Artist: The Viletones, Album: A Taste Of Honey, Song: Never Feel Sad

The Viletones were a punk band from Toronto, Ontario.  They were Steven "Nazi Dog" Leckie, Freddy Pompeii, Chris Haight and Motor X.  The Viletones didn't have a very long run; a couple of years at best, but they are probably the most notorious of all the Canadian punk bands to come out during the late seventies.  They were formed by front man, Steven Leckie, in 1976.  He was 17 years old.  In 1977, they played CBGB's in New York with fellow Canadian punk bands, Teenage Head (see blog 10/3/10) and The Diodes (see blog 12/8/11).  You can watch a segment of a Canadian Punk Documentary featuring Leckie called, Crash 'n' Burn, on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j88zsWjmB-A&feature=related).  Their shows were violent and chaotic, often leaving Leckie wounded.  There isn't a band in Canadian history that could be as closely compared to the Sex Pistols as these guys.  The band released their first single, Screaming Fist, in 1977 and in 1978, their one and only release entitled, Look Back In Anger.  Look Back In Anger was produced by legendary Toronto musician, Roger Mayne, of the Ugly Ducklings (see blog 6/26/11).  That same year, Pompeii, Haight and Motor X all left the band and started The Secrets with former Diode, John Hamilton.  In 1983, a live full length album was released before this retrospective of the band's work entitled, A Taste Of Honey, in 1994.  According to the liner notes, all the tunes were recorded on a 2 track in 2 hours during the spring of 1977.  Never Feel Sad, is one of many cool tracks on this disc and you can check it out on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHwDc53A19k).  Leckie has released some solo material and has also resurrected the band on occasion over the past decade.  You can read about The Viletones at http://www.viletonesofficial.com/.  A Taste Of Honey, is a rare find today.  At the time of this blog, there was one copy trading on Discogs for $10.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Slik Toxik, Album: Doin' The Nasty, Song: Helluvatime

"Hold on tight, we're headed for a helluvatime."  Slik Toxik were a rock band from Toronto, Ontario.  They were formed by members Nick Walsh and Dave Mercel in 1988.  These two individuals were in a couple of bands together during the mid eighties before morphing into Slik Toxik.  Mercel would end up relinquishing his role as bassist and contribute lyrics for the band.  Slik Toxik was immediately snapped up by EMI Records in 1991.  Their full length debut entitled, Doin' The Nasty, was released in 1992 and it went gold on the strength of 4 successful singles.  One of them was this rocker entitled, Helluvatime.  You can check out the video on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2R6Eek56pzU).  This album was massive for a genre of music in decline.  Metal was on the outs and it would prove to be the band's fatal blow in the end.  However, they still were nominated for two Junos in 1993 for this release.  They won Hard Rock Album Of The Year but lost the award for Most Promising Group that year to The Skydiggers (see blog 9/13/11).  The band would sever ties with their label and release their sophomore album independently in 1994 before breaking up shortly thereafter.  This band's career would have been longer if the timing were better.  They were Nick Walsh, Kevin Gale, Patric Howarth, Rob Bruce and Neal Busby.  Walsh and Bruce would go on to form the band, Raised On Mars, for one release.  You can check out some of their work at http://raisedonmars.tripod.com/.  Following that, Walsh would form the band, Revolver, and more currently, Famous Underground.  The latter released their debut album last year and you can follow them at http://www.famousunderground.tv/.  As for Slik Toxik, their albums are very rare today.  At the time of this blog, there were copies trading on Ebay between $10 and $40.  Thanks for reading and enjoy! 

Artist: Fountain Of Vermouth, Album: Tragedy Of Birth, Song: Lotus Eater

"Who said I wanted to be saved.  I've got every single thing I need.  A day old sticky danish and a cigarette and a cup of piss warm coffee."  Fountain Of Vermouth were a rock band from Toronto.  They were Donovan Gopaul, Evangeline Mangune, Tony Saarenvirta and Kevin Taylor.  They recorded an EP entitled, Tragedy Of Birth, in 1996 at Studio 92.  I stumbled across a copy of the CD at a pawn shop in the Junction.  I honestly don't know much about this band so I can't say how long they were around for or how many recordings they had.  I do know that they had a very cool track on this release entitled, Lotus Eater, that is worth seeking out if you can find it.  Lead singer, Donovan Gopaul, is still actively involved in music and you can follow him at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shameless-self-promoters-like-donovan-lee-gopaul-become-a-fan/.  He is into a lot of different stuff now including a really cool band called, The Thuggees (http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Thuggees/).  If you like early glam rock like T.Rex, you will really dig their sound and you can link to their Reverbnation page and download some tracks for free.  As well, you can check out some of Donovan's electronic music at http://www.myspace.com/donovanleegopaul.  As for his earlier work with Fountain Of Vermouth; these tunes are very rare and likely out of print.  At the time of this blog, there were no copies available on-line for sale.  Thanks for reading and enjoy! 

