In the late 80's
Tora Tora signed with A&M Records and released their debut album "Surprise Attack" in 1989. The album made a minor stir at the Billboard chart peaking at number 47. "Wild America" was released in 1992 to critical acclaim, but at that time the music business had changed and therefore this album is an overlooked gem.
Tora Tora hails from Memphis, Tennessee
and their bluesy Hard Rock was far away from the flashy sunset strip scene that was happening at the time.
Tora Tora uses piano and a horn section on
Dead Mans Hand, which underlines their
blues roots originated in Memphis.
Tora Tora worked with some heavyweight co-writers like Taylor Rhodes and Stan Bush.
Amnesia has a good drive, but is not a typical Taylor Rhodes melodic super track.
However, Taylor Rhodes braces himself as co-writer on the great power ballad
Faith Healer. The song has a characteristic
sing-a-long chorus and fantastic choir (Jimi Jamison of
Survivor is among backing vocals contributors).
The best song on the album is credited the band alone. The fantastic ballad
As Time Goes By sounds like a successful marriage between
Tesla and Aerosmith. Anthony Corder's vocals provide the song with lots of emotion, which is supported by the warm sound of the album. The acoustic driven
As Time Goes By is timeless and definitely the musical treasure of this album
The change between acoustic and electric guitars is the trademark of the album. The songs are based in blues, but blended with hard rock and put together in great arrangements. Usually the songs are based on a great riff, which is perfectly exemplified on
Lay Your Money Down and
Dirty Secrets.
Anthony Corder is a strong singer and his voice has a special tone to it - a bit like Jeff Keith from
Tesla. but Corder proves to be a more powerful singer. Throughout the whole record guitarist Keith Douglas proves to be very skilled and his riffs sound original. Douglas' playing is diversified - he handles the electric on the fast rocker
Shattered and displays emotional acoustic playing on "Wild America's two highlights
As Time Goes By and
Faith Healer.
Unfortunately all
Tora Tora members have disappeared from the music business. They were all very talented as musicians but also as songwriters.
Wild America" has not been available for some 10 years, but now Lemon Recordings has released the album with a bonus 12"remix of the title track. As always with Lemon releases, the packing is great with liner notes and a great remastered sound.
Written by
Michael Saturday, November 5, 2005
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