REVIEWS q L g U M REVIEWS

LOVE OR SOMETHING LIKE IT - Kenny Rogers - United Ar- : OBSESSION - UFO - Chrysalis CHR 1182 - Producer: Ron tists UA-LA903-H - Producer: Larry Butler - List: 7.98 Nevison - List: 7.98 Hot off several hit solo albums and singles, plus a highly suc- "Obsession" makes good the promise that was offered with cessful collaboration with Dottie West, Kenny Rogers seems last year's "Lights Out"; Heavy Music with breathtaking, liberal assured of achieving further pop, country and easy listening doses of texture, subtlety and nuance. "Only You Can Rock sales with his latest effort. The singer/songwriter's title track Me," "Pack It Up (And Go)" and "One More For the Rodeo" are single is already a Top 10 country hit and is also moving steadily just a few of the steel -fist -with -a -velvet -glove numbers that up the pop chart. As usual, this LP is a richly appealing, consis- make this LP its strongest AOR hopeful to date. In addition, with tent work that highlights Rogers tender vocals and moving com- its single, "Cherry," the group is set to garner extensive Top 40 positions. success. LIGHTS FROM THE VALLEY - Chilllwack - Mushroom MRS GET OFF - Foxy - Dash/TK 30005 - Producer: Cory Wade 5011 - Producers: Ross Turney, Bill Henderson and Marc - List: 7.98 Gilutin - List: 7.98 The new album from this sextet is an exciting, impeccable A group that has gained in popularity with each album work that features tasty lead vocals by Carl Driggs and Ish release, this Canadian quintet has emerged with possibly its Ledesma, a throbbing rhythm section and attractive, soaring most dynamic and appealing effort to date. Chilliwack is a horn and string arrangements. "Get Off" is highlighted by its mainstream pop -rock configuration which packs a sizzling gui- R&B bulleted title track single, but several cuts are excellent for tar -laden punch, as exhibited by such irresistible tracks as pop airplay as well as being perfect dance floor selections. This "Never Be The Same" and "How Can You Hide Your Love?" This LP also includes session help from Peter Brown. LP also boasts smooth, fluid lead vocals and first-rate self - STUCK IN THE MIDDLE WITH YOU - Gerry Rafferty and Joe penned compositions. Mi.-1",K 34'14E MIEME tc ; 'nr-t SP Producers: Various GEMY Egan/Stealers Wheel - A&M -4708 - RAICERTYASdL 30E Sc,1 AT THE THIRD STROKE - Russ Ballard - Epic JE 35035 - - List: 7.98 Producer: Keith Olsen - List: 7.98 Gerry Rafferty is now enjoying pop success as a solo artist, Russ Ballard has long been known for his superb production but long before going solo the Scottish singer/songwriter was and songwriting work with such artists as Roger Daltrey, Leo producing fine records as the co -leader of Stealers Wheel. Sayer and Olivia Newton -John, but in America he has yet to Along with Joe Egan, Rafferty concocted such wry, attractive achieve the pop success he richly deserves. On his third Epic songs as the hit "Stuck In The Middle" as well as other gems. LP, this singer/composer/guitarist has arrived with a Compiled from three previously released albums, this collec- delightful mixture of inviting ballads and dynamite rockers. tion will surely appeal to both new and old fans of Rafferty. Supported by L.A.'s most renowned session musicians, this LP is an AOR and pop pick. THE Fkrum Fa! AMERICAN GENERATION - The Ritchie Family - Marlin/TK THE BEST OF STRAWBS - A&M SP 6005 - Producers: fEEiERRiäil 2215 - Producer: Jacques Morali - List: 7.98 Various - List: 9.98 On its latest album, this feminine vocal trio has issued This two -record set contains virtually all of the veteran British another disco/pop assortment that is certain to be a joy for group's best material during its lengthy stay at A&M Records. dance floor strutters. The Ritchie Family display infectious lead One of the most consistent and creative configurations of the singing and harmonies on this effort, but it is also Jacques '70s, the Strawbs intelligently fuse traditional folk concepts with Morali's impressive production and compositions that make biting, crackling rock 'n' roll. Of course featuring the distinctive this album a success. Interestingly, a catchy disco rendition of vocal and songwriting abilities of Dave Cousins and Dave Lam- the pop standard, "Big Spender," is also included here. bert, this LP is a must for anyone remotely interested in British DEADEYE DICK - C.J. & Co. - Westbound/Atlantic WE 6104 folk-rock. - Producers: Mike Theodore and Dennis Coffey - List: 7.98 THE BEST OF THE BEST OF CHUCK BERRY - Gusto GT - From the beginning of the album's opening track, "Burning 0004 - Producer: None Listed - List: 7.98 Drums Of Fire," C.J. & Co. launch into a fast -breaking, irresisti- There have been several Chuck Berry anthology albums, but ble disco/pop groove that never quits. Spewing out punchy hits new collection