BURN THE BACON

G'day y'mongrels, back again for another round of interesting rawk an' rollin' excavations?
You've come to the right place boys an' gals, we've got a great great selection of rare treats for your enjoyment.
Let's get into it eh?
Guitarist Greg Leon had, prior to creating his own act, journeyed through many well known Los Angeles acts : replacing Randy Rhoads in QUIET RIOT, before hooking up with DOKKEN.
Pre-Quiet Riot, Leon had been a member of SUITE 19, an act that boasted the inclusion of a pre-MÖTLEY CRÜE Tommy Lee on drums.
Leon briefly worked with Lee and bassist Nikki Sixx on their new band CHRISTMAS, but was replaced by ex-WHITEHORSE and VIDEO NU-R guitarist Bob Deal (a.k.a. 'Mick Mars') as the group evolved into the more familiar MÖTLEY CRÜE.
Following his stint with DOKKEN in the early '80's, the guitarist created the GREG LEON INVASION.
On drums would be John Covington, a former member of Arizona's pre-ICON act THE SCHOOLBOYS, and also figuring briefly in the ranks would be no less a figure than future OZZY OSBOURNE/BADLANDS guitarist JAKE E. LEE.
The initial line-up included ex-ROYAL DECREE and SAPPHIRE bassist Joey Vera, before he quit for the heavyweight ARMORED SAINT.
Neverthless, Vera made his mark on the band, appearing on the now highly collectable 1982 7" single "Every Time", issued by the Canadian Kondor label in '83.
Greg Leon Invasion released a self titled 9 song album through Maywood based cult label Azra Records in 1983, which was also pressed as a picture disc.
Side One of the album was the heavier of the two, with the material on the flip being more in the melodic Hard Rock mould.
With the eventual demise of the band, Leon made a fleeting appearance in ROUGH CUTT, undertook studio work with DIO and a had brief periods in VYPER and MARSHALL LAW.
He also formed a group called SKIN AND BONES in late 1983 that included assorted members of 3RD STAGE ALERT, LITTLE TOKYO and BEOWULF.
Dutch bassist Jeronimo (a.k.a. Jeroen Bos), joined the band (now known simply as INVASION) in 1985.
He had been a member of the Dutch Metal band BODINE, appearing on their 'Three Times Running' album, and the NIKKI BUZZ BAND, the Dutch based group led by ex-VENDETTA guitarist Nikki Buzz.
Leon, working with erstwhile BLACK CAT BONES and LEAFHOUND bassist Stuart Brooks and former SURVIVOR drummer Mark Droubay, founded WISHING WELL for a self titled album in 1997 on Fandango Records.
During 2005 Leon made a surprising return, touting a brand new album under the Greg Leon Invasion banner called, "Unfinished Business".
The guitarist's new band included George Roelke on bass, formerly with BRAND NEW DAY and SHOUT, alongside drummer Greg Stevens.
The 2007 version of Greg Leon Invasion re-introduced original drummer John Covington before the band performed at the enormous 'Rocklahoma' festival.
This excellent 320kbps rip of the GLI debut album comes with the 2 songs from the earlier 7" as bonus tracks.
Enjoy.

