Metalville Records is reissuing SWEET’s 2002 album Sweetlife. At the time SWEET consisted of guitarist Andy Scott, along with drummer Bruce Bisland (Widlfire, Statetrooper, Praying Mantis), keyboard player Steve Grant (Top Secret, The Animals), and bassist Jeff Brown (Widfire, Statetrooper, Cats In Space) – also handling lead vocals here.
As a fan of The Sweet’s 70s albums, I have a hard time getting in to much Sweet beyond Brian Connolly, and then more so after Steve Priest left the band (albeit the Live At The Marquee with Phil Lanzon and Paul Mario Day is a solid release). But Sweetlife has some very good tracks, notably “Everything”, “Never Say Forever”, “Everybody Wants To”, “You’re Crazy”, and the acoustic “Leap Of Faith”. The band tries real hard on this album to recapture the magic, especially with excellent backing vocals throughout this. A pretty good album overall. I am curious to see how far back Metalville will go with these Sweet reissues.
The album offers 11 outstanding AOR songs. Long out of print and sought after by many fans, the album is finally back in stores on CD and vinyl.
MORE released 2 albums back in the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal period, and both with very different line-ups. It is the band’s debut Warhead that is the better of the 2 and of most interest. On the debut MORE consisted of bassist Brian Day, drummer Fran Darch, guitarists Laurie Mansworth and Kenny Cox, and singer Paul Mario Day, who was known to many as the first Iron Maiden singer. MORE were signed to Atlantic Records (UK, US, etc..) and with US Southern rockers Blackfoot also being on Atlantic (and very popular in the UK at the time) Al Nalli (producer/manager- Brownsville Station, Blackfoot) and Henry Weck (Brownsville Station) were brought in to produce the first album.
The band had debuted on the Friday Rock Show in 1980, playing 4 songs.
Warhead features 8 tracks, with side 1 one opening with a good riff rocker “Road Rocket”. This side also features a decent ‘metal’ version of the Arthur Brown classic “Fire”, which seems like an odd choice for a cover, but as a fan of AB, I find it pretty cool and interesting. It is side 2 which is the better side (IMO), opening with the title track, which features a big intro, which makes me wonder why this wasn’t the first song on the album!? It also includes another fine riff driven rocker in “We Are The Band”, and standout here is the closing cut “I Have No Answers”, which gallops along in places, and to me, is the closest thing to Iron Maiden here. Two singles were released from Warhead – “Fire” in the US, with the non-LP “Lord Of Twilight”, while the UK and other countries got “We Are The Band”, backed with the non-LP “Atomic Rock”.
I don’t know how well Warhead did at the time, but the band did shows in Europe (Monsters Of Rock) , and opened for Iron Maiden on their Killers tour. It seems more of a curious collectable as it features Day (with his connections to Iron Maiden and Sweet), as well as guitarist Laurie Mansworth, who went on to form Airrace, and later manage The Treatment. Both Paul Mario Day and Laurie Mansworth left the band before the 2nd album (tho’ Day had a songwriting credit on it). Paul Mario Day went on to record 2 albums with Wildfire (which included Andy Scott Sweet members Jeff Brown and Bruce Bisland) before joining The Sweet as well. Guitarist Kenny Cox went on to record with ’80s band Mammoth, which also included John McCoy (Gillan) and Nicky Moore (Samson). Cox passed away in 2022 (RIP).
Warhead is well worth checking out, at the least, appealing to fans of Samson, Tank, and a few others from the NWOBHM era. There is a ‘More’ still performing to this day, albeit with no original members.
