Songs That Remind Me of



   ARTIST

SONG

ALBUM

YEAR


   AC/DC

Let's Get It Up For Those About To Rock We Salute You1981
   A huge song from a huge album. I'm glad it's not overplayed today.

   Bryan Adams

Lonely Nights You Want It - You Got It1981
   Although Adams was trying to find his sound on a few tracks I thought this album had at least four great songs worthy of being a strong follow-up to this debut. For some reason one wasn't chosen. (Thanks Mark G.)

   Bryan Adams

Take Me Back Cuts Like A Knife1983
   Bryan Adams' first couple of albums had a good number of songs that rocked. I get bummed when guys like him trade this in for a more adult contemporary sound.

   April Wine

Oowatanite Stand Back1975
   What's that April Wine song that starts with the train bells?

   April Wine

Shot Down The Whole World's Goin' Crazy1976
   I can't believe this wasn't a hit outside of St. Louis. It's never on any of the compilation CDs and still isn't cited by critics as a better song on the album. It's one that always gets me fired up.

   April Wine

Sign Of The Gypsy Queen Nature of the Beast1981
   1981 was a great year for album rock. This was an example of a band that had paid its dues and finally hit it big. It's an injustice only 'Just Between You And Me' from this album gets airplay today.

   April Wine

All Over Town Nature of the Beast1981
   Unlike Sign of the Gypsy Queen, many people have a tough time remembering this song by its somewhat generic title. This is the rocking song that kicks off the album that makes people go 'Oh Yeah' when they hear it again.

   Atlanta Rhythm Section

Homesick Quinella1981
   When I first heard this I found it hard to believe it was the same band I knew for 'So Into You' and 'Imaginary Lovers'. Here they really sounded like a Southern Rock band.

   The Babys

Everytime I Think Of You Head First1978
   The Babys had some good songs that started as a ballad but built up to a rockin' song. This is one of better ones I don't hear much today.

   The Babys

Back On My Feet Again Union Jacks1980
   Produced by Keith Olsen, this song has the Babys at their best… ready to rock, even when John Waite sings about being lonely.

   Bad Company

Crazy Circles Desolation Angels1979
   How stoked was I during the summer of '79 when I bought the 45 Rock & Roll Fantasy and Crazy Circles was its B-Side? This song continued to get strong airplay during KWK's prime years.

   The Beat

Don't Wait Up For Me The Beat1979
   KWK played more than Journey, Rush and Styx. They also played some great power pop that barely got played anywhere else, including this gem from The Beat. This fantastic debut album, and many others in its genre, kind of got ignored when the rock press turned on The Knack. In order to avoid confusion with The English Beat, the follow-up album was credited to Paul Collins' Beat, which produced another big KWK hit. (Thanks Val P.)

   The Beatles

Penny Lane Rarities1980
   Played daily long before and after KWK rocked FM 106, the version off this album has the extra trumpet riff at the end. It still hasn't been released on CD and when I hear this ending I always remember KWK played this version.

   Pat Benatar

Looking For A Stranger Get Nervous1982
   Pat changed her sound and look (inspiration for Toni Basil?) to fit in more with MTV. Even though it sounds dated, it's still a great song.

   The Blend

The Prize Anytime Delight1979
   Eagles producer Bill Szymczyk was the Executive producer on this Maine band's second album for MCA. Saddly, band leader and writer Jim Drown passed away in 2002 at the age of 55. (Thanks to Val P.)

   Bliss Band

Doctor Neon Smiles1979
   Doctor came from the same album that produced the original version of That's The Way That It Is, a KWK hit three years later for Uriah Heep.

   Blue Öyster Cult

Shooting Shark The Revolution by Night1983
   One of the last good 7+ minute songs in rock (Knockin' at Your Back Door by Deep Purple and What You Give by Tesla also come to mind).

   Blue Öyster Cult

Take Me Away The Revolution by Night1983
   Co-written by Aldo Nova. Makes sense now, doesn't it?

   Michael Bolton

Fools Game Michael Bolton1983
   It's funny to think that this is Mr. Time Love and Tenderness himself. I own a Columbia compilation album called METAL MANIA that has this tune and also features Judas Priest, Fastway and Aerosmith. This song was co-written by Touch lead singer Mark Mangold.

   Bon Jovi

She Don't Know Me Bon Jovi1984
   KWK got the jump on Runaway, playing a demo produced by Billy Squier a year or so before the album came out. When the album was recorded the label wanted them to record this song written by Mark Avsec, who had been in Breathless and co-wrote Ah Leah! with Donnie Iris. The band has since stopping playing this song. Too bad, it's a good one.

   Breathless

Takin' It Back Breathless1979
   I was a bit bummed when I bought the 45 of Hold The Line by Toto and the B-side, Takin' It Back, was not this song. When I later got the album, I was glad to see one of the band guys wearing a Blues jersey. I later found out these guys were from Cleveland.

   Martin Briley

Salt In My Tears One Night with a Stranger1983
   One of the many songs (including Def Leppard's Pyromania hits) that KHTR played more than most other top 40 stations in the US. My belief was that was caused by KWK's competition.

   Brownsville Station

Lady (Put The Light On Me) Brownsville Station 1977
   I never knew why KWK played this, but not their original version of Smokin' In The Boys Room. Also from this album was The Martian Boogie, but KWK only played a sample of that song in a commercial that claimed Fat Cats was the 'Boogie Capital of the USA'.

   Jim Capaldi

Living On The Edge Fierce Heart1983
   KWK didn't play much by Traffic, but they did play this song by their drummer (the only consistent member other than Steve Winwood).

   Tony Carey

I Won't Be Home Tonight Tony Carey / I Won't Be Home Tonight 1983
   This album came out in two versions: One was 'Tony Carey' with the red cover and the other, 'I Won't Be Home Tonight', had a drawing of Tony's back as he was approaching a spaceship.