Artist: Nanette Workman, Album: Roots 'n' Blues, Song: At The Mercy

Nanette Workman is a singer songwriter from Mississippi originally, but became Quebec based for most of her performing career.  She met Montreal artist, Tony Roman, while performing in a Broadway play in New York during the early sixties.  He invited her to record a duet with him in 1966 and it became a major hit within the province of Quebec (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YoHTmmFqrQ).  What is fascinating about this story is the fact that she didn't speak French.  However, following this hit, she would record many a song in French and would even tour Paris in later years.  Nanette also recorded with Elton John, John Lennon, Peter Frampton and The Rolling Stones.  Her voice can be heard on the Stones' hits, "Honky Tonk Woman" as well as "You Can't Always Get What You Want".  At The Mercy, is a very cool tune from her album, Roots 'n' Blues, released in 2001.  You can check it out on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvWJQKkHPFI).  Her recent work is more blues based compared to her earlier output from the 60's and 70's.  Nanette has just released her 21st album this year and you can follow her at http://nanetteworkman.com/.  This particular track is also on a compilation entitled, Anthologie 1975-2005.  Both of these releases are available for download from Itunes.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: The Weeping Tile, Album: Eepee, Song: Dogs And Thunder

"Well I'm gonna build a cross for a spot between the trees and stick it in firm so it won't sway in their breeze.  Well you and I have trouble making up our half-assed minds but she'd seen 16 years of our kind.  And what's it like when your memories start to freeze."  The Weeping Tile were a rock band from Kingston, Ontario.  They formed in 1992 and were led by singer, Sarah Harmer.  Harmer was already a fixture on the Kingston music scene, having cut her teeth with the indie band, The Saddletramps.  Weeping Tile were a 4pc that included her sister, Mary, along with Luther Wright (see blog 4/7/11) and Cam Giroux.  They released their indie debut EP entitled, Eepee, in 1994 which led to their major label deal with Warner Music.  That association would last for 2 full length albums culminating in the band's split in 1997.  Their label wanted them to develop a more pop sound and they decided to amicably split and promote their music themselves.  Eventually, the members themselves went their separate ways.  Sarah has gone on to become a very successful solo artist and has won a Juno twice.  Luther has his own band called, Luther Wright & The Wrongs.  Both he and Harmer still collaborate and the members do reunite from time to time to play the one off show.  Dogs and Thunder, is a real heart breaker from their debut, Eepee.  Beautiful melancholy.  You can check it out on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q31Bfy4ICG0).  You can purchase the album on Itunes.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Alun Piggins, Album: Awaken The Snakes, Song: Garbage Inspires

"When the garbage inspires and the gutter calls your name.  Taunting not good enough, not good enough, not good enough, not good enough, flickering shadows across your face."  Alun Piggins is a singer songwriter from Guelph, Ontario.  He started his musical career during the early eighties and by the end of that decade, found himself leading a band called, The Morganfields.  The Morganfields released 3 albums between 1992 and 1995 with MCA Records.  The band's sound became progressively harder following their debut in 1992, thanks in part, to the proliferation of the grunge genre.  The band's label was pursuing the next Nirvana in Canada and tried to mould the band's sound to match what they wanted.  By 1995, the band called it quits and Alun began recording his own stuff as well as learning the trade of music production and engineering.  He had already co-produced many of The Morganfields' releases but he decided to work for Chemical Sound in Toronto to compliment his repertoire.  The experience allowed him to work with bands like Sloan as well as The Rheostatics.  By the year 2000, Alun produced and released his first solo debut.  He has five albums to date.  Awaken The Snakes, was his sophomore release from 2003.  It actually features some former members of The Morganfields.  Alun produces and engineers all of his albums in his basement studio entitled, Moldy Floor Studios.  Garbage Inspires, is a very cool track from this album with some great horns.  You can check out a song sample on Alun's website (http://www.alunpiggins.com/).  I think he sounds a bit like Robyn Hitchcock ("Driving Aloud (Radio Storm)") on this track.  I absolutely love this tune.  Alun is criminally neglected and deserves much more recognition than he receives.  You can purchase the album, Awaken The Snakes, on Itunes.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: The Barrymores, Album: All Nighters, Song: Run Run Da Chillin'

