Unruly Child are back with 2 new releases - a demos/unreleased compilation and a brand new studio album featuring singer # 3 for the band - but the guys are happy and are set to continue as a band, using this release as their fresh start.
I caught up with Bruce and Guy online for a different way of conducting an interview, chatting away using AOL's Instant Messenger.
Andrew: G'Day Bruce and Guy!
Guy: Hello Andrew good to finally chat!
Bruce: Hey Andrew Andrew: Thanks for taking the time out for this interview.
Bruce: How do you want to start?
Guy: How 'bout a beer first?!
Bruce: Ok Andrew: I just had breakfast, so I'll pass on the beer for now! So you guys have 2 albums out in 2 months...that's not a bad way to go!
Guy: That was kinda an accident really... Andrew: The Basement Demos is a cool idea for a release. How did it come about?
Guy: There's this guy named Dan Friml who designed and maintains the Unruly Child Website...I asked him a year ago to find out if the fans would like to hear some of the old demos...
Bruce: Then Frontiers called me to do a project, and Guy and I wanted to do another Unruly Child Record.
Guy: So we concentrated on the album first with the thought in mind that it would also be nice to release the demos around the same time. Andrew: You timed it nicely...it was like, here's something classic for you fans, now let's introduce something new with the new album, with the UC ball already rolling.
Guy: The new album was actually finished before we even put together the old masters. Andrew: Ok, cool....I was surprised at the high quality of these old masters...for a "demos" release, they sound amazing!
Guy: Thank you!
Bruce: We did them in my kitchen. Andrew: Originally recorded them you mean?
Guy: These are not bad for the level of technology and expertise at the time ;-) The only thing that is new is the Re-Mastering Andrew: Wow...came up sounding a million bucks...how many tracks were from the debut - or intended for the debut, and how many for the follow up that didn't happen?
Bruce: On The Rise, Long Hair Woman, Is It Over, Talk About Love, Take Me Down Nasty, Lay Down Your Arms…
Guy: Everything that we recorded in the beginning was a possibility for us, but you tend to record newer things and some songs just get pushed aside.
Even though "Down The Road" was an early recording, we had a feeling that it wasn't exactly right for the project at that time. Andrew: Sure....cool track. As is Still Believe - should have been a hit single! There were a couple of tracks I wasn't familiar with - Live Without Love and True Love - when were they recorded?
Bruce: Let's Talk About Love was the first song we recorded.
Guy: "True Love" was an early one - I think that "Live Without Love" was for 12 Pound Sledge. Andrew: I am a long time fan of Mark Free - which lead me to buy UC debut and become a fan of all you guys - I was surprised just how different these demos were - rawer, heavier....
Bruce: I thought we should have produced our records - always. Andrew: Did Beau Hill gloss over it? UC was a super high-tech hard rock album...not many like it out there....
Guy: He did what he does, and it might have been different if it was left only to us. As it is, we called a lot of the shots in studio anyway...we were basically trying to redo the demos in a high priced studio.
Bruce: I hate the drum sound. Andrew: Really?
Guy: I always wanted to hear the vocals louder...but that's another story.
Bruce: It's too processed! Andrew: Yeah, I noticed that the demos CD features a mark Free I hadn't heard before....quite raw...
Guy: That was what we sounded like back then...that what we wanted to hear, that's what Bruce and I do! Andrew: How many tracks recorded for the 12 Pound Sledge album?
Bruce: Maybe 8-10 songs and ideas. Andrew: How about the DVD footage - what a great extra! Who's idea was that and how much footage did you have? And why was it recorded in the first place? A bigger plan, or just personal footage?
Guy: I walked around with a old video camera during the album, being a real pain in the ass! I used to document things back then a lot! Anyway I found the old footage a year ago and called Bruce to say " You should see this old stuff, what should we do with it"
Bruce: Then we thought it would be nice for the fans, to see us perform, since we never went on tour.
Guy: I couldn't believe we actually had live footage, very lucky!
Bruce: I was surprised to see how good we were.
Guy: There were great moments there so I thought that it would be cool to put together a small scale DVD just for Bruce and I, we liked it so much that we sent it to Frontiers
They liked the format and decided to print copies for distribution... Andrew: I loved it...a unique insight if you will.
Guy: We thought it also be a great opportunity to set the record straight with the interview between Bruce and myself. Andrew: You had one of the best rock singers in the business...how difficult was it to lose such a frontman?