   Tony Carey

A Fine Fine Day Some Tough City1984
   It's funny that with three great lead singers in less than 10 years, Rainbow could've had a fourth instead of only using Tony's keyboard talents.

   Tony Carey

The First Day of Summer Some Tough City1984
   Tony was prolific in '83-'84. Two solo albums, and two Planet P albums. The second Planet P Project release, Pink World, was a double album.

   Peter Cetera

Livin' In The Limelight Peter Cetera1981
   Can this be the same guy who left Chicago and recorded all those soft hits?

   Cheap Trick

Stop This Game All Shook Up1980
   One of those with a heavy fade-in, this album was produced by Beatles master George Martin.

   Cheap Trick

I Can't Take It Next Position Please1983
   Produced by Todd Rundgren, this has a great AM sound. Sad that 4 years after the live At Budokan album these guys were playing Six Flags.

   Chilliwack

Fly At Night Dreams, Dreams, Dreams1977
   A song that predates KWK, but still makes me think of the old station. It fit right in with the high vocals and great opening guitar riff.

   Paul Collins' Beat

On the Highway The Kids Are The Same1982
   On the Highway, for better or for worse, sounded like Paul Collins' attempt to get airplay after his band's debut got only nominal play with 'Rock And Roll Girl' (outside St. Louis) and 'Don't Wait Up For Me'. Before The Beat, Collins had been in The Nerves with Peter Case. Case's band, The Plimsouls, would have a hit in May of 1982 with 'A Million Miles Away', a song that would live on for decades thanks in part to its inclusion in the film Valley Girl. (Thanks Val P.)

   Chalie Daniels Band

ReflectionsMillion Mile Reflections1979
   This is a mellow tribute to Elvis, Janis Joplin and especially Ronnie Van Zant. I still get chills when I hear Charlie singing about being in St. Louis when he heard the Freebird had fallen. (Thanks Mark G. and Val P.)

   Chalie Daniels Band

Still In SaigonWindows1982
   Charlie Daniels had two consecutive huge albums, Million Mile Reflections and Full Moon, that got him a lot of airplay on Rock, Country and top 40 stations. This was the first track from his follow up, Windows. Unfortunately this moving tribute seemed to be the last of his steady stream of big hits, but his fans know he's continued to make great music. I didn't realize it at the time, but Charlie may have been the oldest guy with new hits on KWK, having been born in 1936, the year after Elvis was born, but 9 years before Eric Clapton was born.

   Rick Derringer

Don't Ever Say Goodbye Guitars and Women1979
   Produced by Todd Rundgren, I still find it amazing that this is the same guy who sang the oldie 'Hang On Sloopy'.

   Dave Edmunds

Slipping Away Information1983
   Produced and written by Jeff Lynne, it's a great song that was a serious change for Dave Edmunds after Rockpile. I remember he played Six Flags on this tour.

   Dave Edmunds

Almost Saturday Night Twangin'1981
   An old John Fogarty tune, this song did not stay on KWK's playlist long after its initial release. It's the only record I bought on Zeppelin's Swan Song Records other than Bad Company and Zep/Plant.

   Fastway

Easy Livin' Fastway1983
   Speaking of Zeppelin, these guys got a fraction of the grief Kingdome Come would get 5 years later for 'ripping off' the Zeppelin sound. I loved it.

   Fastway

Say What You Will Fastway1983
   The first time I heard this I wanted to learn the opening guitar riff. As KWK started to add more top 40 songs I was always happy when this came on.

   Don Felder

Heavy Metal Heavy Metal (OST)1981
   Long heavy fade in (common on KWK) on this song from the movie we all wanted to see made me wonder for a minute if Joe Walsh was really the coolest Eagle.

   Don Felder

Bad Girls Airborne1983
   As much as I liked this song, I always thought this solo sounded just like the one he played on Heavy Metal.

   Don Felder

Never Surrender Airborne1983
   Hey is that Kenny Loggins singing background vocals? I guess it makes sense if he co-wrote this with Don. (Thanks to Val P.)

   Jay Ferguson

Shakedown Cruise Real Life Ain't This Way1979
   It seemed like during the summer of 1979 KWK only had a few records and this was definitely one of them.

   Firefall

Strange Way Elan1978
   Featuring a Flying Burrito Brother and the drummer from The Byrds, Firefall scored a couple of big light hits with songs like 'You Are The Woman'. 'Strange Way' sounded almost like it came from a different band. Its sound fit perfectly on KWK while bigger earlier hits weren't played much if at all on KWK.

   Dan Fogelberg

Tullamore Dew / Phoenix Phoenix1979
   Until this album Fogelberg had the same respect on rock stations that The Eagles and Jackson Browne had earned. His big hit from this album, 'Longer', (along with numerous future hits) helped to reclassify him as an Adult Contemporary singer, but this title track showed Fogelberg could rock. (Thanks to Val P.)

   Foreigner

You're All I Am Double Vision1978
   Produced by Keith Olsen. Foreigner made solid albums, often with a great ballad like this. Unfortunately the ballads became the scapegoat when their success waned.

   Foreigner

WomenHead Games1979
   I liked this album better than the mega popular 4. It's got a good consistent rock sound throughout and I'll Get Even With You has some of the catchiest melodies they did. Women was a bit of a different song for them, but that opening guitar line brings me back to KWK.

   Foreigner

Break It Up 41981
   This was the biggest album of the fall of '81 (or was it Billy Squier's Don't Say No?), and while Juke Box hero still reminds me of KWK, it still gets played a lot, unlike this KWK gem.

   Peter Frampton

Breaking All The Rules Breaking All The Rules1981
   Hard to believe, but just 5 years after Frampton Comes Alive! critics were calling this album Peter's second comeback attempt. This rockin' song, which first appeared the previous year on the South American release 'Rise Up', should've gotten more than the brief amount of airplay it received. Five years later Frampton scored another AOR hit with 'Lying'.

