Thrills - Front Page News (1981) [2008]

Considered one of the greatest American Pomp-AOR albums ever, THRILLS 1981’s second effort “Front Page News” is a gem from the sub-genre. Fortunately the stupendous – and sadly short-lived – specialized reissue label AOR-FM Records remastered “Front Page News” for the first time on CD, now a rare piece and collector’s item.
Thrills’ ”Front Page News” isn’t just a follow-up album—it’s a confident leap forward, capturing a band hitting its creative stride in the golden age of early ‘80s rock / AOR. Released in 1981 on the heels of their well-received debut ‘First Thrills’, this sophomore effort finds the band refining their sound with sharper hooks, deeper production, and a clear sense of direction.
Recorded at Smoketree Ranch in Chatsworth, California, the sessions for ‘Front Page News’ were marked by relentless late-night creativity. With engineer Doug Parry and producers Mike Frenchik and Tom Ingegno at the helm for IF Productions, the album benefits from a clean but vibrant production style. It gives each track room to breathe while preserving the raw charm that made Thrills such a standout act on the regional circuit.

Tracks:

01 – You Don’t Remember Me
02 – Don’t You Know
03 – Tonight
04 – Take A Bite
05 – I’ll Be On My Way
06 – Teaser
07 – Explorer Time
08 – Front Page News
09 – Follow Your Dream
10 – Take Me Away
11 – High Side Of 55
12 – Smiling (Bonus Track)

Personnel:

Tony Monaco; lead and backing vocals, keyboards
Dave Fullerton: guitars, backing vocals, lead vocals on 3, 10
Bill Gilbert: bass, backing vocals, lead vocals on 12
Rob Owens: drums, backing vocals, lead vocals on 7
Bonnie Hollis: vocals on 3