Category: news

  • GOTHAM Cassette Classic From 1989 Reissued via MRC May 30

    MelodicRock Classics jumps back to 1989 and teams up with classic melodic pomp rock outfit GOTHAM to release their very obscure, but very special, cassette only released one-off album ‘Home Sweet Home’. This album has deserved the remaster treatment for years and the audio for this release is straight off the original master tapes. The release has been re-titled ‘Pictures’ and adds 3   You might know them as Manito Park but these guys had a previous life of creating meticulously grand 80s AOR. Evoking memories of early Honeymoon Suite, Da Vinci, Touch and Le Roux, Gotham were pure and masterful ‘feel-good’ bliss.   Formed in the heart of Spokane, Washington, Gotham began as a trio of passionate musicians eager to leave their mark on the Pacific Northwest music scene. Lead vocalist and keyboardist Dave DuPree, vocalist and bass player Cary Bear, and vocalist and guitarist Bob Burdett first made their presence known in the small bars and resorts of Eastern Washington and North Idaho, creating a sound that resonated with both the rugged outdoors and the vibrant, gritty energy of the local scene.   In 1989, with the addition of drummer Rusty Knorr, the band transformed into the powerhouse unit that would go on to record their debut cassette release, Home Sweet Home. This bold new era for Gotham was defined by a fresh direction in sound, blending rock, pop, soulful melodies and flawless vocal harmonies into an unforgettable mix that captured the spirit of a generation.   From Spokane’s underground venues to the very heart of the Pacific Northwest music culture, Gotham’s raw energy, unforgettable hooks, and honest lyrics continue to echo through the ages. Their journey was one of persistence, a passion for live gigging, and a love for creating music. Better days, indeed.   GOTHAM ‘Pictures’ will be released worldwide by MelodicRock Classics on May 30.   Track Listing: Gotham (Remixed and Remastered from Original Master Tapes) 01. Prelude 02. Let It Go 03. Pictures 04. Dirty Love 05. House Grey Light 06. Stolen Moments 07. Brother Sung Unhero 08. I’ll Be There   BONUS TRACKS: Manito Park (Remixed and Remastered from original Master Tapes by Max Norman)  09. Girl In Green 10. One Last Look 11. Daydreamer  
    Categories: 
    MelodicRock Classics Label
  • TRILLION To Release Acclaimed EP on CD For The First Time via MRC

      MelodicRock Classics is honoured to partner with classic pomp-rockers Trillion for a physical release of their acclaimed 2011 EP ‘Trillion III’. For this occasion, the release will be re-titled ‘Ray Of Light’ and feature brand new artwork by resident MRC graphic artist Nello Dell’Omo.   The songs were written and recorded by early band members Thom Griffin, Frank Barbalace, Bill Wilkins and CJ Vanston as well as bass by Dave La Rue.   As a very special bonus, we are adding 5 solo tracks from singer/songwriter Thom Griffin to round out the release. The 5 singles were individually released digitally by Thom over over the last several years, haven’t yet been cemented into history with a physical release.   Bill Wilkins sums up the band’s feelings: “I had always wanted to pick it up again and just see what might happen. After a number of years and a move back to Chicago I decided to test the waters and see if there was any interest.  Thom Griffin, Frank Barbalace and I met together at a drum clinic given by Steve Smith of Journey fame. It was the first time we’d been together in the same room in years.  We weren’t sure if there would be anything like the chemistry we had in the past but we were excited to find out.  We hope you’ll feel the same energy and excitement that we felt writing and recording the five songs that the three of us have contributed to this CD as well as the wonderful songs that Thom has contributed with so many talented artists that you’ll recognize. If you close your eyes you just might be able to see the crowds and that Golden Sun Beyond!”   Thom Griffin added a few thoughts about his solo songs: “I just recorded and released each song as it came to me. When my “music muse” pays a visit, I try to pay attention! I still love doing this, the music has never failed me!”   The Trillion III Featuring Thom Griffin release ‘Ray Of Light’ will be released via MelodicRock Classics May 30.   Track Listing:   Trillion III 01. Ray of Light 02. Golden Sun Beyond 03. She Hates Sunday 04. In My Blood 05. Innocence   Thom Griffin 06. One Last Time 07. How Long 08. One Fine Day 09. Eight Get Bye 10. Stand By My Side
    Categories: 
    MelodicRock Classics Label
  • TRILLION To Release Acclaimed EP on CD For The First Time via MRC

