BENNY MARDONES - Unauthorized [miniLP] (1985)

Recently requested by a reader, made me think why I didn't posted this little wonder before.
"Unauthorized" was the first of the 2 miniLP's recorded in Syracuse, NY, by the great Benny Mardones during the mid-eighties - after his major label dropped him - only locally released and distributed independently.

Benny's '81 national album 'Into The Night' was a huge hit, entering the Top 20 Album Chart for weeks. In 1982, much of the Rock Press referred to Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seger and Benny Mardones as 'The Three B's' and the 'Voices of the Eighties'.
Why a big company dropped one of its biggest stars?
It's a long story - in part because of Benny's addictions - although not entirely. Read the details HERE.

"Unauthorized" easily sits amongst the 10 most precious pieces in my collection, not only for its rarity, but for the incredible talent displayed there. I can't tell you how much I love this miniLP.
Usually, I am a polite-spoken person, this time, let me cross the line: this a fucking brilliant stuff.
It is a shame that "Unauthorized" and the other 'Syracuse only' miniLP ("American Dreams", already featured on this blog, follow the tags) remains out of print and never was released on CD, and Mardones itself is not exposed to the major audience.
I don't care. I know him and enjoy his music. You at the right know him. You at the left maybe not. Well, then this post is dedicated to you, and to everyone who still doesn't have this gem.

And if you already have a digital copy from the LP, grab mine anyway, I have restored and enhanced the audio from the pretty wasted vinyl.
If you have any doubts what American AOR is all about, then play this golden recording from start to finish. No description needed, as said; "Unauthorized" is utterly brilliant.
MANDATORY.


1 - Cuts You Like A Knife
2 - Your Out Of Luck
3 - How Could You Love Me
4 - Stand In The Darkness
5 - Heart In My Hand

Benny Mardones - Vocals
Gary Sanford - Guitar, Backing Vocals
Duane Evans - Guitar
Graham Maby - Bass, Backing Vocals
Steve Galloway - Keyboards
Joe Jackson - Keyboards
Dave Houghton - Drums







BENNY MARDONES - Unauthorized (1985)