A new DEEP PURPLE book is available. Stealing Deep Purple tells the story of the short-lived bogus band from 1980, and fronted by original DP singer Rod Evans. Deep Purple 1980 (the ‘new’ Deep Purple, then) played shows throughout Canada, the US, and Mexico before being stopped. This period is a curious and often overlooked chapter in the band’s history, though not being Deep Purple. There’s been many articles and DP fan accounts written online in the past, but Scottish author Steve McLean has researched this thoroughly for this book (373 pages). Looking forward to this one. Deep Purple 1980 kinda capped off an era where many big bands saw their name hijacked by corrupt managers and used to make money using bogus line ups (see also Fleetwood Mac, Steppenwolf, Herman’s Hermits…)
This is the story of Rod Evans, the little known original singer of Deep Purple, who decided to reform the band for a continental tour in 1980. The problem was that this Deep Purple contained no other members of the original group and that Rod, who had been fired long before their 1970s heyday, had no real legal rights to use the name.
The tour was comprised of riots, cancelled shows, on-stage fights, arrests, terrible performances and a massive court case. The who episode has become stuff of legend, with no two accounts seemingly the sames. Evans effectively ‘stole’ Deep Purple….. And he would have gotten away with it too if it wasn’t for all the posters, ticket sales and press coverage. Using over 200 newspaper, magazine, book and media sources plus brand new testimonies from the people who were there, Steve McLean attempts to piece together what actually happened in this real life Rock’n’Roll Swindle.
“They all had something down their spandex pants. We couldn’t tell if it was vegetable or plastic… Let’s just say it was pretty obvious those bulges weren’t real...Every time I watch that scene in Spinal Tap, I think of Deep Purple 1980.” Llory McDonald.
Dave Cousins was the singer, main songwriter, and leader of British band THE STRAWBS. He passed away July 13, at the age of 85. The Strawbs were a unique band, starting as folk rock, then evolving and adding elements of progressive, and hard rock over time. From 1972-73 the band had 3 UK hit singles – “Lay Down”, “Part Of The Union” (#2) , and “Shine One Silver Sun”.
Back in 2008 I received a few Dave Cousins solo albums (CD), His latest album – The Boy In The Sailor Suit, and a reissue of his 1972 album Two Weeks Last Summer. At the time I wasn’t very familiar, but I knew “Hero And Heroine”. I went and saw him, while promoting these discs, when he played a ‘songs & stories’ solo show at Hugh’s Room in Toronto. It was an entertaining, intimate show. Afterwards, Dave came out and greeted people, signed albums, got in pictures. I recall seeing a few posters in the Hughs Room hallways that were from previous Strawbs (Acoustic Strawbs) shows, so reckon the band had quite a following in Toronto for many years. This tour was captured in the live album Duochrome.
After that, my buddy Ed and I walked a few blocks over to a used record shop, where I picked up a handful of Strawbs’ LPs. On another day, just prior to or after the show I interviewed Dave. A bit of this was used in a local music paper. For some time now I’ve been intending to dig out the tape, and fully transcribe it.
The Strawbs last album was 2023’s The Magic Of It All.
George Kooymans was the guitarist and co-founder of the band that became The Netherlands biggest band passed away on July 22nd. . For those not familiar, aside from a few hits, the band that became Golden Earring was formed in 1961 as ‘The Tornados’, and by 1970 had dropped the ‘s’ from their name ‘Golden Earrings‘, and had the line up that would see the band until the end, in 2021 when it was announced the band would finish after Kooymans was diagnosed with ALS. Kooymans, Barry Hay (vocals, flute, guitar), Rinus Gerritsen (bass, keyboards), and Cesar Zuiderwijk (drums), played together from 1970, with their last performance from 2019 being released as ‘You Know We Love You – Live In Ahoy 2019‘.
George Kooymans was the band’s guitarist, as well as major songwriter, backing singer, and also sang lead on a number of songs throughout the band’s history. Kooymans co-wrote the band’s biggest known worldwide hit “Radar Live”, with singer Barry Hay in 1973, and he also penned the band’s massive 1982 comeback hit “Twilight Zone”. He sang lead on such classics as “Silver Ships”, “Buddy Joe”, “Lonesome DJ”, and “Hold Me Now”. Aside from the 26 Golden Earring studio albums, dating back to 1965 (Just Ear-rings), Kooymans also released solo albums in 1971 and ’87, and made 2 albums with Frank Carillo, the most recent Mirage, released in 2022.
