Franke & The Knockouts - Franke & The Knockouts (1981) - €10,00

Franke and the Knockouts was a pop rock band, formed in New Jersey, US and fronted by singer/songwriter Franke Previte.

They had released their self-titles debut album in 1981.

Best known for the smash hit “Sweetheart”, the melodic rock group also landed a minor hit with “You’re My Girl”. Other catchy standouts are “She’s a Runner”, “Don’t Stop”, and the Boston-esque “Tonight.

Led by singer Franke Previte, the New Brunswick, NJ, band Franke & the Knockouts scored several pop hits in the early ’80s. Previte, who had played in local bands since his teens, formed the group with guitarist Billy Elworthy in 1981 and they were quickly signed to Millennium Records. Rounding out the original quintet were keyboardist Blake Levinsohn, bassist Leigh Foxx, and drummer Claude LeHenaff. 

Their self-titled debut, which showcased their light pop/rock leanings, was a surprise success. Personnel changes would occur when LeHenaff left in late 1981 (future Bon Jovi drummer Tico Torres would appear on their next couple albums) and keyboard player Tommy Ayers joined early the following year.

This is the self-titled debut from a 1980s New Jersey band that oscillates from slick AOR (on most songs) to sprightly power-pop tunes (the very Raspberries-like 'Tonight', 'You're My Girl' and 'Don't Stop').
Not really memorable but a few songs are quite good, especially  on side two.
Besides the hit single "Sweetheart," songs like "You're My Girl," "Don't Stop," and "Come Back" are all radio-friendly songs that in another universe could have catapulted this band straight into a #1 selling act.


Side A
A1. Come Back - 4:02 
A2. Sweetheart - 4:11 
A3. She’s A Runner - 4:07 
A4. You’re My Girl - 3:05 
A5. One For All - 3:11 

Side B
B1. Tonight - 3:46 
B2. Running Into The Night - 3:44 
B3. Tell Me Why - 3:47 
B4. Annie Goes To Hollywood - 4:09 
B5. Don’t Stop - 3:04


Companies, etc.

• Phonographic Copyright (p) – Millenium Entertainment
• Copyright (c) – Millenium Entertainment
• Recorded At – Mediasound
• Recorded At – The Village Recorder
• Mixed At – Sunset Sound
• Mastered At – Sterling Sound
• Pressed By – RCA Records Pressing Plant, Indianapolis
• Designed At – Gribbitt!
• Record Company – Millennium Records 
• Manufactured By – RCA Records
• Distributed By – RCA Records
• Published By – Big Teeth Music Publishing Corp.
• Published By – Bright Smile Music Pub. Corp

Credits

• Arranged By – Franke & The Knockouts
• Art Direction – George Corsillo, Tim Bryant
• Backing Vocals – Tommy Ayers
• Backing Vocals [Additional] – Charlie Dominici, Franke Previte
• Bass – Leigh Foxx
• Design [Logo] – Dave Fleming
• Drums – Claude LeHenaff
• Engineer [Assistant] – Pete Thea, Richard McKernan
• Engineer [Recording] – Charles Faris
• Keyboards – Blake Levinsohn
• Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar – Billy Elworthy
• Lead Vocals – Franke Previte
• Management [Direction] – Michael Klenfner
• Mastered By – George Marino
• Mixed By – Warren Dewey
• Percussion – Jimmy Maelen
• Photography By – Chris Callis
• Producer – Steve Verroca
• Synthesizer, Organ – Tommy Ayers

Notes
Release:  1981
Format:  LP
Genre:  Rock
Label:  Millennium Records
Catalog#  BXL1-7755
Prijs: €10,00

Vinyl:  Very Good
Cover:  Very Good

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