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PRIDE & JOY MUSIC ::: N E W S L E T T E R :: 02/05/2025


www.shop.prideandjoy.de

 

Hello everyone,

not much new to report as there were not a lot of new releases this week and there won’t be a lot due next week either before things will speed up again here. Harem Scarem still has not arrived and the album by Sleek is still on the way.

We are taking the opportunity to offer you a sale next week. From Monday noon CET (May 5th) to Friday noon CET (May 9th) you will receive an extra 10% discount on all items from Pride & Joy Music and Pride & Joy Music Classixx!

All the best,

Birgitt

 

 
 
 
 
PRIDE & JOY MUSIC RELEASES !!
 
 

 JAR - In Truth We Trust (CD)

remastered, new artwork, limited on 500 copies
Pride & Joy Music Classixx Vol. 17
 

16,99  €

Swedish outfitr JAR only put out one album, originally on cassette. Frontman Ray Alex (NEPTUNE, ex-GLORY), who sadly passed away in 2019, Anders Olsson (g/keys) and Jan Andersson (b/d/keys) created a fine AOR album back then. It's partly reminiscent of the likes of SURVIVOR, PRISM or even BOSTON. Beautiful melodies, incorporated into sophisticated arrangements crowned by a remarkable voice. Comes remastered (Pride & Music Classixx Vol. 17), with a new artwork and is limited to 500 copies, exclusively available here. "Rain" or "Love Is A Stranger" offer quite a good first impression. (MS)

 

 

 Prost - Believe Again (CD)

15,99 €

The debut of the French/Greek/Swedish melodic rock band around the guitarrist Antoine Prost is quite a bang. Behind the drums and also responsible for mix and master is Mats Eriksson (DEGREED). The great voice by Manos Fatsis you might know from CITY OF LIGHTS. Let alone the title track shine. It's a celebration of melodic rock music. But also the rest of the material is highly suitable for lovers of, for example, TREAT, ALIEN, FM or DEGREED. Additional appetizers are the highly positive "Never Let You Go" and the melodic "Through The Night". Just like the wonderful "Summer Days". Thumbs up! (MS)

 

 

  Mentalist - Earthbreaker (CD)

15,99  €

"Earthbreaker" is album number four of the German-Swedish band. MENTALIST add a bit of heaviness here but still the melodies and the love of bands like HELLOWEEN, BLIND GUARDIAN, GAMMA RAY or VICIOUS RUMORS foremost is more than obvious, which is great! Frontman Rob Lundgren is one of the very best in this genre these days for sure and the powerful guitars (Peter Moog and Kai Stringer) completent one other perfectly. Massive songs like "March On Legionnaire", "Event Horizon" or "Lord Of The Wasteland" will definitely make the MENTALIST step forward. The beautiful ballad "Millions Of Heroes", too, is top notch. Thumbs up! (MS)

 

 

 

 

OVER THE TOP – NEW ARRIVALS !!

 

  The Fifth - We Are One (CD)

17,49 €

The experienced live performers THE FIFTH and their debut album offers an interesting mixture of classic rock and modern melodic rock. The band around powerhouse frontman Roy Cathey (COLD SWEAT) simply rocks. Justin Womble (g), Jake Tripp (b, GUNSHINE) and Gary "Zeus" Smith (d) complete the four-piece. Everything is produced by Chris McLernon (SAIGON KICK, COLD SWEAT) in a powerful way. "Blind" is a great appetizer here, as well as the hook-driven "Blame It On Rock N Roll". Check it out! (MS)

 

  Billy The Kid - Sworn To Fun (CD)

16,99 €

Released in 1985, unfortunately this gem of a melodic hard rock record was not able to arouse enough attention. Unbelievable that this strong outfit from Los Angeles called it a day soon after as great tracks such as "Woman Of Sin", "Fear No Evil" or "Even The Score" are not only highly suitable for fans of, for instance, the likes of BLACK'N'BLUE, KING KOBRA or RATT. But obviously the competitors back then were too strong despite the major deal with MCA Records for BILLY THE KID. But it's great to have "Sworn To Fun" at hand again. Thanks to Bad Reputation! Comes remastered, of course.(MS)

