Description
Supervised by Brandon McMahon, an American archivist who has continued to unearth rare records, this compilation carefully brings to light buried masterpieces from the 70s and 80s.
Small Talk is a selection centered on forgotten soft rock and AOR. Rather than relying on popularity, the tracks are selected for their "sonic texture," featuring smooth vocals, gentle guitars, and mellow rhythms. Every song is one that captivates not with flashiness, but with its comfort and the beauty of its lingering afterglow.
The compilation was curated by Brandon McMahon, who has been based in Arizona, USA, preserving and introducing rare recordings—a perspective that is strongly reflected in this work. With mellow harmonies, gliding guitar riffs, and relaxed tempos as common threads, the collection perfectly captures the gentle atmosphere unique to the 70s and 80s.
Spanning everything from gentle soft rock to urban AOR, the compilation focuses on "hidden masterpieces" that possess a charm distinct from flashy hits. Featuring original artwork, it is a compilation that carefully recreates the atmosphere of the era.
A1 Greg Bowman– Suzanne
A2 Rick Steffen– Livin’ In The Middle
A3 Charmer – A Place In Your Heart
A4 Bluejays– Warmth
A5 Saffire – Oh Realle
A6 Greg Boehme– Love Be Kind
B1 Allan Mackey– Gypsy Wind
B2 David Ireland– Small Talk
B3 Dan Strimer– Back In My Arms
B4 David Hollen– Let It Flow
B5 Gasper & Dukes– Paradise Island
Featuring a selection of songs sourced from rare records of the 70s & 80s reissued for the first time. Premium case wrapped style sleeves for a period correct look & feel. Original Artwork by Zone Catalog. First collaborative release with Arizona archivist Brandon McMahon.
A warm breeze drifts through the open cabin of the boat, carrying the scent of salt and sun-warmed teak as it stirs the linen curtains. The man moves easily, bare feet against the wooden floor, the slow rhythm of the harbor rocking beneath him. He flips through his records with a knowing touch, pulling out a favorite—something smooth and mellow, with buttery vocals and melodies that drift like a sailboat on calm waters. The needle drops, and honeyed guitar riffs spill into the air, effortless and sunlit. He reaches for the bottle of rum, the ice in his glass chiming softly as he pours, then adds a squeeze of lime, a lazy stir. Outside, the water glows in the last light of day, golden ripples stretching toward the horizon. He leans back against the cushioned bench, drink in hand, the music swirling around him like the evening breeze—unhurried, weightless, exactly where he wants to be.
Small Talk brings together a carefully curated selection of long-forgotten, yet remarkably smooth and captivating soft rock and AOR tracks from the ‘70s and ‘80s, compiled by Brandon McMahon. These lesser-known songs are drenched in lush harmonies, dreamy guitar riffs, and mellow rhythms, capturing the essence of an era without the mainstream recognition. For those with an ear for the obscure and a taste for the subtle, Small Talk offers a fresh perspective on an era’s most overlooked gems.
