Artist: Art Bergmann, Album: Art Bergmann, Song: Faithlessly Yours

"God's got an answer in that jukebox.  I pick the wrong song every time.  I know my song is in that jukebox and I've been suckered for the last time."  Art Bergmann is a singer songwriter from Vancouver, British Columbia.  He is a punk rock icon in this country.  He started his career with the rock band, The Shmorgs (see blog 3/22/11), back in the late seventies before moving on to punk music and forming the band, The Young Canadians (see blog 10/13/11).  He spent most of the eighties playing punk in a number of bands before embarking on a solo career in 1988 with Duke Street Records.  He would release two albums with Duke Street before switching to Polygram for his third self titled release in 1991.  This particular album and the lead single, Faithlessly Yours, brought Art to the mainstream.  Even at his mildest, Art's performance of this love song still made you think that something was going to get smashed at some point.  It's a great tune and it got tons of airplay.  Shockingly though, it was not very commercially successful.  Apparently, Art did have a falling out with his label over the album's budget which would have affected the marketing of the album and Art's ability to tour with a full band.  The album was produced by former Blue Peter (see blog 10/4/11) member, Chris Wardman.  This song also included the talents of Jason Sniderman of Blue Peter on keys and back up vocals care of Paul MacAusland from Haywire as well as Jamey Koch of Rockhead (see blog 12/15/11).  Art would return four years later with the Juno award winning album, What Fresh Hell Is This?, with the Sony label in 1995.  Faithlessly Yours, was re-recorded as an acoustic version on Art's album from 1998 entitled, Design Flaw, with legendary guitarist, Chris Spedding.  You can read about the man at http://artbergmann.com/.  The self titled release is a very rare find these days.  At the time of this blog, I could only find a cassette copy for sale on Ebay for $70.  You can hear the song, Faithlessly Yours, on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZTEMU4fMyY).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Cat, Album: Cat, Song: Blank Space

Cat were a rock band from Toronto, Ontario.  They were Mike McQueen, Phil Mulholland, Gary O'Connor, Graham Fiddler and Jim Campbell.  They formed during the early sixties under the name, The Spasstiks, before opting for a name change.  They played up and down the U.S. east coast and had two early singles in 1968 before their self titled debut.  Their success landed them opening gigs for the likes of Lighthouse, Neil Diamond, Janis Joplin and The Guess Who.  Perhaps it was this latter band that led to Jack Richardson producing their self titled debut album in 1970.  The band toured quite a bit and went through some line up changes early in their career.  They were also a part of the Festival Express tour (http://festivalexpress.com/) apparently, but not listed by the producers of the recent documentary chronicling the event.  It was a cross Canada tour whereby the musicians travelled together by train from show to show.  Some of the bands included The Grateful Dead, The Band and Janis Joplin.  It took place in 1970 and the timing couldn't be more perfect for the band since their album had just been released.  Unfortunately, this was their only release and the members went their own separate ways by 1972.  Gary O'Connor would find fame in later years as Gary O' (see blog 1/7/11) as well as a member with the band Aerial (see blog 5/29/11).  Though never released as a single or a b-side to one, the tune, Blank Space, that kicks off side two is my own personal favourite from this release.  You can check it out on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Es3ChvghM8).  You can purchase Cat's debut album on Itunes.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: The Populars, Album: A Pill For Everyone, Song: Good News

The Populars were a 3pc rock band from Prescott, Ontario.  They were Dave Klym, Ernie Basiliadis and Ben Wilson.  Basiliadis and Klym were originally from Alberta and did some extensive touring together before moving to Ontario and recruiting Wilson.  They released their indie debut in 2005 to some critical acclaim before dropping their sophomore album in 2008.  The album was entitled, A Pill For Everyone, and it was produced by the Canadian power pop king, Moe Berg (The Pursuit Of Happiness).  Good News, is a fun tune with classic rock guitar grooves.  Worth checking out if you can find it!  Unfortunately, the album appears to be only available on the resale market.  At the time of this blog, there were copies trading on Ebay and Amazon between $5 and $15.  I don't believe the band is recording together anymore but they did set up a Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Populars/).  Klym is now part of a music composition and production company called, i-81 (http://www.i81productions.com/).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Adam Cohen, Album: Like A Man, Song: What Other Guy

