707 - 707 (CD) - CD

Details: Digitally remastered edition of this album from the AOR greats. Includes 16 page full color booklet with 3,500 word essay, enhanced artwork with previously unseen photos, band involvement and new interview. There's no question that 707 had one of the most distinctive sounds of any band emerging from the late '70s. Most melodic West Coast rock acts of the era were powered almost exclusively by loud guitars, but the twist in 707's style was the prominent use of grand piano as a lead instrument. Amazingly, however, this didn't in anyway compromise their power. Indeed, the piano became a method of musical propulsion that leant them a unique and instantly identifiable character. Formed in Los Angeles during the late 70s, and led by guitarist/vocalist Kevin Russell and keyboard player Duke McFadden, this talented four-piece scored a coveted record deal with the Casablanca label, one of the hottest companies operating at the time. Recorded and issued in 1980, their self- titled debut album made an instant impact, encouraging comparisons to Toto, REO Speedwagon and Chicago. The songs were well written, superbly performed and imbued with a sense of maturity far outstripping their relatively tender years of existence. It was also a record that took everyone by surprise, including their label, when the opening track, "I Could Be Good For You", emerged as an unlikely hit single when radio stations in America s heartland started to play the song of their own accord. But that's not to say they were a one trick pony as the record contained a number of tremendous tracks, including "Let Me Live My Life", "Save Me" and the epic "You Who Needs To Know".