   Chuck Francour

Under The Boulevard Lights Under The Boulevard Lights 1980
   Produced by George Tobin with Mike Piccirillo. I don't really know much about these guys, but I know more than I know about Chuck. They also worked on albums for Robert John and Kim Carnes, which leads me to believe they were in house at EMI America. The song was written by Piccirillo and Gary Goetzman. Goetzman went on to produce mvoies like Stop Making Sense, Silence of the Lambs, Philadelphia and My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Supposedly there was a video for this song shown on HBO's Video Jukebox. I always wondered if the bridge of this song was a tribute to Springsteen's Born to Run.

   Frankie & The Knockouts

Running Into The Night Frankie & The Knockouts1981
   While the rest of the country turned the pop friendly song Sweetheart into a top 10 hit, KWK instead chose to play this.

   Frida

I Know There's Something Goning On Something's Going On1982
   How did this woman from ABBA end up being played on stations like KWK? Maybe it was the production by Phil Collins or the song writing by Russ Ballard (Rainbow's Since You Been Gone, Santana's Winning, etc.)

   Gamma

I'm Alive Gamma 11979
   Ronnie Montrose on guitar and future Night Ranger member Alan Fitzgerald on keys. Fitz can be seen on this back cover without his sunglasses. I recently discovered this was a cover of a UK number one hit for The Hollies in 1965.

   Genesis

Like It Or Not Abacab1981
   It's funny to think of hearing Phil Collins in the same set as AC/DC or Ozzy Osbourne, but it used to happen. This song was written by Mike Rutherford.

   Ray Gomez

Make Your Move Volume1980
   Upset by the lack of promotion from his label, Ray returned to session guitar work after this debut album. His can be seen on the back of Scandal's debut EP.

   Barry Goudreau

Dreams Barry Goudreau1980
   My friends and I always called this The Lost Boston Song.

   Sammy Hagar

Run For Your Life / Danger Zone Danger Zone1980
   A cover of a song by Runner. I'm glad Sammy did this because I like it so much better than the original version.

   Sammy Hagar

Can't Get Loose Standing Hampton1981
   Standing Hampton was another huge album in KWK's arsenal. One out of at least 5 songs that got played, not hearing this on the radio today reminds me of KWK.

   Sammy Hagar

Remember The Heroes Three Lock Box1983
   Co-written by Jonathan Cain, produced by Keith Olsen.

   Heart

Allies Passionworks1983
   Written by Jonathan Cain, produced by Keith Olsen. (Sound familiar?)

   INXS

Don't Change Shabooh Shoobah1983
   A song that gave KWK a modern sound, I'm surprised, but glad, that it hasn't been overplayed through the years.

   Donnie Iris

Ah! Leah! Back on the Streets1980
   A powerful and memorable intro, a lot more people could sing the opening lines of this than name its artist. Iris had a huge hit 'The Rapper' in the early 70s with his band Jaggerz. Good or bad, that oldie isn't a standard on most stations today. (Although I think its intro may have inspired the Beavis & Butthead theme.)

   Jefferson Starship

Can't Find Love Winds of Change1982
   Jefferson Starship in the KWK years consisted of Mickey Thomas, Grace Slick and Paul Kantner. This forgotten song was one of the many (Stranger, Jane, Find Your Way Back) heard a lot on KWK. I don't know if there was any band from the 60s that had as many new KWK hits.

   Journey

Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin' /
City of the Angels
Evolution1979
   Played together in many markets when it was released, today I hear Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin' on the radio more than I could hope, but NEVER with City of the Angels (unless I happen to be in Kansas City).

   Journey

Too Late Evolution1979
   This ballad blows away Open Arms and Faithfully. Hearing this really makes me miss guitar solos in modern songs.

   Journey

Just the Same WayEvolution1979
   One of the last great Journey songs to start with Gregg Rolie on lead vocals.

   Journey

Where Were You? Departure1980
   In a three year period Journey cranked out 'Infinity', 'Evolution', 'Departure' and 'Escape', plus the double live 'Captured'. This was the strong follow-up to 'Anyway You Want It'.

   Journey

Stone In Love Escape1981
   There were so many great albums released in 1981 and this song was on the air as much as any other song from this album, but is rarely heard today [Or that was the case when I first wrote this... I've been hearing it again quite a bit lately.]

   Kansas

On the Other SideMonolith1979
   It took Kansas a couple of years (forever back then) to follow up Point of Know Return with another studio album. The song was given a good share of airplay upon its release, but significantly less by the time their next album was released.

   Kansas

People Of The Southwind Monolith1979
   The keyboard intro of this was a staple on KWK during all its glory years.

   Kansas

Everybody's My Friend Drastic Measures1983
   John Elefante was only in Kansas for two albums, but he sang some great songs during that time.

   The Kings

This Beat Goes On / Switchin' To Glide The Kings Are Here1980
   A bit of new wave rock that mysteriously went out of print early after its release given that it was on a major label, had national airplay and was produced by Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd's the Wall, Kiss, Alice Cooper, etc.)

   Krokus

Screaming In The Night Headhunter1983
   Too bad they decided to follow up this album by covering Sweet's great hit Ballroom Blitz.

   Loverboy

Take Me To The Top Get Lucky1981
   A plodding synth beat, but the guitars and vocals make it a great song in between a ballad and a rocker.

   Loverboy

Strike Zone Keep It Up1983
   On this tour these guys sold out 2 nights at the Checkerdome when Supertramp, always a strong draw in St. Louis, barely missed selling out for one night on their last Roger Hodgson tour. Guys over 20 were not happy.

