ROADRUNNER

UFO - THE WILD THE WILLING AND THE INNOCENT

1981

Hard Rock
UFO
12 Inch
British
Used
"**The Wild, the Willing and the Innocent**" is an album by the British hard rock band UFO, released in 1981. This album represents a transitional period for the band, showcasing a blend of hard rock and melodic elements that pointed towards a more accessible sound compared to their earlier, heavier work. **Key Features of the Album:** - **Musical Style:** The album features a mix of hard rock and melodic rock, incorporating catchy hooks and memorable choruses. This shift was partly due to changes in the band's lineup, with Paul Chapman firmly on guitar duties after Michael Schenker's departure. - **Standout Tracks:** Songs like "**Lonely Heart**," "**Couldn't Get It Right**," and the title track "**The Wild, the Willing and the Innocent**" are notable for their robust rock rhythms and lyrical guitar solos. These tracks exemplify the band's knack for combining rock's energy with melodic sensibility. - **Critical Reception:** While not as commercially successful as some of their previous albums like "**Lights Out**" or "**Obsession**," this album was well-received for its solid rock craftsmanship and is often considered a gem in UFO’s discography. **Vinyl Edition:** The vinyl release of this album is sought after by collectors and fans of UFO, particularly those who appreciate the rich sounds of analog recordings, which can enhance the depth and warmth of the rock music from this era. The album cover, featuring an evocative and somewhat surreal painting, reflects the album's themes of freedom and rebellious spirit, adding to its appeal as a collector's item. For enthusiasts of the band or the rock genre from the late 70s and early 80s, owning "The Wild, the Willing and the Innocent" on vinyl offers not just a nostalgic listening experience but also a piece of rock history that showcases the evolution of UFO as they navigated the changes within the band and the broader musical landscape.

RICK SPRINGFIELD - ROCK OF LIFE

1988

Pop Rock
Rick Springfield
12 Inch
Australian
Used
"Rock of Life" is an album by Rick Springfield, released in 1988. This album came toward the latter part of Springfield's commercial peak and showcases his ability to blend pop rock with more introspective lyrical content. "Rock of Life" reflects the maturing sound of the 1980s pop music scene, featuring synthesizers and a polished production style typical of that era. **Key Tracks:** - **"Rock of Life"**: The title track is notable for its catchy chorus and reflective lyrics, dealing with themes of aging and personal growth. - **"Honeymoon in Beirut"**: Another standout track that features Springfield’s characteristic melodic hooks and thoughtful songwriting. The album didn't achieve the same level of commercial success as some of his earlier works like "Working Class Dog" or "Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet," but it was well-received for its mature approach to pop rock. **Vinyl Edition:** The vinyl release of "Rock of Life" would be particularly appealing to collectors and fans of Rick Springfield, offering the warm analog sound that many vinyl enthusiasts cherish. The album cover typically features a stylized portrait of Springfield, which is reflective of late 1980s design aesthetics, with its bold colors and graphic styling. For fans of Rick Springfield or collectors of 1980s pop rock vinyl, "Rock of Life" offers a glimpse into the evolving sound of a seasoned artist who had already made significant marks on the music industry. Owning this album on vinyl can provide a nostalgic experience of the era, complemented by the tangible qualities of album artwork and sound that are unique to vinyl records.

DIRE STRAITS - DIRE STRAITS

1978

Soft Rock
Dire Straits
12 Inch
British
Used
The "Dire Straits" album, released in 1978, is the debut studio album by the British rock band Dire Straits, which marked the beginning of the band's rise to fame. This album is particularly famous for the breakout single "Sultans of Swing," which showcased Mark Knopfler's distinctive fingerstyle guitar playing and narrative lyrics, elements that would come to define the band's sound. **Track Highlights:** - **"Sultans of Swing"**: Not only did this song receive critical acclaim, but it also resonated strongly with audiences, highlighting Knopfler's dexterous guitar work and vivid storytelling. - **"Down to the Waterline"**: Features evocative lyrics and intricate guitar work that paints a vivid picture of the band's humble beginnings in Newcastle. - **"Water of Love"**: A song that blends rock with a country influence, showcasing the band's versatility. The vinyl release of "Dire Straits" is highly prized among collectors and audiophiles. The warm analog sound quality of the vinyl record enhances the listening experience, bringing out the subtleties of the band’s minimalist arrangement and Knopfler’s clean guitar tones. **Vinyl Packaging:** The album cover features a simple but iconic image of the band, which reflects the straightforward, no-frills style of their music. This simplicity and focus on substance over style are characteristic of Dire Straits' approach to music and contributed to the album's appeal. Owning this album on vinyl not only offers fans a piece of rock history but also a tangible connection to the era when Dire Straits was redefining the rock genre with their unique sound. The vinyl edition is a must-have for enthusiasts who appreciate the quality of sound and the art of album cover design.

WOODY HERMANS GREATEST HITS

Jazz
Woody Herman
12 Inch
USA
Used
A vinyl collection of Woody Herman's Greatest Hits would be a treasure trove for jazz enthusiasts, highlighting the best of Herman's extensive career as a bandleader, clarinetist, and saxophonist. Woody Herman was renowned for his leadership of various bands, which were collectively known as the Herd, and his career spanned several decades from the 1930s to the 1980s. His music incorporated elements of jazz, big band, and bebop, and he was known for his ability to adapt to the evolving tastes in music while maintaining a high-caliber band. Some of the standout tracks likely featured on a "Greatest Hits" collection would include classics such as "Woodchopper's Ball," which was one of his first major hits and a staple of the big band era, "Four Brothers," a harmonically innovative piece that featured the saxophone section, and perhaps "Caldonia," known for its energetic and catchy rhythm. These songs not only showcase Herman's skill and versatility as a musician but also reflect the changes in jazz and popular music over the years. Vinyl releases of Woody Herman's music are cherished for their rich auditory quality which captures the vibrant energy of live big band performances. The cover art of such albums often features iconic imagery of Herman and his band, embodying the spirit of the swing era and the later jazz styles they embraced. Collecting a vinyl edition of Woody Herman's Greatest Hits offers a slice of jazz history, presenting some of the most influential music by one of the genre's leading figures. It serves as both a delightful listen for jazz lovers and a piece of musical heritage for collectors.