GREG LEON INVASION - Greg Leon Invasion (1983) USA

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=J3AKH866

Next, A BAND CALLED DORIS were an obscure five piece NWOBHM/Prog Rock band formed in Holmes Chapel, Stoke, in the late 1970's, and were initially just named "DORIS".
Their first release was the "Living Danger" 7" single on their own ABCD Records label in 1981, although at that time they were still going by the shorter "Doris" moniker.
As "ABC DORIS", they contributed the song "Many Miles From Home" to the Stoke Musicians Collective 1981 compilation album "Cry Havoc".
They followed this in 1982 with the release of their ten song "Gypsy Lady" album, also on ABCD Records, their first and last release under the longer "A Band Called Doris" title.
It's a much sought after piece nowadays, with the "Record Collector Rare Record Price Guide" valuing the LP at £250.00!
This appears to have been the band's swan song, but the LP's ABCD 3 serial number suggests that there just may be another Doris/A Band Called Doris release out there somewhere.
The "Gypsy Lady" album was later bootlegged on CD by Sunblind Records in 2009, with the "Cry Havoc" contribution and the single's non-LP B-Side added as bonus tracks, from which this 320 kbps rip apparently comes.
Don't expect NWOBHM a-la VENOM, TANK or WARFARE, but if you like your music varied and progressive with occasional rocking sections, you should find much to enjoy here.
Strangely, whilst researching this band i discovered at least two others also called "A Band called Doris", one from America, and one from Argentina!
How on earth did (at least) three bands end up with this terrible name?

A BAND CALLED DORIS - Gypsy Lady (1982) UK

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=29F86DKU

JINX were a French Heavy Metal/Hard Rock band formed in 1981 in La Roche-sur-Yon, Pays de la Loire, originally under the name of SERVICE COMPRIS.
Having recorded a 10 song album in 1984, they were unable to find a label interested in releasing it, after a word of mouth arrangement with an un-named company fell through.
Undeterred, the band released the recordings themselves on cassette as "Watch Your Blood" which went on to sell well and attract glowing reviews.
As a result of the tape's success the band were signed to Devil's Records, and after slimming to a quartet, changed their name to Jinx.
After the band's members adopted anglisised nom-de-plumes they went back into the studio in 1985.
The resulting sessions yielded the six song "Stand Up For Rock'n'Roll Power!" Mini Lp, released in 1986.
Switching labels to Swan Productions, a further release, the four song "Rockin' Band" EP followed in 1988.
However, this record was a slicker sounding affair, and seemed to alienate the band's fanbase which shrank accordingly.
Jinx then split up, without issuing any further product, in 1990.
Guitarist Fabien Gevraise then went on to contribute to the FURIOSO project and joined FACE TO FACE, playing on their 1992 debut album.
Sadly, that same year Jinx bassist Ricky "Riton" Buccatini, died of a heart attack aged just 26.
Gevraise also sadly died too young, passing away in 2007 at only 43 years of age.

JINX - Stand Up For Rock'n Roll Power! Mini LP (1986) France

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=RSOQAEY2

Swedish Heavy Metal/Progressive Rock quartet ACHILLEUS were formed in Jonkoping in 1982.
A demo cassette called "Av", brought the band to the attention of Pang Records who signed them.
Their sole release followed later the same year, the Swedish language "Allt Vi Begär " 7".
Although it created barely a murmur of interest at the time, it's now a very sought after record.
It's unusual mixture of Heavy Metal and Progressive Rock ensures that it's now a "wants" list item for fans of both FWOSHM and Prog fans.
Here's another brief write up of the record from DaN at www.thecorroseum.com.
For more information on FWOSHM singles, check out his excellent "707 Inches Of Swedish Steel" article at the website.

"Completist FWOSHM-collectors could definitely do a lot worse than checking out this prog/HM crossover thingie.
"Allt Vi Begär" ("All We Ask"), comes crammed with really aggressive Metal riffing seldom heard in a release this early, as well as really weak and poppy parts mandatory of the genre.
Some of those quirky harmony-breaks are awesome though.
"Öbergs Präster" ("The Priests of Öberg[?]"), is more prog than Hard Rock, not entirely without some decent, heavier moments but hardly like the MANILLA ROAD or ANGEL WITCH-style bits on the A-side.
Had the vocals not been so pissing weak and wimpy this could have been a quite remarkable new discovery."

A little harsh on the singer i thought, but absolutely spot on in every other regard!