   Manfred Mann's Earth Band

For You Chance1980
   The third time (after Blinded By the Light and Spirit in the Night) Manfred Mann's Earth Band scored a hit by covering a song from Bruce Springsteen's first album. They'd only be heard once again with 'Runner' 3+ years later. Trevor Rabin was the associate producer on this album.

   Frank Marino

Strange Dreams Juggernaut1982
   Mahogany Rush was one of those bands I knew rocked (and headlined Kiel), but had no songs I could name. I don't remember if KWK played anything by them, but they played this track a lot from their guitarist.

   Marshall Tucker Band

It Takes TimeTenth1980
   This was the last radio hit I remember from Marshall Tucker. I've seen them live in the years since, often not knowing who was a member back in the 70s, but they've always sounded really good.

   Bob & Doug McKenzie

Take Off Great White North1982
   Like it or hate it, KWK played this as SCTV's popularity and creativity peaked. Add fellow Canadian Geddy Lee (for 10 bucks) and you've got a popular novelty hit that was soon forgotten.

   Men At Work

Be Good Johnny Business As Usual1982
   Unknown upon the release of 'Business As Usual', the popularity of MTV and Top 40 bands like Men At Work would help significantly change KWK's format in 1983. Men At Work's fame exploded in the US in 1982 with lots of talk about their videos and what was in a vegemite sandwich. 'Be Good Johnny' was a popular AOR track that was not released as a single.

   Missouri

Movin' On Missouri / Welcome Two1977/9
   Predating the debut of KWK by about a year, the original version of this song from the 1977 debut, along with its intro, fit right in on KWK. Having the Arch on the cover of the self titled album fooled me into thinking they were local band. Of course, they were from Kansas City. Missouri decided to re-record 'Movin' On' for their sophomore, and big label debut, release 'Welcome Two'. From that time on KWK played the intro from the first album into the version of 'Movin' On' from the second.

   Eddie Money

Runnin' Away No Control1982
   KWK programmers did a great job in playing this often overlooked song from the very popular album.

   Moving Pictures

What About Me Days of Innocence1982
   This may be an example of KHTR's influence on KWK's programming. KWK didn't usually play a ballad like this unless a band had established itself as a rock band. I was always baffled by why this was re-released in 1989.

   Moxy

Sail On Sail Away Moxy1976
   This song had been on St. Louis radio for a few years when KWK picked it up, but it always sounded fresh along with the other songs KWK played. On their fouth album, Under the Lights, Buzz Shearman was replaced on lead vocals by Mike Rynosky, who would shorten his last name to Reno when Loverboy was formed.

   Nantucket

Heartbreaker Nantucket1977
   These guys were from North Carolina and opened for Kiss and AC/DC through the years. They were on a major label (Epic) and should've been bigger than they were.

   Nantucket

California Your Face Or Mine1979
   Great night time KWK formula used here: fade in into, start out sounding like a ballad, but then rock out.

   Nazareth

Holiday Malice in Wonderland1980
   I was surprised to learn this was Nazareth, when to me it sounded like a Southern Rock band.

   Nazareth

Hair of the Dog Hair of the Dog 1975
   I still hear it today, and when I do I continue to wonder why it ended up in heavy rotation on KWK in late 1982. This was as popular as the Granny's Rocker commercial.

   New England

Don't Ever Wanna Lose Ya New England1979
   Produced by Paul Stanley of Kiss, this was played a lot when it came out and not at all soon after.

   Night Ranger

Sing Me Away Dawn Patrol1982
   When Sister Christian was a hit everyone was surprised Drummer Kelly Keagy sang lead. Those people weren't paying attention to this hit from their debut.

   Aldo Nova

Fantasy Aldo Nova1982
   In between playing George in Beatlemania and producing Celine Dion, Aldo Nova made some rocking albums.

   Aldo Nova

Monkey On Your Back Subject… Aldo Nova1983
   While very good, this album got only a fraction of the attention his first got. The rest, including Blood on the Bricks with production and song writing help from Jon Bon Jovi, got significantly less.

   Gary O'

All The Young Heroes Gary O'1981
   Canadian Gary O'Connor truncated his last name for this solo debut. This was played a lot on KWK during 1981. This is also one of the few songs on this list that wasn't played on any other station in St. Louis. (Thanks Jim B.)

   Off Broadway USA

Stay In Time On1979
   Off Broadway's debut is a Power Pop classic. Unfortunately, these guys were doomed when they went on tour to open for UFO and other metal bands that didn't fit their sound or image. Looking back this album was ahead of its time, as Power Pop finally developed a strong following in the 90s. Off Broadway reformed then and became a popular draw around Chicago.

   Orion The Hunter

So You Ran Orion The Hunter1984
   Another Barry Goudreau song, but what gives? It doesn't sound as much like Boston as 'Dreams' did. Oh, Fran Cosmo sings lead on this, not Brad Delp. Quit confusing me. We want the real Boston. As KWK was trading rock for top 40 it would be a couple of more years before Boston's Third Stage would be released. Funny that when Boston's 4th album was released Cosmo had replaced Delp.

   Ozark Mountain Daredevils

Take You Tonight Ozark Mountain Daredevils1980
   The Springfield Missouri guys left A&M for Columbia records and got some good airplay with this Southern Rock song.

   The Alan Parsons Project

Prime Time Ammonia Avenue1984
   It's surprising The Alan Parsons Project got as many songs played on KWK given that most of them didn't rock. This really doesn't either, but its opening guitar lines fit right in on a KWK night time free ride.

   Pink Floyd

Not Now JohnThe Final Cut1983
   It took Pink Floyd almost 4 years to follow up The Wall, and when they did only this song got some airplay (with its friendly edit of 'Stuff All That').

   Planet P

Why Me ?Project1983
   Tony Carey, along with producer Peter Hauke, used Planet P as his sci-fi rock outlet.

   Robert Plant

Burning Down One Side Pictures at Eleven1982
   This song picks up right where In Through the Out Door left. The albums closer 'Mystery Title' also received a fair bit of airplay on KWK.