      MelodicRock Classics is honoured to partner with classic pomp-rockers Trillion for a physical release of their acclaimed 2011 EP ‘Trillion III’. For this occasion, the release will be re-titled ‘Ray Of Light’ and feature brand new artwork by resident MRC graphic artist Nello Dell’Omo.   The songs were written and recorded by early band members Thom Griffin, Frank Barbalace, Bill Wilkins and CJ Vanston as well as bass by Dave La Rue.   As a very special bonus, we are adding 5 solo tracks from singer/songwriter Thom Griffin to round out the release. The 5 singles were individually released digitally by Thom over over the last several years, haven’t yet been cemented into history with a physical release.   Bill Wilkins sums up the band’s feelings: “I had always wanted to pick it up again and just see what might happen. After a number of years and a move back to Chicago I decided to test the waters and see if there was any interest.  Thom Griffin, Frank Barbalace and I met together at a drum clinic given by Steve Smith of Journey fame. It was the first time we’d been together in the same room in years.  We weren’t sure if there would be anything like the chemistry we had in the past but we were excited to find out.  We hope you’ll feel the same energy and excitement that we felt writing and recording the five songs that the three of us have contributed to this CD as well as the wonderful songs that Thom has contributed with so many talented artists that you’ll recognize. If you close your eyes you just might be able to see the crowds and that Golden Sun Beyond!”   Thom Griffin added a few thoughts about his solo songs: “I just recorded and released each song as it came to me. When my “music muse” pays a visit, I try to pay attention! I still love doing this, the music has never failed me!”   The Trillion III Featuring Thom Griffin release ‘Ray Of Light’ will be released via MelodicRock Classics May 30.   Track Listing:   Trillion III 01. Ray of Light 02. Golden Sun Beyond 03. She Hates Sunday 04. In My Blood 05. Innocence   Thom Griffin 06. One Last Time 07. How Long 08. One Fine Day 09. Eight Get Bye 10. Stand By My Side
    Categories: 
    MelodicRock Classics Label
  • 20.000 leghe sotto i mari (Nuova Era, 2025)

    Nuova Era are among my favourite bands when it comes to vintage sounds and classic Italian prog. Walter Pini and his friends are veteran proggers and this 2025 album, retelling Jule Verne’s masterpiece novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Seas, is their sixth official release, but their sound is as refreshing and creative as it used to be during the ’80s. First things first: the tempo, mood and instrumentation changes are stunning. 

    Nemo and friends under the prog seas!

    Stately organs, dainty acoustic passages, strong vocals, breathtaking progressions, intricate rythms and of course beautiful melodies… al things Italian Prog are there! Being a 36 minutes suite, divided into 8 parts, “20.000 leghe sotto i mari” is a true musical ordeal, treating the listener with both compositional and performing skills. Each variation introduces a different world and even the marine sound effects perfectly fit into the great picture. All in all, this is IMHO one of the best pages of Nuova Era’s flushing repertoire.

  • 20.000 leghe sotto i mari (Nuova Era, 2025)

    Nuova Era are among my favourite bands when it comes to vintage sounds and classic Italian prog. Walter Pini and his friends are veteran proggers and this 2025 album, retelling Jule Verne’s masterpiece novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Seas, is their sixth official release, but their sound is as refreshing and creative as it used to be during the ’80s. First things first: the tempo, mood and instrumentation changes are stunning. 

    Nemo and friends under the prog seas!

    Stately organs, dainty acoustic passages, strong vocals, breathtaking progressions, intricate rythms and of course beautiful melodies… al things Italian Prog are there! Being a 36 minutes suite, divided into 8 parts, “20.000 leghe sotto i mari” is a true musical ordeal, treating the listener with both compositional and performing skills. Each variation introduces a different world and even the marine sound effects perfectly fit into the great picture. All in all, this is IMHO one of the best pages of Nuova Era’s flushing repertoire.

