Album-oriented rock (abbreviated AOR) is an American FM radio format focusing on album tracks by rock artists. AOR evolved from progressive rock radio in the mid-1970s, using research and formal programming to create an album rock format with greater commercial appeal.
One of the much criminally forgotten gems of the ’80s relegated (for years) to be released on CD was without a doubt RIGGS, the band founded by guitarist / vocalist Jerry Riggs. Fortunately, not so long ago the highly respected label Wounded Bird Records released for the first time on CD the band’s self-titled album “Riggs“, a must have in your ’80s Rock collection.
Genre : AOR/Metal
Year : 2024
Country : Various
Chosen by this blog among the best 2017 releases, here’s the requested full Japanese Edition of DA VINCI‘s comeback album “Ambition Rocks“, released in Asia a year after, including a bonus track. This release has become a collectors piece as the Japanese label broke up and the CD never will be re-printed again.
Genre : Hard Rock / AOR
Year : 2024
Country : US
Singer Stefan Berggren (Snakes In Paradise) has just released his new EP “Ivory Keys”, which can be found digitally via, among others, plotn08.
Genre: Melodic Hard Rock / AOR
Country of origin: Japan (22 CDs), U.S.A. (2 CDs), Italy (3 CDs)
Year of publication: 1982-2021
Country of performer (group): U.S.A.
Year: 2020 – 2024
Style: Heavy Metal
Country: USA
After Danish melodic hard rockers Push disbanded in the mid-2000s frontman MARTIE PETERS formed his own MARTIE PETERS GROUP releasing a bunch of very good albums.
Today we’re featuring in exclusive their brand new album “Children of the Strip“, as its tile implies, Martie’s tribute to the legendary Sunset Strip – according to himself; “a scene that has inspired me and my music BIG time”. Take a look at the album cover, a crowded L.A. boulevard… these were great times.
Of course, “Children of the Strip” songwriting is inspired by the 1987 sound, but in the case of MARTIE PETERS GROUP not the sleazy Strip side but the pure melodic hard rock akin White Lion, Tesla, Great White, etc. Yeah, Peters has a high ranging vocal similar to Mike Tramp which perfectly fits this finely crafted and produced new album.
You have it all here: catchy choruses, crunching guitars, melodies & harmonies galore – the type of songs that would have been on the radio back in the day, and many that once you have finished hearing you want to hit repeat straight away. And the lyrics referencing the Sunset Strip era are fun too!
Highly Recommended
01 – Pocket Thief
02 – Children of the Strip
03 – Fair Crack of the Whip
04 – Spirit of Rock and Roll
05 – Race Against Time
06 – Karma Is a Bitch
07 – Leggy Laura
08 – Rascals
09 – Thundering Silence
Martie Peters – vocals, keys
Konstantin Raidovski – guitar
Gabor Domjan – bass
Jamie Parks – drums, vocals
Year of manufacture: 2024
Genre: Progressive Rock / Neo-Prog
Country: Netherlands
Worked w Lita Ford, Kip Winger, Soloist -Miami Symphony Orchestra. University of Miami Frost School of Music, Young Musicians Camp. Blue Road Records rec artist