Bruce: I will always say that Mark Free is one of the best singers ever; it's a shame…meaning me and Mark drifted apart.
Guy: Yeah it was a drag to let it go...Mark's one of the best for sure! Andrew: Yeah, I still swap e-mails with Marcie.....she did wish you guys all the best, when she saw the news of the demos release.
Bruce: Well we wish her well too! Andrew: Was it all over for UC by the time Mark made the lifestyle change?
Bruce: Yeah
Guy: This lifestyle change wasn't all of a sudden really.
Bruce: It all go too much. Andrew: So it was several years between albums and Waiting For The Sun came along....What prompted you to do a new album together at that stage?
Bruce: At that time I was working with Kelly & Jay and MTM offered a deal.
Guy: When Bruce was offered to do the new UC album I was on the road a lot, so I couldn't participate except on a songwriting level...We're always writing together and a lot of the material that I co-wrote was already there from another time. Andrew: Kelly did a good job on vocals for the WFTS record...although it wasn't Mark...how was it working with a new singer?
Bruce: Kelly's great and fun, for the time, now were at a new point. It always makes it exciting.
Guy: We're really lucky in that every singer that been part of the UC Legacy has delivered great performances. Phillip is no exception, one of the best I think! At the end of the day..what we realize is that as long as Bruce and I are creative forces together on an Unruly Child album it's going to be a lot of fun and a great sound!
Bruce: Yeah. Andrew: Let's jump to the new record - how did Phillip come to your attention? I think he sounds great - a hybrid of Kelly's performance and Mark's - closer to Mark's voice....great job.
Bruce: I was producing his solo record. And we all meet - Guy Philip and I, and we wrote some great material. Andrew: Great singer....diverse...I think UC3 is a very strong album and a fitting start to a new chapter
Bruce: I think so too!
Guy: When we got together we acknowledged that it would have to pick up where we left off, and Phillip was going have to sing "Balls to the wall"!
Bruce: Now that Guy and I have better studios, it's at a new level. Andrew: You guys obviously invested in your own studio set ups...how has that helped you?
Bruce: Yeah on a creative level yes.
Guy: If you want to write music it's the only way to go! Bruce has been amazing me with his production chops over the years...he just keeps getting better...right honey?
Bruce: How much do I owe you?! Andrew: LOL. Better than hiring a studio and rushing an album thru in 2 weeks, as that's all you can afford!
Guy: yeah, it really let's you get creative too.
Bruce: We spent about 3 months to do it, in the old days that would be about $50,000
Guy: Maybe $100,000
Bruce: Maybe $150,000
Guy: When you factor the time it used to take just to roll joints...
Bruce: I love that!! haha Andrew: When were the tracks for this album written, mostly new tracks I see....I don't have writer credits yet...
Guy: We did just about all the writing in 10 days! Give or take... Andrew: So you guys also handled all the musical parts - drums included....do you still talk to Jay? Was there a chance he would play on this?
Bruce: Jay is working with Kelly they have a partnership like Guy and I. Hurricane I mean Andrew: Of course....
Guy: He was very busy doing his thing...so we had to fend for ourselves. Andrew: So not so long between albums next time then?
Guy: We actually would like to do more of this, now we're back on a roll!
Bruce: We're already talking about a new record.
Guy: I get to play all the guitars though, right Bruce...Bruce?
Bruce: I played all the keys and bass and drums!!! LOL
Guy: I did the hair and makeup, though.
Bruce: :-) Andrew: Well, I hope so...as I am enjoying UC3 a lot and you guys have a great chemistry.
Guy: The world's oldest living 12 year olds!
Bruce: We do have fun which it's important. Andrew: Any other projects on the go?
Bruce: I also produced and band Marcus Eaton and The Lobby coming out on Universal. Andrew: What style of music there?
Bruce: Dave Mathews meets Phish. Andrew: Ok...modern rock stuff then...
Guy: I'm working for the CIA right now and can't really talk about it...very hush, hush you know :-) Andrew: CIA, very cool...LOL Anything you would change about the past - looking back now?
Bruce: I wouldn't have spent all my money.
Guy: What money! We've been asked about the current Heavy/Pop/Metal scene...and we don't know what to say...cause we're kinda out of the loop there.
Guy: You got money!?
Bruce: That's right.
