R I O T
 Riot has had a long and somewhat successful career dating back to the late 70's. Unfortunately for them, they have never really broken into the mainstream market in the US. The band was formed in NY, USA where they began to pick up a following with "Rock City," "Narita" and "Fire Down Under." The band broke up some time after "Born In America," and was reformed by guitarist (and sole remaining original member) Mark Reale. Metal Blade Records has recently re-released several of the older albums in the US, as well as the brand-new "Sons Of Society." Can't say that I have ever been a big fan, but I'm always willing to check out new music.

Rock City Riot-Rock City (CBS/Sony) 1977

1. "Desperation" (2:43)
2. "Warrior" (3:49)
3. "Rock City" (3:28)
4. "Overdrive" (4:12)
5. "Angel" (3:37)
6. "Tokyo Rose" (4:19)
7. "Heart of Fire" (3:00)
8. "Gypsy Queen" (3:56)
9. "This Is What I Get" (4:11)

The band's first album was originally released as an independent release released back in 1977. It's a pretty heavy record for it's time and I can imagine it would have put 'ol Uncle Ted and the mighty Aerosmith up against a wall for sheer volume. What is also amazing is that this record proved that money and marketing power were not all that were required to make a great record, for Riot had neither of these at the time. "Warrior," "Rock City," "Overdrive" all rock hard. This particular copy is a Japanese release on one of the biggest labels ever, Sony.

Inishmore Riot-Inishmore (Metal Blade) 1998

1. "Black Water" (2:42)
2. "Angel Eyes" (4:27)
3. "Liberty" (5:08)
4. "Kings Are Falling" (4:32)
5. "The Man" (3:52)
6. "Watching the Signs" (4:34)
7. "Should I Run" (4:40)
8. "Cry for the Dying" (4:38)
9. "Turning the Hands of Time" (5:07)
10. "Gypsy" (5:20)
11. "Inishmore (Forsaken Heart)" (1:44)
12. "Inishmore" -instrumental (4:34)

"Inishmore" sound so much like Rainbow that it's almost uncanny. The music is quite melodic, the songwriting is strong, the
solos shred, and the vocals are strong but to be honest, after several listens I still struggle to remember much of it. I have
picked this one up several times used only to trade it on the PM Board. I finally decided to hold onto a copy.

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