Here's a little rarity from the early 90's being reissued from the folks at Avenue of Allies. If Only were a hard rock band that were created from the demise of UK act Moritz, and featured guitarist Greg Hart, bassist Ian Edwards, drummer Andy Elphick, and vocalist Larraine Bennington, later replaced by former Girlschool singer Jackie Bodimead. The band was rounded out by Nobby Styles on Guitars and Judit Armstrong on Keyboards.
No Bed of Roses was their one and only release before they disbanded, and listening to this album today you can kind of see why. Though their formula of commercial, female fronted hard rock harkens back to Heart and 80's hair metal, much of what you hear on No Bed of Roses is extemely dated and cliche ridden, lacking memorable hooks that will make you want to come back for more. Produced by Asia/Yes/Buggles keyboard legend Geoff Downes, the album has a slick & polished sound, and the musicianship is very solid, especially the crisp guitar work of Hart. Bennington is actually a fine vocalist, and you can easily hear the comparisons to Ann Wilson, Stevie Nicks, and perhaps even Lita Ford. Best track here is the heavy rocking title song, complete with some fist pumping riffs and a powerful lead vocal from Beddington. Otherwise, lots of generic pop metal and AOR, competently played and slick but really lacking anything that will pull you back for more than a few casual listens.
Track Listing
1. Loaded Gun (5:29) (Writers: Greg Hart, Tina Egan)
2. Tumblin' Dice (4:51) (Writers: Greg Hart, Bob Mitchell)
3. If Love Could Last Forever (4:38)
(Writers: Bob Marlette, Greg Hart, Jackie Bodimead)
4. I'm No Angel (5:47) (Writers: Brian Marshall, John Willoughby)
5. No Bed Of Roses (4:45)
(Writers: Ian Edwards, Greg Hart, Martin Chaisson, Jackie Bodimead)
6. Easy Lay (3:58) (Writers: Brian Marshall, John Willoughby)
7. Rock And A Hard Place (4:51) (Writers: Greg Hart, Jackie Bodimead)
8. Red Hot Heaven (4:51) (Writers: Martin Chaisson, Jackie Bodimead)
9. Ghost of You (4:02) (Writers: Greg Hart, Bob Mitchell)
10. Forever My Love (4:36) (Writer: Bob Marlette)
11. Long Way From Home (6:26) (Writers: Greg Hart, Nobby Styles, Tina Egan)
12. Man Against The World (2:58) (Writers: Ian Edwards, Jackie Bodimead, Greg Hart, Andy Elphick, Martin Chaisson, Toby Sadler)
Bonus tracks :
13. All Over (3:57) (Writers: Greg Hart, Jackie Bodimead, Martin Chaisson)
14. Stand Like A Stone (4:00) (Writers: Tony Cox, Arnie Roman)
15. Don't Let Go (4:00) (Writers: Greg Hart, Jackie Bodimead)
16. Shotdown (4:49)
(Writers: Greg Hart, Jackie Bodimead, Martin Chaisson, Bob Marlette)
17. Tight Jeans (live) (4:16) (Writers: Brian Marshall, John Willoughby)
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
