Like an Obscure Skid Row...

Ok, so Skid Row got massively famous. Across the border and to the north was Sven Gali, often compared to Skid Row. The band had some great tunes but often fell into the "ripped-jean-and-flannel-shirt-but Glam-band" conundrum. After all, it was the dawn of the 90s and flannel was hot - you know, literally and figuratively. So, what's a good Glam band to do but keep the locks long and don some red plaid.

Sven Gali originally formed in 1987 but didn't release their debut until five years later. The good thing about Sven Gali is that they definitely have a hard edge - and are great if you're in a bad mood or just want to drive your car really fast. Also, there's a lot of live clips of them on YouTube so you can  really get  a sense of what the band is all about.

Who were Sven Gali? David Wanless sang and Dee Cernile and Andy Frank played guitar. Gregg Gerson (and later Mike Ferguson) played drums and Shawn Mahar played bass. The band's biggest "hit" is "Love Don't Live Here Anymore" but I much prefer the fast songs. Leave the ballads to Sebastian Bach-era Skid Row I say.

Remember those flannel shirts I mentioned? Yeah, Sven Gali tried to go grunge and - shock - it didn't work. Who knew that a Glam band would suck at grunge?

Anyway, here's the tracklisting for that self-titled debut:

01. Under The Influence
02. Tie Dyed Skies
03. Sweet Little Gypsy
04. In My Garden
05. Freakz
06. Love Don't Live Anymore
07. Stiff Competition
08. Real Thing
09. Whisper In The Rain
10. 25 Hours A Day
11. Here Today Gone Tomorrow
12. Disgusteen

And now the obligatory video clips:

"Here Today, Gone Tomorrow (live)"

"Love Don't Live Here Anymore"

"What You Give"

Meanwhile, Toiling in Obscurity...

Obscure week keeps right on rolling this Friday with McQueen Street.

Now, McQueen Street were an early 90s Glam band. They formed in Alabama and even got the help of guitar god Steve Stevens when it was time to produce their self-titled debut.(Steve also played on a track).

Like a lot of early 90s Glam bands, McQueen Street were signed to SBK/EMI. The band featured Derek Welsh (vocals), Richard Hatcher (bass), Michael Powers (guitars) and Chris Welsh (drums).

The self-titled debut featured these songs:

01.When I'm in the Mood
02.Woman in Love
03.Time
04.Money
05.Stick It
06.My Religion
07.Mexico
08.In Heaven
09.Two Worlds
10.Only the Wind

Derek Welsh has a different band these days called Rat Race. He's also a writer. I think McQueen Street reunited for a few shows a couple years back. As far as I know the band is not together right now.

Here's the video for "My Religion"

Here's a hint: there are a couple copies of McQueen Street's debut for sale on eBay. Go have a look if you don't own a copy of this rockin' album.

...And Since We're Talking Obscure

Might as well just declare this obscure week here at Bring Back Glam! It gives me a chance to dig way back into the vaults...and allows you the opportunity to give me band suggestions.

One great semi obscure act is Contraband.

Now Contraband was actually born out of a MTV Unplugged taping. Some of the band members were on the show, later gathered some friends and -voilà! Contraband was born.  The band featured Michael Schenker (Michael Schenker Group), Bobby Blotzer (RATT), Share Pedersen (Vixen), Tracii Guns (LA Guns) and Richard Black (Shark Island).

Contraband released just one album, way back in 1991. That album was on the Universal label.

The album features:

All This Way From Memphis
Kiss by Kiss
Intimate Outrage
Bad For Each Other
Loud Guitars, Fast Cars and Wild Wild Livin'
Good Rockin' Tonight
If This Is Love
Stand
Tonight You're Mine
Hang on to Yourself

The band really only had one single, for "All This Way From Memphis."

It seems like the reviews of the album were - and always have been - mixed. I think the self titled release is pretty good for a super group side project. It's obvious Contraband never had any intentions of becoming a mega sensation (like Damn Yankees). It really seemed as if the members wanted to stay true to their main projects.

The draw for me is the dueling guitars of Schenker and Guns. Everyone and her sister knows I'm basically obsessed with Tracii Guns' guitar ability. Put Guns next to Schenker and my Glam - guitar heaven! Also, I just think it's cool that the big boys let a girl play for a change. People mock Vixen but Share Pedersen can hold her own among the men.