   Robert Plant

Far Post Burning Down One Side UK 12"1982
   'Far Post' doesn't sound like it was recorded between Robert Plant's first two solo LPs. It sounds more like a track from the mid 80s. This arrived on an import 12" in the fall of 1982. The next year it was the B-Side to 'Big Log'. In 1985 it made its only LP appearance on the 'White Nights' soundtrack.

   Robert Plant

Other Arms The Principle Of Moments1983
   The very strong opening track from Plant's second LP. I'm surprised how 'In The Mood' is in heavy radio rotation today but this song is not. Interestingly, KWK chose not to play 'Big Log', this album's lone Top 20 hit, very much.

   Point Blank

Nicole American Exce$$1981
   Everyone's favorite line: 'You started looking like a burn out'.

   Point Blank

The Way You Broke My Heart American Exce$$1981
   The opening keyboard intro is a definite moment in the KWK sound.

   Prism

Don't Let Him Know Small Change1981
   Written by Bryan Adams before I knew who Bryan Adams was.

   Prism

I Don't Want to Want You Anymore Beat Street1983
   A power ballad from a band I didn't realize had changed members, including their lead singer, since the previous album. I don't know if this was a hit anywhere outside St. Louis.

   Pure Prairie League

Two Lane Highway Two Lane Highway1975
   This predates KWK by more than three years. It was released right after their two and a half year old song 'Amie' became a hit, which KWK also played with its 'Falling in and out of Love' into. KWK played these older songs along with some of the band's new more adult contemporary sounding ones featuring futre country superstar Vince Gill on lead vocals.

   Queen

Need Your Loving Tonight The Game1980
   This album was huge for Queen but the hits Another One Bites the Dust and Crazy Little Thing Called Love turned off many old fans. While not playing these hits, KWK did not abandon Queen, but instead focused on this song from the album.

   Trevor Rabin

Now Face To Face1980
   A rocking album from the guy who would later accidentally reunite Yes for the 90125 album. His 1989 hit, Something to Hold on to, would have fit right in on KWK.

   Rainbow

Since You Been Gone Down to Earth1979
   I always thought it was bold for Rainbow to cover this a year after Head East did it. They did a great job and KWK played their version instead of that of semi-home town band Head East. Lead singer Graham Bonnett looked out of place on the inner sleeve... looking like a Calvin Klein model in the mid 80s surrounded by a a hard rocking English band in the late 70s.

   Rainbow

Stone Cold Straight Between the Eyes1982
   Roger Glover's fat keyboard sound, Joe Lynn Turner's convincing vocals and Ritchie Blackmore's signature solo created a great night time song that also barely crept into the top 40.

   Rainbow

Street Of Dreams Bent Out of Shape1983
   A great song from the end of Rainbow. A year later Ritchie & Roger would be back with Deep Purple on their come back album Perfect Stangers.

   Red Rider

Lunatic Fringe As Far as Siam1981
   I loved when KWK started their Free Rides with songs that had a long heavy fade in like this (and Don Felder's Heavy Metal). This song appeared with John Waite's Change on the Vision Quest Soundtrack. (It's possibly the only album to feature Madonna and Dio.)

   REO Speedwagon

Back On The Road Again Nine Lives1979
   Sung by bassist Bruce Hall, this was a super bonus when I bought my Nine Lives 8-track because I didn't realize it was REO.

   REO Speedwagon

Easy Money Nine Lives1979
   KWK played this a lot during late summer/ early fall in 1979, but it was off their playlist by the time we entered the 80s.

   REO Speedwagon

Tough Guys Hi Infidelity1980
   This album sold 9 million copies, but most fans opted for the greatest hits when it came time to get the CD. Tough Guys (with its Little Rascals sampling) got a lot of airplay during this album's 15 week stay at #1, but was never heard again after everybody bought their copy.

   Rockets

Oh Well Rockets (Turn Up the Radio)1979
   This got a lot of airplay in the fall of '79. It was a while later before I found out this was a Fleetwood Mac cover. I prefer this version.

   Paul Rodgers

Cut Loose Cut Loose1983
   Bad Company's last Paul Rodgers album, Rough Diamonds (with the KWK song Electric Land), was a disappointment after the success of Desolation Angels. A lot of fans thought Rodgers would come back when he released his solo (as in all instruments) album. It had some great songs, including this one that was played for about a month, but soon wound up in the cut-out bins. When Rodgers teamed with Jimmy Page, he re-cut 'Live In Peace', originally from this album, when The Firm recorded Mean Business.

   Rush

Entre NousPermanent Waves1980
   Rush got a lot of airplay on KWK, but most of those songs are still being played today. While many consider Moving Pictures their masterpiece, I prefer its predecessor. Not hearing Entre Nous much today, it reminds me how much KWK played Rush.

   Saga

Wind Him Up Worlds Apart1983
   This song never got close to being a top 40 hit, but you'd never know that if you listened to KHTR. Once again I believe KWK competition helped drive some programming over at KHTR.

   Santana

You Know That I Love You Marathon1979
   I bought this album mainly for All I Ever Wanted, but was really excited when I heard this forgotten song on the record.

   Scandal

Goodbye To You Scandal1982
   My city didn't get MTV until late 1985, but my friends who had it raved about this video, something about a short red skirt, every time the song was on KWK.

   Neal Schon & Jan Hammer

No More Lies Here to Stay1983
   I was surprised Neal Schon put this out two weeks before Journey released Frontiers. I was also pretty surprised when his partner on this became Mr. Miami Vice Theme.

   Scorpions

You Give Me All I Need Blackout1982
   Blackout is a really strong album. Metal with melodies. These guys pioneered the metal power ballad.

   707

I Could Be Good For You 7071980
   707 played this on the NBC Friday Night show Midnight Special. I'd love to see it. Along with Kiss and Angel, they were one of the few rock bands on Casablanca Records.