provides probably the strongest sampling of rhythms that serves as fuel food for disco fans, the album also the legendary rocker's material for a single LP. All 10 tracks on contains entertaining lyrical themes plus fun -filled lead vocals this album were originally recorded on Chess Records, and are and harmonies. The title track is probably the LP's standout presented here in pure monaural sound. Including such number, but every cut here is an engaging, foot -stomping ad- classics as "Johnny B. Goode," "Maybelline" and "Sweet Little venture. Sixteen," this LP serves as a perfect introduction into the rock JADED VIRGIN Marshall Chapman Columbia JC 35341 'n' world of Berry. - - - Producer: Al Kooper - List: 7.98 TRICKSTER - Jet JZ 35478 - Producer: Martin Rushent and Calling herself "the no -shame dame," Marshall Chapman on Trickster - List: 7.98 this new album proves herself to be a dynamic, tough -as -nails Trickster with its new album has issued a diversified, im- rocker who can match vocal and guitar riffs with many top male aginative effort that derives its strengths from three key rock performers. "Jaded Virgin" features several original Chap- sources: Phil Bates' potent, exciting guitar licks and his soaring man songs, but equally noteworthy is the interesting assort- lead vocals; Colin Hewinson innovative keyboard sequences; ment of cover versions she has recorded. "Turn The Page" and and the group's colorful, playful harmonies. Strong cuts include "I Walk The Line" are given intriguing but enjoyable treatments "Rich Man" and "Miles And Miles Away." With the group curren- on this LP. ELO, Trickster receive of tly hitting the road with should plenty JOANNE MACKELL United Artists UA-LA878-H and attention. - - exposure Producer: Joe Falsía - List: 7.98 THAT'S LIFE - T. Life - RCA APL1-2673- Producer: Al Gar- With her debut album, Joanne Mackell immediately es- rison - List: 7.98 tablishes herself as a versatile, explosive singer/songwriter. On his new LP, T. Life has concocted a potent, playful assort- This album features such stellar musicians as Steve Cropper ment R&B/pop numbers. "That's Life" features the contribu- James Burton and Duck Dunn, plus includes cover versions o+ tions of several musicians, including Vicki Sue Robinson, but all "Dr. Feelgood" and "Fire Down Below." But this LP clearly pre- of the album's strongest ingredients are a result of T. Life's ex- sents Mackell as a distinctive, expressive composer anc cellent skills as a co -producer, arranger, guitarist and singer. vocalist. An inviting balance of crisp rockers and tender ballads Equally powerful on the LP's resonant ballads as it is on the fiery this LP is for pop and AOR airplay. upbeat numbers, T. Life seems headed for extensive chart success. SANER DAYS - Key Largo - Mercury SRM-1-3726 - Producers: Key Largo, John Holbrook and Robert Margoulefi SWEET MUSIC - Roadmaster - Village VR 7804 - - List: 7.98 Producers: Greg Riker and Roadmaster - List: 7.98 Composed of the trio of Ronnie Lawson, Jon Oliver and Larry With its second album, this high-powered quintet has Lader, Key Largo on its album creates an affectionate combina- released a blistering, hard -rocking work that successfully com- tion of pleasant lead vocals and harmonies plus imaginative bines sophisticated yet catchy arrangements with an un - self -penned compositions. The album works best when the abounding supply of guitar muscle. Rick Benick's fiery guitar group injects a bit of guitar flash into its pop -rock confections licks and Stephen McNally's aggressive lead vocals are at the but all songs on this set offer interesting lyrics and listenablE heart of this group's winning formula, but all members con- melodies. Best tunes include "Go Down In Style" and "A Nees tribute to this solid, charged -up rock workout. Man." C}'HERS BY CHOKE BACKALLEY BANDITS - London PS 712 - Producers: BROTHERS BY CHOICE - ALA -1983 - Producers: E.J Chips Moman and Dan Penn - List: 7.98 Gurren, Barnett Williams and Stan Ross - List: 7.98 Displaying an interesting combination of two female and two A pulsing, searing R&B-flavored album that boasts an arrai male lead vocalists, the Backalley Bandits have delivered an of highly respected studio musicians, "Brothers By Choice" is engaging, country -flavored album which features the sextet's solid, exhuberant affair. Such hot session cats as David T versatile vocal capabilities. In addition, the group's intimate, Walker, Chuck Findley and Jimmy Gordon make impressivE tasteful songs such as "Rainbow And A Pony" and "Georgia contributions to the album, but its the captivating lead vocals o Women" highlight this collection. Suitable for pop and country Chuck Higgins and tasty arrangements and production tha airplay. highlight the LP. For R&B and pop play.

22 Cash Box/July 15, 19 www.americanradiohistory.com