"I know the kinda thing that makes you laugh.  The way you tilt your head for a photograph.  What other guy knows you like that."  Adam Cohen is a singer songwriter who was born in Montreal but who now resides in California.  He is the son of legendary Canadian musician, Leonard Cohen (see blog 9/2/10).  Adam is a multi instrumentalist and spent much of his early career composing music for other artists or mediums.  He released his major label debut with Columbia Records in 1998 and followed it up with two sophomore releases in 2004.  The first was a French recording and the second was as a member of the band, Low Millions.  Somewhat tired of the music business and unhappy with the direction of his own music, he all but quit.  Thankfully, at the urging of producer and friend, Patrick Leonard; a man who can be linked to many of Madonna's hits, Adam decided to return.  Backed by musicians, Don Was from Was Not Was ("Are You Okay?") as well as his father's long time collaborator, Jennifer Warnes ("First We Take Manhattan"), Cohen's third solo release is a beautifully sparse collection of songs.  What Other Guy, may just be one of the best songs released in 2011 and Warnes' harmony vocals are stunning.  You can check the video out on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6eYIt2ANQQ).  You can follow Adam at http://adamcohen.com/.  You can purchase the album, Like A Man, from Itunes.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Memory Day, Album: Jenkin's Farm, Song: Figure It Out

Memory Day were a rock band from Vancouver, British Columbia.  They were Charlie Mackenzie, Lanny Hussey, Todd Oliver and Scott Fletcher.  Their music was a blend of folk and rock.  The band had a song called, Who Is They, featured on an Indie Can  sampler from 1992.  After some digging, I discovered their one and only release from 1992 entitled, Jenkin's Farm.  Apparently, the band took a year to record the album in an old movie theatre in Vancouver.  It's a very strong release with a number of great tracks including this one entitled, Figure It Out.  The album is available for download from Itunes and Cdbaby.com.  Unfortunately, these are likely the only places to hear a sample of the song as well.  The band does have a Myspace page which includes some of the other album tracks (http://www.myspace.com/memoryday).  Charlie Mackenzie is still recording as a solo artist with at least two albums to his credit.  Some of the members of Memory Day are still playing with him as well.  You can follow Charlie at http://www.myspace.com/charliemackenziemusic.  Thanks for reading and enjoy! 

Artist: Ursula, Album: Happy To Be Outraged, Song: Caged Bird

Ursula was a rock band from Toronto, Ontario.  They formed during the early nineties and released their one and only album, Happy To Be Outraged, in 1995.  In hindsight, you might refer to them now as an indie super group.  They included Andrew Cash, Jason Collett, Kevin Fox and Randy Curnew.  At the time, Andrew Cash (see blog 2/12/11) was released from his Island Records contract following his 1993 album, Hi.  He started to play with some local musicians not intending to produce a record but in the end, he was so impressed by the results, the album was released.  The band would play some regional gigs before the members would venture on to new musical projects.  Cash and Collett would join forces again in the band, Bird, five years later, for a string of releases.  Cash would also collaborate with his brother Peter from the Skydiggers (see blog 9/13/11) in a new band called, The Cash Brothers.  Today, Andrew Cash's focus is mainly on politics.  He is a recently elected MP for the NDP party in Toronto. Collett has gone on to release a few albums as a solo artist with the Arts & Crafts label.  Kevin Fox (see blog 8/3/11) is a musician who has played with everyone from Danny Michel (see blog 9/26/10) to Kathleen Edwards and is perhaps one of the most in demand cello players within the country.   Randy Curnew has played with Ian Blurton's (see blogs 11/22/10, 6/30/11) band, C'mon.  Ursula's one and only release has been preserved thanks to Andrew Cash and you can purchase it from his website (http://andrewcash.net/).  Caged Bird, is an edgy tune with a great groove and you can hear it on Andrew's site.  The chorus reminds me of The Replacements.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Kyp Harness, Album: Houdini In Reverse, Song: One & Only