The Barrymores were a ska band from Winnipeg, Manitoba.  They were six members strong and featured a female vocalist as well as a horn section.  They were Jolene, Ian, Devin, Reverend Rob, Dare and Danny Ransom.  They formed during the year 2000 and started gigging regionally before releasing their self titled debut in 2001.  They were part of a growing ska scene in Winnipeg and were signed to local label, Bacteria Buffet Records.  Bacteria Buffet was run by another local ska musician by the name of Matt Henderson.  He was part of the band, The Royal Winnipeg Porn Orchestra.  He gave young bands like, The Barrymores, a chance to record and have their music distributed.  They put in a lot of work promoting a genre of music that never really seems to get it's proper due.  The Barrymores recorded three albums between 2001 and 2006.  Their career ended rather tragically when their drummer, Devin, was killed in a snowmobile accident in 2007.  The band and the label put on a tribute concert and closed up business shortly thereafter.  Hopefully, through the miracle and longevity of digital media, their music will continue to live on and develop more fans.  Run Run Da Chillin', is a cool tune from their second album, All Nighters, released in 2004.  You can check it out on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gkJai9T5ww).  There is also footage of their last concert posted at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wrtrzdjfl_w).  You can purchase the album, All Nighters, on Itunes.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!  

Artist: Chester Knight And The Wind, Album: Freedom, Song: Victory Song

Chester Knight is an Aboriginal singer songwriter from Saskatchewan.  He released his debut album in 1996, entitled, Freedom.  He produced the album himself and released it on his own label, Falcon's Dream.  It was nominated for the Juno award for Best Music Of Aboriginal Canada in 1997.  Unfortunately though, he lost that year to Buffy Sainte-Marie (see blog 8/19/10).  He would eventually win the award in 2000 for his sophomore album and would be nominated again in 2003 for this third album.  He has a stripped down rock sound which has garnered radio support across Canada as well as the U.S..  He has toured North America in support of his music and has collaborated with other artists like Derek Miller (see blog 7/26/11).  He also works as a college teacher and has written music for theatre productions in Saskatchewan over the years.  One track from his debut album that garnered him some critical acclaim was the opener, Love Me Strong.  The album as a whole is very strong and my personal favourite is the tune, Victory Song.  I believe this song was also the single for the album because he did produce a video for it as well.  You can check out the song, Victory Song, on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQnp4EAvT20).  You can purchase the album, Freedom, from Itunes.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Winter Gloves, Album: Paper Bag Records The Seven Year Itch, Song: Smells Like Teen Spirit (Cover)

Winter Gloves is a synth rock band from Montreal, Quebec.  They are Charles F, Vincent Chalifour, Patrick Sayers and Nico Ormiston.  The band was born when Charles recorded some pop songs and posted them on his MySpace page.  The overwhelming response led to the formation of the band and eventual release of their debut EP, Let Me Drive.  The band would toss copies of the CD out from the stage during their shows and one eventually made it's way to Paperbag Records who, in turn, signed the band.  This would lead to the release of their debut full length album entitled, About A Girl, in 2008.  The band has toured internationally with label mates, Tokyo Police Club as well as You Say Party.  As good as their original recordings have been to date, they perform a really cool cover of the Nirvana classic, Smells Like Teen Spirit, on this promotional compilation for Paperbag Records.  It is a free compilation that you can download at http://paperbagrecords.com/downloads/seven-year-itch.  It was released in 2009 to celebrate the label's seven year anniversary.  You can hear the Nirvana cover by Winter Gloves at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0_ob4VifEE.  Winter Gloves have released two albums to date and they can be purchased on Itunes.  You can follow the band at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Winter-Gloves/.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Scrubbaloe Caine, Album: Round One, Song: Feelin' Good On Sunday