TASTE - ON THE BOARDS

Blues Rock
Taste
12 Inch
Irish
Used
"On the Boards" is the second and final studio album by Taste, an Irish rock and blues band fronted by the legendary guitarist Rory Gallagher. Released in 1970, this album showcases the band's distinctive blend of blues, rock, and jazz influences, with Gallagher's impressive guitar skills taking center stage. The album includes a variety of tracks that highlight the band's musical range, from the jazzy title track "On the Boards" to the energetic "What's Going On" and the blues-infused "Railway and Gun." Each song demonstrates the trio's ability to fuse different genres seamlessly, creating a sound that was both innovative and deeply rooted in musical tradition. Vinyl editions of "On the Boards" are highly sought after by collectors and fans of Rory Gallagher and blues rock. The album cover typically features minimalist artwork, with a photograph of the band, emphasizing the raw and straightforward style of their music. Owning this album on vinyl is particularly appealing due to the analog sound quality that enhances the richness of the blues guitar and the overall immersive listening experience. For fans of Rory Gallagher and classic blues rock, "On the Boards" is a significant record that captures the early promise and talent of one of rock's most revered guitarists. The vinyl edition serves as a valuable piece of music history, preserving the legacy of a band that, though short-lived, made a lasting impact on the rock music scene.

STEPHAN REMMLER

Folk Music
Stephan Remmler
12 Inch
German
Used
Stephan Remmler is best known as one of the members of the German band Trio, famous for their hit "Da Da Da I don't love you you don't love me aha aha aha" from the early 1980s. After Trio disbanded, Stephan Remmler pursued a solo career, producing music that often retained the minimalist and catchy style characteristic of Trio but with a more polished, pop-oriented sound. As a solo artist, Remmler continued to sing primarily in German and released several albums and singles throughout the 1980s and beyond. His solo works often exhibit a quirky, humorous style, with lyrics that reflect his unique take on everyday life and relationships. Notable solo tracks include "Keine Sterne in Athen" (No Stars in Athens), which became a hit in Germany. Remmler's solo albums typically feature a mix of pop, electronic, and sometimes tropical music influences, showcasing his versatility as a musician and songwriter. His work is characterized by its lightheartedness and often satirical approach, which has garnered him a loyal fan base in the German-speaking music scene. Vinyl records of Stephan Remmler's music, both from his time with Trio and his solo career, are appreciated by fans of Neue Deutsche Welle (German New Wave) and those who enjoy the idiosyncratic side of 80s pop music. Collecting these records offers a glimpse into a distinctive era of German pop music, marked by its experimental and avant-garde approach.

FRANK DUVAL - IF I COULD FLY AWAY

1983

Pop
Frank Duval
12 Inch
German
Used
Frank Duval's album "If I Could Fly Away" is a noteworthy entry in the discography of this German composer, singer, and songwriter, known for his distinctive blend of dramatic, emotional music often paired with themes of love and melancholy. Released in 1983, this album features Duval's signature style, which includes lush orchestration and soul-stirring melodies. The title track, "If I Could Fly Away," is emblematic of Duval's work, offering a poignant reflection on longing and the human condition, carried by his emotive voice and rich instrumental backing. The album typically explores a range of deep emotions, utilizing Duval’s talents in creating atmospheric soundscapes that are both evocative and hauntingly beautiful. Vinyl editions of "If I Could Fly Away" are particularly valued by collectors and fans of Duval's music. The record often features distinctive cover art that visually represents the album's introspective and often somber themes. Collecting this album on vinyl not only provides the listener with the immersive auditory experience of Duval’s orchestral arrangements but also serves as a collector's item that captures a specific era of European electronic and pop music. For those who appreciate Frank Duval’s work or have a passion for the moody, atmospheric music of the 1980s, owning a vinyl copy of "If I Could Fly Away" is a meaningful way to experience the depth and emotion of his artistic output.

REINHARD MEY - 20 UHR

1980

Folk Music
Reinhard Mey
12 Inch
German
Used
Reinhard Mey's album "20 Uhr" is a notable work in the extensive discography of this renowned German singer-songwriter. Released in 1980, this album exemplifies Mey's signature style of thoughtful, often introspective lyrics paired with gentle acoustic guitar melodies. Mey is well-known in the German-speaking world for his reflective and often socially aware songs, which delve into personal as well as societal themes. The title "20 Uhr" (8 PM) is emblematic of Mey’s approach to songwriting, where he often uses everyday contexts to explore deeper emotional and social issues. The album features a collection of songs that maintain this tradition, capturing the subtleties of human experience and emotion. Vinyl editions of Reinhard Mey's albums, such as "20 Uhr," are cherished by fans and collectors who appreciate his lyrical craftsmanship and the warm, authentic sound that vinyl records provide. The artwork typically features simple, evocative imagery that reflects the contemplative nature of his music. Owning this album on vinyl would be especially appealing to those who appreciate singer-songwriter music that offers narrative depth, nuanced observations, and a strong personal voice. Mey's works, including "20 Uhr," are often celebrated for their ability to connect deeply with listeners, making them timeless pieces in the world of German folk and pop music.