“Living in the Fear of the Private Eye” is the second album by British AOR/melodic rock group “Export” originally released in 1986, reissued by “Rock Candy” records in 2010.
Much like other melodic outfits hailing form the United Kingdom – namely “Heavy Pettin”, “Lionheart” and “Romeo’s Daughter”-”Export” were signed and addressed to the North American market, essentially complying with the musical standards set by such bands as “Survivor”, “Toto” and “Styx” .
Perfectly ‘Remastered & Reloaded‘ by Rock Candy Records, “Living In The Fear Of The Private Eye“, the second and final album by British AORsters EXPORT it’s a mandatory item in your collection.
The mastermind / guitarist of this band is no-other than talented Steve Morris, who later will enjoy success a part of terrific acts HEARTLAND, SHADOWMAN, NEWMAN, GRAND ILLUSION, etc.
EXPORT defied all expectations by signing to the hugely influential US based Epic Records, whilst remaining virtually unknown in not only their home town but also throughout the entire UK. Not that the deal was undeserved; far from it.
Their brand of melodic AOR yet riff-driven melodic rock found the band being lauded alongside similar, and huge selling, practitioners of the art such as FOREIGNER, JOURNEY and SURVIVOR.
‘Living In The Fear Of The Private Eye’, recorded at the end of 1985 and released 1986, was the band’s second album boasting stellar songwriting co-credits (including master of the art Bob Halligan Jr.), and recorded in Philadelphia with ‘big name’ producers / engineers Lance Quinn (Bon Jovi, Lita Ford) & Neil Dorfsman (John Farnham, Kiss) behind the desk.
The record presses all the right buttons on the catchy-yet-rugged melodic rock / AOR seismograph.
The music is quite rockin’ yet completely accessible, chock full of catchy hooks and expressive vocals courtesy of seasoned vocalist Harry Shaw, inventive guitar work by Morris, harmony layered choruses (all members contribute) and generous slashes of keyboards / synths so ’80s.
As said, with a strong American sound akin FOREIGNER, SURVIVOR or ALDO NOVA but at the same time in the same league of British contemporaries STRANGEWAYS or RIO, pearl of tracks such as the title track, the racing ‘Runnin’ Back’, the indeed breezy AOR of ‘Airwaves’, or the smooth ballad ‘Closer To You’ are must haves in your Eighties playlist.
For years a very hard to find LP vinyl and a collector’s item, finally EXPORT’s “Living In The Fear Of The Private Eye” received a proper, pristine remastered reissue by Rock Candy specialists.
A superb slice of mid-80s AOR, particularly 1986, one of the the best years in the genre’s history.
1.Living In The Fear of The Private Eye
2.No Escape
3-Runnin’ Back (For More)
4.Airwaves
5.You Make Me Wanna
6.Closer To You
7.Tear Me Apart
8.Summer Nights
9.Can’t Say No
Harry Shaw – Lead Vocals
Steve Morris – Guitars
Chris Alderman – Bass
Lou Rosenthal – Drums