SHY – Unfinished Business [Japanese Edition +2] HQ *Exclusive*

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

As requested, here’s the pretty hard to find Japanese CD edition of SHY 2002’s killer album “Unfinished Business“, including 2 bonus tracks. One of these bonuses is the early demo – but completely finished – version of the track ‘Breakaway’, one of the best SHY songs ever. This early version is even better than the final mix!
In 2002, after twelve years lead vocalist Tony Mills left the band, nobody would have guessed that premier British AOR / Melodic Hard Rock act SHY would come up with a superb new record to rival – and indeed exceed in many ways – their classic ’80s record ‘Excess All Areas’. Well, they did it with “Unfinished Business”.
“Unfinished Business” is the most complete SHY album, not only one of their best, but from the entire British AOR / Melodic Hard Rock history. Yes, it’s that good…

This album has it all: excellent songwriting (in many ways superior to Excess…) brilliant melodies, catchy choruses and superb musicianship. Each track is plenty of rich keyboard layers supplemented by sometimes blasting, sometimes exquisite, melodic guitar work, an agile rhythm section and soaring vocal harmonies to die for.
This is for sure one of the best recordings Tony Mills has been involved in.
Apart from all these excellent attributes, SHY’s great merit here resides in their ability to capture the late ’80s vibe like no-other.

Trying to choose a favorite doesn’t make sense. All are killer-no-fillers exceptional keyboard / guitar driven diamonds of smooth AOR and top class Melodic Rock. ‘Skydiving’, ‘Change Of Direction’, ‘Breakaway’, ‘Heaven Tonight’, etc, all are wonderful pieces.
While the aforementioned Japan Bonus track ‘Breakaway (Demo Version)’ later appeared in the European reissue of the album seems to have been remixed. The one into this Japanese CD is rawer, with a sharper guitar attack.
The other bonus here, ‘Skydiving (Demo Version)’, rocks too, and it’s exclusive to this Japanese edition.

“Unfinished Business” was recorded with a limited budget at hand, something that always happened with SHY records. However by 2002 recording tech improved and the album sound is good overall.

This is one of those CD’s that makes your album collection richer. Shy’s “Unfinished Business” is a timeless AOR / MR gem, one that regularly visits or player for a new spin.
A Must

You saw it here first at 0dayrox

01 – Skydiving
02 – Change Of Direction
03 – Breakaway
04 – Mary-Anne
05 – Communicate
06 – Heaven Tonight
07 – Whole Lotta Feelings
08 – Storyline
09 – Can’t Stop Lovin You
10 – No Other Way
BONUS TRACKS for JAPAN:
11 – Skydiving (Demo Version)
12 – Breakaway (Demo Version)

Tony Mills: Vocals
Steve Harris: Guitars
Roy Davis: Bass
Paddy McKenna: Keyboards
Bob Richards: Drums

out of print