Strap in! The pulse of rock ‘n’ roll just got a major jolt. Modern rock supergroup THE FELL, featuring legendary bassist Billy Sheehan, multi-platinum producer Mike (K.) Krompass, and Australian vocal powerhouse Toby Rand, return with their electrifying new single “Killswitch,” a crushing, high-voltage anthem that melds the golden age of rock with a modern-day edge via streaming as of July 18, 2025.
Watch for the video premier of “Killswitch” on July 30.
“Killswitch” will be available in Dolby Atmos mix via Apple/Amazon/Tidal on August 15.
“Killswitch” is about reclaiming control, cutting off the noise, shutting down manipulation, and powering through chaos with conviction, says the band. It’s a rally cry for anyone who’s ever felt pushed to the edge. The track pulses with massive guitars, blistering bass, and bone-crushing drums, wrapped in a wall of sound that nods to the best of late ’80s and ’90s rock while punching hard with a polished modern edge. This is not nostalgia, this is evolution.
THE FELL’s powerhouse lineup features legendary bassist Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big, David Lee Roth, Sons of Apollo), multi-platinum producer, songwriter, and guitar player Mike (K.) Krompass (Smash Mouth, Nelly Furtado, Everybody Loves an Outlaw, Dead Romantic), and vocal powerhouse Toby Rand (Rockstar: Supernova, Juke Kartel, Ashen Moon), whose dynamic voice soars over a backdrop of “Killswitch”’s grinding riffs and thunderous grooves. Sheehan delivers his signature low-end firepower with acrobatic flair, while Krompass’s massive guitar tones and razor-sharp production elevate the track to arena-sized proportions. Rounding out the lineup is elite session drummer Nick Chiarore (Dead Romantic), whose explosive drumming brings relentless precision and raw intensity. Chiarore’s chops can be heard on recordings with Slash and Steve Vai.
“Killswitch” will be available in Dolby Atmos mix via Apple/Amazon/Tidal on August 15.
Additional singles, “Face Out” is being released on September 12th. Followed by “Trippin’” on October 24th, plus a new version of their past hit “Footprints” (with Toby on vocals) on November 28th.
October 24th “The Killswitch EP” will be released in special packaging containing both CD and laser-etched LP, will feature 4 streaming singles plus a new version of “Dancin’ On A Glass Floor” that will remain exclusive to this release. A limited number of band signed deluxe editions will be available through their webstore. Watch for the announcement of record release shows in late October.
The album is released by Crown X Recordings/ BCMG Recordings.
HEAVEN And EARTH is the band lead by British born guitarist/ songwriter Stuart Smith, with the band name taken from Smith’s 1998 solo album. As of 2021, Heaven And Earth released 5 albums (including Smith’s debut), as well as a mini-album of new and previously released songs. In his younger years Smith played in a band (in England) named ‘Stallion’, who made some recordings (unreleased). He also became a friend to Ritchie Blackmore, who Smith learned from as a player. Needless to say if you’re a fan of Deep Purple and Rainbow, Heaven And Earth fits in that class, and is highly recommended . And like Blackmore, Stuart Smith’s band would. Change line ups from album to album, always featuring great players and singers.
From the time of the first album I interviewed Stuart then, and as well for the the next few after. I’ll try and add these links below. Choosing just 10 songs was a tough task, for this sort of retrospective of Heaven And Earth. The band has been put on pause since the last album, while Smith is working on other (non recording) projects, but here’s hoping we’ll hear more from the band (in some version) in the future.