 

H.E.A.T. - Welcome To The Future (CD)

17,49 €

Swedish outfit H.E.A.T constantly delivers sheer quality and they do so for almost two decades by now. Like the artwork already heavily suggests, the eighties rule massively here, more than they already did on all previous releases. Just check out the energetic "Bad Time For Love" and "Running To You" for a start. Huge anthems, heaviness were needed but also sugarsweet melodies and everything wrapped in a massive production. The five-piece is basically exceptional when it comes to creating pure live energy even on studio material. This album is nothing but melodic rock champions league! (MS)

 

 
 
 
NEW ARRIVALS !!
 
 

  Tattoo Rodeo - Rode Hard - Put Away Wet (CD)

16,99 €

A very American sounding hard rock album with a massive early nineties pomp produktion. That's "Tattoo Rodeo" from 1991. WHITE SISTER frontman Dennis Churchill-Dries took a new direction with this band. You could say it's like southern rock meets AOR in a way. Unfortunately there were only two records of this promising outfit but this debut is now available again. Comes remastered and with a lovely presentation, as usual with Bad Reputation. Best comparision soundwise would be TESLA who do have a similiar approach. Just check out "Shotgun Johnny". Get it! (MS)

 

 BJATO (Backman Johanson and the Others) - A Shout Out!

17,50

Backman Johanson and the Others (BJATO) return with their third album, which contains essential material for all Westcoast lovers! On ‘A Shout Out!’ the duo is once again supported by genre stars such as Jerry Lopez, Egil Eldøen, Damiano Libianchi, Julian Thomas and Olle Strandberg. The album offers relaxed, smooth Westcoast music that will delight fans of Aspen Creek, Page 99, Blue Desert and Mark Spiro. Unfortunately, there are very few new releases in this genre - but when there are, they are of the finest quality in terms of sound, songwriting and musicality. We offer here the European pressing (same tracklist as in Japan)!

 

 State Cows - Closed Doors And Open Shores (Japan-CD) mit Obi Strip

24,99 €

Sensational Westcoast or Yacht Rock from Umeå, Sweden. STATE COWS, that's Daniel Andersson (v/g) and Stefan Olofsson (keys/b/d), set a statement here. You get nine wonderful tracks full of emotion and passion, exceptional melodies and a very contagious nonchalance. Provided by two stellar songwriters, musicians and producers. "Streets Of Stockholm", "Marina Town" or "Summer Cloud" for instance are timeless masterpieces. "Closed Doors And Open Shores" easily transports the listener into a world without any worries. Essentiell stuff for lovers of PAGES or DAVID PACK. (MS)

 

 Sign Of The Wolf - Sign Of The Wolf (CD)

15,49 €

Classic hard rock in the vein of RAINBOW, DIO or (eighties) BLACK SABBATH? In addition to that, finest protagonists like Doug Aldrich (g, DIO, ex-WHITESNAKE), TONY CAREY (keys, RAINBOW) or Vinny Appice (d, BLACK SABBATH, DIO) and many more high calibre musicians? Well, then SIGN OF THE WOLF definitely is your cup of tea. Powerful and versatile vocals by Andrew Freeman (LAST IN LINE). Let alone the opener "The Last Unicorn" shine. A celebration for everybody raised on DIO, RAINBOW and the like. Mix, master and co-songwriting by Fredrik Folkare (g/b, UNLEASHED, NORDIC UNION). (MS).

