The Strand – The Strand

Genre: Rock
Styles: Rock, Aor
Released: 1980
Label: Rock CandyRecords
File: Flac+Cue+Log
Size: 339MB
Time: 44:12
Scans: Full
Link: Click here to download

Background
I don't know much about these guys circa 1980, apart from the fact that 'Moon' Calhoun is a fairly well known session singer and is also a cohort of other L.A luminaries Michael Thompson and Jeff Paris. The other guys in The Strand are pretty much unknown, but their collaboration on this their only album is excellent. The results being a terrific slice of radio rock with some nifty keyboard runs. Not having played this album a great deal, it came as quite a surprise to me to slap it on the turntable and become somewhat impressed by what I heard. There is a lot to like about The Strand and their melodic radio rock style, taking the best bits of Head East, Airborne, and throwing in a dose of Pablo Cruise and Toto to complete the recipe. In 'Moon' Calhoun they have a great singer, but the other star of the show is keyboardist Peter Reilich. Added to the mix is the influence of Toto drummer Jeff Porcaro. Not normally known as a producer, Jeff throws his hand in this time around. He's obviously spent a bit of time in the studio, so you'd think he'd know what he was doing. Well, the end result speaks for itself. A pretty good effort indeed.
The Songs
The album opener 'Rock It Tonight' gives us a good feel as to what the rest of the album will be like. A stomping back beat with some intricate synth work in the background. Next track 'Long Hot Summer' is a mid paced effort, high on melody, with a nice chorus and great keyboards throughout. 'I Like It That' is a highlight, sort of like the stuff that Michael Stanley plays. Reilich gets his piano going on 'Children Of The Night' with a constant staccato attack, while 'Can't Look Back' has a definite Toto (circa 'Hydra' era) feel to it.
In Summary
A definite collectors piece for all you diehard AOR collectors out there. Not sure whether this has seen a CD release as yet. But if so, you'd be wanting to get a copy of it.
Footnote: this has finally been released on CD thanks to Rock Candy. Rather than me embellish anything in this review, it would probably be best if you just read Reyno's fantastic liner notes instead.

Tracks:
01 Rock It Tonight
02 Long Hot Summer
03 I Like It Like That
04 Just A Little More Time
05 Prisoners In Paradise
06 Stay Away From My Girl
07 Frustration
08 Children Of The Night
09 Dirty Little Girl
10 Can't Look Back

Musicians:
Rick 'Moon' Calhoun - vocals
Scott Shelly - guitars
Peter Reilich - keyboards
Dean Cortez - bass
Kelly Shanahan - drums