Customer Reviews

First Glance/Harder..Faster

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

UK reissue label BGO Records turned their attention to Canadian AOR mainstays April Wine in 2007 with the 2-on-1 reissue of the band's 1978 album First Glance and 1979's Harder...Faster.

The music on these two albums is more melodic and accessible than some of April Wine's earlier releases. Myles Goodwyn was the main songwriter at this point, and was clearly pushing the band in a more radio-friendly direction. It obviously worked, as the band enjoyed a fair amount of chart success in the years that followed. First Glance and especially Harder...Faster are both very catchy, very enjoyable AOR albums. I think Harder...Faster is the better of the two, with songs like "I Like To Rock," "Tonite" and a pretty rocking cover of King Crimson's "21st Century Schizoid Man."

The main draw of the BGO reissues is the digitally remastered audio. BGO has a mixed track record with their reissues. The Loverboy and Angel reissues sound great, the MSG reissues...not so much. Fortunately they did a great job on these April Wine albums. Both albums sound louder and clearer, and the packaging is quite nice as well. I would have preferred to see each album on its own disc, like the Animal Grace/Walking Through Fire reissue, but that's a minor complaint. The expanded liner notes and slipcase are another nice touch.

The music on these albums is a bit dated, but it's still very memorable. If you're a serious April Wine fan, you're going to want to own this set for the improved sound quality. If you're unfamiliar with April Wine and are looking for a good starting point, this is the perfect place to start. If you like what you hear, be sure to check out Animal Grace/Walking Through Fire as well. With any luck, BGO will work through the rest of the band's catalog in the years to come.

After having some success in their native Canada, April Wine broke through into the American airwaves with `First Glance'. Their music retained some of the pop elements that the band was known for, but had more of a hard rock edge, as the band featured for the first time a three guitar lineup. Songs like `Roller', `Hot on the Wheels of Love', and `Get Ready For Love', are catchy pop rockers with cool riffs, and tasteful guitar work. `Silver Dollar' is an underrated gem, with a spooky, bluesy, rainy night vibe.

`Harder . . . Faster' was April Wine's follow up to `First Glance', and lived up to its name. Their cover of King Crimson's `21st Century Schizoid Man', is one of the band's highlight achievements. `I Like to Rock' was a mainstay on FM rock radio, and `Ladies Man' and `Say Hello' were popular as well. All in all, very solid, melodic, hard rock, that only occasionally got a little too syrupy.

This remastered compilation features two of the bands best works. With quality songwriting and slick production, April Wine, led by singer/guitarist Myles Goodwyn, would reach their peak in popularity with their next release, `The Nature of the Beast'.

For one price, BGO gives you the 4-star First Glance, and the 5-star Harder Faster. Both are remastered to sound clean and hard-hitting. The liner notes are extensive and incredibly well-done. BGO is really hitting it out of the park on all these reissues. 2-on-1, remastered, great booklets -- you can't go wrong!

One thing I noticed: The song Tonite has a few extra seconds of guitar breakdown at the two-minute mark. I don't know if this is a different take than the original, or if the original was slightly cut, because I haven't noticed any other differences on the cd yet. It's cool, though!

Bottom line: for fans of classic hard rock, this is essential.