Guy: Mmm…maybe release the UC1 album 2 years earlier!? Andrew: Yep...5x platinum....how many did it sell anyway?
Guy: That might have made a dif... huh Bruce?!
Bruce: And I wished that we had a chance to produce our own music back when.
Guy: I think it went Paper…We never really found out about that. Andrew: Sounds familiar...
Bruce: Things are meant to be.
Guy: To tell you the truth we were amazed with this cult following, didn't expect that at all!!! Andrew: Any chance you might ever work with Marcie? I hear she has been setting up her own home studio....for what I don't know...but...
Guy: We would love to, actually asked her before the new album... Andrew: Really?
Guy: Oh yeah, I called and had a good chat with her about it!
Bruce: Guy and I have talked maybe a final record with Marcie - UCIV
Guy: He means next not final...;-) Andrew: Good clarification :-)
Bruce: Honestly we love the new record too, what if this is the best UC Andrew: Yes, don't get me wrong, I definitely want to hear a second UC album with Phillip up front...I just want to hear more records from you guys :-) And you are right, there is a cult following that also want more...
Bruce: With the budgets getting so low, we may have to put out our own records…It's just getting harder. Hopefully we'll make more records with Frontiers.
Guy: We're in a good place! Andrew: I'm sure they will treat you well, as you are a good artist to have on board! That's about it I think guys....anything you would like to add?
Bruce: Thank You
Guy: We really want to see how this does, it's really exciting to know that there's people out there who like what we do!
Bruce: Take care.
Guy: Thank you very much Andrew. Andrew: Great talking (typing) at you!
Guy: Bye!
Another near-perfect slice of ass kicking hard rock. Sweden’s most consistent masters of hard rock drenched in melody, delivered an album that stayed true to the band’s sound, while bringing in a few new tricks. Bottom line - instantly catchy, powerful, memorable and melodic as hell. My most played album of 2019 and the best.
2. THE DEFIANTS – Zokusho
The dreaded second album curse was avoided simply by delivering another perfect mix of modern meets classic melodic hard rock. Steve West on drums added a new dynamic and made it even more ‘dangerdangerous’. Killer songs and killer performances. If anything…I felt a few songs were a minute longer than they needed to be, but very minor point.
3. DEGREED – Lost Generation
I love every record these guys are done as they increasingly modernise and deliver wonderfully written songs that really could (should) be all over commercial radio. This album is so utterly infectious and the production is world class. More melodic brilliance from Sweden. I thought the intro and mid-album interlude hindered the pacing, but very minor point there.
4. CRAZY LIXX – Forever Wild
The guys have dabbled with styles in the past, but for album six they went full 80s, with blazing guitars, anthemic songs and killer choruses. A monster production made this album one of their very best – maybe their best ever. Whatever they did here, they nailed it and need to keep this going!
5. WORK OF ART – Exhibits
For the band’s final album, they simply did what they’ve always done – they delivered a piece of ultra-smooth, ultra-cool, ultra-AOR heaven. These Swedish wizards use the template of past masters of the genre, yet manage to sound fresh and original. Not their best album, but still essential.
6. CRASHDIET – Rust
It's like, everything good is from Sweden, and sleaze-rockers Crashdiet don’t buck that trend. They too have varied up their sound over several records and several singers, but each and every time they have delivered something memorable. They do it again right here – nice to hear something fresh and original alongside more familiar sounds.
7. UNRULY CHILD – Big Blue World
A little bit of extra grunt and some excellent songs. Possibly the smoothest melodic rock band this side of anywhere, Unruly Child create a unique style of commercial American AOR. I hope they keep making records for many years to come. Marcie Free remains a revelation on vocals.
8. VIANNA – Forever Free
The surprise package of the year for me. Just a really great dose of high energy melodic rock/AOR with big choruses, melodic verses and some fine performances all-round. New-comer AOR vocalist Bryan Cole and vocal legend Terry Brock supply lead and backing vocals, making this an even sweeter sounding record.
9. STARBREAKER – Dysphoria
The dynamic Tony Harnell finally teamed up again with the talented guitarist/producer Magnus Karlsson for a new chapter in the Starbreaker name. And we got exactly what we wanted – powerful modern hard rock with breathtaking vocals and rifftastic guitars, both driven by a monster production.
10. ALLIANCE – Fire And Grace
Production quality was down on the last near perfect album, but plenty to like here with the outfit's usual style and grace. Robert Berry’s perfect AOR vocals drive the album as always.