Heaven And Earth
Way back around 1999, this debut solo CD from Stuart Smith was sent to me. I had no idea who he was at the time, but going through the album’s credits and seeing names like Glenn Hughes, Richie Sambora, Joe Lynn Turner, Chuck Wright, Carmine Appice and even Kelly Hansen (yes, I had the Hurricane albums!), I thought this might be good! And I wasn’t disappointed. A number of excellent songs and performances here, but it’s the album’s title track that I liked the most, and I think best represents the album. This one, sang by Joe Lynn Turner is kind of a power ballad,; reminds me of something that might have suited Deep Purple’s Slaves and Masters. Later editions of this CD (as Heaven And Earth, featuring Stuart Smith) included a number of bonus tracks.
Prisoner
I believe Kelly Hansen was intended to be the H & E singer after Stuart’s solo album, but when Hansen got the opportunity to join Mick Jones’ new version of Foreigner, Smith had to find someone else. So, new singer on 2000’s Windows To The World was Kelly Keeling (ex Baton Rouge, Blue Murder, MSG). I loved this album, it is packed with classic songs ala 80s Rainbow, Deep Purple, early Whitesnake…
A classic riff/intro leads in to a smooth melodic rock tune, not overly heavy, but a memorable chorus, brilliant solo. An easily likeable song. I really liked Kelly Keeling as the singer on this album, he really fit that Deep Purple family (closer to Coverdale, IMO) In another era this could’ve been a huge hit for a number of bands.
Politician
Another killer riff, and this rocker is another highlight here, taking aim at a politician Stuart disliked at the time. Windows To The World was produced by Howard Leese (Heart, Bad Co), who also adds guitar, bass, and strings to a few songs here. Richie Onori on drums, Marvin Sperling on bass, Arlen Schierbaum on keyboards , The Japanese edition (which I’d like to find), adds a couple of extra tracks, notably a cover of “I Don’t Need No Doctor”.
Windows To The World included a number of other good songs, a very solid album, including “Dogs Of War”, “World’s Apart” and “Away From Harm”.
Screaming For Redemption
Following Windows To The World, there was a brief phase with legendary LA singer Paul Shortino. This short lived line up recorded 4 songs as part of the Taste Of Heaven CD, which featured 4 previously released songs, as well. Dave Chamberlain on bass, Scott Warren (Dio) on keyboards.
Waiting For The End Of The World
When Dig came out in 2013, it featured another new line up. It included upstate New York singer Joe Retta. At the time Retta and Smith were also part of Steve Priest’s SWEET, and had released Live In America in 2009. Fantastic production on this album. There is lots going on in this track between the guitars, acoustics, synths and Hammond organ…It’s only 5 minutes, but feels longer. Reminds me a bit of Rainbow, a bit of Kansas…and although not on my list, I like the way the ending flows in to the next track “Sexual Insanity” .
House Of Blues
It was hard not to choose more from Dig,; the run of the first 8 tracks is awesome! In there are a few other greats like “Victorious” and “Back In Anger”. But this is another favorite, a heavy blues rock track. Excellent album, cover design / photography by Glen Wexler, cool band logo by Ian Wexler.
I Don’t Know What Love Is
This is the ballad from Dig. Such a grand production, with the backing vocals, strings, acoustic guitar, Stuart’s big solo and Joe Retta’s vocal. Not to forget Chuck Wright’s bass lines. Chuck was a huge part of this album, and a few others. Again, in another time this song could’ve been a huge hit for someone.
Hard To Kill
The title track to the band’s follow-up to Dig, (IMO, a hard act to follow!) When I initially got this album (1 of 2 H&E albums on vinyl), I liked it, but was pre-occupied at the time with personal stuff (moving, etc…), so I kinda put it on the back burner for a bit. It later became a fast grower of an album, and with the similarities n cover art, a nice partner to Dig. The title track is a great lead off rocker for this album.
