From Fresno, CA, Groundstar played a most compelling brand of pomp rock, take a few hefty doses of Toronto and Jet like pomp and cross it with Lynx like quirkiness and you might get an idea as to what this lot were all about.
Written by: gdmonline
ARTIST: Groundstar
ALBUM: Forced Landing
LABEL: Stellar
YEAR: 1978
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA.
LINEUP: Sharon Jordan – vocals, strings * Doug Watkins – vocals, strings * Chris Smith – guitars * Gilbert Jones – guitars * Sam Arnold – bass * Ron Holt – drums
TRACK LISTING: 01 It’s All The Same Up There * 02 Maiden And The Knight * 03 Dreamin’ * 04 Mountain * 05 Settle Down * 06 Westwood Park * 07 New World * 08 Wat’cha Gonna Do * 09 Aquawings * 10 Party
WEBLINKS: NA
Groundstar Background
Probably the most mysterious band in all of AOR-dom. What do we know about these guys and gals? Not much, apart from the fact they were from Fresno, CA, and played a most compelling brand of pomp rock.
We didn’t actually know a lot about the band line-up either, until details were revealed in Issue #8 of AOR Classics during August 1995. But just who was playing the keyboards remained a further mystery.
Originally released in 1978 on their own Stellar label, the band even re-released the thing two years later.I It came with a different cover jacket and a re-jigged track listing. What the heck?
On this second re-run, the identity of the keyboardist became clear. The name Dirk Dalton was credited, as well as being the producer. Though my guess it was just for this re-run, not the original. I could be wrong. Also the track listing has been rejigged significantly.
Take a few hefty doses of Toronto and Jet like pomp. Then cross it with Lynx like quirkiness and you might get an idea as to what Groundstar are about.
With two lead singers (female and male) there is contrast throughout. Believe me, your attention span won’t diminish.
The track order used for this review is the original 1978 release.
The Songs
We are transported straight into the first track ‘It’s All The Same Up There’. The opening sequence is straight out of a sci-fi movie.. Captain on the bridge, failed hyperdrive engines etc.. All great stuff, then before the ship crash-lands we swap to some tremendous melodic pomp of the first order.
‘Maiden And The Knight’, is a tale of yesteryear romance. It’s played on a bed of Roadmaster styled pomp a la ‘Sweet Music’ and ‘Hey World’. The vocals are shared on this one.
Pompous keyboards abound on the pulsating ‘Dreamin’ while Sharon’s vocal soars on top of the acoustic gem ‘Mountain’.
Continuing in a lighter vein is ‘Settle Down’. It’s full of sweeping strings, vocal cascades and a brief cameo spot featuring some Boston like lead guitar work.
‘Westwood Park’ sounds like a pomp rock version of Canadian outfit Reckless. Particularly the Steve Madden like guitar lines and the overall rollicking approach.
Doug Watkins leads the way on ‘New World’, a stirring and tightly structured affair. One of the better tracks onboard.
The band revert to a party-pop anthem with ‘Watcha Gonna Be’.they then change hats completely for the mid-tempo ballad, the strangely named ‘Aquawings’. In another era this could’ve been an attempt at symphonic prog.
The album finishes up with another upbeat number the appropriately titled ‘Party’.
In Summary
The.slbum did see a Retrospect Records reissue in 2011. It contained a whole bunch of extra tracks. More than the original ten.
Sharon Jordan went on to join The Heritage during the 90’s, alongside Jerry Leal (formerly of Electric Eels. This was a band that combined the sound of Def Leppard and The Scorpions apparently.. Not having heard that band I can’t make any comment.
She also hooked up with a band called Eve’s Burden who it seems had an album ready for release during 2007.
However, Groundstar should be acquired at all costs, a wonderful slab of vinyl. It’s an album that is as legendary and commands cult status for the reason that we know bugger all about them.
Hopefully one of us manages to track down one of the band members for a chat. Then we’ll endeavour to clear up this years-long mystery once and for all.
Please note : the track listing for the YTM link below is from the 1980 re-run.
Groundstar on Video
Click to go to YTM album page.