11. LEVERAGE – Determinus
A big vocalist change and a long time between drinks for these guys - that placed a big question mark against Leverage before this release. Urban Tale’s Kimmo Blom uses the rough side of his powerful voice (didn’t know he had one!) and as in previous efforts, the songs are excellent – a slightly progressive melodic hard rock/metal style. Great stuff in the end.
12. TESLA – Shock
I’m surprised more fans didn’t go for this. There seemed to be a decent number of complaints online after its release, but this Def Tesla record stands on its own as a quality piece of music. Sure it was a little light and Phil Collen obviously over-influenced production and writing, but it’s a cool record. Cooler than the last few Leppard albums!
13. GATHERING OF KINGS – First Mission
A lack of distribution and the availability of physical copies didn’t dampen the hype around this super prog-pomp melodic rock record. Some terrific performances and lots of great vocals. Another big Scandi winner.
14. FIRST SIGNAL – Line Of Fire
It's Harry Hess. It's essential. Daniel Flores takes over some instrumentation and production, so it has that 'wall of keyboards' sound that he brings to most records, but a good selection of songs from the Frontiers regulars, and Harry getting to do something out of the Harem sound always makes for a good listen.
15. X-ROMANCE – Voices From The Past
House Of Shakira’s Andreas Novak featured on vocals – some catchy and traditional Scandi melodic rock that does the job nicely.
16. PRETTY MAIDS – Undress Your Madness
Battling cancer, Ronnie still manages to deliver more energy and attitude than most and while this could simply be described as ‘another Pretty Maids album’, it’s the quality throughout and the consistency of the band that makes it an album to admire.
17. NITRATE – Wide Open
More classic 80s melodic rock with a modern production. Midnite City in vibe and sound thanks to Rob Wylde's co-writing with founder Nick Hogg, plus Osukaru’s Philip Lindstrand jumps in for vocals this time around.
18. ROULETTE – Now
It's Scandi, it’s powerful, it's melodic and it's wonderful! Another band to add to the list of new-era modern melodic rock bands to devour for their classic melodic rock style.
19. SOLEIL MOON – Warrior
Soft and smooth, a little AOR and a little Westcoast; a quality record largely thanks to the vocals of Larry King.
20. WAKE THE NATION – Heartrock
It's Scandi, it's powerful, it's….you know the drill. This time the band are Finnish, and their second album moves them up in the power rankings for bands to watch out for.
21. FIND ME – Angels In Blue
Still quality, but perhaps the weakest album of the project’s 3 releases, but still good enough to make the Top 30. Overdone on the keyboards again, but Robbie LaBlanc sounds amazing.
22. CARL DIXON - Unbroken
He most certainly is unbroken. Another high-quality release from the Coney Hatch founder. It may be a solo record, but it has the 80s Hatch feel, with a modern touch.
23. TOBY HITCHCOCK - Reckoning
Well short of the debut, with Daniel Flores in charge of production this time around. The album is buried in too many keyboards (a Flores trademark), but the songs are mostly memorable and Toby’s voice shines as one of America’s best ‘new-era’ AOR vocalists.
24. SOTO - Origami
Jeff Scott Soto’s own band for delivering modern hard rock/melodic metal delivers album number 3, which continues the growth of the band and their sound. The best of the 3 without doubt.
25. LOVEKILLERS – Lovekillers
Tony Harnell strikes again! Two albums in the Top 30 for 2019 is quite the accomplishment. This is another of those ‘project’ releases, with Alessandro Del Vecchio the man alongside Tony, working somewhat collaboratively. The style is something many fans have wanted to hear from Tony for a while now and some (but not all) of this album works to satisfy that demand. It's very good – but not quite great. More song consistency and a move away from a standard 'Frontiers project sound' would help album number 2.
26. RESTLESS SPIRITS – Restless Spirits
Lords Of Black guitarist Tony Hernando assembled an album’s worth of melodic songs and some of the genre’s leading vocalists including Johnny Gioeli, Deen Castronovo, Dino Jelusic (Animal Drive), Alessandro Del Vecchio. A few outstanding songs but its also a little inconsistent.
27. TONY MILLS – Against The law
Talk about saving your best for last. Another very consistent artist and an all-round good guy. Tony delivered one of his best ever performances before bowing out after a long fight with cancer. RIP Tony. Thanks for the tunes.