Walk Away
Also from Hard To Kill, Stuart comes up with another fine riff and intro. This one is easily likeable, with a great, memorable chorus. As a follow up to Dig, Hard To Kill is a bit more blues rock, and a bit less polished, like the band has settled into a comfortable sound. Ty Bailie on keys, Kenny Aranoff on drums.
At The End Of The Day
From the last Heaven and Earth album ‘V’, released in 2021. A strange time for the band, as more changes occurred, most notably gone was singer Joe Retta. I gotta admit, the album caught me off-guard, not just because of the changes, but because what seemed like a lack of press at the time, and I was not overly floored upon first listen. Whether it was the overall sound, the change of singers, or whatever, it took me a while to warm up to this one, and it is the album’s last song that really stood out for me before anything else. There is a lot of good songs here like “Drive”, “Ship Of Fools”, and “Nothing To Me”, and the band sounds great, but this song here is classic, with Stuart’s opening riff/intro, and most significantly this being the best to feature the powerful vocals of Italian singer Gianluca Petralia here. Starting off as a ballad, and building into a heavy 70s styled rock epic, heavy on the guitar, bass, and Hammond organ. Joining Stuart Smith here were keyboard players George Barabas and Mike Mangan, bass player Lynn Sorensen (also credited as producer), and legendary drummer Simon Wright.
L-R:Daniel Löble (drums), Michael Weikath (guitars), Markus Grosskopf (bass), Michael Kiske (vocals), Sascha Gerstner (guitars), Andi Deris (vocals),Kai Hansen (guitars, vocals) Photo credit: Mathias Bothor
With 15 gold awards, six platinum awards and over ten million records sold, HELLOWEEN are celebrating the band’s 40th anniversary with the successor to their self-titled #1 album from 2021. GIANTS & MONSTERS is the second album for the legendary line-up and the title immediately states where the album is heading.
Confident and bursting with vigor, the septet presents what probably is the most versatile album of their career. Already the opener “GIANTS ON THE RUN” flips the switch from the very first riff and impressively marks the terrain with the power voices of Andi Deris and Kai Hansen. No trace of restraint – the track takes a breath, takes off and unleashes a roar that leaves no doubt about the blazing pulse of the ten new songs. On this album, the experience and musical enthusiasm of a band that can do anything and everything blazes its way: Heavy, speed, rock, ballad – plain, intricate or progressive. With five strong songwriters and seven world-class musicians, creative limits are set aside once and for all on GIANTS & MONSTERS.
Musically rather straightforward and a veritable hit, “A LITTLE IS A LITTLE TOO MUCH” gives Andi Deris and Michael Kiske the space their monumental voices need for an intimate story. “Basically, it’s about the famous straw that breaks the camel’s back. During the writing process, however, I remembered an experience I had at the age of 15 and the lyrics ended up being pretty erotic – about little things that can quickly put an end to a big thing”, grins Deris. “THIS IS TOKYO” is another personal track. “I’ve always wanted to write this song. Japan plays a very special role in my life because I had my first big successes there with Pink Cream 69, and they have always treated me incredibly well. I wanted to create a tribute to Japan and finally had the right idea for the lyrics. Because ‘Tokyo’ sounds better in a chorus than ‘Japan’, the city stands for a whole country that is very important to me.”
“‘UNIVERSE (GRAVITY FOR HEARTS)” is a reminder that everything in the universe is connected, and what looks like an infinite number of stars could actually be moments, hearts and decisions,” describes songwriter Sascha Gerstner. With a playing time of over eight minutes, “UNIVERSE (GRAVITY FOR HEARTS)”, together with “MAJESTIC”, not only stands out as a longtrack – they both surprise with dizzying dynamic changes and huge melodic arcs that create entire worlds: Whatever you believe in is real. Alongside “WE CAN BE GODS”, “MAJESTIC” is also one of the tracks featuring all three singers of the HELLOWEEN super alliance. Both songs were penned by Kai Hansen and launch all trademarks that secured his place deep in metal hearts. “The space and aliens are my favorite themes and pretty fascinating. But you could also read the chorus as a description of the band: ‘We’re back and we’re the Masters of Power Metal’ – I’ll leave that up to the listeners,” laughs Hansen.
