Top Notch was one of those 80’s and 90’s melodic rock/AOR bands who reached the interest of a major label, to watch it all go away with the arrival of Seattle bands. The majors were very interested in Top Notch and eventually the band signed a development deal with Polygram Records. Their management, Alan Oken and David Liebert, who managed Guns n Roses, Alice Cooper, and Bryan Adams, helped the band to make inroads in the music business.
The bands success helped them to get their songs on radio stations KLOS and KMET. Their popularity on the L.A. rock scene helped them gain opening slots for bands like Poison, Warrant, Rough Cutt, amongst many other nationals.
Top Notch was formed by songwriter and guitar player, Eric Kellogg, in 1984 and included Ken Robertson on vocals, Todd Jeffries on bass, and Mark Alderette on drums. The songs were primarily written by Eric Kellogg and Ken Robertson. The hard rock sound that they developed was melodic with blazing guitar solos. Top Notch recorded their first demo on an 8-track in the bedroom of one of their best friends.
At that time, guitarist Eric Kellogg was connected with many prolific songwriters such as Peter Frampton, Martin Briley, Mark Tanner (Nelson, Eddie Money) and Steve Plunkett of Autograph. Steve Plunkett and Eric Kellogg developed a close relationship and went on to write many songs together that are featured on this album as well as Steve Plunkett’s solo album.
The new album available on FnA Records (www.fnarecords.net) contains the power ballad “You’re The Only One For Me” along with a ton of catchy melodic and AOR tunes. The tracklist is as follows:
01 Doing Something Right
02 What’s Your Daddy Gonna Say
03 You’re The Only One For Me
04 She’s Hot
05 Make Me Believe
06 Mean And Smooth
07 Through The Night
08 I’m Not Dreamin’
09 She’s All Talk
10 Long Way From Home BONUS TRACK
11 Razor’s Edge (Live 11-10-89) BONUS TRACK
12 Heavy Pettin’ (by Next Of Kin) BONUS TRACK
The album is available on silver-pressed CD, a fan pack signed by Eric Kellogg, and digital download. Top Notch is one of those bands you just need to hear once to fall in love with them!!!
