DAKOTA - DAKOTA (1980, COLUMBIA, 2002 MELODY BLVD)
Bill Kelly - guitar, lead vocals
Jerry Hludzik - guitar, lead vocals
Louie Cossa - keyboards
Jeff Mitchell - keyboards
Bill McHale - bass
John Robinson - drums

Background
Having released the album 'Somebody Else's Dream' under the moniker Jerry-Kelly in 1978, it was clear that a more suitable name and a stable lineup were needed. The name Dakota was apparently suggested by John Robinson, the session drummer who played on the album in focus here. While the logo we all know and love from the 'Runaway', 'Mr Lucky' and 'Last Standing Man' albums wasn't around yet, the cover is still very appealing - both frontmen acting as roadies hauling Dakota gear into or out of some venue, it's simple but it works. Come to think of it, that goes for the album as well..

The Songs
'If It Takes All Night' launches the Dakota career in a swirl of pomp keys and strong guitar hooks before culminating into the kind of winning anthem chorus they've managed to keep coming up with for the next 23 years. A great contrast between midtempo verses and flowing uptempo harmonised chorus, with an unexpected bridge of Survivor like proportions. This track is credited as being a minor hit, although it's unclear where it, or the album charted on the Billboard 200 chart - the truth is it deserved to be a smash. 'Crazy For Your Love' operates in smoother territory, not unlike certain tracks on the Le Roux album 'Last Safe Place' - midtempo grooves and big harmonies, West Coastish at times but always rocking hard enough to be on the AOR side of the fence. 'Possession' ushers in some cheeky synth work, soon joined by some searing Southern AOR guitar a la 38 Special, a comparison that applies throughout this boogie/AOR workout. 'You Can't Live Without It' is the only ballad on offer, and the first of only two genuine concessions to the West Coast camp. Despite that, it's still a handy tune. 'One Step' immediately rectifies the situation with rocking intent, complete with melodic chorus and staccato keys. Nearly forgot to mention, they absolutely nail the bridge as well. 'Lady' is back in Southern AOR territory, not unlike 38 Special's 'Rockin' Into The Night' with keys! 'Restless' had me fooled with the tinkling intro - what a cool rocker it becomes, all cascading vocals over irresistable hooks and a midsong bridge that would be at home on Journey's Escape (the song).

'Crazy Love' continues the anthemic straight ahead AOR theme, again replete with hints of 38 during the verses. The chorus is the epitome of simplicity, not unlike Harlequin's 'Wait For The Night' - of course it hits the spot every time. The original album closes with 'It Gets Easier', which some would claim as West Coast. Not entirely untrue, but fusion is closer to the truth, especially at guitar solo time - try George Benson meets Lee Ritenour! Still, a strong melodic track which rocks at times. However, this being the cd reissue, there are two bonus tracks. 'The Higher You Rise' brings out the majestic pomp keys before a smooth verse kicks into the kind of chorus we dream about - bombastic and anthemic, it would've done mid 80's Shooting Star very proud. It was clearly recorded between Dakota (1980) and Runaway (1984), and gives a good indication of how killer a 1982 (or so) album would have been. 'Give Love Another Try' is even better !! A hook that could cause internal bleeding, on a bed of drums the size of Alaska - and a chorus that ranks as good or better than anything on the revered 'Runaway' vinyl. It's unclear whether this was also recorded before 'Runaway', or perhaps just after.

In Summary
A special word must go out to Melody Boulevard and specifically Scott Sosebee who oversaw this reissue - the sound quality is outstanding, the liner notes from Bill Kelly are great, there are cool pictures including a ticket stub from the Queen/Dakota 1980 tour and a backstage shot of the two bands. Most copies also carry the autograph of one Jerry G Hludzik (thanks Scott!!). If all that wasn't enough, the two bonus tracks alone are worth the price. I'll treasure this disc always.

Produced By: Danny Seraphine, David 'Hawk' Wolinski
URL: www.itsaboutmusic.com/dakota.html

Track Listing:
01 If It Takes All Night
02 Crazy For Your Love
03 Possession
04 You Can't Live Without It
05 One Step
06 Lady
07 Restless
08 Crazy Love
09 It Gets Easier
10 The Higher You Rise
11 Give Love Another Try

Related Articles:

Dakota - 1980 Dakota

Dakota - 1984 Runaway

Dakota - 2000 Three Live Times Ago

Dakota - 2000 Little Victories

Dakota - Interview with Jerry Hludzik (Apr 2000)

Dakota - 2003 Lost Tracks/Last Standing Man

Dakota - 2003 Deep Six

Dakota - Interview with Jerry Hludzik (Aug 2003)

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