This four-song EP is one of Alec Fraser�s rare forays into the production of hard rock, and, frankly, I�m surprised this kick-ass effort didn�t really go anywhere. Although it was produced two years ago (2000), it still resounds with a punch, especially since Jeff �G� (Graydon), on lead vocals, has assembled some of Toronto�s best players here - �Wild T� (when he WAS still wild) Tony Springer on electric guitar, John Bouvette on drums, Gunther Kappelli on bass and Stan �The Man� Humphries (lead guitar on �Doo Da�).
The startling, theatrical vocals of Jeff �G� (a black Jagger, if ever there was one) begin the rollicking Stones-like �Doo Da (Blues Skies)�, which continues in that same vein, although in country-rock mode now, laced with some Duane Allman-like guitar, with a gruff equivalent of the Stones� mediaeval �Lady Jane�, now changed to �Lady Dey (She Turned On Me)�.
�Song for David� is a glam-rock tribute (slam?) to Bowie (with whom Springer was connected, at some point), incorporating just about every possible key reference to Bowie � thunderous bass runs alternating with eerily screeching leads and those deep-throated vocals embodying the darker excesses of rock�n�roll � wonderfully clever lyrics, too � �temper tantrums onstage, smashing drums, out all night binging�.
�Innercity Children� (as well as Women and Music) is the essence of pure punk fused with that Carl Perkins/Blue Cheer rock�n�roll sensibility that gets your head shaking and your bass-drum foot pounding. It�s pretty difficult not to get head-banging to the music, even though the lyrics speak to the pathetic state of affairs in big-city living and the resultant jadedness (�nothing shocks me anymore�). It�s a genuine blues song for people who still love to rock! |