"Some like to weep and some like to sleep.  You can read the news and count the sheep.  There'll always be enough to get yourself in deep and raffle off your soul for what you cannot keep."  Kyp Harness is a singer songwriter from Sarnia, Ontario.  He relocated to Toronto during the 80's and started playing the folk club and coffee house circuit within the city.  It was during this time that he made the acquaintance of Bob Wiseman (see blog 1/6/11), Ron Sexsmith (see blog 9/9/10) and Bob Snider (see blog 1/16/12).  These three musicians would figure prominently on some of Kyp's later recordings and Sexsmith would also record one of his songs.  He released his debut album in 1991 and to date, he has 9 independent releases to his name.  His most recent was released last year marking his 20th anniversary in the business.  Houdini In Reverse, was his fourth release back in 1998.  Kyp's calling card has always been his prolific songwriting.  He has authored two books over the course of his career, so his writing skills are certainly proven.  I find this particular track entitled, One & Only, to be very Bob Dylan like.  He sings rapid fire lyrics similar to Dylan's Subterranean Homesick Blues.  It's a great tune and you can hear it at http://www.myspace.com/kypharness.  You can follow Kyp at http://kypharness.net/.  You can purchase the album, Houdini In Reverse, from Maplemusic.com.  Kyp also writes and draws a web comic called, Mortimer The Slug, that you can link to from his site.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Morgan Cameron Ross, Album: Morgan Cameron Ross, Song: Hey There Darlin'

Morgan Cameron Ross is a singer songwriter originally from Vancouver but now residing in Toronto, Ontario.  Ross moved to Toronto in 2005 and formed the band, Birds Of Wales.  The band's popularity grew quite rapidly in the city and they even ventured overseas to play a number of dates in the U.K..  They supported Aussie songwriter (and new Canadian citizen), Xavier Rudd, on his European tour.  They would release their debut in 2010 called, Belgravia Hotel.  A year later, Ross found life much simpler as a solo artist and released his self titled debut album with indie label, Sparks Music.  Coincidentally, the same label that signed Birds Of Wales.  This is a fantastic album and Ross is a supremely talented singer songwriter.  His music combines a variety of styles ranging from country to rock.  Hey There Darlin, is the album opener which is a solid power pop tune.  You can hear the song on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRyh7YSEvoc).  If there was any justice in this world, this album would have garnered a 2012 Juno nomination.  You can follow Ross at http://www.morgancameronross.com/.  You can purchase his self titled debut on Itunes.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!   

Artist: Anvil, Album: Forged In Fire, Song: Never Deceive Me

Anvil are a metal band from Toronto, Ontario.  They were formed by childhood friends, Steve Kudlow and Robb Reiner.  The band began recording during the late seventies and by 1981, they had released their independent debut album.  This led to a deal with Attic Records and a year later, they released their sophomore album, Metal On Metal, in 1982.  The band was very popular and with heavy metal at it's peak in popularity, they played stages internationally with some of the biggest names in the business. Unfortunately though, the band suffered through numerous member and record label changes.  However, Kudlow and Reiner were the constant members throughout all of that and they continued to release albums at a torrid pace.  To date, they have 14 studio releases.  Forged In Fire, was their third release from 1983.  Never Deceive Me, is a great song from that album and you can check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rm3m8iHe2dw.  The band fell on some really hard times which were captured in a documentary called, The Story Of Anvil, in 2008, yet continued to release music.  The popularity of the documentary ignited their career and thanks to some high praise from bands like Metallica, Slayer and Megadeath, the boys have been touring and releasing albums again.  It appears that they are booked throughout the spring and summer of 2012, performing at metal festivals all over the world.  You can keep track of them at http://www.anvilmetal.com/.  You can purchase the album, Forged In Fire, on Itunes.  If you get a chance, the documentary is a great movie to watch and well worth the time.  Anvil is also celebrating their first Juno nomination for Hard Rock Album of the Year for their latest release, Juggernaut Of Justice.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Cadillac Bill & The Creeping Bent, Album: Route 666, Song: Leather Pants