"Feelin' good on Sunday, Sunday is a feel good kinda day.  I got friendship all around me, ain't nobody standing in my way."  Scrubbaloe Caine were a rock band from Western Canada.  They were Jim Harmata, Paul Dean (see blog 3/30/11), Henry Small, Bill McBeth, Al Foreman and Jim Kale.  The band's members were originally from Vancouver and Calgary.  However, following their formation, they would re-locate to Toronto and sign a deal with indie label, Dynaflex Records.  This would lead to their one and only debut album entitled, Round One, which was picked up by RCA upon it's release in 1973.  Their sound was an interesting mix of country and rock and they were perhaps one of the few rock bands at that time with an electric violin player.  Feelin' Good On Sunday, is an absolute electric hoedown.  Unfortunately, although the band had debuted some new singles in 1974 and were planning to release a new album, their label went bankrupt and left them broke.  They eventually broke up and some of the members went on to become household names in Canadian music.  Paul Dean would first join Streetheart and later, Loverboy.  Kale had just left The Guess Who to join Scrubbaloe Caine but owns the rights to the Guess Who name and continues to tour.  Henry Small, the electric violin player, would play with Burton Cummings and Prism along with his own band, Small Wonder.  You can check out the song, Feelin' Good On Sunday, at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNS1tyMmVjQ&feature=related.   The album, Round One, is a very rare find today and at the time of this blog, there were copies trading on Ebay and Discogs for $25.  Thanks for reading and enjoy! 

Artist: Peter Elkas, Album: Party Of One, Song: Party Of One

"Drive my car down to the lakeshore.  Down to the shitty bar where I get under a heavy load."  Peter Elkas is a singer songwriter originally from Montreal, Quebec but now residing in Toronto, Ontario.  His musical roots date back to the early nineties and the east coast alternative rock explosion that took place.  He was in a band called, The Local Rabbits, who joined Sloan's label, Murderecords, and toured North America with bands like Thrush Hermit (see blog 9/5/10), The Super Friendz (see blog 2/25/11) and The Inbreds (see blog 7/6/11).  They were also the backing band on tour for Neko Case as well as ex-Breeder ("Cannonball"), Kelley Deal.  When The Local Rabbits called it quits in 2001, Elkas began his solo career and the album, Party Of One, was his debut release in 2003.  The title track is a very cool tune and if you like Joel Plaskett, you should appreciate this song.  You can check it out on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeHwT8te8mY).  Peter is a very inventive artist who isn't afraid to venture into new musical territory with each release.  Case in point, is his latest R&B inspired album released in 2011 entitled, Repeat Offender.  He has three albums to date and is currently signed with Joel Plaskett's label, New Scotland Records.  You can follow him at http://www.peterelkas.com/.  You can purchase the album, Party Of One, from Itunes.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Blind Ravage, Album: Blind Ravage, Song: Friday Fish

"Supper is 7 on Friday is fish."  Blind Ravage were a rock band from Montreal, Quebec.  They were John Charbonneau, Bob Dufour, Serge Fleury and Andre Deguire.  They formed in 1969 and played the club circuit for a couple of years, performing mainly as a cover band.  Their hard guitar rock sound was likely born from those nights covering the likes of Rod Stewart, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple.  They released their debut album in 1972 with the Crescent Street label.  The album was a nice collection of original songs along with an inventive cover of the classic, Suzie Q.  Friday Fish, is a deep album track from this release that never made it as a single but it is definitely one of the best tunes on the album.  You can check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkfAu58FuRM&feature=endscreen.  Unfortunately, this was the only release from the band as the members parted ways in 1973.  However, the album was re-released in 2007 by the U.S. independent label, Gear Fab (http://gearfab.swiftsite.com/).  You can purchase new copies of the album at Amazon or from the Gear Fab website.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Mitsou, Album: El Mundo, Song: Bye Bye Mon Cowboy

Mitsou is a francophone singer from Quebec.  She grew up in a very artistic family and developed both her acting and singing skills at a young age.  She signed her first deal with dance label, Isba, in 1988 and released her debut single, Bye Bye Mon Cowboy.   The song was huge and propelled by the power of video and of course, her sex appeal; she found success beyond the borders of her home province.  Quite amazing considering it was still a french song.  I can't even think of another artist in Canada that has been able to accomplish such a feat since.  The success of this song led to her debut album in 1989, entitled, El Mundo.  The album spawned two more singles that received strong national airplay entitled, "Les Chinois" and "La Corrida".  The album garnered Mitsou a Juno nomination for Most Promising Female Vocalist in 1990 although she lost out to Alannah Myles.  Mitsou has gone on to become a major figure in Quebec media and culture.  Be it as an actress, business woman or musician, she has done it all and continues to innovate.  She has 3 Juno nominations to her credit as well as 10 releases to date.  She also released a new single in 2011.  You can follow her at http://www.mitsou.com/.  You can watch the original video for Bye Bye Mon Cowboy at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aI0QTEJjIg&feature=relmfu.  You can find the song, Bye Bye Mon Cowboy, on a compilation entitled, La Collection, as well.  This retrospective release along with the original debut, El Mundo, are both available on Itunes.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: The Salads, Album: The Big Picture, Song: Growing Up

