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Melodic Rock, AOR, Hard Rock, Prog, Classic Rock news

Category: SHM-CD

CAPTAIN BEYOND / REMASTER / SHM-CD

CAPTAIN BEYOND – Sufficiently Breathless ’73 [Japan SHM-CD remastered] HQ

Deep Purple fired singer Rod Evans in 1969 because they thought he didn’t have the chops to sing hard rock, but the 1972 self-titled debut of CAPTAIN BEYOND, a band that also included former members of Iron Butterfly, proved that he could sing with the best of them.
As requested, here’s “Sufficiently Breathless“, CAPTAIN BEYOND‘s second album in its Japanese SHM-CD remastered version which really brings upfront the recording sonic dynamics. The bass lines now are present better than ever and guitar / drums are clearer all over the tracks.
While the CAPTAIN BEYOND’s self-titled debut album is revered among both fans of Deep Purple and hard rock, the band’s second album, ”Sufficiently Breathless”, caught fans by surprise with its somewhat more mellow sound. But the sophisticated arrangements and soaring melodies are still there.
Captain Beyond were on of the best rock bands from the first half of the Seventies. They don’t make albums like this anymore…

AEROSMITH / JOE PERRY / REMASTER / SHM-CD

THE JOE PERRY PROJECT – Once A Rocker, Always A Rocker [Japan SHM-CD mini-LP remastered] Out Of Print

And to complete THE JOE PERRY PROJECT request here’s their 3rd album “Once A Rocker, Always A Rocker“ in its Japanese SHM-CD mini-LP remastered reissue, now out of print. It was a limited edition, and the sound quality is superb.
After the band’s great second album ‘I’ve Got The Rock ’N’ Rolls Again’, Joe Perry completely reformed the whole project and recruited three new band members: Cowboy Mach Bell (vocals), Joe Pet (Drums) and Danny Hargrove (Bass).
With this new line-up and the determination to climb back up to stardom with his band, the musical orientation for “Once A Rocker, Always A Rocker” was slightly more commercial, focused on radio ready songs yet rocking storming anyway.
Mach Bell’s vocals brought a new dimension to the band, and overall he rocks with a strong, distinctive delivery.
The opening title track, ‘Once A Rocker, Always A Rocker’ is a short (just under 3 minutes) but a kickin’ rock and roller, very bluesy based. Next is one of the highlights…

JOHN O'BANION / REMASTER / SHM-CD

JOHN O’BANION – John O’Banion [Vivid Sound SHM-CD Remastered +2]

Some time ago we featured here JOHN O’BANION‘s self-titled gem “John O’Banion” in its remastered version Japan pressing on SHM-CD. Now we have here Vivid Sound Records same release / SHM but including two bonus tracks.
“John O’Banion” is, without a doubt, a classic, and one of the first albums ever mixing equal parts of upbeat pumping AOR and West Coast-styled AOR. Part of this success is the pair of brilliant producers in Richie Zito (providing the glossy, almost rocking sound) and expertised Joey Carbone, responsible for the smooth, delicated West Coast oriented tracks. Both as well play instruments all over the recording.
Add to that several monsters from the L.A. Session crew such as Dennis Belfield, Carlos Vega, Bobby Kimball or Lenny Castro and you have a top notch product.
In fact, in the sonic department, “John O’Banion” feels pretty much ahead of its time with a sound which became a staple for the genre only two or three years after. But alongside that sumptuous production, the real…

JOHN O'BANION / REMASTER / SHM-CD

JOHN O’BANION – Danger +4 [Japan SHM-CD mini LP remastered]

As requested, here’s JOHN O’BANION‘s second album “Danger” reissued by Vivid Sound Records Japan pressed on high quality SHM-CD fully remastered plus 4 juicy bonus tracks.
As happened with the first John O’Banion album, “Danger” was again produced & arranged by the magic duo Richie Zito / Joey Carbone whom even perfected the polished, huge sound of the singer’s debut.
If the first was great, “Danger” is simply wonderful.
Pleasant results usually follow the collaboration of great songwriters + great singers and we get no exception here. The Joey Carbone / Richie Zito / Kathi Pinto partnership on one side and The Great Voice on the other has resulted in a terrific example of pure ’80s AOR.
There are many standout tracks here that show a vast improvement over the debut album, if that was possible… Additionally, the sound design in “Danger” is more muscular, upfront, many times bringing to mind Toto ‘IV’…

REMASTER / SHM-CD / SNEAKER

SNEAKER – Sneaker ’81 [BlueSpec-CD Cool Sound Japan remastered +4]

The L.A. based band Sneaker took their name from Steely Dan’s tune ‘Bad Sneaker’, no wonder then their music was influenced by Donald Fagen and Co., but also many other acts of that time, at places similar to Frankie & The Knockouts or Ambrosia, just to name a few.
Signed by the little label Handshake, their self-titled debut is a lovely amalgam of classy WestCoast and AOR, considered as a ‘cult classic’ by many lovers of the genre.
As requested, here’s SNEAKER‘s first studio album 1981’s ”Sneaker”, finely remastered by Japanese label Cool Sound, pressed on high quality BluSpec-CD and including 4 previously unreleased tracks as bonus.