ACHILLEUS - Allt Vi Begär 7" (1982) Sweden

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=RZX97NUF

ARROW were a Melodic heavy Metal quartet formed in Jonkoping, Sweden in 1984.
Their first release came later that self same year, a 7" single entitled "The Only Way", on their own Arrow label.
Two years later the band followed this with the four song "Diary Of A Soldier" Mini LP, also on the Arrow label.
The band then split up without issuing anything further.
Their records, although not big sellers at the time, have since become rather collectible as interest in the FWOSHM (First Wave Of Swedish Heavy Metal), has grown.
Here's a brief review of the 7" by DaN from www.thecorroseum.com as part of his excellent, informative and educational "707 Inches Of Swedish Steel" article.

"Mostly known for their collectible "Diary Of A Soldier" Mini LP from 2 years later, this debut release outshines the 12" with not 1 (like on the Mini LP) but 2 melodic Metal cuts good enough for anyone with an interest in rare FWOSHM and 8 minutes to spare.
"Better Run", has the upper hand with a pretty catchy chorus.
U dig MINDLESS SINNER, PARASITE, TORCH etc - U dig this."

Simples!

ARROW - The Only Way 7" (1984) Sweden

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=4XIM5MYD

BRIAR were a young NWOBHM band formed in Birmingham 1979, initially using names such as LUCIFER, ARK & EMERALD in the early days.
The bands first gig under the Briar name was in 1980, and from there they were soon gigging regularly supporting the likes of CRYER and SHY.
In 1982, after some line up changes, the first Briar 7" single "Rainbow To The Skies", was released on Worcester indie label Happy Face Records.
The record recieved brilliant reviews, with metal magazine Kerrang! claiming "Another new band on their way to stardom !".
BBC Radio 1 DJ Peter Powell gave the band their first radio session at this time and also featured Briar on his TV show "The Oxford Roadshow".
Soon the band inked a record deal with FM/Heavy Metal Records and their first album "Too Young", was released.
The band took to the road again, supporting TYGERS OF PAN TANG, STATETROOPER and ANGEL WITCH.
The band then put out a new longplayer in 1986 titled "Take On The World", which saw Briar embrace a far slicker AOR based sound.
At this point Briar were signed to (later) disgraced pop empressario Jonathan King's management company, JonJo.
A new record deal with PRT was signed and the "Edge Of A Broken Heart" single became a minor hit, eventually reaching the top 50 in the national singles chart.
In 1988 a new worldwide record deal was signed with CBS/Columbia and a new album album was released titled "Crown Of Thorns", followed by a single titled "Frankie".
Although things appeared to be going well, behind the scenes the band were becoming disillusioned having recorded a further album's worth of material titled "Reach Out" which was never given an official release.
The band parted company with Jonathan King in 1990 after the band's last major label 7" release "One Monkey" on A&M Records.
At this point band manager George Bond set up his own label Shotgun Charlie Records and put out a new Briar 7" "Gimme All You Got".
The band issued one more single, "All She Wants", & an album "Hard Times", a keyboard heavy Bon Jovi styled release, but by 1993 Briar was no more.
I prefer to remember them like this. Check it out, the A-side is a corker!

