Artist: The Shmorgs, Album: The Shmorgs, Song: Ain't It So Easy

The Shmorgs were a rock band from B.C. that included Canadian, punk icon, Art Bergmann.  They released one indie album in 1978.  As the story goes, Art was becoming more interested in the punk sounds originating abroad from bands like Iggy Pop and the Stooges, The New York Dolls and of course, The Sex Pistols.  He started checking out local bands like D.O.A. (see blog 8/15/10) and the Subhumans before relocating himself to Vancouver and starting his own punk band.  Years later, he would become one of the most recognizable figures of the Vancouver punk scene.  Interestingly enough, another musician that moved in the same circle as Art was, Gord Nicholl, who would join the band, The Pointed Sticks, in later years.  It seemed to be a very interesting and creative scene back then.  A lot of musicians were collaborating and experimenting with new styles of music.  Some of the other members of the Shmorgs would continue recording rock and blues music in the burbs and form The Mud Bay Blues Band.  As for Art, he would front a number of punk bands like the Young Canadians before embarking on a solo career.  Ain't It So Easy was the lead off track to their self titled debut.  This tune is similar to the sound of the Flamin' Groovies.  It has a garage rock feel to it but is certainly more along the lines of classic rock rather than punk.  You can hear the song, Ain't It So Easy, on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKLUHJYMhY4&feature=channel_video_title).  At the time of this blog, I could find no copies of the self titled debut available.  Thanks for reading and enjoy!