The Salads are a rock band from Toronto, Ontario.  They are Dave Ziemba, Chuck Daily, Darren Dumas and Darrin Pfeiffer.  Ziemba and Daily were actually childhood friends and founders of the band.  They released a couple of indie albums during the late nineties before Dumas joined in 2000.  Their debut album, Fold A To B, was released in 2003 and the band received strong radio and video support throughout Canada.  They were invited to play on the Warped Tour and also supported, The Presidents Of The United States Of America ("Lump", "Mach 5") on tour in Australia.  The band followed it up with their sophomore release entitled, The Big Picture, in 2006.  The band's music is a mix of a number of genres like punk, reggae, ska and rock.  Growing Up, is a punk rock tune that opens their 2006 release.  You can check out the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LKtza6MY6U.  The band is currently playing regionally and is putting the finishing touches on their upcoming album that is due out sometime in the spring of 2012.  The album will feature the talents of David Wilcox (see blog 9/12/10) and Angelo Moore of the American ska band, Fishbone ("Party At Ground Zero", "Ma And Pa").  The band's new drummer, Pfeiffer, was in another American punk/ska band called, Goldfinger ("Here In Your Bedroom").  You can follow The Salads at http://thesalads.com/.  You can purchase, The Big Picture, from Itunes.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Timbuktu, Album: Stranger Danger, Song: Nothin Sweet

"Timbuk stay rough like a rhino tusk."  Timbuktu is a hip hop artist from Toronto, Ontario.  He started his career during the late nineties in a group from London, Ontario, known as, Toolshed.  Toolshed released 6 albums in six years before taking a break.  Two of the three members, Chokeules and Timbuktu, would each release solo albums during Toolshed's hiatus.  Choke's album broke in 2009 while Timbuktu released this album, Stranger Danger, in 2010.  Timbuktu is no stranger to Canadian hip hop and has made his presence felt with guest appearances on some very classic tracks from artists like Ghettosocks (see blog 6/1/11) and More Or Les and Fresh Kils (see blog 8/27/10).  He is a very talented MC and lyricist and this album is very strong.  Nothin Sweet, features American hip hop artist, El Da Sensei from the band, The Artifacts.  The Artifacts had a great tune back in 1994 called, Wrong Side of Da Tracks.  Timbuktu is back with Toolshed at the moment.  The band dropped their seventh album last year.  You can follow them at http://www.myspace.com/dehsloot.  You can purchase Timbuktu's release, Stranger Danger, on Itunes.  You can check out the tune, Nothin Sweet, on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jj_RVShMhBY).  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Jennifer LFO, Album: Songs From The Alien Beacon, Song: Fucking Up The Friendship

Jennifer LFO (aka Jennifer Foster) is a singer songwriter from Toronto, Ontario.  She cut her teeth singing back up for artists like The Pursuit Of Happiness and Melanie Doane before releasing her first solo album in 1999.  Moe Berg of The Pursuit of Happiness produced her debut album.  Her sophomore release was produced by American singer songwriter, David Garza.  Garza's 1998 release entitled, This Euphoria, is one of my favourite albums.  If you are unfamiliar with his work, you should check him out as well as a few tracks in particular ("Float Away", "Slave", "Core (In Time)").  Very cool stuff.  Songs from Alien Beacon is Jennifer's third release but first under the moniker, Jennifer LFO.  It was released in 2009 and was produced by Canadian indie legend and Juno winner, Michael Phillip Wojewoda.  Wojewoda has produced some big Canadian releases for the likes of The Barenaked Ladies, Spirit Of The West (see blog 5/28/11) and The Doughboys (see blog 7/7/11) to name a few.  One standout track from Jennifer's third release is, Fucking Up The Friendship.  You can watch Jennifer perform it live acoustically at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skmVzEq6BjA.  You can purchase the album from Itunes.  You can keep tabs on Jennifer at http://www.jenniferlfo.com/.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Malhavoc, Album: Get Down, Song: Discipline