   Sherbs

No Turning Back The Skill1980
   At first I thought this might have been Santana's singer Alex Ligertwood, but it was the Australian band formally known as Sherbet. Huge in their home country, Sherbet had an international hit with Howzat around 1977.

   Sherbs

We Ride Tonight Defying Gravity1982
   Sounding a bit like No turning Back, this found some airplay outside St. Louis, while the former found almost none. (AOR stations preferred I Have The Skill.)

   Shooting Star

Last ChanceShooting Star1979
   Released in '79 on Virgin Records and re-released the next year on Epic, this great debut was produced by long time Elton John master Gus Dudgeon. Even though I still hear this song (and have heard it on stations in Detroit and San Jose) on occasion, its stronggest impression on me is as a KWK staple.

   Shooting Star

Are You On My Side Hang on for Your Life1981
   Shooting star had almost 10 songs from their first two albums that got airplay, but this was left off The Best Of and has almost been forgotten.

   Shooting Star

Hollywood Hang on for Your Life1981
   How Shooting Star missed the big success Kansas and other bands had is beyond me. This album is better than most bands' greatest hits records. This song had the story and the emotion to make it one of the most memorable KWK tunes.

   Danny Spanos

Hot Cherie Passion in the Dark1983
   A good rocker that was forgotten shortly after it was released… until almost 10 years later when Neal Schon's band Hardline covered it… and again forgotten about.

   Rick Springfield

Calling All Girls Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet1982
   KWK was lukewarm toward Rick Springfield. 'Jesse's Girl' was played on occasion, but Sammy Hagar's original version of 'I've Done Everything for You' got significant airplay as Springfield's version became a top 10 hit. When 'Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet' followed up the smash 'Working Class Dog' KWK played the album cut 'Calling All Girls' instead of the top 10 hit 'Don't Talk to Strangers'. KWK also played 'I Get Excited' from this album. (Thanks to Mark G.)

   Spys

She Can't Wait Spys1982
   A couple of semi-minor guys in Foreigner made an album that rocks and has some catchy hooks.

   Spys

Into The Night Spys1982
   It's funny that the only song to chart, Don't Run My Life, was not played nearly as much as She Can't Wait and Into the Night.

   Billy Squier

You Should Be High Love Tale Of The Tape1980
   Billy Squier's debut is a strong and often overlooked album. This track was written by Squier and Desmond Child. Child had recently co-written the Kiss hit 'I Was Made For Loving You' with Paul Stanley and would go on to co-write more hits for Kiss, Bon Jovi (including 'You Give Love A Bad Name' and 'Livin On A Prayer') and Aerosmith (including 'Dude Looks Like A Lady' and 'Crazy'). Child also is responsible for the recording and producing of Ricky Martin's 'Livin La Vida Loca'. KWK briefly followed 'You Should Be High Love' with 'Who's Your Boyfriend' from this album. (Thanks to Jim B.)

   Billy Squier

Too Daze Gone Don't Say No1981
   This was one of the biggest albums from KWK's heyday. They played at least 6 songs from this album.

   Billy Squier

Learn How To Live Emotions in Motion1982
   A Platinum #5 album with 4 hits (also Everybody Wants You, Emotions in Motion & She's a Runner) that's also out of print??

   Billy Squier

Eye On YouSigns of Life1984
   Another great song from Signs Of Life. It's amazing that this Platinum Album with 3 hits is out of print. Many claim Squier rolling in pink sheets for the video of Rock Me Tonight killed his career. I never saw it, but instead blamed the disappointing follow-up Enough Is Enough.

   Michael Stanley Band

My Town You Can't Fight Fashion1983
   I'd love to hear the custom version again where they shout 'St. Louis' after the 'This Town Is My Town' line. [And, Val P. has answered this request. It's on the Listen page.]

   Steel Breeze

You Don't Want Me Anymore Steel Breeze1982
   A national one hit wonder that hasn't been heard much in the last 20 years.

   Stingray

The Man In My Shoes Stingray1979
   This song was played a lot upon its release, but not much after. This South African band had a big hit outside the U.S. with 'Better The Devil You Know' from this album.

   Stingray

Lovesaver Stingray1979
   A bigger hit on KWK than 'Man in my Shoes', this was played throughout KWK's Rockin' Best years. (Thanks to Val P. and Jim B.)

   Streets

If Love Should Go 1st1983
   Another song that sounds like Kansas? Yeah, it's got Steve Walsh on lead vocals, but where are the violins?

   Styx

Lights Cornerstone1979
   'Lights' had the strange distinction of being a B-side on two different singles that were released within a year of each other. First it backed 'Why Me?' and later it was the flip side of 'The Best of Times'.

   Styx

Borrowed Time Cornerstone1979
   Proof that Dennis De Young needs Styx to rock. Styx rocks better with Dennis. Bring him back, but don't let him combine theater with rock.

   Survivor

Poor Man's Son Premonition1981
   Sylvester Stallone was inspired by this working class anthem enough to ask Survivor to come up with the them to Rockey III, which became Eye of the Tiger.

   Survivor

Jackie Don't GoCaught In The Game1983
   It's a bummer lead singer Dave Bickler had to leave the band after this album. He sounded great with them.

   Marc Tanner Band

Hot And Cold Temptation1980
   Neither this single nor album charted, but like many other greats in the same category, that didn't keep 'Hot And Cold' from becoming a popular KWK song. A decade later Tanner co-wrote and co-produced the (Gunnar & Matthew) Nelson #1 hit '(Can't Live Without Your) Love And Affection'. (Thanks to Val P.)

   Tarney / Spencer Band

No Time To Lose Run for Your Life1979
   Two years after its release, A&M reissued this 45, both charted, but neither time did it hit the top 40.