JONATHAN CAIN / JOURNEY / NEAL SCHON / REMASTER / SHM-CD

JOURNEY – Raised On Radio +2 [Blu-Spec CD2 / Limited Release] *HQ*

As part of the Sony Music Japan Blu-Spec CD2 / DSD remastering reissue of some JOURNEY classic albums, here’s 1986’s “Raised On Radio” , as requested, in max quality.
Journey’s ninth new studio album “Raised On Radio” found the group reduced to a trio of guitarist Neal Schon, singer Steve Perry, and keyboard player Jonathan Cain. They lost their regular rhythm section, but to be honest, Journey only needed these 3 members who always provided the songwriting, arrangements, and in short, the band’s appeal.
According to times (released in the mid ’80s”) “Raised On Radio” has a glossy production and a melodic, accessible radio friendly approach like never before.
Schon’s guitar still cut through the fat keyboard chords, and Perry’s fluid tenor still gave the songs an airy, melodic…

JONATHAN CAIN / JOURNEY / NEAL SCHON / REMASTER / SHM-CD

JOURNEY – Frontiers +8 [Blu-Spec CD2] [DSD remastering] (2017) *HQ*

As requested, here’s in max quality the awesome, now out of print Sony Music Japan release Blu-Spec CD2 / DSD remastering Limited Pressing of JOURNEY‘s classic album “Frontiers“, including no less than 8 bonus tracks.
A true ’80s Rock cornerstone, the album reached No. 2 on the Billboard chart and would garner four top 40 singles: “After the Fall” (No. 23), “Send Her My Love” (No. 23), “Faithfully” (No. 12), and “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” (No. 8), and a rock radio hit in “Chain Reaction”. The album would later achieve the RIAA certification of six times platinum.
A classic Melodic Rock / AOR gem of all times, “Frontiers” is a mandatory listen for all Rock lovers, no matter the preferred genre…

JONATHAN CAIN / JOURNEY / NEAL SCHON / REMASTER / SHM-CD / STEVE PERRY

JOURNEY – Escape +7 {Remastered Blu-Spec CD2} (2017) *HQ*

As part of the Sony Music Japan 2017 reissue campaign on some JOURNEY classic albums, here’s this superb Blu-Spec CD2 / DSD remastering Limited Pressing of the band’s classic “Escape“, their greatest selling album ever including no less than 7 bonus tracks, 3 of them never featured before into any remastered reissue. As requested, here’s in max quality…
“Escape” was THE groundbreaking album for Journey, charting three singles inside Billboard’s Top 10, with “Don’t Stop Believing” reaching number nine, “Who’s Crying Now” number four, and “Open Arms” peaking at number two and holding there for six weeks.
“Escape” flung Journey steadfastly into the AOR arena, combining Neal Schon’s grand yet palatable guitar playing with Jonathan Cain’s delicious keyboards. All this was topped off by the passionate, wide-ranged vocals of Steve Perry, who is the true lifeblood of this album…

DEF LEPPARD / SHM-CD

DEF LEPPARD – Diamond Star Halos [Japan SHM-CD Deluxe Edition +2] (2022)

”Diamond Star Halos” is the brand new album from DEF LEPPARD, their first since their chart topping self-titled Def Leppard record in 2015. Written by the band over the past two years it features 15 tracks including the anthemic, stadium-ready singles “Kick” and “Fire It Up”, with guest vocals from Alison Krauss on “This Guitar” and “Lifeless”. The album title references T. Rex’s “Bang a Gong (Get It On)” with nods to T.Rex, David Bowie and Mott The Hoople across the album, which mixes the sound of their classic spirit with modern fire.
This limited Deluxe Edition features two bonus tracks “Goodbye For Good This Time – Avant-garde Mix” and “Lifeless – Joe Only version” presented in a different, full colour cover on a digipak sleeve (the regular version cover art is black/white).
You’ve seen it first at 0dayrox

GIG / SHM-CD

GIG (Goodrum / Innis / Gaitsch) – Wisdom And Madness [Japan only release SHM-CD] (2022) HQ