28. JIM PETERIK & WORLD STAGE – Winds Of Change
The ever reliable Jim Peterik always delivers. Great songs and great singers once again such as Mike Reno, Dennis DeYoung, Gunnar and Matthew Nelson, Danny Vaughn and Lars Safsund. There’s enough info right there to ensure a purchase.
29. HARDLINE – Life
Not as immediate as some Hardline releases and that’s a little strange to say considering the sound is more along the traditional style the band is most loved for. But as with all Hardline releases, there is quality here worthy of inclusion in the Best Of list.
30. EDGE OF FOREVER – Native Soul
Alessandro Del Vecchio tops off another busy year with his third mention in this list. This time it's back to where he came from, bringing a tasty new slice of traditional European melodic rock with his own band Edge Of Forever.
JUST OUTSIDE THE 30:
ROCKET LOVE – Greetings From Rocketland
HOUSE OF SHAKIRA - Radiocarbon
AXE - Final Offering
LONERIDER - Attitude
MORANO - Incognito
91 SUITE - Starting All Over EP
DAVID GLEN EISLEY - Tattered, Torn and Worn
ART NATION - Transition
JIMMY BARNES - My Criminal Record
STATION - Stained Glass
GREGG ROLIE - Sonic Ranch
ROBERT TEPPER - Better Than The Rest
BLACK STAR RIDERS - Another State Of Grace
MIKE TRAMP - Stray From the Flock
BURNING RAIN - Face The Music
COLORVINE - Wake Up
DREAM THEATER - Distance Over Time
FIGHTER V - Fighter
MICHAEL BORMANN'S JADED HARD - Feels Like Yesterday
NOT EVEN CLOSE:
ROXY BLUE - Roxy Blue
WHITESNAKE - Flesh And Blood
BLOOD RED SAINTS - Pulse
DAVE BICKLER - Darklight
SAMMY HAGAR AND THE CIRCLE - Space Between
SHARK ISLAND - Bloodline
THUNDER - Please Remain Seated
NO CHANCE:
QUIET RIOT - Hollywood Cowboys
L.A. GUNS - The Devil You Know
BRYAN ADAMS - Shine a Light
KANE ROBERTS - The New Normal
YNGWIE MALMSTEEN - Blue Lightning
TORA TORA - Bastards Of Beale
NOTE: There are NO MRR titles included in my Best Of, which is the usual method I employ. While I love them all, it for for others to judge those and I think MRR had a great year, if feedback is anything to go by.
Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the release of Unruly Child’s seventh studio album, entitled “Big Blue World”!
"For this album, there was a conscious decision to merge the best of what Unruly Child does, while still evolving. You know, melodic rock, but with that unique Unruly Child approach,” says Guy Allison. "It’s hard for us to stand still and repeat ourselves, but we also cannot help but sound like “us”, irrespective of any artistic lateral movement. While I’m sometimes surprised what catches the ears of our fans, I think that the album has something for everyone."
Guy Allison continues telling about the creative process, saying “this album was written (except for the few songs we pulled out of our 'Rabbit Hole' writing sessions, and subsequently reworked) in about 14 days. After we get a structure roughly recorded, I’ll listen to the track until the melody magically shows up, seemingly out of thin air. Sometimes I’ll have a partial lyric, sometimes just a melody that I’m singing nonsense syllables to. I’m really lucky these days to have another wordsmith to work with. In the past, I’ve been the lyricist of most of the songs that I’ve been a writer on, but now I have Betsy Summers to do some of the heavy lifting with me in that department. On some songs I’ll say, “I’ve got this melody, what do ya got?”. On other songs I’ll say, “I’ve got the first verse, but I need a second verse, here’s a pencil”. She always delivers. The rest of the time is spent giving the recordings the attention that they need to become Unruly Child tracks. Finishing the process is a lot like having a block of marble and chipping away at it until the statue underneath is revealed. For us, it’s always been the art of discovering what the song wants to be. Sometimes it’s immediate and sometimes it takes a little longer, but we always get what we’re after. It’s not much different than it was in 1991. We just have more experience now, and better gear!"