Masterclass is just as evident in gigantic ballads, and “GIANTS & MONSTERS” serves the first one in this constellation. “INTO THE SUN” is a duet in which Deris and Kiske sweepingly pour their hearts out, carried by masterfully orchestrated string cascades and yearning guitar solos. “Originally the song had different lyrics, but now it’s about reincarnation and that suits the track much better,” reveals Deris. “Michi and I share similar beliefs in that area, and I really wanted us to record the song together. He just sounds great when he sings it”. “SAVIOR OF THE WORLD”, a classic Weikath at his best, could have well been on one of the legendary ‘Keeper’ albums, and the extravagant “UNDER THE MOONLIGHT” also underlines his exceptional songwriting talent.
Consistently topping superlatives and presenting yet another milestone with “GIANTS & MONSTERS” requires the courage to keep reinventing a colossus like HELLOWEEN as well as continuing to challenge seven brimming careers even after four decades. And the instincts of the congenial producers Charlie Bauerfeind and Dennis Ward. For example, the fact that Dani Löble recorded all tracks on three different drum sets to individually decide which set delivers the perfect vibe for a song was only imaginable through unrestrained love of experimentation and highest standards. An effort and attention to detail that not everyone is willing to bring to the table. The mix was done at the legendary Wisseloord Studios in Hilversum, which have witnessed the works of the greatest names in music – from Iron Maiden to Judas Priest and Def Leppard to Rammstein.
Friction is another secret of the band that experiences a second spring with the reunion. “What keeps motivating us is the fact that we’re extremely different. That generates suspense and creative energy,” explains Weikath, “and if problems do occur, we connect through our passion and our sense of humor. We try not to take ourselves and everything around us too seriously,” adds Hansen, before Deris concludes: “In the end, we’re just seven guys who want to make music and enjoy the incomparable force that arises when we’re together. HELLOWEEN is way more powerful than the sum of its parts.”
The world-famous unique pumpkin power will once again flood all stages on the upcoming anniversary tour when the band and their fans celebrate 40 years of HELLOWEEN. The band will be touring the planet’s prime arenas with an ultimate setlist including classics, newer songs and some legit surprises. The first dates of the European tour, starting in mid-October, were sold out immediately and tickets for additional shows in Madrid and Bochum are already on sale. The recently released live CD and Blu-ray/DVD “LIVE AT BUDOKAN,” documenting the first sold-out gig at the legendary Budokan in Tokyo, is the perfect warm-up before HELLOWEEN take their fans and all the world’s “GIANTS & MONSTERS” on their next victory lap through metal paradise.
Track Listing: 01. Giants On The Run 02. Savior Of The World 03. A Little Is A Little Too Much 04. We Can Be Gods 05. Into The Sun 06. This Is Tokyo 07. Universe (Gravity For Hearts) 08. Hand Of God 09. Under The Moonlight 10. Majestic
“GIANTS & MONSTERS” will be released on August 29, 2025, as CD Jewel case, CD Digipak (incl. bonus track), Earbook (incl. bonus CD), 2-LP Gatefold (in various colors) and 2-LP Picture (incl. bonus track), MC and digital.
After five years of anticipation, Calgary’s stoner groove rock trio Woodhawk announces they will be hitting the road this August through October for tour dates across Canada (dates listed below). The show dates are in support of their latest and third album, “Love Finds a Way,” released on June 6th of this year via Grand Hand Records. Fans can expect a high-energy set packed with new material and favorites from their discography that will be delivered with the raw power and passion.
Their most personal and powerful release to date, their new full-length album, “Love Finds a Way”, marks a turning point for Woodhawk. Demonstrating their evolution from early stoner rock roots into something more emotionally complex while maintaining the infectious grooves and memorable hooks that have defined their sound.