BRIAR - Rainbow To The Skies 7" (1982) UK

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=NCGEEA3Q

And finally, the last in my recent run of rare Dead Boys releases...
Cleveland Ohio quintet THE DEAD BOYS evolved out of the band ROCKET FROM THE TOMBS, and were originally called FRANKENSTEIN.
When the band members relocated to New York City in July 1976, they adopted the Dead Boys moniker which came from the RFTT song "Down In Flames".
Moving to New York City at the encouragement of Joey Ramone, the RAMONES' lead singer, the Dead Boys quickly gained notoriety for their outrageous live performances.
They frequently played at the legendary Punk Rock club CBGB, and in 1977 they released their classic debut album, "Young, Loud and Snotty", on Sire Records.
Their single, "Sonic Reducer" is often regarded as one of the classics of the punk genre.
Sire Records pressured the group to change their look and sound to appeal more to the U.S. mainstream, and this contributed to Dead Boys breaking up in 1979 following the release of the "We Have Come For Your Children" LP.
Several 1979 performances were featured in the 1980 Punk Rock film, D.O.A..
A few months after the breakup the band had to reunite to record a live album and thus fulfill their contractual obligations, however, to exact revenge on the label, Bators purposely sang off mic and the resulting recording was unusable.
When the material eventually surfaced as the "Night Of The Living Dead Boys" LP on Bomp! Records, Bators had re-recorded his missing vocals in the studio.
Cheetah Chrome went on to record solo records, as well as playing on albums by RONNIE SPECTOR and JEFF DAHL.
Post-Dead Boys, Bators recorded the solo LP, "Disconnected", before forming THE WANDERERS, who released a lone LP, "Only Lovers Left Alive", in 1981.
The same year Bators co-starred in the satirical John Waters film, Polyester.
Bators then formed LORDS OF THE NEW CHURCH with Brian James from THE DAMNED and Dave Tregunna from SHAM 69.
They released three studio albums on IRS Records, and had a few minor hit singles.
The Dead Boys reformed for several gigs in 1987, and recorded a new single, the 2 song 12" "All The Way Down", on Relativity Records.
A live album from the reunion shows was released in 1988, called "The Return of the Living Dead Boys", in mainland Europe, it was retitled "Liver Than You'll Ever Be", everywhere else.
Bators made a memorable cameo appearance in 1988 as "Dick Slammer", lead singer of "The Blender Children", in the offbeat comedy movie, Tapeheads.
In 1990, due to injuries sustained after having been hit by a taxi, Stiv Bators sadly died in Paris, France, aged just 40.
Dave Tregunna said that Bators, a fan of THE DOORS' Jim Morrison, had earlier requested that his ashes be spread over Morrison's Paris grave and that his girlfriend complied.
However, director John Waters denies this, saying that Bator's girlfriend snorted his ashes!
The Dead Boys re-released their first album in 1997 as "Younger, Louder & Snottier", mastered from a tape of the original rough mixes.
In 1999, the original rough mixes for the second album were also released as the "3rd Generation Nation" album.
In 2003, after the release of archive "The Day The Earth Met The Rocket From The Tombs", Cheetah Chrome reformed ROCKET FROM THE TOMBS.
The reincarnation of the group toured, and in 2004 entered the studio to record some of the band's old material for the first time.
These recordings were released as "Rocket Redux".
In September 2004, the remaining members of the DEAD BOYS re-formed for a one-off gig in Cleveland.
In 2005, they played a benefit show for CBGBs and then played a final reunion show on Halloween.
Chrome now plays with NEW YORK DOLLS guitarist and long time friend, Sylvain Sylvain in a band called BATUSIS, who are due to release a debut album in 2011.
Dead Boys are now rightly recognized as one of the Punk era's most influential bands, and their songs have been covered by bands as diverse as GUNS'n'ROSES, PEARL JAM and THE HELLACOPTERS.

DEAD BOYS - Buried Gems 7" (1978/1980) USA

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=ALFS4ZKG

So that's your selection for this evening, i think you'll find a lot to enjoy if you care to investigate them.
Great big huge masseeeve thanks are due to George for hooking me up with the GREG LEON INVASION album which i'd been after for quite a while.
That you turned up a pristine 320kbps rip with both sides of their earlier single as bonus tracks is frankly just showing off George, but i salute you for your assistance.
If you still need even more of the vintage hard stuff take a bop over to my Still Alive & Well Blog which i've finally updated with some vintage US Heavy Metal from 1983 and '84.
The address is http://guntherspaps.blogspot.com and if you fancy taking a leaf outta George's book and hooking me up with a few of my "wants" list items, they're listed on the right hand side of the page. Good karma will surely follow you if you do.
Thanks to all of yer who took the time to comment on the last post, it was much appreciated, although due to some (hopefully soon fixed), computer issues i was unable to reply to any of the points raised.
More of the same this time too please!
So that's it for another two weeks, see you back here in about 14 days for some more of the similar but different.