Since the initial release of the critically acclaimed "Unruly Child” in 1991, all the band members have successfully pursued accomplished careers in the music industry. Marcie Michelle Free, one of the world's finest singers of recent times, and most renowned transgender vocalists, first released a solo record as Mark Free, entitled “Long Way From Love”, in 1993 and then another solo record as Marcie Free, “Tormented” in 1996. Guitarist Bruce Gowdy and keyboardist Guy Allison also kept quite busy over the years. They produced two more Unruly Child records and participated in another World Trade album with drummer Jay Schellen (YES). They have also pursued other projects and their reputation as writers, performers, and arrangers is second to none with their experience working with the likes of Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Bobby Kimball (Toto), Doobie Brothers, Boz Scaggs, Air Supply, and The Moody Blues, to name a few.
The group, in its constant state of evolution, has generated an exciting new album reflective of their musical roots in contemporary and classic rock. With the return to the original line-up, they have discovered that while time may pass, some things never change.
The Michael Thompson Band is back with their brand new album, “Love And Beyond” on April 26, 2019! For this new release, Michael wanted to go back to the more polished AOR sound of the band’s debut album. Once again, he teamed up with Wyn Davis for the mix and also had the amazing Mark Spiro involved in the songwriting and appearing on vocals together with the awesome Larry King and Larry Antonino. Best known for being Unruly Child’s bass player, Antonino delivers a phenomenal vocal performance which can only be defined as stunning. Another Unruly Child member, Guy Allison appears on keyboards, while drums on the album are handled by Sergio Gonzalez and Tim Pedersen.
Amongst musician circles, Michael Thompson is considered one of the leading guitar players in the world. He was awarded the "Distinguished Alumni" award from his alma mater Berklee College of Music to commemorate his contributions to the music industry. Berklee's program for the event noted that "he is widely regarded as being among the elite studio session players, and his amazing list of credits includes such prominent names as Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, 'N Sync, Toni Braxton, Phil Collins, Rod Stewart, the Scorpions, Vince Neil, Christina Aguilera, Michael Bolton, Mariah Carey, Bette Midler, Madonna, Babyface, En Vogue, Gloria Estefan, Stanley Clarke and Ricky Martin."
Originally from New York, Michael moved to Los Angeles in 1979 to begin a studio musician career. In 1988, after working to try and get a deal with his band Slang, he finally got signed by Geffen Records to release one album entitled "How Long", under the Michael Thompson Band (M.T.B.) monicker.On "How Long", more great studio musicians appeared as guests, in particular drummer-maestro Terry Bozzio, singer Moon Calhoun (ex The Strand), Pat Torpey (Mr Big), bassist Jimmy Haslip, John Elefante (Kansas), Toto's Bobby Kimball, and Great White associates Michael Lardie and Wyn Davis (who also produced the album). Songwriters would include, among others, AOR luminaries such as Jeff Paris, Mark Spiro, Billy Trudel and Brett Walker.
As of today, “How Long” is still regarded as one of the highest examples of hi-tech AOR / West Coast, with superb production and immaculate songwriting. Reissued in 2007 with 3 bonus tracks, it started a relationship between Michael Thompson and Frontiers, who put out the new Michael Thompson Band album in early 2012.
For the second album which Frontiers released in 2012, Michael teamed up with the awesome singer Larry King from the band Soleil Moon. Larry brought a new and more rocking approach to the MTB sound, but certainly the trademark elements of songwriting and melodies were still to be found on the “Future Past”.
Earlier this year, Unruly Child Band put on an amazing performance at the Frontiers Rock Festival in Milan, IT and cameras were there to capture the performance! On February 23, 2018, we'll release “Unruly, Live and Unhinged” on CD/DVD, Blu-Ray, and MP3!
A special set featuring the band’s critically acclaimed self-titled debut album performed in its entirety, along with another couple of other classic songs. 'Nuff said...
TRACKLISTING:
CD
1. Wind Me Up
2. Lay Down Your Arms
3. Rock Me Down Nasty
4. Let’s Talk About Love
5. Is It Over
6. On The Rise
7. Tunnel Of Love
8. To Be Your Everything
9. Long Hair Woman
10. Forever
11. When Love Is Gone
12. Who Cries Now
DVD / BLU RAY
1. Wind Me Up
2. Lay Down Your Arms
3. Rock Me Down Nasty
4. Let’s Talk About Love
5. Is It Over
6. On The Rise
7. Tunnel Of Love
8. To Be Your Everything
9. Long Hair Woman
10. Forever
11. This Is Who I Am
12. When Love Is Gone
13. Who Cries Now
Frontiers Music Srl is thrilled to present a very special box set release from UNRULY CHILD, "Reigning Frogs – The Box Set Collection” on April 21, 2017.