Here's the video for "All This Way From Memphis"

Obscure, Even for Me...

What the hell?

Ok, I pride myself in knowing a lot of obscure Glam bands...but last night I came across one I'd never heard before: King of the Hill. Maybe you know them. Maybe you have more time on your hands. Perhaps you just have a better memory. Whatever the case, I came across their songs last night and bloody hell if I wasn't baffled. I do not remember these guys *at all.* Watching the videos proved even more confusing. I mean, the band looks and sounds Glam...but the dancing is a cross between MC Hammer and...Faith No More? I'm not even sure I can make an accurate comparison here. I mean, seriously. St. Louis is not known as the mecca of Glam, so maybe that hindered King of the Hill somewhat. Perhaps it was the fact that label SBK also had Vanilla Ice among their ranks and therefore didn't know how to market a rock band while also managing a rapper?

Anyway, King of the Hill released their debut right around 1991 and here's the track listing on that album:

Party In My Pocket
Freakshow
I DO U
If I Say
Roses
Take It or Leave It
Something 'Bout You
Place In My Heart
Big Groove
Electric RiotQ

Am I the only one here a little freaked out by the song titled "Party in My Pocket?"

The only thing I found about this album was a review from a 1991 edition of Q magazine: "3 Stars - Good - ...in the Extreme/Faith No More mould of rock bands prepared to add funk rhythms and bass lines to their metal...An exciting debut package which holds the promise of better to come..."

The band put out an album of previously unreleased cuts a couple years ago. You can purchase that on CD Baby.

Watch these videos. If you know anything about this band, please post.

Here's "I Do U"

Here's "If I Say"

Is It Really About the Music?

The last week a lot of my friends have come down with the sickness.

I don't mean the flu.

I don't mean a cold.

I don't even mean pinkeye.

I mean...the sickness. You know, festival fever.

Yep, these friends have it bad...and it's contagious and I think I'm coming down with it too!

As I was talking to a lot of people about festivals over the past four days, I started to wonder: is it really about the music?

I think...it's not.

Sure, I'm festival crazy like the next Glam girl. More importantly, I love concerts and other big music events because of the friendship. Going with friends. Meeting friends at shows. To an extent, the music becomes an added benefit.

The hot talk in my group this last week has revolved around Rocklahoma. Sure, there's the constant panic over the schedule, but the more pressing issue is making sure everyone gets on the same page for our little reunion. After all, Rocklahoma (and other such events) are just about the only time of the year I see some of my friends - and you know who you are. 

So, again I say, is it even really about the music anymore? Sure, the headliners might move tickets - but I was committed to Rock Gone Wild before I wrote the first press release because I knew my friends would be there right beside me.

Some families go to Disney World or take cruises for their reunions. My friendship family goes to festivals  - and that's ok with me.

Thoughts?

Rediscovering Saraya

Sometimes you just want a little obscure Glam.

Saraya were one of the few female fronted Glam bands of the 1980s. Hailing from the east coast, the band formed in the mid 1980s under a different name. Eventually becoming "Saraya" after lead singer Sandi Saraya, the band also featured Tony "Bruno" Rey (guitar), Gary Taylor (bass), Gregg Munier (keyboard) and Chuck Bonfante (drums). Saraya landed a deal with Polygram and released two albums.

Sandi was once married to Brian Wheat, the bassist for Tesla. The marriage didn't last and neither did Saraya...but the songs we have are true gems and so are the videos!

Check out these *very* Glam clips:

"Back to the Bullet"

"Love Has Taken Its Toll"

So, I'm Currently...

I'm currently writing the Rocklahoma 2008 coffee table book. By currently, I mean this entire weekend. This level of writing means I don't have time for a big article here today. Instead, I thought it would be fun to post some videos of bands that performed during Rocklahoma 2008. When I have more details (such as price and where to purchase) about the coffee table book, I'll post here. For now, enjoy these clips and your Sunday.

Here's Trixter "Bad Girl"

Here's Tora Tora "Walkin' Shoes"

Here's Enuff Z'nuff "Fly High Michelle"

Here's Tesla "Modern Day Cowboy"