Cadillac Bill & The Creeping Bent are a rock band from Hamilton, Ontario.  They were formed by front man, Bill Boyd-Wilson, during the early nineties.  Bill was born in England but spent his adult life in Canada.  He studied film at UCLA and animation at Sheridan College before turning to music.  You can check out some of his work at http://www.youtube.com/user/BOYDWILSONFILMS/.  He later shared an apartment with some members of The Cowboy Junkies (see blog 2/13/11) and soon turned his interest to music.  He formed the band, Cadillac Bill & The Creeping Bent, and they released their debut in 1991.  Their sound is a mix of Ian Drury ("Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll) coupled with rockabilly and garage rock.  They received a fair bit of regional acclaim during the early nineties and their music was played on college radio as well as CFNY in Toronto.  They toured Canada in support of a number of artists like The Headstones, Big Sugar, Teenage Head (see blog 10/3/10) and The Gruesomes (see blog 4/28/11).  Many of their early releases were either cassette only or had limited pressings.  They did release an album in 2006 entitled, Route 666.  It included one of their earlier singles from 1991 called, Boomerang.  The album opener entitled, Leather Pants, is another great tune from this release and you can check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyHk9g2L6Wk.  You can also hear the song at http://www.reverbnation.com/cadillacbillthecreepingbent.  The band recently posted a new song on their Reverbnation page so perhaps a new release is not far off.  You can follow them at http://www.facebook.com/pages/CADILLAC-BILL-THE-CREEPING-BENT.  You can purchase the album, Route 666, on Itunes.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: The Water Walk, Album: Thingamajig, Song: Anyways

The Water Walk were a rock band from Vancouver, British Columbia.  They were Dale Darlington, Lynne Kellman, Ike Eidsness, and David Kershaw.  They were quite popular regionally which led to their signing with Nettwerk Records.  They joined a roster of artists that included Sarah McLachlan, The Grapes Of Wrath (see blog 12/30/11) and Lava Hay (see blog 11/25/11).  I thought their sound was very similar to The Beautiful South (circa 1989 "Song For Whoever").  They released their debut in 1994 entitled, Thingamajig.  They had at least one single that I can remember from this release entitled, Turn Your Face Away (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzYwm3mCMmU).  The track, Anyways, is another great tune from their debut.  Kellman would leave the band following this release and sign a solo deal with RCA Records.  She released her debut in 1998 under the name, Another Girl.  The remaining members of The Water Walk would go on to release one more album in 1997 before calling quits.  I'm not completely certain but I think Kellman may be the only member still performing and recording.  Her new band is called, Clic, which includes former Slow (see blog 3/9/12) and Copyright (see blog 1/5/11) member Cristian Thorvaldson.  You can purchase The Water Walk's, Thingamajig, on Itunes.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Trans X, Album: Message On The Radio, Song: Living On Video

Trans X were a synth-pop duo from Montreal, Canada.  They were Pascal Languirand and Laurie Ann Gill.  Languirand's musical roots were in cosmic electronica and he had released 3 albums before forming Trans-X.  You can hear some of his music on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDOEgWZY47A).  You'll notice from this video that his music was both ambient and almost Pink Floyd like which makes you wonder if this musical side project, Trans X, was more of a carefree experiment.  Regardless, it turned out to be his most commercially successful.  The song, Living On Video, was first released as a single in 1981 and it did very well in Canada.  It was later included on the band's debut album, Message On The Radio, released in 1983.  The song was then re-released internationally in 1985 and charted well in countries like the U.K., U.S., Sweden, France, the Netherlands and Belgium to name a few.  The re-release was included on an album of the same name which went platinum in sales, selling over two million copies.  Languirand has released subsequent albums in recent years under the Trans X name as well as his own.  He has even released some updated versions of the song, Living On Video.  You can watch the video for the song, Living On Video, on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9xBAtCsCTQ).  You can purchase the album, Living On Video, on Itunes.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Revise, Album: Don't Look Down, Song: What's That?