“Love Finds a Way” explores themes of darkness, healing, and hope, while still delivering the infectious hooks and thunderous riffs fans have come to expect. With contributions from longtime collaborator Jesse Gander on synth, the band expands their sonic palette without losing their edge. The trio of Turner Midzain (guitar/vocals), Mike Badmington (bass), and Kevin Nelson (drums) poured five years of growth, struggle, and creative evolution into this record.
“We are over the moon to get this album out. Love Finds a Way is easily the hardest we have worked on an album to date. We poured our heart and soul into this one. It really is a journey of getting out of the darkness and into the light. Check in with your friends and loved ones. Hug the ones you love. Be nicer to each other. Love will always prevail and be stronger than anything else. After 10 years of being a band, I feel like we are still just getting started!” adds the band.
After a decade together, Woodhawk is proving they’re just getting started. “Love Finds a Way” is more than an album; it’s a statement of resilience, connection, and the enduring power of rock.
Recommended for fans of The Sword, Red Fang, and Thin Lizzy, the album is a dynamic journey from start to finish, balancing soft and heavy, slow and fast, light and dark.
L to R: Kevin Nelson (Drums), Turner Midzain (Vocals/ Guitar), Mike Badmington (Bass/ Vocals). Portrait by Mark Kowalchuk
*Woodhawk will be performing on day three of this year’s LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FESTIVAL on August 3rd in Drumheller, AB alongside Revocation, Cyborg Octopus, Beguiler, Thirteen Goats, Famous Strangers, and more! Full details on LAH can be found at www.loudashell.ca.
Show Dates: Aug 3 – Drumheller, AB – Loud As Hell Open Air Aug 27 – Calgary, AB – Ship & Anchor Aug 28 – Lethbridge, AB – The Owl Acoustic Lounge Aug 29 – Regina, SK – The Exchange Aug 30 – Winnipeg, MB – Side Stage Sept 2 – Windsor – Phog Lounge Sept 3 – Hamilton, ON – Club Absinthe Sept 4 – Ottawa, ON – House of Targ Sept 5 – Montreal – Turbo Haus Sept 6 – Toronto, ON – The Monarch Sept 7 – Kingston, ON – The Mansion Sept 9 – Oshawa, ON – The Atria Sept 10 – Sault Ste. Marie, ON – Soo Blaster Sept 11 – Thunder Bay, ON – Black Pirates Pub Sept 12 – Brandon, MB – The 40 Sept 13 – Saskatoon, SK – Black Cat Tavern Sept 25 – Kelowna, BC- Jackknife Brewery Sept 26 – Vancouver, BC – Green Auto Sept 27 – Victoria, BC – Lucky Bar Oct 10 – Red Deer, AB – The Vat Oct 11 – Edmonton, AB – The Aviary
Been some time since I finished a top 10 Canadian list, though I’ve got a few years started….1978 was a good year! If there’s any glaring omissions (in your opinion), please leave it in the comments!
APRIL WINE – First Glance
The first April Wine album to feature guitarist Brian Greenway and the start of the band’s most commercially successful era. Featured the breakthrough US radio hit “Roller”, as well as “Coming Right Down On Top of Me”, “Rock n Roll Is A Vicious Game”, and dark heavy cut “Silver Dollar”. Arguably the band’s best album.
RUSH – Hemispheres
The band’s 6th studio album, released in October of that year, featured the classic “The Trees”, as well as epic “La Villa Strangiato”.. The last to feature such lengthy conceptual tracks.
SAGA – Saga
The debut from Toronto’s SAGA (or, Oakville), a band with rock, pop and more so prog influences. It is the first half dozen albums that make up the band’s classic period for me, with Saga featuring such songs as “How Long” & “Humble Stance” (both featured on the live ‘In Transit‘ album a few years later), as well as favorites “Will it Be You”, “Perfectionist” and ‘Tired World”. Classic album and album cover!
