6 Cylinder

As a kid we had one radio station, not counting CBC, and generally there was very little that was worth listening to, although there were times something would come on that would make you pay attention. It was 1979 and on a couple of occasions I heard "There Ain't Nobody Here But Us  Chickens" and it cracked me up, and I always wanted to get a copy for myself. A few years ago when my niece was dancing, they did a performance to this song, and now I can't separate my niece from a bunch of dancing chicks in chicken suits.

Such is life.

When I found this in the dollar bin I actually let out a little chirp, my goodness could it be? It was, and it was in great shape - including the inner sleeve. 

Score.

I had no idea what to expect, for all I knew there was only one song worth listening to, and if that was the case it was still a dollar well spent. If I could buy an album by Showdown and enjoy it, odds are I'll find something to enjoy here to.

Before I put this on I did try to see what was out there on the band, and it's pretty slim pickings. So I'll just spin this and see where it goes.

Apparently this was an independent release on Goldrush Records, which I'm guessing was named after the studio where they recorded the album. When they ended up with a regional hit with the chicken song the album was licensed for distribution to RCA, which is pretty cool - not many indies get a shot with a major label. Unfortunately it would seem that aside from some local notoriety the band never broke and this would be their sole release. It's too bad as this was a fun recording, and it sounded really good too. The vinyl copy I found was pristine.

I've listened to this a few times now and I have to say it is a pretty eclectic collection of songs - it does lean more into the country vein, but then it will veer into adult pop and even closes with a Jimmy Buffet styled easy listening tune, but most of the time the album is a fun boogie woogie party album. The musicianship is pretty good, and I got a kick out of the guitar player who on occasion would let loose, and frankly I really liked his playing.

The band was made up of Carl Erickson who played sax, flute and sang, Dan Smith played guitar and sang too. Ian Berry played sax, clarinet and keyboard and warbled in the background. Wayne Bassett provided the fiddle, keyboard and backing vocals, and Bob Popowich provided the bottom end with bass and also played accordion and sang backing vocals. Lorne Burns hit things and sang as well. Who doesn't love a singing drummer?

Being a credits nerd, it would have been nice to know who sang what especially when you have three guys who are credited with lead vocals, but it's not a big deal, just something that's fun to know. I thought it was cool that the address of the studio was listed, so I plugged it into google maps, and I'm guessing the original location has long been plowed under and redeveloped - such is progress.

While this isn't entirely my jam it is a fun album. I got a kick out of reading the lyrics while the album played, and the lead off track "Beyond Hope" will appeal to anyone who grew up in British Columbia and had to drive up the Fraser Canyon and wonder at the wonder that was Spuzzum. I mean the guys dedicated a song to Spuzzum and even sang the telephone number to the restaurant. Take that Jenny!

This was enjoyable, and a wonderful bit of Canadiana. I'm not sure if any of the guys in the band are still active, but I tip my hat to you.