Their music goes on

It has now been more than 25 years since Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock met in a production of the musical Jesus Christ, Superstar in Australia and they have since been making music together as Air Supply. Unlike other groups, there has never been even the smallest hint of a rumor that these two are separating or even feuding. So to this day Graham makes the music while Russell’s tenor provides the distinctive vocals. This was the same combination that endeared them to fans all over the world in the early ’80s, a big number of them from the Philippines.

There was a time when every Air Supply recording turned into a big hit. All Out of Love, Making Love Out of Nothing at All, Two Less Lonely People in the World, Now and Forever, Here I Am, Even the Nights are Better, Just As I Am, Lost in Love, Every Woman in the World and Lonely is the Night are some of the best remembered titles. The hits do not come in the same numbers anymore but this enduring duo continues to perform and to record their music.

Across the Concrete Sky is the newest album from Air Supply. Once again it is Graham in charge of the music and he sings the songs together with Russell. Their fans from the early days will be somewhat disappointed with the album. There is nothing here that resembles Now and Forever. But if they will give the album a chance, they will notice how much Air Supply has matured as artists. The themes are still mostly romantic but have acquired depth that transcends the plaintive laments of old. Even more admirable is the way the melodies were written with unique twists and turns showing command of the craft.

I have not heard any single release from this album but I like the melancholy ’70s inspired ode to life titled We are All Children best. This song is not likely to land in any teenaged girl’s personal soundtrack. It is so touching though that I do hope people will listen to it and enjoy this different side of Air Supply. A Place Where We Belong is another beauty and the amusing melody of Big Cat invites interesting variations. Shadow of the Sun, Love is the Arrow, Feel Like Screaming, I’ll Find You, Come to Me, I Want You, You Belong to Me and Goodnight.

The Latest From The Scorpions

There were Bon Jovi and Judas Priest and Ozzy Osborne but the biggest heavy metal rock band of the late ‘80s did not come from the UK or the US. It was the Scorpions, who must be one of the most successful rock acts to emerge from Germany. The group did songs that were darker, more dramatic, grittier and several decibels louder than the usual power ballads. And how the people loved them, more so the excellent guitarwork and killer solos by the members that never fail to impress.

Like the Air Supply from Australia, the group also had a huge following in the US and elsewhere, including the Philippines. Scorpions songs are still heard on local radio and even the smallest rock joint usually has bands playing Scorpions music regularly. Think Always Somewhere, Rock Like a Hurricane, Big City Nights, No One Like You and many others that are now considered classics of the rock genre.

Like Air Supply again, the founding members of The Scorpions have totally devoted their lives to the music of the band. Vocalist Klaus Meine and guitarist Rudolph Schenker formed the group when they were kids in Berlin. Nearly 20 years and several sidemen later they are still at it, performing in concerts and recording their compositions. This time around they have Mathias Jabs on rhythm, Pawel Maciwoda on bass and James Kottak on drums.

This line-up is responsible for the latest Scorpions release, which is aptly titled Unbreakable. Made up entirely of new materials, this is the album loyal Scorpions fans have dreamed up over the years. It rocks like mad and the music is so hook-laden, even those who frown on the "noise" are bound to appreciate the melodies and Meine’s incredible vocals. Just like Hitchcock of the Air Supply, you want to ask Meine how he manages to keep those vocals even after so many years.

Best bets here are Through My Eyes and Remember the Good Times. She Said shows a soft side but New Generation, Deep and Dark, Maybe I, Maybe You and the rest of the album are guaranteed rocker pleasers.