Great Rock Albums of 1985: Michael Stanley Band- MSB

Here's yet another band brought to my attention during my time in the marines. Even though the Michael Stanley band had been going since the early 1970s, they had never come to my attention. It's probably the combination of not gaining attention in the Northeast USA and the fact they didn't have any songs played on AM radio being the reason why. Thankfully, one of my marine buddies was into them and being 1982, it was the album "MSB" I got to hear first from them.

My first reaction upon hearing this album was to say it was straight ahead rock and roll but that would be so unfair to it. Besides, I don't want to brandish that label around too much because there are bands out there where the label fits. Instead, "MSB" is a widely versatile album yet at the same time, the Michael Stanley Band remain true to their rock roots. Take for instance the very first song, "In Between the Lines." The sax in the song in the song provides a jazz element sort of like the old 1979 hit "Cool Change" by the Little River Band but only much rockier. The very next track, "If You Love Me," has a definite gospel- soul feel to it but at the same time highlights the skilled musicianship behind this band. Then come some straight forward rockers, most notably the song, "When I'm Holding You Tight," which gets my vote for best guitar solo on the album. Things slow down a bit with the next two tracks but "Spanish Nights" is a superb ballad. The album goes back to and goes out on some very good rock tunes, most notably "Love Hurts" and "Hang Tough." In the end, I find myself being eternally grateful that I got to hear this album then and appreciate it even more when I listen to it now.

Track Listing:

1. In Between the Lines

2. If You Love Me

3. Night by Night

4. When I Hold You Tight

5. Spanish Nights

6. One of Those Dreams

7. Love Hurts

8. Hang Tough

9. Just a Little Bit Longer

10. Take This Time

[caption id="attachment_2588" align="aligncenter" width="294"] Michael Stanley Band[/caption]

Michael Stanley- guitar, vocals

Tommy Dobeck- drums

Bob Pelander- keyboards

Greg Markasky- lead guitar

Kevin Raleigh- keyboards, vocals

Michael Gismondi- bass

Rick Bell- saxophone

I am expecting some responses along the lines of "I've never heard of these guys" or no response at all due to the fact of not ever having heard of them. So, the teacher in me is going to set you a little homework. The "MSB" album is easily available on Youtube. Have a listen to this album and you will see what you have been missing all of these years.

Next post: The Clash- Combat Rock

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