FM – Black Noise
Originally released in early 1978 by the CBC, in limited edition vinyl. Black Noise would go on to become a progressive rock classic. It was rereleased later the same year via Passport (Canada), and eventually on CD in 1994 – where the original trio of Cameron Hawkins, Martin Deller and Nash the Slash undertook a mini-tour in Ontario to promote it’s release. I saw 2 of these shows, got the CD & poster signed. A must-hear album featuring the hot “Phasors On Stun” (Star Trek Reference), “One O’clock Tomorrow”, “Journey”, and the title track. Amazing stuff!
STREETHEART – Meanwhile Back In Paris
The Regina, Saskatchewan band’s debut album, released in May (or June?) . Fronted by legendary Kenny Shields (RIP), and originally featuring guitarist Paul Dean & drummer Matt Frenette, along with bass player Ken ‘Spider’ Sinnaeve, and Daryl Gutheil on keys. This features the classic “Action”, as well as favorites “Move on Over”, “Pressure” and “Look At Me”. Dean left before the 2nd album and was soon joined by Frenette to form Loverboy. Sinnaeve, who’s played with numerous Canadian acts would also later join Loverboy. Meanwhile Back In Paris would go platinum in Canada. Paul Dean would record a new version of “Action” for his first solo album in 1989.
GODDO – Who Cares?
Released very early in the year, this Toronto trio’s 2nd album was a fine follow up to their excellent debut. Featured classics like “Tough Times”, “Sweet Thing”, “Oh Carole (Kiss My Whip)” and closing epic “Too Much Carousing”. The 1994 reissue of this added a half hour of outtakes.
TEAZE- On The Loose
Windsor, Ontario’s TEAZE’ 2nd album, and full of party rockers, anthems, and a few ballads. Includes opener “Gonna Have A Good Time Tonight”, plus rockers like “Ready To Move”, “On The Loose”, and ‘Never Again’, as well as ballads “Stay Here” and (country influenced) “Sweet Misery”.
TROOPER – Thick As Thieves
Released in June. Thick As Thieves was the last Trooper album produced by Randy Bachman. Best known for featuring their trademark hit “Raise A Little Hell”. Kind of a middle of the road rock album, with the only other real rocker being favorite “Gambler”. It also featured 2 further singles, both sung by keyboard player Frank Ludwig – “The Moment That It Takes” and the excellent “Round, Round We Go”.
PRISM – See Forever Eyes
The 2nd album from Vancouver’s PRISM. This one released in June saw a few line up changes, and featured 4 singles, notably “Flyin” and “Take Me Away”, both from new guitarist Alan Harlow. One of the band’s best!
MOXY – Under The Lights
The 4th and final Moxy studio album. This one featuring the vocals of Mike Rynowski (aka Reno). A decent album, tho’ different from the previous ones. Reno, of course, went on to huge success with Loverboy, and Under The Lights would be reissued as Thinking About You (with just Reno on the cover). Earl Johnson has more recently put together a new version of Moxy…I wonder if they perform anything from this album(?)
*Other albums from ’78 that I either didn’t make my top 10, and in a few cases I don’t have – WALTER ROSSI – 6 Strings, 9 Lives, ZON – Astral Projector, BOB SEGARINI – Gotta Have Pop, BTO – Street Action (1 of 2 featuring the late Jim Clench instead of Randy B), CHILLIWACK – Lights From The Valley, THE GUESS WHO – Guess Who’s Back (post Burton Cummings, hmm), RANDY BACHMAN – Survivor, BILLY WORKMAN – Billy Workman (this is one I am looking for, if anyone has it….), EDEN – Eden (interesting prog album, does anyone have this?), AERIAL – In The Middle Of The Night (interesting sounding band from Saskatchewan, w/ Hugh Syme cover design) , FOSTERCHILD – Troubled Child
Outsider Rock 