This is the feature where we revisit bands or albums that are worthy of attention but may well have been overlooked over the years…we also signpost the definitive CD versions and related albums worth investigating.

If you have your own neglected band/album send us a review!

The melodic rock band formed by Jean Beauvoir (Voodoo X/Plasmatics) on vocals and guitar, Marci Free on guitar, Michael Paige on bass and Tony Thompson (Chic/Power Station/Distance) on drums.

Kicking off with the title track `Crown of Thorns', a mid-tempo rocker - possibly the weakest on the album! Next up is the classic `Hike It Up', with an amazingly catchy chorus (I'm sure Kiss's Paul Stanley sings uncredited backing vocals on this song and he also co-produces this track), very Kiss like and some clear, crisp crunching guitar riffs. `Dying for Love' slows things down slightly before the Sweet cover `No You Don't' - a real stomper track and again some great harmony vocals.

The power ballad `Standing On The Corner For Ya' contains some great back-up vocals and these sort of ballads have become a trademark of the band. One of their best songs ever is next `The Healer', with its catchy guitar hook, this is the sort of tune that stays in your head long after you have finished playing the album. `Winterland' is not the greatest song they have recorded but the next track, `Secret Jesus' soon gets the album back on track and those heavenly back-up vocals are back! `House of Love' is okay and `Are You Ready?' veers off into rap metal territory but in the hands of Crown of Thorns the melody remains. A refreshing change in the albums closing moments and one of my favorate tracks on the album. Final track `Til The End' is another ballad, with a tasteful guitar intro and a fine way to close the album.

If you like Kiss, Night Ranger or melodic rock with catchy tunes, then track this album down. The band are still going strong, with new album `Karma' just out (and a return to this style of music according to reviews!) with only Beauvoir and Paige remaining from this line- up. Their other albums contain mixture of styles but melody is always the key and they have yet to produce a poor album.