KNOCK OFF THE BOBBY'S HELMET

Hi people, a bit of a "back to basics" post for today, pretty much Hard Rock & NWOBHM all the way.
And there ain't nothing wrong with that!
To begin with, putting the "live" into "Live & Otherwise", is the 1981 "Live & Raw" album by French maverick rock'n'rollers Shakin' Street. This one captures the band at the height of their powers playing before the biggest crowds of their career as the opening act on the US "Black & Blue Tour" of 1980, opening for BLUE OYSTER CULT & BLACK SABBATH. This shows the band raising their game to win over the huge audiences, and by the crowd responses, it sounds like they were succeeding. BOC's BUCK DHARMA & LED ZEPPELIN's JIMMY PAGE show up to guest on "Vampire Rock" too! PAGE reappearing to make a cameo appearance on the exclusive studio bonus track "Mome Des Villes" as well!

SHAKIN' STREET - Live & Raw (1981) France

http://rapidshare.com/files/49641940/Shakin__Street_-_Live___Raw__Fra_-_1981_.rar

Now to the USA for the sole album from a band with an interesting back story. This is "Max Havoc No 1", by Los Angeles Hard Rockers Max Havoc. Initially the band was put together by BLACK SABBATH drummer BILL WARD after his departure following "Heaven & Hell", alongside frontman Pat McKeon. They eventually drafted the services of former WRATHCHILD guitarist Phil Vokins, and recorded some demos before Vokins departure to PERSIAN RISK, and Ward's temporary return to SABBATH for "Born Again".
McKeon put together a new line up with former MICKEY RATT and future SALTY DOG drummer Khurt Maier, guitarist Scott Lane and bassist Jim Hudgins. This is the line up which recorded the album, with Ward overseeing the project as "executive producer", and featuring guest contributions from QUIET RIOT guitarist CARLOS CAVAZO and W.A.S.P. drummer TONY RICHARDS. Musically, it's top-notch Hard Rock in the mould of early CRUE/W.A.S.P. with a more radio friendly edge. Strange then that so few are aware of the band, especially considering the calibre of the players involved. Rectify the situation now folks, this is some good stuff!

MAX HAVOC - Max Havoc No 1 (1983) USA

http://www.rapidshare.com/files/48550738/MAX_HAVOC_-_Max_Havoc_No_1__USA_-_1983_.rar

Another in the ever popular NWOBHM BBC session series now. This time around we're proud to present Wakefield three piece Vardis, with a four song session from back in '81, recorded for the late TOMMY VANCE's BBC "Friday Rock Show". Steve Zodiac and co. are on top form here, rollin' & a tumblin' through an inspired selection of their songs with verve and grit. For a while it seemed that Vardis were poised for the big breakthrough into the major league, but it never happened despite their initial promise. Listening to this, i'm baffled as to the reason why.

VARDIS - BBC Session (1981) UK

http://rapidshare.com/files/48518557/VARDIS_-_BBC_Session__UK_-_1981_.rar

I'm afraid i don't have much info to impart on the subject of the next featured band, this is the "Phoenix Rising" EP by Phoenix, released in 1982 on their own Phoenix label. This contains four tracks of gritty, unmistakably British Heavy Metal, typical of the era in sound, but a cut above the norm in terms of songwriting. This appears to have been their only release unfortunately, fans of the genre will find much to appreciate here.

PHOENIX - Phoenix Rising EP (1982) UK

http://rapidshare.com/files/46522680/PHOENIX_-_Rising_EP__UK-1981_.rar

Next, as promised last time, here is the other release by Welsh Metallers Mithrandir, this is their debut 7", "Dreamers Of Fortune". This was released in 1982 on New Leaf Records and shows the band are capable of more concise songwriting than on their prog tinged "Magick" Ep. These songs are more straightforward and instant, and depending on your perspective, the "Magick" EP could be looked upon as a step backwards in comparison. Me? I like both. Considering the bands average age was 17 at the time of these recordings, it's astonishing that they'd mastered one style let alone two!

MITHRANDIR - Dreamers Of Fortune 7" (1982) UK

http://rapidshare.com/files/46517271/MITHRANDIR_-_Dreamers_Of_Fortune_7____UK-1982_.rar

Another scintillating slab of prime NWOBHM black vinyl for you now, courtesy of Slough band Sledgehammer. This is their awesome "Living In Dreams" 7" from 1980, released to capitalise on the attention they'd gained from their appearance on "Metal For Muthas". The flipside, "Fantasia", is my favourite of the tracks, musically inventive with a slightly psychedelic edge and lyrically humorous to boot. "She blew my mind, that ain't all!" Great stuff from one of the unsung pillars of the early daze of the movement.

SLEDGEHAMMER - Living In Dreams 7" (1980) UK

http://rapidshare.com/files/46519938/SLEDGEHAMMER_-_Living_In_Dreams_7____UK-1980_.rar

Finally for now, here's the "We'll Rock The World" 7" by Sheffield based rockers Panza Division. This lot had been doing the rounds since 1978, initially under the name of ROKKA, releasing the "Come Back" 7" in 1980. Unfortunately, despite prime support slots with Y&T, SAXON & TWISTED SISTER, their recorded legacy is limited to this solitary 7". Eventually their bassist, Alan Edwards left to join WITCHFYNDE, leading to a period of personnel comings & goings and the eventual dissolution of the band. A pity, this is great Hard Rockin' fayre, and they must have had quite a catalogue of songs waiting to be recorded. Damn it!

PANZA DIVISION - We'll Rock The World 7" (1982) UK

http://rapidshare.com/files/46523982/PANZA_DIVISION_-_We_ll_Rock_The_World_7____UK-1982_.rar

See you again midweek, for some more rare treats!