ANOMALIES ARE two a penny in rock music but none are more puzzling than the facts behind Export’s 1984 debut album ‘Contraband’. Released exclusively in the US, on the hugely powerful Epic record label, it came as something as a surprise to find out that this was in fact the work of an obscure British four piece rock band from Liverpool, a group who had barely made an impact locally let alone internationally.
Scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find some intriguing detail. They were formed by guitarist/song writer Steve Morris and featured vocalist Harry Shaw, previously a member of highly touted early seventies rockers Hard Stuff, and were championed by - and signed to - Deep Purple’s boutique label Purple Records. Following the release of a now highly collectable independently released album, Export were spotted and championed by sixties chart topper Dave Dee, who honed and shaped them in the form of tough yet melodic UK hard rock success stories such as Foreigner and Bad Company. Early demos were cut with none other than future Yes guitarist Trevor Rabin.
Amazingly, the band’s strident brand of melodic hard rock caught the ear of Epic Records in New York, resulting in the first of two albums for the label. ‘Contraband’ showcases a superb collection of sophisticated melodic hard rock from the hands of gifted song writers and first rate players.

24-bit remastering from original source tapes, 4,000 word essay about the making of the album and a new interview and full band involvement. Additional photos and memorabilia spread out over a 12 page full colour booklet.

TRACK LISTING: 1. Rockin’ For You 2. Destiny 3. Spotlight 4. Roll Little Sister 5. Take My Hand 6. You Gotta Rock 7. Rough Diamond 8. On The Run 9. Stay