"I need control, I got control, I'm never gonna let it go."  Malhavoc were an industrial metal band from Toronto, Ontario.  They endured a number of member changes over the years but their leader and constant member was a man named, James Cavalluzo (aka Jimi LaMort).  The band was always seen as pioneers of the industrial rock sound since their inception during the 80's.  However, Malhavoc's 1994 release, Get Down, was a pivotal release for the band as well as the genre.  It was nominated for a Juno and if you were listening to alternative rock back during the early nineties, you likely heard a few tracks being played off this album.  Discipline, is one of their most danceable tracks and this album actually includes two versions of the song.  You can hear one version on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqYw5vCPi9c&feature=relmfu).  1994 was an important year for industrial music.  Nine Inch Nails dropped their huge release, Downward Spiral, and Marilyn Manson released his own debut that same year.  Perhaps for the first time in rock history, industrial music was reaching more ears within the mainstream audience than ever before.  Alternative rock had become one big pot of aggression and angst that included everything from grunge and punk to industrial rock.  The band would release 7 albums in total between 1987 and 2004.  Get Down, featured the production wizardry of one, David Ogilvie (Skinny Puppy).  Today, Cavalluzo appears to be using the moniker, Jimi LaMort, more often than not and he does have a radio show called, Dark Harmonies, that you can check out at http://soundcloud.com/lamort.  You can also read about the band at http://www.myspace.com/malhavocband or alternatively at http://malhavocfans.blogspot.ca/.  Malhavoc's albums are very rare today and at the time of this blog, there were used copies trading on Amazon and Discogs between $5 and $35.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Fat Man Waving, Album: Parade, Song: Reputation

"Fact is fiction, false is true.  Up's gone sideways and red's gone blue."  Fat Man Waving were a band from Ottawa, Ontario.  They were Rebecca Campbell (see blog 6/4/11), Fred Guignon, Peter Kiesewalter, Ross Murray and James Stephens.  They formed during the late eighties and released their first cassette only release in 1989.  They followed it up in 1991 with their first full length album entitled, Parade.  The album was produced by former Jane Siberry band member and renown producer, John Switzer (Andrew Cash, The Waltons, Laura Repo).  Reputation, is a wonderful upbeat track that was also present on their first cassette only release.  It has a Katrina & The Waves, "Walking On Sunshine", feel to it.  It is also one of the few tunes on the album that was not written by the band.  It was actually penned by another Ottawa area artist by the name of David Bignell (Red Squares, The Lake Effect).  Fat Man Waving toured North America and were eventually signed to Aquarius/EMI Records for their final release in 1995.  Front woman and band leader, Rebecca Campbell, would go on to play with Jane Siberry following the band's demise and has released albums as a solo performer as well as a member of the band, Pork Belly Futures.  You can follow her at http://www.rebeccacampbell.com/.  Parade by Fat Man Waving is a very rare album these days but there were two copies trading on Amazon for $7 at the time of this blog.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Artist: Caramel, Album: Caramel, Song: Road To Nowhere

"Take me round the block baby one last time."  Caramel were a rock band from Toronto that formed during the late nineties.  They originally included Andy Curran (see blogs 12/2/10, 6/7/11), Simon Brierley (see blog 12/2/10) and Eddie Zeeman but would later, add a fourth member by the name of, Virginia Storey.  Curran and Brierley have had long histories in Canadian music, as members of Coney Hatch and FM respectively.  They began recording together for Curran's Juno award winning debut solo album in 1990.  When Curran's band was dropped from their label, they recruited Zeeman and formed Soho 69.  When Soho 69 was dropped from their label they morphed into Caramel.  The band recorded their debut self titled album in 1997 and were immediately signed to Geffen Records.  Caramel's sound was a bit of a departure from the hard rock sounds of Soho 69 and Curran's solo material.  The band's sound was perhaps more alternative for lack of a better word.  The lead single, Lucy (http://www.youtube.com/watch), actually did better in the U.S. than in Canada but as fate would have it, they once again, ran into label issues.  Their label, Geffen, was acquired by Universal Music and as a result of the housecleaning that took place, the band felt that they were better off on their own.  Zeeman would leave the band and be replaced by Randy Cooke and a year later, they would enter the studio under the name, Drug Plan.  Caramel likely would have recorded a second album with Geffen and seemed to be making inroads within the elusive U.S. market.  The band even toured with Creed.  Nonetheless, they and their one and only album remain a long lost treasure.  Unfortunately, it is out of print but Amazon had a ton of copies trading between $5 and $60 at the time of this blog.  One phenomenal track from this album is the song, Road To Nowhere.  Definitely worth checking out if you can get your hands on a copy of the album.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!