   Taxxi

I'm Leaving States of Emergency1982
   Another great night time song. My friends and I mainly listened to KWK at night (while classmates watched Joanie Loves Chachi). I liked this because they seemed like one the few new wave/MTV bands that could lay on the heavy guitars for a great song. I think it also was the only rock band other than CCR I ever bought on Fantasy Records.

   .38 Special

You Keep Runnin' Away Special Forces1982
   Along with Chain Lightnin', here's a former hit by a popular band that seems to have been left behind.

   Billy Thorpe

Children of the Sun Children of the Sun 1979
   Issued on Capricorn Records as they went under, this was quickly reissued on Polydor, and almost as quickly went out of print. A few years later it could be had in the cut-out bins for $1, but a few years after that you'd be lucky to find a clean copy for under $25. Thorpe was huge in Australia for decades and on KWK during late summer/ early fall 1979. Do yourself a favor and get the original version, not the remix.

   Toto

I'll Supply the Love Toto1978
   Along with 'Hold the Line' and 'Georgy Porgy', Toto's debut produced some significant airplay on KWK. This song was unique in how it sounds like a basic rock song until the end when it abruptly becomes funky. Ahh, those crafty session musicians. (Thanks to Val P.)

   Touch

Don't You Know What Love Is Touch1980
   It took me a long time to find out the story behind this band… they were from Long Island and evolved out of American Tears. Todd Rundgren produced their second (unleased) album and their lead singer, Mark Mangold, went on to write Cher's hit I Found Someone and work with Zebra's Randy Jackson.

   Touch

When The Spirit Moves You Touch1980
   This great album starts off with a 1-2 punch of Don't You Know What Love Is / When The Spirit Moves You. Any fan of KWK music would love this album.

   Triumph

I Can Survive Progressions of Power1980
   Long considered a weak album compared its predecessor 'Just a Game' and its successor 'Allied Forces', KWK gave drummer Gil Moore the spotlight on vocals with this tune. (Thanks to Mike G.)

   Triumph

Fight The Good Fight Allied Forces1981
   This used to be my favorite song. Chalk another one up for the other Canadian power trio.

   Triumph

A World of Fantasy Never Surrender1983
   I was disappointed with this album after Allied Forces, but when the songs hit, like this, they hit big.

   Tycoon

Such A Woman Tycoon1978
   I think this band was a group of New York session guys. Different from the long heavy fade-in, this had an intro that was also perfect to hear at night on KWK.

   Van Halen

Little Guitars Diver Down1982
   Van Halen fans were disappointed when this album full of covers followed Fair Warning. Regardless, this song alone is worth buying the album.

   Vandenberg

Burning Heart Vandenberg1982
   This song was ahead of its time. The metal power ballad influx was still a couple of years away. Adrian Vandenberg later joined Whitesnake.

   Joe Vitale

Lady On The Rock Plantation Harbor1981
   Joe Walsh's drummer comes up with a KWK tune that features Joe on slide guitar

   John Waite

Change Ignition1982
   In between The Babys and Missing You, John Waite recorded this gem. He got a lot of respect from me when Bad English was formed. He'll get more when he records another rockin' album. (Note: this songs appeared with Red Rider's Lunatic Fringe on the Vision Quest Soundtrack).

   Joe Walsh

Rivers (Of The Hidden Funk) There Goes the Neighborhood1981
   Co-written with Don Felder, and supposedly a reject from The Eagles' 'The Long Run', this song was the briefly played follow-up to Joe's huge album rock hit from the same album 'Life of Illusion'. (Thanks to Tom)

   Joe Walsh

I Can Play That Rock And Roll You Bought It - You Name It1983
   The name of the song says it all. Joe returned to a great sound on this one.

   Steve Walsh

Every Step Of The Way Schemer-Dreamer1980
   Quite a few people have asked me 'What's that Kansas song that starts out WELL THEY CALLED THE FLAT PLANES KANSAS'…

   The Who

AthenaIt's Hard1982
   The Who went out on their first farewell tour in 1982 and left us with this album. All most people remember today is Emminence Front, but at the time (probably because it was released first) this was the bigger hit. Given KWK played a number of songs from Who's Next, it was surprising KWK played very few other older Who songs.

   Wings

Daytime Nighttime Suffering{Single}1979
   Good new solo Beatles songs were becoming fewer in the late 70s, especially with Lennon's inactivity. KWK played this song a lot during the summer of '79, but not much after. I bought the 45, but didn't realize it was the B-Side (to Goodnight Tonight) until a few months later. I was bummed when it didn't appear on the Back to the Egg LP, but it was added as a bonus track when the CD came out 10 years later.

   Yes

City of Love901251984
   Prior to the 90125 album I think only I've Seen All Good People and Roundabout got any regular airplay on KWK. This was a huge album with a #1 hit, Owner of a Lonely Heart. The album had quite a few radio hits, but City of Love was my favorite. Surprisingly most AOR stations chose not to play it.

   Zebra

Tell Me What You Want Zebra1983
   I love this album. It rocks and has great melodies. It's an understatement that I was disappointed with their future releases.

   Zebra

Who's Behind The Door? Zebra1983
   A great acoustic intro, a dream like chorus and a Geddy Lee type scream of the song's title… this song has it all (including a political statement.)

