Thursday, January 19, 2012

Artist: The Gamblers, Album: Have You Ever Thought..., Song: Against All Odds

"Take a look at me now.  Well there's just an empty space.  And you coming back to me is against all odds and that's what I've got to face."  The Gamblers were a ska band from Trois Rivieres, Quebec.  They were Maxime Couillard, Nicolas Denis, Jean-Philippe Duranceau, Dany Guimond, Philippe Lachance, Robert Larouche and Jean-Francois Richard.  They formed in 1998 and released their first independent EP in 2000.  They signed on with legendary ska label, Stomp Records (http://www.unionlabelgroup.com/stomp/), and in 2003, released their debut full length, Have You Ever Thought....  It was a strong release that showcased the band's ability to mix various styles of music ranging from rock and punk to reggae and ska.  Unfortunately though, it would prove to be their last release as well.  The band would later change their name to The New City Gamblers.  One of the highlights from the album is a cover of the Phil Collins' hit, Against All Odds, that was featured in the 80's movie of the same name.  You can check it out on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZ1W4tsU394&list=UUppSJ2-WmKhVgELd07MXO3w&index=2&feature=plcp).  The band opened shows for The Mighty Mighty Bosstones as well as label mates, The Planet Smashers and The Kingpins.  They broke up in 2005 and a couple of the members joined the dance pop band, The New Cities.  You can purchase the album, Have You Ever Thought..., on Itunes.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!