ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, JAN. 13, 1984
By Steve Newton
Stevie Ray Vaughan Texas Flood “Texas Flood is by far my most played album these days. It’s one of those rare albums where every song is a winner…if your’re a fanatic of electric blues guitar, you’ve got to have this record.”
Gary Moore Corridors of Power “Gary Moore is an astounding rock guitarist, capable of wrenching the most scintillating and unique licks imaginable from six strings. And on Corridors of Power his abilities as songwriter are showcased along with his emotional guitaring.”
Robin Trower Back It Up “If this record doesn’t break Robin Trower wide open and acknowledge him as one of the finest blues-rockers alive I’ll be very disappointed. But I’ll never stop trying to convince people of the fact.”
Molly Hatchet No Guts…No Glory “Dave Hlubek, Duane Roland, and Steve Holland are still cranking out the fiercest Southern-boogie licks on the continent. And now that the Outlaws have dwindled down to two guitarists and the Rossington-Collins Band have split up it looks like they’re about to become the reigning masters of triple-lead raunch.”
Blackfoot Siogo “While I was a little worried that the overpowering organ sound Ken Hensley had wielded in Uriah Heep might drown out the gritty guitars of Ricky Medlocke and Charlie Hargrett, I must say that he fits well in the group. Siogo holds its own when compared to earlier riff-riddled LPs Marauder, Tomcattin’ and the explosive debut Strikes.”
Saga Heads or Tails “The heavily-keyboarded and strongly percussive sound of Saga is thoroughly impressive on their latest release. Whether it’s the rocking opener ‘The Flyer’ or the more sedate ‘Intermission’, the musicians are in top form.”
Earth, Wind and Fire Powerlight “For inspirational songs of love, freedom, and fantasy it’s hard to beat Earth, Wind and Fire. This is definitely music to feel good by.”
Leo Kottke Time Step “This is the first album I’ve listened to by Leo Kottke, and he’s definitely won another fan. His relaxed singing style, simple lyricism and bluesy 12-string guitar work is highly attractive and calls for repeated listenings.”
George Benson In Your Eyes “With the help of such fine session musicians as drummers Steve Gadd and Steve Ferrone, bassist WIll Lee and Marcus Miller, keyboardists David Paich and Jorge Dalto, and saxman David Sanborn, George Benson has come up with another tantalizing collection of funk and soul-laden love songs.”
Various Artists Flashdance “The album’s opening cut ‘Flashdance…What a Feeling’ is a standout. With a heavy disco/rock backbeat and electrifying vocal performance by Irene Cara, the song has to be one of the year’s hottest yet.”