More Songs Remembered by Bigger Fans With Better Memories:

Val P.'s List
707 - Megaforce
American Noise - Don't Look Back
The Beat - Don't Wait Up For Me
The Blend - The Prize
Chilliwack - My Girl
Chilliwack - Trial By Fire
The Clash - Train In Vain (Stand By Me)
Paul Collins Beat - On The Highway
Couchois - Roll The Dice
Def Leppard - Hello America
Doucette - Mama Let Him Play
Doucette - Run Buddy Run
Fandango - Blame It On The Night
Don Felder - Never Surrender
Firefall - The Love That Got Away
Dan Fogelberg - Face The Fire
Dan Fogelberg - Tullimore Dew / Phoenix
Foghat - Somebody's Been Sleeping In My Bed
Ian Gomm - Hold On (To What You've Got)
Greg Kihn Band - The Breakup Song
Greg Kihn Band - Joepardy
The Headboys - The Shape Of Things To Come
Ian Hunter - Just Another Night
Donnie Iris - Love Is Like A Rock
Le Roux - Addicted
Le Roux - Lady Let Me Be Your Fantasy
Little River Band - It's Not A Wonder
Ian Matthews - Shake It
Missing Persons - Destination Unknown
Missing Persons - Words
Moon Martin - Rolene
Night - Hot Summer Nights
Off Broadway USA - Full Moon Turn My Head Around
Poco - Under The Gun
Point Blank - Mean To Your Queenie
Ram Jam - Black Betty
Red Rider - Can't Turn Back
Red Rider - Human Race
Rocky Burnette - Tired Of Toein' The Line
Sanford Townsand Band - Smoke Of A Distant Fire
Sniff 'n' The Tears - Driver's Seat
Spys - Danger
Spys - Don't Run My Life
Michael Stanley Band- In The Heartland
Michael Stanley Band - He Can't Love You
Van Stephenson - Modern Day Delilah
Van Stephenson - What The Big Girls Do
Stingray - Gonna Keep My Head Together
Stingray - Lovesaver
The Tubes - She's A Beauty
Tommy Tutone - Angel Say No
Trooper - Raise A Little Hell
Tubes - Talk To Ya Later
Dwight Twilly - Girls
Uriah Heep - That's The Way That It Is
Bob Welsh - Ebony Eyes
Bob Welsh - Precious Love
{more from Val P.}:
Ambrosia - How Much I Feel
April Wine - Just Between You And Me
BlackJack (with Michael Bolton) - Love Me Tonight
Blues Image - Ride Captain Ride
Charlie Daniels Band - Passing Lane
Charlie Daniels Band - Reflections
Charlie Daniels Band - In America
Charlie Daniels Band - Legend of Wooley Swamp
Climax Blues Band - Couldn't Get It Right
ELO - Don't Bring Me Down
John Hall Band (from Orleans) - Crazy (Keep On Falling In Love)
Kansas - Hold On
John Miles - Do It All Again
Robert Palmer - Bad Case Of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor)
Sheriff - You Remind Me
Shooting Star - Are You Ready
Marc Tanner Band - Hot And Cold
Toto - Hold The Line
Toto - I'll Supply The Love
Toto - Girl Goodbye

Tom's List
Black Sabbath - Heaven And Hell
Foreigner - Woman In Black
Gamma - Modern Girl
Jack Green - So Much
Human League - Don't You Want Me?
Journey - The Party's Over
Kansas - Got To Rock On
Molly Hatchet - The Rambler
The Alan Parsons Project- You Don't Believe
Prism - Is He Better Than Me?
Queen - Put Out The Fire
Red Rider - Can't Turn Back
Santana - Over And Over
Survivor - Summer Nights
Billy Thorpe - East Of Eden's Gate
Pete Townshend - A Little Is Enough
Joe Walsh - Rivers (of The Hidden Funk)

Jim B.'s List
Axe - Rock n’ Roll Party In The Streets
Russ Ballard - Rene Didn’t Do It
Blackfoot - Train Train
Novo Combo - Tattoo
Gary O' - All The Young Heroes
Point Blank - Let Her Go
Prism - Armageddon
Billy Squire - You Should Be High Love
Stingray – Love Saver (was bigger than Man In My Shoes)

Paul H's List
Aphrodite's Child - The Four Horseman
Roger Hodgson - Had A Dream (In the CHR era, but unlike KHTR, they played the full LP version.)
The Alan Parsons Project - Games People Play
The Alan Parsons Project - Damned If I Do
Queen - Dragon Attack (Sometimes they didn't stop the record in time and it went into Another One Bites The Dust.)
Sniff 'N The Tears - Driver's Seat
Split Enz - I Got You

Mark G's List
Bryan Adams - Lonely Nights
Angel - Tower (Live)
Asia - The Heat Goes On
Atlanta Rhythm Section - I'm Not Gonna Let It Bother Me Tonight
Babys - Turn & Walk Away
Michael Bolton - She Did the Same Thing
Tony Carey - West Coast Summer Night
Dakota - Crazy Love
Charlie Daniels - Lonesome Boy from Dixie
Charlie Daniels - Refections
Def Leppard - Hello America
Def Leppard - Rock Brigade
Fandango - Blame It on The Night
Foghat - Stranger In My Hometown
Foghat - Weekend Driver
Foreigner - Don't Let Go
Peter Frampton - Breaking All The Rules
Gamma - Right The First Time
Goanna - Solid Rock (Sacred Ground)
Grateful Dead - Alabama Getaway
Sammy Hagar - 20th Century Man
Kansas - Got To Rock On
Kinks - Destroyer
Kenny Loggins - Swear Your Love
Marshall Tucker Band - Take The Highway
John Miles - Do It All Again
Outlaws - Angels Hide
Henry Paul - Hollywood Paradise
Pink Floyd - Hey You
Poco - While We're Still Young
Pure Prairie League - Give It Up
Pure Prairie League - I'm Almost Ready
Gerry Rafferty - Home & Dry
Ronin - Loves Comin Into My Life Again
Santana - Seachin'
Rick Springfield - Calling All Girls
Rod Stewart - Foolish Behavior
Styx - Love In The Midnight
Sweet - Love is Like Oxygen
Touch - Black Star
Pete Townshend - Gonna Get Ya
Triumph - I Can Survive
UFO - Mystery Train
Steve Winwood - Still In The Game
Yes - Tempus Fugit
Neil Young - Hey Hey My My




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