The ultra-requested Various – Central Illinois Rocks - FM 104 WDBR from 1983

 

For some reason this record sells in the hundreds of dollars but comes up regularly for sale.  I think it was requested in the past but so long ago I don't remember by whom.  When I had a bit of extra money I splurged and now you can enjoy it thanks to that lucky money.  It reminds me a little, at least in some passages, of my old favourite Ambush with the US late style hard rock, though by side b there are some soul songs, which are equally competent overall.  

The best track I think without a doubt is the proto-hair metal or G 'n' R Everlasting Love by a band called Idol Rumors which sadly didn't record anything, so far as the database can be relied on, and here it is:

Note the wonderful tritonal opening riff which sadly leads into an E riff.  To their credit these guys move out of that super-simplistic key and develop the song into alternations of G and B flat.  What a thrill it must have been for these youngsters to hammer out that hard-assed song, presumably on fender strats.

Record information here.

Art Carey and Magnum Force perform a lovely late-soul track:

Enjoy this nice slice of 40 years ago rock.

Read the liner notes on the back which serve to explain a little the situation with this LP which start like this:

Now in its third year, the Miller High Life Rock to Riches Talent Search offers a new avenue on the road to success in the music business.  Already the careers of the Jon Butcher Axis, John Bongiovi, Twisted Sister, and 1981's National Winners, the Stompers, have exploded since participation in the Search for the Superstars of the 80s.  And the excitement is just beginning for 1982's National Winner 'Artist'.

From Boston to LA more than 40,000 bands have entered the contest, searching for the break that will land them the grand prize of 25000$ in Rickenbacker music equip. and most importantly a national recording contract with a major record label etc...

I guess this LP belongs to a lengthy series, anyone know anything about it in totality?