Nominating a genuinely classic melodic rock album is unquestionably a subjective process. But even the most objective of fans would have to agree that Autograph's
'Sign In Please' is one of
the great debut albums.
It's clearly been recognised by those enthusiastic industry veterans at Rock
Candy Records, thus this welcome reissue, suitably remastered and reloaded.
The album is 24 years old and still we marvel at its energy, at Steve Plunkett's raucous, mischievous vocals, at Steve Lynch's amazingly innovative lead guitarwork and Steve Isham's keyboard fills and thrills.
It's one of those rare occasions where an alchemy takes place twixt cup and lip, where words and chords are transformed into mesmerising musical magic as they shake and shimmer from your speakers.
The magic casts its spell immediately. '
Send Her To Me' is a strong opener, a ripe, fully formed melodic rock song, ready for mass consumption. Suddenly, on the 3 minute mark, comes a late-in-the-day axe solo. The upwardly shifting, pulse quickening gear changes of Lynch's singing, soaring, truly rocking axework gains the track - and the album - an unstoppable momentum. As it goes into the fade, we pull ourselves forward on the chair, anticipating the next track.
'
Turn Up The Radio' was written in a rush by Plunkett just before the recording of the album began. Ironically, it became the band's signature song, and was equally emblematic of an era. A sound not so much suspended, but positively oscillating in aspic, such that it now has the power to take us to a faraway place, where summer evenings are warm and welcoming, where rock radio is playing, where our lives slow down to enjoy the moment.
What's really impressive is the band's ability, time after time, to write a conquering chorus and a headlining hook. Not every one is razor sharp, but they all cut the mustard.
After the US chart success of
'Turn Up The Radio', the hi-energy, fun, feelgood
'My Girlfriend's Boyfriend Isn't Me' is the one picked up by radio, but inexplicably, the label refused to release it. A very familiar 'we know best' scenario. They didn't...a decision that arguably, ultimately, cost the band bigtime.
As for the remainder of the album, the real peaches come a little further on.
There's the pounding, powerful '
Thrill Of Love', with producer Neil Kernon adding layer after layer of sound en route to an explosive chorus.
'In The Night' is a veritable killer cut, recorded with a heart tugging undercurrent of melancholy, the kind that separates great
AOR from the ordinary.
The reissue closes with a remix of
'Turn Up The Radio', a magnificently apposite end to a truly wonderful melodic rock album.
Written by
Brian Friday, January 2, 2009
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