 – I Stand Alone
05 – Lookin At Love
06 – Heaven In Your Eyes
07 – Stay
08 – Have a Heart
09 – Lovers In the Night
10 – Black and White

Luba: Vocals
Peter Marunzak: Drums
Michael (Bell) Zwonok: Bass
John Nestorowich: Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
Mark Lyman: Lead & Rhythm Guitar
Doug Short: Keyboards

BUY
www.amazon.ca/Luba-Chain-Reaction/dp/B00005OR7R