Revise (aka Sam Lawton) is a DJ and electronic artist from a little town called Mud River, in northern British Columbia.  His upbringing in rural B.C. included acquiring a taste for Hip Hop and later electronic music which prompted him to eventually create his own compositions.  He moved to Vancouver when he was 21 and started performing live.  He created some noteworthy independent releases which garnered him critical acclaim within the electronica genre of music.  His first proper release was in 2010 entitled, Palettes To Burn, on his own Re:create Records imprint.  However, as a pre-release primer, an album including some of the tracks from Palettes To Burn, were released in 2009.  The album was called, Don't Look Down.  What's That? is a sample heavy down tempo track that didn't make the final cut for Palettes To Burn but is one awesome song.  You can check it out at http://soundcloud.com/revise/.  I just love these types of compositions.  Some of my personal favourites from over the years include Rae & Christian's "Blazing The Crop", Roc Raida's "Who You Fuckin' Wit", Mr. Scruff's "Spandex Man" and Fingathing's "Walk In Space".  All worthy tracks like this one to get your ears around.  Revise collaborated with local singer, Adaline, on a couple of tracks and the partnership has led to a new project called, The Organization.  They released an album of remixed neo-noir movie themes and it is available for free download at http://theorganization.bandcamp.com/.  You can purchase Revise's album, Don't Look Down, on Itunes.  You can keep tabs on Revise at http://www.facebook.com/Revise.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Me Mom & Morgentaler, Album: Shiva Space Machine, Song: Oh Well

"People that judge books by the cover never read them anyway."  Me Mom & Morgentaler were a ska band from Montreal.  They were a musical collective, 8 members strong, with a larger than life theatrical live presence that rocked the college and alternative circuit in Canada for a brief time during the early nineties.  The band released their first EP in 1991 before releasing their one and only full length album, Shiva Space Machine, in 1993.  They were a really talented group of musicians that struggled to find support for their music.  The lack of independent labels and live venues proved to be too challenging in the end for the band and they broke up shortly after their full length debut was released.  The band did spawn two notable musicians that would go on to find some greater success in music.  Kim Bingham would take her act solo as both, Mudgirl (see blog 12/28/10) and The Kim Band.  Gus Coriandoli, aka Gus Van Go, has become a successful music producer with credits like The Stills (see blog 3/1/12), Hollerado and The Kingpins (see blog 7/12/11).  Me Mom & Morgentaler reformed in 1999 and then again in 2007, in support of Shiva Space Machine's re-release.  The new version is not only remastered but includes some added tracks.  You can purchase the album on Itunes.  Oh Well, is an absolutely fantastic track from this album that received some decent airplay upon it's release.  The band produced a video for the song and it got some good rotation on Much Music.  You can check it out on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fo4dOsOw1s0).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Bobnoxious, Album: Cocktales, Song: Long Night