  • BOSS unveils its latest offering, the BOSS ONE Bodywear collection.

    And the men look amazing.

    By Michael Hartmann. March 21, 2025.

    Boss One Male Models

    This spring, BOSS unveils its latest offering, the BOSS ONE Bodywear collection, specifically designed for men. This isn’t just a line; it’s a statement, an embodiment of the brand’s commitment to quality, style, and comfort.

    At the helm of this campaign are a stellar group of male models who have joined forces to bring the collection to life. Each one handpicked for their unique style, charisma, and ability to embody the essence of BOSS ONE.

    So, this spring, as the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, we invite you to explore the BOSS ONE Bodywear collection. Here are the men.

    Jorge Diaz

    Jorge Diaz

    Jorge Diaz

    Jorge Diaz

     

    Sebastian Yatra

    Sebastian Yatra

     

    Sam Salter

     Sam Salter

     

    Nick Bateman

    Nick Bateman

     

    Matteo Berrettini

    Matteo Berrettini

     

    Jose Loreto

     Jose Loreto

     

    Jalen Noble

    Jalen Noble

     

    Jacob Rott

    Jacob Rott

     

    Giovanni Masiero

    Giovanni Masiero

     

    Diego Doig

    Diego Doig

     

    Cisco Garcia

    Cisco Garcia

     

    Bradley Simmonds

    Bradley Simmonds

     

    Aleks Klide

    Aleks Klide

     

    Alvin Chong

    ALvin Chong

    Alvin Chong

    Alvin Chong

    David Beckham:

    Related: BOSS launches its ONE Bodywear collection.

    Explore: BOSS ONLINE STORE.

    BOSS.COM
    INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/boss
    FACEBOOK: facebook.com/hugoboss
    YOUTUBE: youtube.com/boss

    About BOSS and HUGO BOSS:
    BOSS is made for bold, self-determined individuals who live life on their own terms, with passion, style, and purpose. Collections offer dynamic, modern designs for those that embrace who they are fully and unapologetically: as their own BOSS. The brand’s heritage tailoring, performance suiting, casualwear, denim, athleisure, and accessories cater to the style needs of the discerning consumer. Licensed fragrances, eyewear, watches, and kidswear complete the brand. The world of BOSS can be experienced in over 489 own stores worldwide. BOSS is the core brand of HUGO BOSS, one of the leading companies positioned in the premium segment of the global apparel market. The group offers collections in 131 countries at around 7,800 points of sale and online in 73 countries via hugoboss.com.

     

    The post BOSS unveils its latest offering, the BOSS ONE Bodywear collection. first appeared on Coverstory.

  • The Doors mark 60th anniversary with new Apple Maps guide and special releases

    In celebration of their 60th anniversary, the Doors have partnered with Apple Maps to create a new guide highlighting pivotal locations in the band’s history.

    Spanning from their roots in California to their European tours, the guide features 20 key sites — including venues like the Fillmore in San Francisco and the Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles — where the band led by the late Jim Morrison…

    To read the full article – please visit the San Francisco Chronicle website.

  • DOUG VARTY 7 VISIONARY MAN Pre-Sale Open

    PRE-ORDERS NOW OPEN Audio Delivery scheduled for this weekend. Pre-orders do help MRC greatly – please consider. Usual outlets will all carry of course. 500 of each ONLY!   http://melodicrockclassics.com
  • VISIONARY MAN Album Released From The Vault April 11 on MRC

