...And Since We're Talking Obscure

Might as well just declare this obscure week here at Bring Back Glam! It gives me a chance to dig way back into the vaults...and allows you the opportunity to give me band suggestions.

One great semi obscure act is Contraband.

Now Contraband was actually born out of a MTV Unplugged taping. Some of the band members were on the show, later gathered some friends and -voilà! Contraband was born.  The band featured Michael Schenker (Michael Schenker Group), Bobby Blotzer (RATT), Share Pedersen (Vixen), Tracii Guns (LA Guns) and Richard Black (Shark Island).

Contraband released just one album, way back in 1991. That album was on the Universal label.

The album features:

All This Way From Memphis
Kiss by Kiss
Intimate Outrage
Bad For Each Other
Loud Guitars, Fast Cars and Wild Wild Livin'
Good Rockin' Tonight
If This Is Love
Stand
Tonight You're Mine
Hang on to Yourself

The band really only had one single, for "All This Way From Memphis."

It seems like the reviews of the album were - and always have been - mixed. I think the self titled release is pretty good for a super group side project. It's obvious Contraband never had any intentions of becoming a mega sensation (like Damn Yankees). It really seemed as if the members wanted to stay true to their main projects.

The draw for me is the dueling guitars of Schenker and Guns. Everyone and her sister knows I'm basically obsessed with Tracii Guns' guitar ability. Put Guns next to Schenker and my Glam - guitar heaven! Also, I just think it's cool that the big boys let a girl play for a change. People mock Vixen but Share Pedersen can hold her own among the men.

Here's the video for "All This Way From Memphis"