"It's been a long night and it's best I get my ass home."  Bobnoxious is a rock band from London, Ontario.  They are led by front man and founder, Bob Reid, along with his band mates, Stan, Wylie and Jeffy B.  They released their debut in 2004 and have five albums to date.  Cocktales is their latest album which was released in 2010.  They purvey great riff rock n' roll which is very similar to AC/DC with a bit of punk attitude as well.  Their music is really entertaining and this particular album, Cocktales, is a stunner from start to finish.  Long Night is one of the final tracks on the disc and has a great chorus.  Bob Reid has been around the hard rock/metal scene since the eighties.  He was the front man for Canada's innovative thrash metal band, Razor.  He also started a side project with some former Razor band mates called, SFH , during those years as well.  Bob has rocked stages all over the world and has rubbed shoulders with some of metal's heavy hitters like Motorhead and Slayer.  Musically, Bobnoxious are not anything similar to Razor but they are no less an electrifying live band.  They even opened for KISS in Sarnia a few years back.  If mainstream music tastes every shift again, these guys will be huge.  They are that talented.  You can follow Bobnoxious and their legion of fans known as The Rockaholics, at http://www.bobnoxiousrock.com/.  You can watch the hilarious video for Long Night on their website.  You can purchase the album, Cocktales, on Itunes.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Slow, Album: Against The Glass EP, Song: Have Not Been The Same

Slow were a punk band from Vancouver, British Columbia.  They were Ziggy Sigmund, Christian Thorvaldson, Tom Anselmi, Stephen Hamm and Terry Russell.  They formed during the early eighties under the name Sifu before signing with independent label, Zulu Records.  The band released their first single in 1985 and the popularity of it led to an EP release in 1986 entitled, Against The Glass.  This six song release caught on with a number of listeners and rightfully so, it was groundbreaking.  If you haven't heard the lead off track to this album entitled, Have Not Been The Same, you need to.  It is a key recording in Canada's punk history and just maybe, the best ever.  You can check out the song on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RzA0VHcsBY).  Sadly, their career as a band ended abruptly as a result of an incident at Expo 86.  The details are best known specifically to those that were there and I'd hate to embellish or misrepresent them.  Needless to say, they were escorted off stage by the Vancouver police and the incident led to the cancellation of The Festival Of Independent Recording Artists at Expo 86.  That decision touched off some angry protests all over the city.  This is one of those albums that just needs to be remastered and re-released because it is extremely rare.  At the time of this blog, there was 1 copy trading on Discogs for $40.  Anselmi and Thorvaldson would go on to release a number of albums as the  band, Copyright (see blog 1/5/11).  Hamm and Russell would form the band, Tankhog.  Anselmi's most recent project is entitled, Mirror (http://www.myspace.com/mirrorav).  Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode was featured on Mirror's debut in 2008.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Band: Maow, Album: The Unforgiving Sounds Of Maow, Song: Ms.Lefevre

Maow were a pop-punk outfit from Vancover.  They were signed to Mint Records and released the album, "The Unforgiving Sounds Of Maow" in 1996.  The song, Ms.Lefevre, was one of the highlights on the album.  The band included Tobey Black, Corrina Hammond and Neko Case.  Neko Case handles the vocals and percussion on this track.  Neko went on to find greater fame years later as a solo artist and as a member of the New Pornographers.  This track and the album it comes from is accessible for download on Itunes and Amazon.com.  It can also be purchased in Cd form from Amazon as well.  Ebay had numerous copies available between $10 and $12 at the time of this blog.  You can watch the video for the song on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fk3GYN6M4-U). 

Artist: Alta Moda, Album: Alta Moda, Song: Julian

In 1987, Molly Johnson and Norman Orenstein teamed up to release the self titled debut for Alta Moda.  This would be the first of two collaborations between these two musicians.  This Toronto band only released one album before breaking up.  The record was produced by Colin Thurston (Duran Duran, Human League).  They were mis-labelled as being American funk and "too black" which led to some radio stations refusing to play their material.  They actually refused a Juno nomination for Julian because it was in the R&B category.  Speaking with the time of it's release in mind, I think the song Julian was more New Wave than R&B.  It's a shame formats were so restrictive back then.  The album isn't available on Itunes but you can buy new and used copies on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca.  There were also vinyl copies on Ebay at the time of this blog selling under $10.  You can also see the video on You Tube (www.youtube.com/watch?v=2l669wogFDo).

