Vinyl Exam- The Dream Academy (1985)

This cold weather often brings memories of certain albums. The Dream Academy's 1985 self-titled release is one of them. Released in the Fall/into Winter of late 1985 and co-produced by Pink Floyd's David Gilmour. Gilmour had a pretty good track record of helping young talent. He was an early supporter of Kate Bush and bands like Unicorn.

The album is one of those rare ones I enjoy start to finish. It is a quintessential 80's yet some of it's acoustic/folky elements make it it seem timeless.

Vinyl Exam- Big Bam Boo "Fun Faith and Fairplay"

One of the benefits of working at a record store or a record distributor was getting free albums (or in this case , cassettes).

Big Bam Boo's "Fun Faith and Fairplay" was one such item I procured.

Released in 1989, an era when Crowded House had just hit it big; & The Proclaimers were starting to make some noise. These two guys are in that vein. They probably deserved a better fate...

                                        "Fell off a Mountain"

                                       "Shooting From My Heart"

                               
                                                  "if You Could See Me Now"

                               This one reminds me of Adrian Belew (and the Bears)
                                   "what's bigger than Life"

http://open.spotify.com/album/26g0M2blWx50WodXB7fVSj



The guys appear to be still be involved with music

"Shark" does an interesting, cool version of
 Peter Gabriel's "Don't Give Up"

Looks like he's stayed busy : 

http://www.sharkandco.com/Recordings.html




Simon Tedd is now "Simon Scardanelli" (his given name maybe?)

http://www.scardanelli.com/

I plan to try and catch up on the work of these guys.

Label Spotlight-Rock Candy Records

 On occasion, I want to shine a light on some great record labels. 
 Today we take a look at the Rock Candy Records label.

I'm assuming they've named their label after the classic Montrose song. They are a UK based label specializing in reissuing classic and obscure 70's & 80's AOR.