50SHR #6: L.A. Ray and the Shades (Colorado)

 

50 STATES OF HARD ROCK #6: COLORADO

 

Band: L.A. Ray and the Shades
Release: Wild Weekend
Year: 1985
Line-up: Unknown

Track Listing:

1.   Do It All Night  2.   City Lights  3.   So Glad  4.   Lady Ice 5.   Why Don't You  6.   Victim of Love 7.   Rockin' in Time  8.   Don't Want to Be Lonely    9.   It Only Takes a Minute 10.   No Goodbyes

Fletchanator's comment: This is a very rare, obscure recording - so obscure in fact that I couldn't find a listing of band members anywhere. All I know is they're apparently from Colorado and released this album on small private label Wet Records.
L.A. Ray and the Shades is a very 80s name for a band, and their sound suits the name. They play AOR that varies between late-70s pomp to more rocking tunes. The singer is very good, sounding a bit like James Young from Styx, while the guitaring reminds me of Rick Nielsen from Cheap Trick.
If you like 80s AOR like Journey, Loverboy and the like, you'll find plenty to enjoy here.
 

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