The 1981 Listening Post - Benny Mardones - Too Much to Lose

 Reviewed by Aaron Conte

Released: 1981 Benny Mardones Too Much To Lose Genre: Unironic Guitar Pop Rock Rating: 2 out of 5 This is the sound of a man trying to recapture a formula for solid gold hits circa 1981/1982. Big drums that clearly required a studio drummer to have the Bonham triplet foot, while Benny gives it his best Robert Plant. I suppose this record might fly today what with all the shows on tv attempting to introduce us all to the newest show voice belter. This is an episode of The Voice in the age of Gimme A Break! Benny doing his level best to set his earnest, confessional poetry to beer commercial music. All 80s movies background themes with vocals. There is an occasional throw back to Frankie Valli stylistically, interesting how they managed to blend 1950s with early 80s sonics. I did enjoy this but really only to reminisce and poke fun at it, so not fair. Not recommended.

The 1980 Listening Post - Benny Mardones - Never Run Never Hide

 Benny Mardones - Never Run Never Hide

1980 Housekeeping

Benny Mardones

Never Run Never Hide

Genre: Rock

4 out of 5

Highlights:

She’s So French

Mighta Been Love

Into the Night

“She just 16 years old. Leave her alone, they said.”

How have we not cancelled this song yet? I mean, it’s catchy as hell but it’s statutory rape that doesn’t even hide it. 

Oy. It’s as sus as they come, man.

Here’s the thing, though. The rest of the record is pretty damend good melodic rock and that shocked the hell out of me. It’s that exact melodic rock that straddles the late 70s and the early 80s. Perfect for movie soundtracks and also for driving your Volkswagen Cabriolet with the top down, sporting your white rimmed shades. 

https://music.apple.com/us/album/never-run-never-hide/1443542858