Cheap Trick in Another World

MelodicRock Classics is honoured to announce the details for what will be one of the crown jewels of the label's catalogue for years to come. Most fans of melodic rock will know the name Clif Magness. The American singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/producer is a stalwart of the wider music business for over 40 years.
And while is name will be very familiar, the depth of his songwriting talents may not be as well known. In rock circles he has two acclaimed solo albums plus a member of Planet 3, co-writes with Steve Perry and is best known for co-writing and producing several tracks on Avril Lavigne's 2002 debut album, Let Go including the song "Losing Grip". Further writing credits include Laura Branigan, Ted Nugent, John Farnham, Cheap Trick, Starship, Eric Martin, Robin Beck, Marc Jordan, Spin Gallery and Ignition.

Harlequin's roots began as a Winnipeg circuit band in early 1978. The band reigned of singer George Belanger, guitarist Glen Willows, Gary Golden on keyboards, drummer David Budzak and Ralph James on bass. Within a year they were doing regular gigs across mid and eastern Canada and were signed to Epic Records in 1979. Their debut album, VICTIM OF A SONG was produced by Jack Douglas, who'd previously worked with the likes of Cheap Trick, Patty Smith, Aerosmith and John Lennon. Released that fall, it immediately made an impression with both the critics and the fans alike. "Sweet Things In Life" and "You Are The Light" both became instant radio staples across the country and Harlequin was rewarded with a debut gold record. Backed by the solid writing of other tracks like "Turn Around" and their first single "Survive", the band was heralded as one of the country's most promising new groups.

Continuing on the hugely successful legacy that the 80 From range has bought, comes the newest release in the series - 80 From America! For the first time 80 From branches out to explore one of the most influential regions in the history of music, the United States Of America.

There are plenty of reasons why a song can stand out depending on the genre, but in Rock music it truly stands out when it has a big time feel to it. That anthem approach to the song that captivates you with the big presence of the music that you can’t deny. That type of sound shines bright from DAVE & THE DUDES with their 11-track debut album “Down For The Count”. The band is founded by singer David Niederberger, ex frontman for Fighter V, who released a very good rocking album in 2019. Despite the band’s name or their logo makes us think about a southern rock or country rock act, DAVE & THE DUDES play radio-friendly ’80s-type of melodic rock, catchy short tunes recalling REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick, early Rick Springfield, Jimmy Harnen & Synch, etc.