I have to admit I have never heard of HIT THE GROUND RUNNIN’ and I am sure there are many soon to be fans that have yet to taste their material. But I contacted the band and after being drilled by their manager Lou Frezza, and they finally sent me their new release HGR.

First, let’s get a little background on this band. They originally released a record back in 1988 on a Canadian record label-- Autograph Records, distributed by BMG called “Sudden Impact. But check this out,( and this is probably why the band is skeptical in sending out their material); that first release has sold on eBay for $1950.52, with an average sales price of $838.17! Unbelievable! How can that be true… but true it is.

Their second release “Control Yourself”, comprised from previously recorded material, and placed on the website MP3.com. Within a month, the results were astounding, the site generating orders for 15,000 CDs in just 6 weeks.

It’s still hard for me to believe since I never even heard about HGR; I mean these guys are not THE STONES, AEROSMITH or a band that sells out Madison Square Garden but by the looks of it people do know about them with their sales are skyrocketing.

HIT THE GROUND RUNNIN’ just released their new CD HGR and is about to embark on a tour, but still in the back of my mind I can’t envision the band making the big time, but who thought their album would be a # 1 seller on ebay.

With fourteen new songs let us welcome HGR and their new CD, pick it up now who knows what can be next. Starting the CD off is “Make It Though” a track that is filled with riveting hooks and classic sounds similar to YES and CSN &Y. “Make It Through” has searing guitars with slow melodic vocals, more in the style of 70’s rockers.

Vocally Paul Piccari and Blair Rumsey sound is on a bit like Chris Squire and Graham Nash but the over layering of vocals are truly perfection. I love the harmonies that could be compared to ZEBRA. Track five brings a rendition of Tommy Boyce & Bobby Hart! “Steppin Stone” that hits home of vintage rockers like THE ANIMALS and THE YARDBIRDS. Great tune!

One of my favorite tracks is “Sad”, I don’t care if you’re a metalhead in the mosh pit, if you sit down and listen to “Sad” you will get that good feeling of great past legends GOLD FINGER. (Shit am I dating myself, Too bad. )

Track eleven “Let It Go” gives off the vibe of Neil Young’s “Hello Mr. Soul” but rocks out a bit more. Listening through and through this is where it all starts. Classic rock that has charisma and shows HGR is a class act and should get the recognition they deserve.