REO Speedwagon Hi Infidelity CD

Master Sound releases are 24-karat gold CDs remastered from first-generation masters. This process utilizes 20-bit technology and Sony's revolutionary "Super Bit Mapping" system.

In the early '80s, all the holdover rock bands from the '70s either made the transition splendidly, becoming bigger than ever, or crashed and burned. Longtime touring warhorse REO Speedwagon was a fine example of the former category. Having spent most of the '70s as an opening band for bigger rock acts, the group scored one of 1981's biggest hits with HI INFIDELITY.

A perfect mixture of melodic hard rockers and sweet power ballads, the album finally broke REO commercially. Featured was one of their best known odes to heartbreak, the hit single "Keep on Lovin' You," as well as "Take it on the Run," and the harder-edged "Tough Guys" and "Out of Season."

All tracks have been digitally remastered.

Recorded at Crystal Studios, Hollywood, California and Kendun Recorders, Burbank, California in June & October 1980.

Producers: Kevin Cronin, Gary Richrath, Kevin Beamish.

Reissue producer: Al Quaglieri.

Personnel: Kevin Cronin (vocals, guitar, acoustic guitar, piano, programming, background vocals); Gary Richrath (vocals, guitar, electric guitar, 12-string guitar); Bruce Hall (vocals, guitar, bass guitar); N. Yolletta, Richard Page, Tom Kelly (vocals, background vocals); Neal Doughty (piano, organ, keyboards, synthesizer); Alan Gratzer (drums, tambourine, background vocals); Steve Forman , Steve Foreman (percussion).

Recording information: Crystal Studios, Hollywood, CA (06/1980-10/1980); Kendun Recorders, Studio D., Burbank CA (06/1980-10/1980).

Photographer: Aaron Rapoport.

Arranger: Kevin Cronin.

REO Speedwagon: Kevin Cronin (vocals, guitar, piano); Gary Richrath (guitar); Neal Doughty (Hammond B-3 organ); Bruce Hall (bass); Alan Gratzer (drums, tambourine).

Additional personnel: Tom Kelly, Richard Page.

CMJ (1/5/04, p.8) - Ranked #11 in CMJ's "Top 20 Most-Played Albums of 1981"