This exclusive, limited edition, brand new box set includes the rare and hard-to-find releases from the band's catalog. In all, five full length studio albums and one DVD are included in this beautifully packaged, must have release for Unruly Child Band fans.
"Reigning Frogs – The Box Set Collection” contents:
- “Waiting For The Sun”, which was originally released in 1998 and featured the line-up of singer Kelly Hansen (ex-Hurricane, now with Foreigner), Gowdy and Jay Schellen (with special guest Ricky Phillips of Styx on bass).
- “The Basement Demos”, which features all the demos that the band recorded in preparation for their first record for Interscope Records. The album also includes a bonus DVD with rare in-studio interviews and recording sessions from the same period.
- “UCIII”, an album which sees another Unruly Child incarnation featuring Gowdy with Guy Allison and Philip Bardowell taking on vocal duties. While slightly more proggy at times, “UCIII” still retains the overall vibe that fans loved about Unruly Child.
- “Worlds Collide”, which featured the full reunion of the original lineup of the band (Gowdy-Allison-Free-Antonino-Schellen). This release truly brought back the magic of the early demos and the first record.
- “Down The Rabbit Hole” is an independently released album – very much sought after by collectors – which was only sold in a limited number of copies via the band’s website in 2014. Another fine and classic melodic rock release featuring the original line-up.
The Box Set houses the CDs in vinyl replica and includes all lyrics, a total of three bonus tracks (unreleased outside Japan) and a 20 page booklet, including exclusive stories personally written by Gowdy, Free, and Allison as well as photos from their archives.
A superb release LIMITED to ONLY 1000 COPIES worldwide!
Tracklisting:
CD1 - Waiting For The Sun
-Heart Run Free
-Rise Up
-Why Should I Care
-Forever
-Man Inside
-Do You Ever Think Of Me
-Still Believe
-To The Cross
-Fool Again
-Live In The Night
-Waiting For The Sun
-World Of Difference (Bonus Track)
CD 2 - The Basement Demos
-On The Rise
-Rock Me Down Nasty
-To Be Your Everything
-Lay Down Your Arms
-Is It Over
-Let’s Talk About Love
-Long Hair Woman
-Forever
-Live In The Night
-Unruly Child
-Undefeated
-Down The Road
-Still Believe
-The Man Inside
-Live Without Love
-True Love
CD 3 - UCIII
-Tear Me Down
-Falling
-All Around Me
-Bring Me Home
-Sleeping Town
-You See Three
-Kings Of Tragedy
-Vertigo
-Shades Of Love
-Unruly Child
-Something
-Ruby Tuesday (Bonus Track)
CD 4 - Worlds Collide
-Show Me The Money
-Insane
-When We Were Young
-Tell Another Lie
-Love Is Blind
-When Worlds Collide
-Talk To Me
-Life Death
-Read My Mind
-Neverland
-Very First Time
-You Don't Understand
-Talk To Me (Acoustic Remix) (Bonus Track)
CD 5 - Down The Rabbit Hole
-This Is Who I Am
-She Can't See Me
-Down The Rabbit Hole
-For All We Know
-Breaking Hearts
-Kindred
-Say I Love You
DVD - The Basement Demos DVD
-On The Rise (Live Video)
-When Love Is Gone (Live Video)
-Wind Me Up (Live Video)
-Unruly Child Revisited (Interview)
-Long Hair Woman
-History Lesson (Interview) (Incl. Medley: Long Hair Woman, To Be Your Everything, Is It Over, When Love Is Gone, On The Rise)
-Forever (Ricky Phillips Studio Session)
-Buffalo Mics (Ricky Phillips Studio Session)
-One Note Away (Ricky Phillips Studio Session)
-Stairway To Drums (Jay Schellen Studio Session)
-Unruly Child (Tracking - Studio Session)
-On The Rise 1 (Tracking - Studio Session)
-Tunnel Of Love (Tracking - Studio Session)
-Sinking Vocals (The Asylum - Studio Session)
UNRULY CHILD:
Bruce Gowdy – guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, vocals
Guy Allison – keyboards, bass, drums, vocals
Marcie / Mark Free – vocals
Kelly Hansen – vocals
Philip Bardowell – vocals
Larry Antonino – bass
Jay Schellen – drums
Marcie Free (vocalist - King Kobra, Signal), Bruce Gowdy (guitarist – Stone Fury, World Trade), and Guy Allison (keyboardist – Lodgic, World Trade, Doobie Brothers) together with the original rhythm section from the first record, drummer - Jay Schellen (Hurricane, World Trade, current touring member of Yes) and bassist - Larry Antonino (Pablo Cruise), are back again with an awesome rock album, which will please old and new fans alike!
