Focus' debut album is gentler and more low-key and vocal-oriented than their subsequent efforts; fans of Jan Akkerman's pyrotechnics may be disappointed by his relatively restrained presence, but others may be pleasantly surprised to find a more economic group than they remember. A fair collection of progressive rock tunes without a clear focus, the material is dominated by Thijs Van Leer, often introducing classical sensibilities. But at least as often, it sticks with fairly conventional period folk-rock and blues influences, with occasional jazzy shadings. Akkerman's "House of the King" is the most accurate Jethro Tull imitation ever recorded.

Asia are an English rock supergroup formed in London in 1981. The most commercially successful lineup was its original, which consisted of four members of different progressive rock bands who had enjoyed great success in the 1970s: lead vocalist and bassist John Wetton (King Crimson, Uriah Heep and U.K.), guitarist Steve Howe (Yes), keyboardist Geoff Downes (Yes and the Buggles) and drummer Carl Palmer (Emerson, Lake & Palmer). Their debut album, Asia, released in 1982, remains their best-selling album and went to number one in several countries. Billboard listed it as the top album in the U.S. in 1982. The lead single from the album, "Heat of the Moment", remains their top charting and best-known song, reaching the top 40 in over a dozen markets. It peaked at #4 in the U.S. on the Billboard Hot 100 and hit #1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.

Asia are an English rock supergroup formed in London in 1981. The most commercially successful lineup was its original, which consisted of four members of different progressive rock bands who had enjoyed great success in the 1970s: lead vocalist and bassist John Wetton (King Crimson, Uriah Heep and U.K.), guitarist Steve Howe (Yes), keyboardist Geoff Downes (Yes and the Buggles) and drummer Carl Palmer (Emerson, Lake & Palmer). Their debut album, Asia, released in 1982, remains their best-selling album and went to number one in several countries. Billboard listed it as the top album in the U.S. in 1982. The lead single from the album, "Heat of the Moment", remains their top charting and best-known song, reaching the top 40 in over a dozen markets. It peaked at #4 in the U.S. on the Billboard Hot 100 and hit #1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.

If proof were needed that Roxette are the new ABBA, the lack of critical respect should be enough. Like Abba, Roxette is a masterful pop band (with just the right amount of kitsch in its armor) that routinely gets slagged off for lacking substance, whatever that may be. Room Service showcases a band at the top of its form with its feet firm on the pedal: this album is a case study in songcraft and pop smarts. With its na-na-na choruses and sparkly guitars, Room Service is also trademark Roxette, a mostly no-surprises package that divides its time between the soaring, emotive power ballads and the rife-with-hooks rock-dance stompers that the band pretty much took patents out on back in the '80s and '90s.

Original Hits: 70s is a decent six-disc set, highlighting 111 pop singles released in that decade. Along with the original versions of radio classics by Al Stewart, Blondie, the Knack, KC & the Sunshine Band, and Dr. Hook, are less-than-obvious inclusions by Peter Tosh, XTC, the Move, and Benny Hill!

In the course of this 70-minute, 14-song live disc, recorded at the Stadium in Dublin on July 8, 1992, Glenn Frey divides the set list just about equally between solo material and old Eagles songs. As such, it provides a good sampler of Frey's career in total, from "Take It Easy" to "Smuggler's Blues." One might have hoped for a bit less of Frey's then-current solo album, Strange Weather, and a bit more of the Eagles (after this record, Frey returned for the group's reunion). At press time, MCA planned a Frey hits compilation for the second half of 1995; until then, this will serve as the album best able to give listeners an idea of what his solo career has been like (and it is the only one to contain a version of "The Heat Is On," albeit not the hit recording).

The fourth, long-lost album by Colosseum with performances from Supershow plus 2 tracks from a short film that was released in 1970.

2013 collaboration between legendary Rock keyboardist Ray Manzarek and Blues slide guitarist Roy Rogers. Manzarek and Rogers have received no shortage of kudos since they first recorded together five years ago. This release is a collaboration of keyboard and guitar sounds that merge with stories, images and art. These two amazing musicians create an `intoxicating, plush sound that is - more than unique.' Manzarek and Rogers are seemingly an odd pairing - but their recording unleashes a stunning musical landscape for the listener. This music will `take you for a ride. Twisted Tales is destined to become a classic, not only as Ray Manzarek's last recording, but also as a definitive work of two great artists.

Toronto born Pat Travers has delivered one tasty release after another. From the powerhouse, rockin 70s sounds that launched his career to a classy melodic 80s rock period to a blues phase in the 90s. In 2013, Pat isn t looking to the past for his musical future. As the second decade of the millennium dawned, Pat and his Band showed no sign of letting up. The proof of this is in the eight hands of Mr. Travers, second Guitarist Kirk McKim, Bassist Rodney O Quinn and longtime sticksman, Sandy Gennaro. There is an energy in the new album that is tangible, an enjoyment that is infectious, and, quite frankly, you owe it to yourself to catch this band live whenever and wherever you can.

When a rock ‘n roll band is fronted by an electrifying voice like Nikki Lamborn’s, when its songs are written by the gifted Catherine ‘Been’ Feeney, when its musicians are world class, it’s called Never The Bride… Never the Bride has released six studio albums to date. “Jealousy” is a Never The Bride’s tribute to transatlantic rock and blues pioneers - the album of eclectic and wonderful covers that have been freshly realised and rebirthed by these partners in crime. Never the Bride is an English band, founded around 1991. Bristol-born vocalist Nikki Lamborn co-writes original songs with Catherine "Been" Feeney, who is the main composer, keyboard player, vocalist and occasional guitarist. Nikki and Catherine are the nucleus of the band, drawing additional members from an enviable pool of talented world-class musicians.

The Toronto-based Loverboy, comprised of vocalist Mike Reno, guitarist Paul Dean, bassist Scott Smith, keyboardist Doug Johnson, and drummer Matthew Frenette, was never a big hit with critics, but the band members' blend of hard-edged pop won droves of fans and kept them at the forefront of pop/rock for most of the '80s. This album contains most of their hits (excepting some more minor cuts like "Queen of the Broken Hearts"), giving a broad overview of their work. Sex was always a hot topic for the band – think "Hot Girls in Love" – but there is more to Loverboy than just hormones. There are also party anthems, with "Working for the Weekend" and "Turn Me Loose" being iconic in the genre.

After the debut album "Frontiera" released in 1972, Procession released their second album for the record label Fonit Cetra in 1974 with a different line up festuring original members Gianfranco Gaza (vocals) and Roby Munciguerra (guitars) plus Maurizio Gianotti (sax, flute) and Paolo D'Angelo (bass). In studio they were helped by some guests musicians like drummer Francesco Froggio Francica (Raccomandata Ricevuta Ritorno), keyboardist Ettore Vigo (Delirium) and vocalist Silvana Aliotta (Circus 2000). The result was excellent. The overall sound is less raw and aggressive if compared with the previous album and dreamy acoustic atmospheres prevail while lyrics by Marina Comin perfectly fit the music blending dreams and reality.