Gambler - Teenage Magic / Love And Other Crimes [CD]

Gambler is a short lived rock band from Chicago started playing support slots for Fleetwood Mac and Styx with two releases. “Love And Other Crimes” is the second band’s album came out in 1980 by EMI America and produced by the band and Phil Bonanno. 

The results are an excellent mix of straight ahead AOR and radio friendly tracks moving closer to John Schlitt era Head East, or Reo Speedwagon. Again, the opening track “Something Crazy” is one of the finest on the album, and features some great background vocals. Catchy chorus too! “It never felt like this” is a good follow up, again with an infectious hook. The final track “I put my Love” is a real nice ballad, with some fine Keyboard work by Bruce Breckenfeld.

EMI dropped Gambler shortly after the release of the final album. Not surprising in 1980, with New Wave starting to show signs of marketability, and AOR being pushed aside in favour of Thin ties, and simplistic songs. 

Teenage Magic Track List

1. This Time It's Love 
2. Elevator 
3. Follow Your Heart 
4. I Will Remember You 
5. Teenage Magic 
6. Walkin' The Streets 
7. Valerie 
8. After All 
9. On The Road 

Love And Other Crimes Track List

1.  Something Crazy
2. It Never Felt Like This
3. Even A Loser 
4. Dirty Susie [Explicit]
5. Double Indemnity
6. Head Hunter
7. She's My Girl
8. Hotline
9. Life On The Line
10. I Put My Love