Artist: Thor, Album: Keep The Dogs Away, Song: Keep The Dogs Away

Thor was a bodybuilder named Jon Mikl from Vancouver.  He was the only Canadian man at the time to win Mr. Canada and Mr. USA honours in bodybuilding and eventually became Mr. Universe.  He competed against Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno (Incredible Hulk).  His other love was rock music and he fronted a few bands before inviting Frank Soda and The Imps (see blog 4/3/11) to join him as his backing band.  They relocated to Toronto and had quite an impact with their onstage antics.  Super human feats of strength like exploding water bottles and breaking cement blocks with a sledgehammer while on Thor's chest, were just some of the entertainment provided at a typical show.  By 1973, the band was invited to play on Merv Griffin's show which eventually led to some Las Vegas dates for Thor as a soloist.  By this time, discontent with becoming a lounge act, Frank Soda and The Imps broke off to do their own thing.  Thor would eventually land a deal with RCA in 1977 for his debut album, Keep The Dogs Away.  It was a stripped down, glam and punk rock delight, led by the title track and lead single, Keep The Dogs Away.  You can check out the song on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLtsphrQr_M).  This would be Thor's only release with RCA yet he would go on to release over 20 albums with various independent labels over the years and still records today.  He also ventured into acting and has appeared in a number of horror type films.  In 2009, he formed his own label, Vulcan Sky Records and re-released his debut album.  You can purchase the album on Itunes.  You can follow him at http://www.myspace.com/thorrockwarrior.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!