1987—Available by special arrangement with MCA Records, this compilation contains 10 of the best selections from John Kay’s 1970s solo albums, “Forgotten Songs and Unsung Heroes” and “My Sportin’ Life.” It features both his well-known version of “I’m Movin’ On” and his fine take on “Drift Away,” which (just for the record) was recorded before Dobie Gray’s version was released. Other songs: Easy Evil, Walkin’ Blues, Many A Mile, Sing With The Children, My Sportin’ Life, You Win Again, Nobody Lives Here Anymore, Somebody.
This was the last project recorded at the old American Recording Studio in Studio City, CA. It was there that we recorded six of our previous albums with Richard Podolor and Bill Cooper as engineer and producer and where our recording success had been launched. After the completion of “Paradox” the studio was moved to Woodland Hills, CA. The album title “Paradox” was derived from the fact that it’s music was unusually varied and contained songs some of which were total opposites, such as the tongue in cheek “The Fixer” (about a hit man for hire) and the more compassionate “Slender Thread of Hope”. In addition I also like “Nothing Is Forever” and “Watch Your Innocence” on which Jackie DeShannon (who co-wrote the tune) sings harmony.
Track list:
WATCH YOUR INNOCENCE (Jackie DeShannon/Duane Hitchings)
NOTHIN' IS FOREVER (John Kay/Michael Palmer/Michael Wilk)
Our first studio album of the early 80’s rebuilding period. Because of constant touring, the recording had to be done quickly. We chose to record at Ocean Way, an excellent studio in Los Angeles and to use the (then new) format of Soundstream 2-track digital. While classical and jazz recordings had been done this way, we were the first rock band to attempt this. There was no over dubbing on a 2 track machine so everything from the instruments to lead and backing vocals was recorded “live” at the same time. Consequently we all felt somewhat under pressure. However everyone, Steve Palmer, drums; Michael Palmer, guitar and Michael Wilk keyboards as well as Welton Gite, bass and Wolf alumni George Biondo and Brett Tuggle backing vocals came through with fine efforts. Engineered by our friend Kevin Kern, it put our fans on notice that we were ongoing and had our eyes on the future. Some favorite cuts are “Five Finger Discount”, “None of the Above”, “The Balance” and “Hot Night In A Cold Town”. I also liked our version of The Argent classic: “Hold Your Head Up”.
Track list:
ALL I WANT IS ALL YOU GOT (John Kay)
TIME (John Kay/Michael Palmer/Kevin Kern)
NONE OF THE ABOVE (John Kay/Michael Palmer/Steven Palmer)
YOU (John Kay)
EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF (John Kay)
HOLD YOUR HEAD UP (R. Argent/C. White)
HOT NIGHT IN A COLD TOWN (Rick Littlefield/Geoffrey Cushing-Murray)