“Early in 2016, we decided to make time and give it a go once again with all five Unruly Child members,” tells Guy Allison. “The new album, "Can't Go Home" has now become my favorite set of Unruly Child Band songs and performances ever. True story!”
The group has generated an exciting new album reflecting its musical roots in contemporary and classic rock sensibilities. With the return to the original line-up from the debut album, they have discovered that while time may pass, some things never change…
“We are so excited with this new album coming out in February,” adds Marcie Free. “And if you find that you still got the heebie-jeebies after that and are in need of another transfusion of Unruly - try a shot of our new box set coming out too! It's got practically everything we've ever done in it and that should hold over even the most shakiest UC junkies for at least as long as it takes before we hit your area for some live shows! So come on get on board baby! The UC Train is about to blast off!!”
The band is, in fact. also working on a box set release of their independent albums, which will see the light of day in spring on Frontiers. “We put together all the earlier material that's out of print (the first album non-withstanding - you know, lawyers!) together in one package - one box set - to make available to our fans,” concludes Guy. News about the box set release will be coming soon.
With so much excitement centered around their new record, it has sparked talk of touring...Will they hit the road? News will also be coming on that front very shortly.
The future looks very promising with the return of Unruly Child, stay tuned and get ready to enjoy another superior slice of melodic rock from these masters!
Frontiers Music Srl is truly excited to welcome back to the label one of the most legendary melodic hard rock bands ever: UNRULY CHILD!
Formed at the dawn of the 90’s, Unruly Child Band debuted with their self-titled release on Interscope/Atlantic in 1992. The original lineup featured singer Marcie Michelle Free (a/k/a Mark Free, vocalist - Official King Kobra, Signal), Bruce Gowdy (guitarist – Stone Fury, World Trade), and Guy Allison (keyboardist – Lodgic, World Trade, The Doobie Brothers) together with drummer - Jay Schellen (Hurricane, World Trade, Original Asia), and bassist - Larry Antonino (Pablo Cruise, Air Supply Music).
The record is still regarded as one of the musical highlights of its era with soaring vocals and fabulous musicianship combined with a unique take on melodic hard rock with a slight progressive edge.
After two more critically acclaimed studio recordings, the band reunited the original line-up in 2010 and is now getting ready for a new return with the recording of a brand new album and more surprises, including a new live DVD and a limited box set release which will encompass all the band’s releases from 1998 until now (including four original studio albums and a CD/DVD of demos recorded for the debut album).
Guy Allison says, "The reaction to our release of Worlds Collide and to our live appearance at FireFest has had a huge impact on us. The positive feedback from the Unruly Child fans has always been a catalyst and driving force for our creativity - but we didn't quite expect so much love from the UC collective. So now we want to take everything we've learned, everything we've done, and distill it into the quintessential, bad ass, "take no prisoners", best Unruly Child record - EVER! We're shooting for epic.”
Marcie Michelle Free adds, “Age - is only a number and a state of being. But beyond the physical plane time has no meaning. That is where one usually finds me. With that and in thinking about the opportunity before us, I must say that it is very exciting to think of the prospects. A new record, a new day, and a new beginning. Our last record with Frontiers [Worlds Collide] in 2010 was a huge success. But our focus of late has been on the past and by looking back we’re actually looking ahead bringing with us all that we have learned along the way. Unruly Child was born out of all that we were up to the time of the present in our past. Our future is eternal. Knowing that, feeling that, touching that, is something we all want and need. Gee… isn’t masturbation the bomb?”
Bruce Gowdy concludes, “I’m excited to work on a new Unruly Child Album, it's going to be great! We've always, as a group, had the best times working together, and now a new album and shows planned... Wow ! We're very excited about the future of Unruly Child. Please spread the news.”
The recording sessions for the new album have started already with the label looking at releasing the new record in early 2017.
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