Snake Charmer - Backyard Boogaloo (1998) [Reissue 2003]

Is there anybody who remembers Snake Charmers debut album "Smoke And Mirrors" that was released 1993 with former Alien singer Pete Sandberg? That was a good typical Scandi AOR in the veins of Alien. Then they released "Backyard Boogaloo" in Japan a few of years ago but it vanished almost right away after it was released. Now the new MTM sidelabel called Classix has picked it up and releases it with bonus tracks. This album has a better sound and variation than the debut and the songs reaches from Mark Free to Ignition and Goran sings with class.

SNAKE CHARMER "Backyard Boogaloo" is the first re-release of a very sought after album, published on MTM CLASSIX SERIES. In 1991 PER STADIN (SILVER MOUNTAIN), ANDERS JOHANSSON (HAMMERFALL, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN), JÖRG FISCHER (ACCEPT) and PETE SANDBERG (ALIEN) formed the temporary cover band COVERBOYS. It was a lot of fun and a nice break from the regular work schedule. Per was for many years a member of metal mongers SILVER MOUNTAIN. Per had been working as a session musician and was starting to plan the band, SNAKE CHARMER but the plans was interrupted by a tour which was very successful and the boys realised that they had a lot in common musically. So COVERBOYS actually became SNAKE CHARMER. However, after a while Jörg decided to continue with his own band. After auditioned several guitar players they found Sven Cirnski who played in local bands before he joined SNAKE CHARMER. The first album "Smoke And Mirrors" (Arctic) was recorded in 1993. The debut album noted some success amongst the AOR fans all over the world. After the first album was done PETE SANDBERG decided to continue with his own projects. During the recording of the Dave Nerge and Johansson albums Per and Anders became friends with guitarist BENNY JANSSON. Benny worked as a studio musician, has played on several records with well known Swedish artists, such as ERICA, well known, because of her marriage with YNGWIE MALMSTEEN. JENS JOHANSSON, brother of Anders and a child hood friend of PER STADIN, performed on two tracks of the first album, but on "Backyard Boogaloo" he has tracked down all keyboards. He was with YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, DIO, JONAS HELLBORG, GINGER BAKER, STRATOVARIUS, just to name a few of them. Drummer became ANDERS JOHANSSON, now banging on his drums for the mega act HAMMERFALL. In the past he was with YNGWIE MALMSTEEN also. As the singer they choose GÖRAN EDMAN, an old friend of the band. He is rather well known because of his work with YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, JOHN NORUM, KHARMA, STREET TALK or GLORY. The album consist of nine original songs and one DAVID BOWIE cover, "Life On Mars". "Someday You're Gonna Love Someone" was written by JEFF SILBAR and MARK BAKER. Jeff has written songs for FLEETWOOD MAC; KENNY ROGERS or SHEENA EASTON. Mark has been writing for GLENN HUGHES, HOUSE OF LORDS AND OTHERS. "She Made Me Fall" was written by JEFF PERRIS, who is well known for his song writing work for MR. BIG. One way to describe SNAKE CHARMER's music is to call it Heavy-Pop-Rock. Scandinavian melancholic melodies with a foundation in heavy rock, where the members have their background! "Backyard Boogaloo" features three bonus tracks.



Track Listing

01. Miracle Man (4:39)
02. Someday You're Gonna Love Someone (3:58)
03. Life On Mars? (David Bowie cover) (3:57)
04. Need A Little Help (5:08)
05. Pretty Little Small Town Girl (4:13)
06. Not A Day Without You (5:42)
07. She Made Me Fall (4:37)
08. Free Floating (5:01)
09. Take A Look At Yourself (4:37)
10. Cold Hearted Woman * (7:05)
11. White Noise Boogaloo ** (4:34)
12. Heart Of A Demon ** (4:06)

* Bonus track!
** Previously released in Japan only!

Produced by Per Stadin
(Except tracks 11 & 12 by Snake Charmer)

The Band

• Göran Edman (Alien, Brazen Abbot, Yngwie Malmsteen, Street Talk, Glory, John Norum) - vocals
• Benny Jansson (2 Rocks, Dave Nerge's Bulldog, Erika, XsavioR) - guitars
• Jens Johansson (Yngwie Malmsteen, Dio, Stratovarius, Mastermind, Tony Macalpine) - keyboards
• Per Stadin (Billionaires Boys Club, Dave Nerge's Bulldog, Geff) - bass
• Anders Johansson (HammerFall, Silver Mountain, Yngwie Malmsteen, Planet Alliance, Doctor Weird, Aces High, Empire, Dave Nerge's Bulldog) - drums





Many thanks to the original uploader: kolushew