 

 Russ Ballard - Songs From The Warehouse/The Hits Rewired (2-CD)

18,49 €

The British songwriter, producer, guitarrist and singer puts out a remarkable double decker here. Whereas the first CD "Songs From The Warehouse" is all brand new material, the second record "The Hits Rewired" is a compilation of his biggest hits as a songwriter like "Since You’ve Been Gone" (RAINBOW), "God Gave Rock And Roll To You" (KISS) oder "You Can Do Magic" (AMERICA) and many more, sung by himself here. Check out the new track "Courageous" as an appetizer. At the end of the day, it's a really nice collection that underlines the creativity of RUSS BALLARD then and now. (MS)

 

 Art Nation - The Ascendance (CD)

16,99 €

ART NATION are one of THE examples of a young generation of Swedish melodic hard rock bands merging strong melodies with a contemporary production. After the surprisingly heavy opener "Set Me Free", which is reminiscent of CYHRA and the like, Alexander Strandell (v, NITRATE, LIONVILLE), Christoffer Borg (g, TASTE) and Richard Svärd (b) easily manage to deliver the most versatile and probably best album of their entire career. "The Ascendance" is highly suitable for fans of CREYE, H.E.A.T. or JD MILLER. "Halo", "Julia" or "A New Beginning" clearly pave the way here. (MS)

 

 Brother Firetribe - Number One EP (CD)

13,99 €

A blistering EP by Finnish band BROTHER FIRETRIBE after a handful of rather quiet years. Six brand new tracks plus an acoustic live version of "Bring On The Rain" make up this AOR output. Although fans of the Northeners would have loved a full new album for sure, this EP is a real banger. Production, arrangements and lovely hooklines all over the place, everything is fine here. The first single asks a question: "Are You Ready?" - Yes, that's what we are! (MS)

 

 Jack Starr - Out Of The Darkness Part II +2 (CD)

17,99 €

Neo-classical heavy metal with roaring guitars (Jack Starr). The "follow-up" to the 1984 "Out Of The Darkness" does not deny its roots and its goal. Guests are Mark Zonder (d, WARLORD, ex FATES WARNING) and Jimmy Waldo (keys, e.g. NEW ENGLAND). Obviously there are lots of guitars in the foreground but also the songwriting in general is cool. Giles Lavery (v, WARLORD, ALCATRAZZ) seems to be quite a good choice when it comes to choosing a frontman. He contributed to Starr's songwriting a lot, too. Just check out the single "Rise Up". Comes with two bonus cuts. (MS)

 

 Teeze - Teeze +3 (CD)

16,99 €

The East Coast's answer to Los Angeles rising stars Mötley Crüe, Philadelphia based glam metallers TEEZE were equal part sleaze and shock, combining those elements with undeniably strong, punky catchy hard rock anthems. The band's sole album (before changing names to Roughhouse) emerged in 1984 on Greenworld Records and the following year was issued throughout Europe via Roadrunner, becoming a top seller in both markets. The album has been reissued by 20th Century complete with liner notes and previously unseen photos along with three bonus tracks.

 

 Strategy - Love Tactics (CD)

16,49 €

New Wave Of German Melodic Rock? that's exactly what you get here. STRATEGY, together with e.g. the likes of VIOLET or COBRAKILL, are examples of this fresh approach. The band from Munich delivers for lovers of the eighties enjoying strong melodies and massive keyboards. Fine hooks, sugarsweet arrangements and everything coming with a little twinkling of an eye, spiced with moments of poppy eighties prog like YES or ASIA. STRATEGY with their twin-guitar sounds (Lennard „Lenny“ Hammerer and Jakob Struve) offer some surprises. Cool compositions like "Passing Time" or "Catching A Feeling" make you listen! (MS)

 

 Mistress - Mistress (CD)

17,49 €

MISTRESS from Champaign, Illinois is one of those countless bands that for whatever reason didn't make it. The Americans fit somewhere between POISON, TRIXTER or FIREHOUSE. A ballad like "Matter Of Time" perfectly suits a rocker like "Love Is On The Line". The Brothers Keith (g/v) and Ron (d/v) Phelps, alongside Jim Kates (b), who quickly got replaced by Todd Briscoe, definitely know their stuff. Originally released in 1990, the album, which comes with "Circles" as a bonus track, offers fines entertainment for lovers of the genre. "Mystery Girl" is a good starter here. (MS)

