Glide - "Under Electric Skies"
(P) - 1981 Monarc Records
As with all the bands on this channel, Glide is a fictional creation-no one got hurt during the recording sessions or photo shoots, although a few egos might have been bruised! Glide was all about the music, not the drama, and their clean-cut image reflected that. Inspired by the skies, they may not have been the biggest band of the 80s, but their harmonies were as smooth as a perfect landing. ❤️🎶✈️
Any references to real bands or events are just here to make the story a little more fun, so sit back and enjoy this flight of nostalgic fancy. 🎸
Glide emerged from Michigan's burgeoning melodic rock scene in 1981, combining the crisp, polished sound of AOR (album-oriented rock) with a unique sense of ambition. The band's name was inspired by their proximity to a local airport, symbolizing their desire to soar above the competition while maintaining a grounded, relatable image. Their debut album "Wings Of Freedom" Glide became an instant regional favorite and eventually garnered national attention for its slick production, soaring melodies, and pristine harmonies.
With influences ranging from bands like Spys, Touch and Toto, Glide embodied the quintessential AOR sound of the early 80s. Their music was carefully crafted to blend catchy hooks, emotive lyrics, and sophisticated musicianship, creating anthems that struck a chord with fans of melodic rock. The band consisted of five members, all veterans of the local music scene:
Their debut album, Glide, featured their breakout hit “Under Electric Skies,” a song that encapsulated the magic and electricity of modern life, with soaring choruses and shimmering synths. The album also featured tracks like “Heartstroke Fantasy” and “City Lights” which were popular among FM radio stations and late-night rock shows.
Though their rise was rapid, Glide's story was short-lived. Internal tensions and the changing music landscape of the mid-80s led to their breakup in 1983. Despite their brief tenure, Glide left a lasting impact on the AOR genre, and their work continues to be celebrated by fans of melodic rock.
Album Review: Glide (1981)
Released in 1981, Glide was a tour-de-force of soaring melodies, intricate arrangements, and crystal-clear production. The album was praised for its meticulous attention to detail, with every song showcasing the band’s ability to craft complex, yet radio-friendly, rock anthems. From the uplifting title track “Under Electric Skies” to the driving rhythms of “Out of the Blue”, the album is a snapshot of a band at the peak of their creative powers.
Fictional Band Members:
Matt Parish - Lead Vocals, Keyboards
Matt Parish was the frontman of Glide, known for his soaring vocal range. Before Glide, he was the lead singer of a short-lived AOR band called Silver Horizon, who had a minor regional hit in the late 70s. After Glide disbanded in 1983, Matt pursued a solo career, releasing two albums "Out In The Street" in 1984 and "Fantasy Life" in 1986 that found modest success in the AOR radio circuit. He later became a renowned songwriter, penning hits for major 80s acts like Shoreline and Night Whisper.
Mike Redding - Lead Guitar
Mike Redding brought the melodic edge to Glide with his clean, precise guitar work. He had previously played with the band Northern Run, an AOR group that had a cult following in Michigan. After Glide, Mike joined Sunstrike, a harder-edged rock band that leaned more towards arena rock. He eventually became a successful session guitarist and later produced albums for various rock bands in the 90s.
Charlie Jensen - Bass Guitar
Charlie was Glide’s backbone, laying down smooth, driving bass lines that helped define their melodic sound. Before Glide, he was a session musician, playing with a variety of Midwestern soft rock bands. After the band broke up, Charlie briefly joined Westwind, an AOR band that found moderate success with their 1986 release. He transitioned into music production in the late 80s and worked behind the scenes for several AOR and soft rock albums.
Tommy Greene - Drums
Tommy was known for his technical drumming and tight rhythmic precision. Prior to joining Glide, he played with The Skyliners, a prog-influenced rock band that never quite made it big. Post-Glide, Tommy moved on to play drums for City Light, a more progressive-leaning AOR act. In the late 80s, Tommy retired from performing and became a sought-after drum instructor in the Michigan area.
Bobby Curtis - Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals
Bobby was Glide’s rhythm guitarist, adding depth and harmonies to their sound. Before joining the band, he was part of Eastbound Express, a band known for their smooth harmonies and strong melodies. After Glide's breakup, Bobby shifted his focus to songwriting, co-writing with other artists and even scoring a hit as a co-writer on Sapphire’s 1987 single “Run to You.” He eventually became a full-time music producer in the 90s.
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