      MelodicRock Classics kicks off what could be the biggest year of the label’s existence yet, with two releases due April 11. The two albums will both be part of the 500 series, meaning once gone, they’ll be gone!   Full details of the second title is as follows:   VISIONARY MAN – Visionary Man   The second title is a previously unreleased album featuring New Orleans born Dean Vallecillo (Lead and backing vocals, Bass guitars) and Dare Force and solo guitarist Brian Bart. Brian previously worked with MRC for the release of his rocking solo album ‘Future Vision’.   The band Visionary Man features 3 members of Dare Force and was recorded after the original Firepower album. We’ll dig further into Dean and Brain’s past and the details of the band’s all too-short existence with the full press release. Safe to say, it’s another quality slice of American melodic hard rock.   Dean has been singing since the age of 5 and began playing several instruments in school. He received his first bass guitar at the age of 13 in 1973. From 1983 to 1989, Dean played in three of the greatest unsigned bands in the United States: Heyoka and Winterkat from San Antonio, Texas, and Minneapolis’s own Dare Force.   Brian Bart’s resume now goes back 40 years. He has been a stalwart of the Minneapolis rock scene since the start of the 80s – as a guitarist, songwriter, producer, engineer just for starters. In recent years Brian has been the owner, engineer and producer at Logic Studios & Logic Recordings. He has recorded over 400 albums, played multiple instruments on over 150 records, including ten of his own.   Visionary Man came to life with the impending dissolution of Dare Force after the release of ‘Firepower’. Dean had already written four songs for the follow-up. Although these songs were still in their infancy stage at the time, he had a head start on what would eventually become a solo album. With his years of songwriting and studio experience, along with the production prowess and iconic guitar work of Brian Bart, Visionary Man was painstakingly assembled. However, the completion of the Visionary Man project coincided with another significant musical shift, rendering these songs somewhat outdated—for a time. Nevertheless, Dean and Brian kept the spirit alive, believing that someday the project would find its moment. Now, that time has come—Visionary Man!   Available for pre-order this week and out April 11. Strictly limited to 500 units only. Direct pre-orders get the advance audio delivered same day.   Track Listing: 01. Small Change 0.40 02. Visionary Man 4.53 03. Fantasy Satisfier 4.48 04. Heart And Soul 5.45 05. Eyes On You 4.39 06. Hold On 4.47 07. All Come Home Again 5.15 08. Defiant 6.00 09. Never Cry Again 4.38 10. What Love Should Be 5.24 11. The Line In My Hand 7.44 12. One Big Change 5.39
    Categories: 
    MelodicRock Classics Label
  • DOUG VARTY Archive Comes To MelodicRock Classics April 11

    MelodicRock Classics kicks off what could be the biggest year of the label’s existence yet, with two releases due April 11. The two albums will both be part of the 500 series, meaning once gone, they’ll be gone!   Full details of the first title is as follows:   DOUG VARTY – Keep The Dream Alive   ‘Keep The Dream Alive’ is a compilation of unreleased material from Canadian singer/songwriter and guitarist DOUG VARTY. Doug has fronted the Doug Varty Band; recorded with legendary producers Jack Richardson (The Guess Who), Terry Brown (Rush, Blue Rodeo), and David Tyson (Hall and Oates). He won a major recording deal as “Canada’s Best New Original Act” in Labatt’s Band Warz, a Canada wide Battle of the Bands with 2000 entrants.   He’s appeared live with Bob Seger, Tina Turner, The Tragically Hip, Jeff Healey, The Beach Boys, John Mellencamp, and Rush, to name but a few. He’s toured Europe, Mexico, the USA, and Canada extensively over his career.   There have been many recordings made of Doug’s music over the years, but these tracks, some of them his most favorite songs and performances, have not seen the light of day. “I’m really excited to see the release of this album. Some of my best songs and vocals are captured on it. Happy that I finally get to share them with fans new and old.”   Available for pre-order this week and out April 11. Strictly limited to 500 units only. Direct pre-orders get the advance audio delivered same day.   01. Keep the Dream Alive 3.32 02. Solid Ground 4.02 03. Make It All Right 3.58 04. Everybody Needs A Lover 3.03 05. Sleepwalking 3.56 06. Girl’s Already Gone 3.03 07. Just Say Hello 4.44 08. Leave My Heart Alone 3.16 09. The Right Mistakes 4.16 10. Hurricane Jane 3.36 11. Drive On 3.28 12. Sweet Temptation 2.49 13. This is My Country (Live) 5.15 14. Sleepwalking (Demo) 4.01 15. This Is My Country (Demo) 4.04   WebLinks: www.melodicrock.com / www.melodicrockclassics.com  
    Categories: 
    MelodicRock Classics Label