Artist: Nucleus, Album: Nucleus, Song: Jenny Wake Up

Nucleus were a prog rock band from Toronto.  They were Greg Fitzpatrick, Bob Horne, Hugh Leggat, John Richardson and Danny Taylor.  Fitzpatrick, Leggat, Richardson and Taylor were actually in a previous band called, The Lords of London, during the mid-sixties and had some early pop single success.  However, by the late sixties, the members were yearning to expand their musical tastes and they recruited keyboardist Horne and changed up their sound.  The band started playing their new, free form blend of rock, soul and jazz on the coffee house circuit of Yorkville before heading to New York to record their one and only self titled debut album in 1968.  They toured all over Canada as well as the U.S. and were building a dedicated following despite having most of their songs clocking in between 8 and 11 minutes.  Jenny Wake Up, is a very trippy tune from this release and you can check out my Hilarious House Of Frightenstein tribute on Vimeo (http://vimeo.com/38186005).  The band would sign on with Chicago label, Mainstream Records, for this release but by 1970 they were through.  One of the final appearances the band made was at the now legendary, Toronto Rock and Roll Revival Festival held at Varsity Stadium in 1969.  The concert featured The Doors, John Lennon, Chuck Berry, Gene Vincent, Chicago, Alice Cooper and a long list of other performers.  I've read that Nucleus was actually the backing band for Chuck Berry and Gene Vincent that day.  Leggat, Taylor and Horne would go on to form A Foot In Cold Water ("Make Me Do Anything You Want", "(Isn't Love Unkind) In My Life") shortly after the Nucleus break up.  Thankfully, this Canadian rarity has been remastered and re-released.  You can purchase the album, Nucleus, on Itunes.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Jen Militia, Album: Berlin Boot Camp, Song: This Is Not A Test

Jen Militia were a rock band from Kitchener, Ontario.  They purveyed a musical style that was a hybrid of both hip hop and punk.  Led by Trinidadian born lead singer, MC Michael Dainjah, this 5pc band spit rapid fire lyrics over heavy beats and rock n' roll guitars.  The other members included, Christion, J.Double, Kyle Nova and Holla.  I know the band started playing together in 2004 but I'm not sure if they had any other releases besides this one, entitled, Berlin Boot Camp, in 2007.  They had quite a reputation of being great live performers and actually toured outside of the province of Ontario in support of this release.  This Is Not A Test, is the explosive opening track to the album and you can check it out on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaEeALoLrl0).  My guess is that the band is no longer together.  Dainjah has played with Danny Michel (see blog 9/26/10) and is now in a band with former Happy Mondays' drummer, Gaz Whelan, called The Hippy Mafia (http://www.thehippymafia.com/).  They have been touring in support of ex-Oasis, Liam Gallagher's new band, Beady Eye.  You can purchase the album, Berlin Boot Camp, on Itunes.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Krome, Album: Kronic Rock, Song: Turn It Up

Krome are a rock band from Vancouver, British Columbia.  They formed in 2002 and released their debut album independently in 2003.  They are a hard working band with an exciting live show and a ferocious appetite for getting their music heard.  Their indie debut received some strong radio support across the country and the band financed a video for the lead single.  Lead singer and founder, Shawn Meehan, is originally from Quebec and he recorded their debut single in French as well, to get it played on the radio in that province.  They were picked up by Cordova Bay Records (http://www.cordovabay.com/) for their second release in 2010, entitled, Kronic Rock.  You would have to go back to The Headpins' 1982 release entitled, Turn It Loud, to see album graphics like that.  This album is full of some great anthemic tunes.  Turn It Up, was one of the singles released from the album and you can check it out on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaA6cjEXMww).  Krome is currently playing shows in Alberta and British Columbia and you can follow them at http://krome.ca/.  You can purchase the album, Kronic Rock, on Itunes.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Dave Pomfret, Album: No Rush, Song: All The While

