Jay Gruska – Which One Of Us Is Me (Japan SHM-CD Remastered) (2016) AOR 1300, MP3+FLAC

Some time ago we featured the Maxus self-titled album, and we can’t resist to do so with its founder JAY GRUSKA solo record 1984’s “Which One Of Us Is Me” also reissued & remastered as part of the Warner Music Japan ‘AOR Best Selection 1300‘ reissue series pressed on high quality SHM-CD.

This ‘AOR Best Selection 1300’ campaign featured selected titles long time out of print from the label’s catalogue being sold at the affordable price of 1300 Yen (around $10), now sold out.

After Maxus early ’80s one and only album, Gruska continued in the music business mostly concentrated in production, in fact all over the years he also become musical director of movies and TV shows such as Superman TV series, ‘Beverly Hills 90210′, ’30 Something’ and countless more.
Additionally, Gruska collaborated writing songs for other artists and arranging for many big names from the music industry.
In the meantime, he found the time to select some of his compositions for a solo album.

Originally appeared in 1984, “Which One Of Us Is Me” featured the who’s who from the L.A. Session scene – not surprisingly due Gruska’s connections / collaborations.
The personnel is one of the most impressive ever found into any ’80s recording, including Michael Landau, Steve Lukather, John “JR” Robinson, Vinnie Colaiuta, Mike Porcaro, Neil Stubenhaus, Joseph Williams… just to name a few.

Of course, “Which One Of Us Is Me” is pure Eighties both in sound & songwriting.
Opening with one of my favorites titled ‘Desperate Eyes’, this is classy radio friendly stuff plenty of fluffy keyboards and a typical ‘American’ 1984 melodic delivery.
Another winner arrives with ‘Atlanta Calling’, a terrific slice of urgent AOR with pumpy rhythms. There’s a dynamic number in ‘Tattoo’, followed by ‘The Motion’, much in the vein of the Action-movie soundtracks from the era.
Then there’s a lovely chorus on ‘Take A Number’, a catchy tune with magic guitars.

 

“Which One Of Us Is Me” it’s the kind of albums that only could have been created during the golden era of the US music industry machine; massive & expensive production with attention to the minimum detail, top class musicians and extremely polished songwriting.
This is pristine light AOR destined to radio, and this exquisite remastering and SHM-CD pressing is fantastic. As far I know, this is the only remastered version of this album available.
Very, Highly Recommended

01 – Desperate Eyes
02 – Atlanta Calling
03 – Tattoo
04 – The Motion
05 – Cancun
06 – Which One Of Us Is Me
07 – Take A Number
08 – Famous
09 – Circus
10 – Baby Theme

Lead Vocals, Synthesizer – Jay Gruska
Guitar – Michael Landau, Tony Berg, Steve Lukather
Drums – John “JR” Robinson, Carlos Vega, Vinnie Colaiuta, Doane Perry
Bass – Nathan East, Mike Porcaro, Abraham Laboriel, Neil Stubenhaus, John Pierce
Percussion – Michael Fisher
Synthesizer, Simmons Drums – Michael Omartian
Synthesizer, Piano – Randy Kerber
Strings Conductor – Jeremy Lubbock
Backing Vocals – Brock Walsh, Jay Gruska, Jermaine

turbo FLAC