Robin Hit

It does not take very long to realize that this is a nicely put together record. The singing is intense in somewhat of a Springsteen/David Eugene Edwards (Woven Hand) manner, but unique from them. The surrounding instrumentation weaves in and out in a folk rock manner at times and works as a full throttle rock band at others. The Singer-Songwriter category does not quite do justice to the songs. I would say rock fans will like this more than people wanting straight folk, but it has a good general appeal to both the crowds seeking lighter thoughtful material and those that want a good rock beat. The music is rather universal and what is truly interesting is that the California duo behind this band has historically done so much better in Europe than in the US. While I often can understand why some great European born music may not translate as well in the US (and vice versa), I have never understood why several great US bands (Wipers, 16 Horsepower) do so much better in Europe. Add this band to that list, as US listeners need to join in. I believe this album of eleven original songs comes with a bonus CD containing a full live set. (David Hintz)

How Old Are You? is an extraordinary pop record from vocalist Robin Gibb, although none of these ten excellent tunes penned with twin brother Maurice joined his other two Top 40 hits on the charts. Heavy synthesizers embrace Gibb's distinctive vocals and embellish the sensational "Juliet," which launches side one, as well as the very serious "Another Lonely Night in New York," which opens side two. In between are gems like "Danger," an elegant techno journey. This is the type of song which FM underground radio could have played in the early '80s, a dark sound with hooks galore, and a joy to listen to.

More mature, After Here Through Midland lacks the sparkle of Cock Robin's debut. The one time they engaged an American producer in Don Gehman (John Cougar Mellencamp, Hootie and the Blowfish), After Here has a more U.S. rock-country blend to it. In the end, it achieved little in the States, again doing the business in Europe – "Just Around the Corner," "The Biggest Fool of All," and "El Norte" notched up the U.K. singles chart. "I'll Send Them Your Way" could have landed them the U.S. hit they so deserved. "Another Story" is picturesque – almost like an Edward Hopper painting of small-town America: small wooden house with porch, a deserted street, heavy grey sky, and one illuminated streetlight. "Nobody's home, so I'll go looking out for trouble," sings Anna LaCazio. Not their best but still better than most.

Robin George has over the past thirty years enjoyed commercial success ("Heartline" was a hit single world over) and written songs for artists from Robert Plant to Phil Lynott to Glenn Hughes, and now has a new solo album "Rogue Angels" which as he describes the making of "inspiration relentlessly flowed, from my heart to my guitar". Enjoy classic rock from the gifted singer-songwriter and guitarist.

There was no reason why Cock Robin shouldn't have been as big as anyone else around at the time. This collection showed a band that was bright, bubbly, and buoyant. "Thought You Were on My Side" oozed all the charm of a band in the studio for the first time. But it was the moody – and, to a degree, menacing – "When Your Heart Is Weak" that delivered their only hit Stateside. Certainly, things were not what they seemed.

Digitally remastered and expanded edition of this 1985 release including bonus tracks. Dangerous Music was starting to generate good sales figures when his record company (Bronze Records) went bust and the record vanished from the shops. Now it's back 25 years later, with bonus tracks and eagerly awaited by fans all over the world. Robin George enjoyed a worldwide hit single in 1985 with Heartline and his stock was high as he entered the studio to record a follow up to his critically acclaimed album Dangerous Music. The album had the working title Dangerous Music II and was produced by acclaimed producer Gus Dudgeon. By the end of 1986 the album was completed and ready to go but his then management company went to market and because of the success of Heartline sought ridiculous advances and as such the album was never released-until now.