Talas Years
Headed by acrobatic bassist, Billy Sheehan, Talas flew under the radar, while the big hair hard rock movement took off in the '80's.  However, Sheehan's bad ass bass playing was far from overlooked. Despite the mere cult following for the Buffalo based rockers, Sheehan earned his stripes and guested on UFO's European tour, when Pete "Get Outta My" Way bolted for Fastway in '83.  The Sheehan story has been well documented since his days with David Lee Roth's three ring circus.  While his run with DLR and Mr. Big brought Billy S. fame 'n' fortune, the real blood 'n' guts of Mr. Sheehan's hard rockin' career are laid down from his days with his pride and joy, Talas.  _The Talas Years_ features each track from the Sink Your Teeth Into That LP, as well as ten live tracks from 1983. I have lost count of the number of times I witnessed Billy and the boys rage from the stage during the early '80's. The group was a staple at Milwaukee's annual Summerfest event. In addition, Talas repeatedly performed at the Palms (R.I.P.), in Beer City. Props go out to Steve Simmons for continually comin' through with guest passes.  _The Talas Years_ kicks in with a pair of big rockers, "Sink Your Teeth Into That" and "Hit and Run", before the main man really shows off his chops with "NV4 3345". "High Speed On Ice" rips, while "Shy Boy" is a melodic rock track. Other hot studio numbers included on this compilation are "King Of The World", "Outside Lookin' In" and "Smart Lady".  The live material from 1983 captures the revamped Talas line-up stickin' it with confidence during the height of their career. The set is pulled from the group's December 2nd gig at the famed rock club, Lamour East, in New York.