KING OF HEARTS - review added 12th May 2011
Album Review: 1989 (2011)
For fans of: West Coast Rock
As you can probably tell from the look of the band members on the CD cover, and indeed from the album name "1989", this LP was originally due out at the end of the 1980s. For various reasons, that never happened. It was a decade before the album saw the light of day, and that was merely a Japan-exclusive release.
Finally, 22 years after its planned debut, this sort-after LP gets a full release on Avenue Of Allies...and we're rather glad of that fact. This is one of those hidden gem 'West Coast' style albums that mixes soft rock with lush ballads and gives the whole shebang a smooth melodious sheen. We're talking chilled Richard Marx style here, although plenty of the album reminds me of Dan Lucas' superb "2000!".
Tommy Funderburk's vocals are restrained and hugely likeable, and the musicianship rolls along in superb understated style. This album is all about the quality of the songs, and fortunately there are plenty of fine moments. Best ones are the Mike And The Mechanics alike 'In So Many Words', the wonderful quirky ballad 'Don’t Call My Name', the very Richard Marx sounding 'Smack Dab (In The Middle Of Love)', the rocking 'Under The Gun', the utterly beautiful 'Lovin’ Arms', the contagious 'Everyday', and the utterly cool 'King Of Hearts'. To be fair the remaining tracks are all pretty damn good too.
In Summation:
This is a great album that deserves a chance for stardom. It isn't perfect, but it gets a lot closer than most modern releases.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Track List:
01) Working Man
02) In So Many Words
03) Don’t Call My Name
04) Smack Dab (In The Middle Of Love)
05) Remember When
06) Hold On To Love
07) Under The Gun
08) Lovin’ Arms
09) Was It Good For You
10) Everyday
11) King Of Hearts
Band/Performers:
Tommy Funderburk : Vocals
Kelly Keagy : Vocals and drums
George Hawkins Jr. : Vocals and bass
Bruce Gaitsch : Guitars
Additional musicians:
CJ Vanston : Wurlitzer and synths
Bill Champlin : Hammond B-3
Timothy B. Schmit and Randy Meisner: Backing vocals on “Working Man” and “In So Many Words”
Other Info:
Produced by David Cole
Co-produced by Bruce Gaitsch in L.A. by David Cole and Bruce Gaitsch
Mixed by David Cole
Mastered by Wally Traugott
Label: Avenue Of Allies
