“Living in the Fear of the Private Eye” is the second album by British AOR/melodic rock group “Export” originally released in 1986, reissued by “Rock Candy” records in 2010. Much like other melodic outfits hailing form the United Kingdom – namely “Heavy Pettin”, “Lionheart” and “Romeo’s Daughter”-”Export” were signed and addressed to the North American market, essentially complying with the musical standards set by such bands as “Survivor”, “Toto” and “Styx” .
It is quite a challenge to describe the way “Export” approach AOR; just consider that they combing hard rocking rhythm guitars with subtle electric or acoustic guitar melodies over a rhythm section that moves from standard rock tempos, to jazzy grooves to arena-rock beats. Keyboard harmonies are also a big part of “Export”s sound though often obscured by the ever-present guitars.
So a fair label for “Export” would be `Pomp AOR’ since they do combine catchy melodic rock with clever instrumentations, all coated by colorful arrangements. Indeed “No Escape”, “Runnign Back”, “Airwaves”, “Tear me apart”, “Can’t say no” as well as the title track are the cream of encephalic melodic music.
Clearly we are looking at a very talented team of musicians including the accomplished singer Harry Shaw, guitarist Steve Morris, bassist Chris Alderman, drummer Lou Rosenthal and keyboardist George Wallace. Overall “Living…” is the experienced AOR fan’s album – it does force one to revise their perspective of the genre.
1.Living In The Fear of The Private Eye
2.No Escape
3-Runnin' Back (For More)
4.Airwaves
5.You Make Me Wanna
6.Closer To You
7.Tear Me Apart
8.Summer Nights
9.Can't Say No
Harry Shaw – Lead Vocals
Steve Morris – Guitars
Chris Alderman – Bass
Lou Rosenthal – Drums
EXPORT – Living In The Fear Of The Private Eye [Rock Candy remaster] 2016
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