GIG is a super-group formed by a trio of legendary music makers: Randy Goodrum, Dave Innis and Bruce Gaitsch. These cats have written and / or played on a mind-blowing array for great albums and songs during the last three decades covering a number of musical genres, working with artists ranging from ToTo, Richard Marx and Steve Perry to Elton John, Restless Heart and Madonna.
“Wisdom And Madness” is their second, new 2022 album together, only released in Japan – on this SHM-CD version including 3 extra tracks.
The trio is helped by extremely talented musicians such as bass player John Patitucci (Roger Waters, Nancy Wilson), drummer Doug Yowell (Elton John, Michael McDonald, Desmond Child band), keyboardist Tim Akers (Kenny Loggins, Michael Bolton) and more.
“Wisdom And Madness” is for West Coast pop and soft-rock lovers, the material included is a true master class, both in arrangements and execution.
You’ve seen it first at 0dayrox

GIG / SHM-CD

GIG (Goodrum / Innis / Gaitsch) – Brave New World [Japan SHM-CD +1] (2022) *only at 0dayrox*

GIG is a super-group formed by a trio of legendary music makers: Randy Goodrum, Dave Innis and Bruce Gaitsch. These cats have written and / or played on a mind-blowing array for great albums and songs during the last three decades covering a number of musical genres, working with artists ranging from ToTo, Richard Marx and Steve Perry to Elton John, Restless Heart and Madonna.
“Brave New World” is their first album together, now being released in Japan on high quality SHM-CD including a bonus track, featured in exclusive at 0dayrox.
This one is a mandatory listen for classy West Coast AOR / classic rock lovers – real music performed by real musicians…

OVERKILL / REMASTER / SHM-CD

OVERKILL – Under The Influence [Japan SHM-CD remastered] Out Of Print

One of the most renowned ’80s albums from the thrash metal movement is without a doubt OVERKILL‘s “Under The Influence”. Recently remastered by Rock Candy Records, it was requested by some here. However, we’re presenting instead the Japan SHM-CD remastered release, and believe me, it should be hard to match the quality of this version in terms of audio quality.
This Japanese remaster sounds terrific indeed, with the guitar sound blazing thru the speakers without losing its original analog attack. In my opinion, it isn’t an easy task to remaster thrash metal albums, as most the times the ‘razor’ punch results diluted.
Not the case with this “Under The Influence” Japanese remaster. The bass tracks come clear and defined, while the drums and especially the cymbals retain its vibrancy…

BLACK SABBATH / RAINBOW / REMASTER / RONNIE DIO / SHM-CD

DIO – The Ronnie James Dio Story; Mightier Than The Sword [Japan 2xSHM-CD Edition] *HQ*

The depth of loss felt within the Rock and Metal communities by the passing of Ronnie James Dio on the 16th May 2010 was immense, and is testament to the high esteem with which the man and his legacy is held. As a fitting reminder of this legacy, “The Ronnie James Dio Story : Mightier Than The Sword” is a fantastic a 2-disc collection celebrating over three decades of music from one of the greatest vocalists in the entire history of Hard Rock / Metal.
This Japanese edition on SHM-CD simply sounds awesome, perfect mastering bringing all the details of these amazing songs.
“The Ronnie James Dio Story : Mightier Than The Sword” is a comprehensive, beautifully remastered and packaged 2 SHM-CD set which provides the perfect gateway for listeners looking to get Ronnie Dio’s career wisely summarized.
A MUST HAVE

ANN WILSON / HEART / SHM-CD

HEART – Brigade [Japan Ltd Deluxe Edition + Bonus CD] Out Of Print

Classic ’80s HEART albums have been requested here in its best sounding release. The group’s tenth studio album “Brigade“ never has been remastered, but due to its quality production and mastering, I think it doesn’t need to.
This Japanese Limited Edition is a pearl, including a Bonus CD and housed in a deluxe red-blood velvet-textured slipcase with a gold stamp.
While released in 1990, the sound & production in “Brigade” is pure Eighties – 1989 in fact.
After a three-year gap between albums, “Brigade” featured the #2 Billboard Hot 100 hit “All I Wanna Do Is Make Love to You” and reached number three on the U.S. Billboard 200, followed by a successful world tour…

DENNIS DeYOUNG / REMASTER / SHM-CD / STYX / TOMMY SHAW

STYX – Cornerstone [Japanese SHM-CD Limited Edition UICY-93923] HQ

One of you asked for the quality of the Japanese cardboard sleeve (mini LP) first reissue series of STYX on high quality SHM-CD. Well, in one word, this pressing quality is outstanding.
For many among their best LP’s, “Cornerstone” was Styx’s follow-up to their second consecutive Top 10 selling Triple Platinum album in a row, 1978’s Pieces of Eight.
Like the four previous Styx studio recordings, the band produced the album themselves once again. However, they started using a new recording studio Pumpkin Studios in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Plus, the album was the first where the band shied away from the art-rock/prog-rock influences that dominated their first eight studio albums and was the band’s first move towards a more melodic rock direction…