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Articles > 1985 Articles > Fortune - 1985 Fortune
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Fortune - 1985 Fortune


FORTUNE - FORTUNE (1985, CAMEL/MCA)
L.A (Larry) Greene - vocals
Richard Fortune - guitars
Roger Scott Craig - keyboards
Bobby Birch - bass, saxophones
Mick Fortune - drums

Background
One of the definitive pomp classics is this one and only album by the Los Angeles based band Fortune. Very much in the same mould as Giuffria or early House Of Lords, without the over the top guitar heroics. A band that was able to create a textured sound with lots of intricate keyboard work meshing nicely with layered guitar. Not much known about the guys in their formative history, apart from Roger Scott Craig who was previously with UK 70's popsters Liverpool Express. But we certainly know a bit about them during and after this album that's for sure. The big Kevin Beamish production was responsible for bringing out the best in these guys, and it tells on the songs.

The Songs
Most of the album's arrangements were done by keyboardist Roger Scott Craig, and you hear his influence throughout precedings. A couple of pomp masterpieces get us going in the form of 'Thrill Of It All' and 'Smoke From A Gun'. We undertake a ballad interlude with 'Stacy' which holds us up for a moment before we storm back into the trademark Fortune sound with 'Bad Blood'. Most AOR'sters will know the pomp classic 'Dearborn Station', it's one of the highlights on the album. The pomp assault continues with 'Lonely Hunter', 'Deep In The Heart Of The Night' and 'Stormy Night'. Another highlight is '98 In The Shade', a real moody number which finishes the album off in style.

In Summary
In typical 'one album wonders' fashion, the band went as fast as they came. No real promotion of the album was forthcoming. I suspect their style was quite hard to promote, because it was so uniquely different. Therefore, they became an automatic entry in the AOR Hall of fame!! Since then, Greene and Craig got back onto the AOR path with the superb Harlan Cage (refer MTM Records), while Bobby Birch has played with the Mark Ashton Band, as well as Warpipes (featuring Elton John's backing band a la Davey Johnstone, Guy Babylon etc) and is still the resident touring bassist with Elton John's band. As for the Fortune brothers, from which the band owes its name, they are still involved in the industry where Richard is now a music producer. During 2004, we finally saw the re-release of this great album on the bands own Gypsy Rock Records, which features three extra tracks. Do yourself a favour and track this essential CD down before it too disappears off into the sunset.

Track Listing:
01 Thrill Of It All
02 Smoke From A Gun
03 Stacy
04 Bad Blood
05 Dearborn Station
06 Lonely Hunter
07 Deep In The Heart Of The Night
08 Stormy Love
09 Out On The Streets
10 '99' In The Shade

2004 Bonus Tracks
11 Home Free
12 Breakin' Down The Door
13 Heart Of Stone

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Posted by gdazegod on August 17, 2003 · 10 Comments · 816 Reads · Print

 
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Comments
#1 | Vincenzo on November 24, 2007
The reissue by Gypsy Rock is a MUST HAVE but...but the sound quality is obscene. I think that they has reissued it pouring an old LP directly into CD. This is mad for me. Though the reissue is indispensable.
#2 | gdazegod on November 25, 2007
Perhaps some others might like to offer an opinion on the Gypsy Rock recording of this album. It wouldn't surprise me that the band have taken affairs into their own hands, after not getting any help from their previous (unhelpful) label. I know one of the reasons why Roger Scott Craig opted out of the music scene is because of the state of the music industry, both in terms of record labels and intellectual property ownership of your own music, but also the consumer side, particularly the illegal download situation.
#3 | Vincenzo on November 25, 2007
Perhaps i can be wrong, but i think that the band and Gypsy Rock was forced for this presumed (for me) vinyl transfer, because the previous (unhelpful) label maybe loses the master. Thus, if that were the case, Gypsy Rock and the band are justified.
#4 | Jez on June 13, 2008
I like this alot and for years had a vinyl copy until the re-issue a couple of years ago. But,put this up against other 'classix' of the time & it does fall short for me ,I think due to the sameness of some of the material - (my same critic of the Harlan Cage stuff). That being said, it does contain some excellent tracks, and the new remastering job sounds great.The new studio track i like aswell. Definately one to add to the collection, but a classic is overdoing it a little for me.
#5 | george_the_jack on June 28, 2008
This album is THE FLAG of AOR music shining in the middle of the 80s decade!
#6 | reyno-roxx on June 28, 2008
Mr Jack, are you sure you're not AORPOMPY in disguise? That sounds just like our old friend Freddy, whose input is sadly missed.
#7 | DEMONAOR on July 21, 2008
Mega Mega AOR Albumgunsgunsgunsscore 10guns
#8 | jeffduran on July 22, 2008
This was the first AOR I tracked down as a little nard. A bit overhyped although some of these cuts are just amazing! Mega AOR indeed!
#9 | jeffrey343 on July 22, 2008
Wow, this is pretty darn good! It's out there on Rhapsody, and I've given it a couple of listens today. This must be the remastered version, even though it is on the Gypsy Rock label. Each song is quite good. I keep finding all sorts of good stuff thanx to you guys!
#10 | george_the_jack on May 21, 2009
GREAT GREAT album but who's Freddy? This is a favorite of mine.Still don't dare to compare it though with (the well known) British AOR milestones!!!! Where's Mr Ouesy with my all time classic Virginia Wolf debut? music
 
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