"I never knew you could be like this when all the while you were such a bitch."  Dave Pomfret is a singer songwriter from Hamilton, Ontario.  His musical roots can be traced back to the eighties and a band called, The Munday Nuns.  His band mates, Gene Champagne and Mike Trebilcock would go on to form the band, The Killjoys (see blog 4/9/11), during the nineties.  When Pomfret decided to release his solo debut in 2009, entitled, No Rush, his old pal, Trebilcock, signed on to produce it.  Much like his producer, Pomfret is a gifted lyricist as well as a musician with great pop sensibility.  This particular track, All The While, has some Elvis Costello flavour to it.  You can check out the tune on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXvoz30OyvY&list=UUppSJ2-WmKhVgELd07MXO3w&index=1&feature=plcp).  Dave Pomfret has been playing regionally most recently and can usually be found at the Rebel Rock Irish Pub in Hamilton.  This particular release was nominated for Folk/Roots album of the year at the Hamilton Music Awards in 2009.  Beyond the world of music, Dave has started his own promotions company as well as The Great Canadian Salsa Company.  He actually pitched the salsa company on the television show, The Dragon's Den.  You can follow him at http://www.reverbnation.com/davepomfret.  You can purchase the album, No Rush, on Itunes.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Wrabit, Album: Tracks, Song: Unsung Hero

Wrabit were a rock band originally from Ottawa, Ontario.  The band had numerous line up changes throughout their career but the beginning of the band's roots can be traced back to the early seventies.  They started out as a cover band and eventually moved on to Toronto and landed a deal with MCA Records.  The band had garnered a strong regional following up until this point so their self titled debut release in 1981 was already starting to generate significant buzz.  The debut was re-issued a year later under a new name, Wrough And Wready, which coincided with it's international release.  The band toured internationally and had developed quite a following in Japan.  They also opened for bands like Black Sabbath and Rush.  Tracks, was their second release in 1982 and it featured former Max Webster member, Gary McCracken, on drums.  Unsung Hero is one heck of a tune from this album.  It shows the dichotomy of their sound whereby they mixed an intense, heavy metal sound with a more melodic synthesizer based melody.  Lead singer, Les Nadeau, has some of the strongest vocal pipes I've ever heard.  You can check out this tune on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rK4YdxdX9b8&feature=results_video&lr=1&ob=0).  The band would release one more album in 1983 before calling it quits.  Many of their releases were re-issued by MCA in later years but Tracks appears to be the only one available on Itunes for download.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: The Stills, Album: Oceans Will Rise, Song: Everything I Build

"But I built it with sand and I built it with rock.  I built it with all of the things that I'm not and I watched from the hill as it burns to the ground." The Stills were a rock band from Montreal, Quebec, that formed in 2000.  They were Tim Fletcher, Dave Hamelin, Olivier Corbeil, Liam O'Neil and Gregory Paquet.  The band landed a record deal with Vice Records out of New York and decided to relocate to that city.  Their debut full length was released in 2004 and they followed it up with a sophomore release in 2006 before deciding to change labels.  They joined Arts & Crafts in 2007, which is home to The Broken Social Scene, Feist and Zeus (see blog 8/12/10) to name a few.  Their final album in 2008 entitled, Oceans Will Rise, coincided with some international tour dates supporting The Kings Of Leon.  The band also opened for Paul McCartney in Quebec City for that city's 400th anniversary celebrations.  The band was also nominated for two Junos in 2009 as a result of this release.  Oceans Will Rise won the award for Alternative Album Of The Year and the band also won the Juno for New Group Of The Year despite having released 3 albums at that point (?).  Sadly though, the band would call it quits a year later.  Dave Hamelin and Liam O'Neil have started a new band called, Eight And A Half, with Broken Social Scene member, Justin Peroff.  Everything I Build is a very cool track from their last album and you can check it out on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIaXunJGGUI).  The album, Oceans Will Rise, is available for download from Itunes.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!