A few weeks ago we featured the very rare Japanese edition of BRICKLIN 1986’s self-titled album, but occurs there was as well a remastered version reissued by AOR Heaven Records some time ago which seems suffered from manufacturing problems and it wasn’t reprinted again – only a few fine copies were sold, and now it’s a collectible rarity .
Here’s in exclusive “Bricklin [AOR Heaven Classix remaster +3]“, a fantastic sounding remaster and including 3 bonus tracks.
While “Bricklin” wasn’t a big hit – A&M Records never properly promoted the album – this is a well crafted, major production record much sought after by AOR fans and ’80s music aficionados. When BRICKLIN’s self-titled debut album was released in 1986 the music world was still a good place. But despite having their debut LP being released by a major record label, the band around brothers Scott and Brian Bricklin didn’t to succeed.
Probably because musically BRICKLIN didn’t fit into any regular scheme, as they mixed American Melodic Rock a la BEAU COUP, THE ARROWS and VITAL SIGNS with British New Romantic pop-rock in the vein of LEVEL 42 and SPANDAU BALLET – and A&M Records executives weren’t able to properly sell / promote the band.
So for the rockers the BRICKLIN sound was too Lite AOR and keyboard-oriented, while for the poppers it was too heavy and guitar-driven. The sextet was caught between all stools with their perfectly produced song material and no fanbase could go for them.
Anyhow, over the years the album turned a cult item among AOR circles / fans, and into an out-of-print rarity with people paying over 50 dollars for a CD / LP at eBay.
So, in the long term, songs like ‘Fear Of Life’, ‘Even When You’re Done With Me’, ‘If This Love’, ‘How Come I?’ or the outstanding ‘She’s Not My Girl’ found its audience: fans of elegant, elaborated lite AOR / rock&pop with a Hi-Tech touch.
Scott Bricklin is a so much talented songwriter, all songs here are melodic, with essence. Add to that a very good musicianship and top class / major production, and the sound of “Bricklin’ is excellent.
This AOR Heaven Records remaster is excellent, detailed and powerful. Those Simmons drums blast out of the speakers!
HIGHLY Recommended
01 – Fear Of Life
02 – For Her Love
03 – Even When You’re Done With Me
04 – All I Know
05 – Love Without Pain
06 – If This Is Love
07 – All You Own
08 – She’s Not My Girl
09 – How Come I?
10 – The Sleeping Dream
BONUS TRACKS:
11 – Love Life (Previously Unreleased)
12 – Love Machine (Previously Unreleased)
13 – Walk Away
Scott Bricklin – vocals, guitar, keyboards, percussion
Ian Cross – guitar, keyboards, vocals
Brian Bricklin – guitar, vocals, keyboards
James Goetz – bass, vocals
Eddie Bader – drums, vocals
Jake Meyer – vocals, keyboards, percussion
with:
Jim Salomone – Linn, Simmons drums, fairlight
Randy Canton – fairlight, synths
Douglas Grisby III – cameo bass on 4, 6