Kevin Bryan delivers his verdict on some interesting new releases

Wild Horses,”Standing Our Ground-Complete Recordings 1978-1981” (HNE/Cherry Red)- This all encompassing 6 CD set brings together every recording that this relatively short lived rock “supergroup” made during its brief existence, drawing on an assortment of studio albums, demos, singles and live recordings which were captured for posterity at London’s legendary Marquee Club and Tokyo’s Nakano Sun Plaza in 1980. Wild Horses were formed in 1978 when gritty Glaswegians Brian Robertson and Jimmy Bain parted company with Thin Lizzy and Rainbow respectively after contributing to a couple of highly regarded live albums, and their tuneful approach to the hard rock genre often echoed the creative output of Robertson’s previous employers. Their Trevor Rabin produced debut set was a particularly impressive piece of work which found the band striving manfully to establish themselves as a solid commercial proposition via fine tracks such as “Street Girl,” “Criminal Tendencies” and their Phil Lynott collaboration,”Flyaway.”

Joe Martin,”Alone in Valentine” (North Star Records)- The second studio album from Lancashire born singer-songwriter Joe Martin mines a rich vein of instantly memorable Americana, drawing on the invaluable musical contributions of Cal Campbell and Cornelius Webb ,the gifted sons of the late great Glen Campbell and legendary tunesmith Jim Webb of “Wichita Linesman” fame. The refreshingly pure contents were recorded at the Campbell residence in the country music capital of Nashville, Tennessee, with some of the city’s finest session talents playing their parts in underpinning Martin’s creative exploits as the album was essentially laid down live in the space of just seven short days. Authenticity is the name of the game as Martin draws on such admirable influences as Bob Dylan, The Eagles and the criminally underrated Townes Van Zandt in assembling an affecting package which showcases melodic gems such as “Hand Me Down Heart” and “Brown Paper Bag.”

Night Ranger,”Neverland” (Floating World / Voiceprint)- This San Franciscan hard rock quintet rose to public prominence in the early eighties, notching up a string of U.S. hit singles with easy on the ear power ballads such as “When You Close Your Eyes” and “Sister Christian.” This run of chart success wasn’t destined to last too long however, and the then current incarnation of the band finally gave up the ghost in 1989. Night Ranger were tempted to return to the fray with their original five man line up in 1996 and “Neverland” first saw the light of day a year or so later. The eclectic contents are workmanlike rather than inspired, although the muscular contributions of guitarists Jeff Watson and Brad Gillis are certainly well worth investigating.