 

  Rock-Out - Let’s Call It Rock’N’Roll (CD)

16,99 €

New stuff for lovers of GOTTHARD, KROKUS or SHAKRA? Right! ROCK-OUT also from beautiful Switzerland and their third album "Let’s Call It Rock’N’Roll" rocks without compromises. The four young guys know their stuff and do not deny their roots in hard rock whatsoever. "The Boys Are Back", "American Way" or "Tears Are The Rain" are simply fun and even though they don't reinvent the wheel, of course, there are some fresh elements in the sound here and there. Maybe one or the other outstanding track is missing. But, not moving while listening to this cool output? impossible! (MS)

 
 
 
 
 
CLASSIX !!
 
 

Company Of Wolves - Rhythm & Booze +4 (CD)

17,00 €

COMPANY OF WOLVES from New York put out really good stuff with their 1990 self-titled debut and the 1997 "Shakers And Tamborines". This record here, which came out already in 2001 under the name of "Steryl Spycase", is expanded with four more songs and a totally new and cool artwork. This rerelease with fine hard / blues rock comes remastered, too. It's highly suitable for lovers of AEROSMITH, THE BLACK CROWS, THE QUIREBOYS, BAD COMPANY and even THE ROLLING STONES. easy-going, authentic and pretty cool stuf indeed. (MS)

 

Saracen - Vox In Excelso (CD

15,49 €

A beautifully crafted, atmospheric album by former NWOBHM band SARACEN from 2006 sees the light of day again. The concept album dealing with the story of the Knights Templar was a milestone in the band's history. Style-wise to be found somewhere between MAGNUM, PALLAS, TEN or STORMWITCH, successfully fishing in different genres. Amazing melodies, meaningful lyrics and a very fitting production plus a little bit of pomp make "Vox In Excelso" shine. A class of its own is the half-ballad "Mary". Nice to have this gem of record finallly available again. A new artwork and remastering complete the picture here. A must have! (MS)

 

 
 
 
COMING NEXT !!
 

 

 

11.04. DOUG VARTY – delayed to ~ mid May
11.04. VISIONARY MAN – delayed to ~ mid May

25.04. HAREM SCAREM - delayed
30.04. SLEEK - delayed

 

 

 

-----  May -----


09.05. MAD INVASION (new release date)
15.05. ART NATION (re-issue)
16.06. SANDNESS
16.05. GIANT
16.05. SOUL SELLER
16.05. V/A – We Still Rock…The World
t.b.a. CHILDZPLAY
23.05. RONNIE ROMERO
23.05. BOB CATLEY
23.05. OPEN SKYZ (re-issue)
23.05. HOLLER
30.05. MIDNITE CITY (s/t re-issue)
30.05. MIDNITE CITY (There Goes The Neighbourhood re-issue)
30.05. THE DEAD DAISIES
30.05. THEN COMES THE NIGHT
30.05. GOTHAM
30.05. TRILLION

 

 

-----  June -----

06.06. INGLORIOUS
07.06. CASANOVA (re-issue)
07.06. STAGE DOLLS (re-issue)
11.06. FREAKSTORM
13.06. INSANIA
13.06. FAIRYLAND
20.06. BLACK MAJESTY
20.06. LEVERAGE
27.06. TIFFANY KILLS
27.06. IRON ECHO
27.06. GABRIELLE DE VAL
27.06. HEATHEN’S EYE
27.06. VAN STEPHENSON x2
 

 

 

 

Birgitt Schwanke   |   Pride & Joy Music

Lüdinghauser Str. 23   |   59387 Ascheberg   |   GERMANY

info@prideandjoy.de  |  www.shop.prideandjoy.de  |  Phone: ++ 49 (0) 2593 - 951063

 

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