Customer Reviews

Looking Back

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

 

 

I am greatly surprised at the fact that Ian Thomas has been almost forgotten entirely when people talk about Canada's great songwritters of the 70's and 80's. During these two decades Ian Thomas wrote songs that became monster hits on Canadian radio but for a very strange reason, hardly made any noise on American radio. It wasn't unless a popular american band such as Santana did one of Ian's songs that it became a hit there (Remember all the success Santana had with "Hold on"?). Anyway, if you listen to this CD you'll see just how good Ian really was. Even 18 songs isn't enough for this album for it lacks 4 distinct hits that Ian had. For example, "I'll do you right was one of his biggest songs ever and there was no room for it on this album. The album also surprisngly lacks the three hits ("Levity","Back to square one", and "Another one just past by") off Ian's last solo album in 88 "Levity", making a total of four hits that could've been on this album as well. Despite this though, the CD is great to listen to and it's nice that they ordered the songs in when they were written so you could see how Ian progressed throughout the 70's and 80's. Overall, the album is one of the most used albums in my collection and is a must-have for any fans of canadian music.

Canadian Ian Thomas never became a household name in the US, onl charting once with PAINTED LADIES in the early 70's. LOOKING BACK is an 18-track collection covering two decades of Thomas' Canadian hits.

Thomas' music is an interesting mix of styles, comparable to artists such as America, Al Stewart and CSNY. The songs are pleasantly melodic and largely acoustic, with well-placed musical accompaniment. The highlights: the aforeentioned PAINTED LADIES, reminiscent of America's early hits; LONG LONG WAY, a passionate anti-violence anthem; RIGHT BEFORE YOUR EYES, the Valentino/Garbo ballad, later covered by America; GOODNIGHT MRS. CALABASH, a tender tribute to 30's radio and movie stars like Jimmy Durante and Jack Benny; and strong offerings like I REALLY LOVE YOU; I STILL WANT TO HOLD YOU; HOLD ON and TOUCH ME.

Overall, LOOKING BACK is a well-done collection of easy-lstening pop. Too bad Thomas didn't make a bigger impression in the States.

I've always loved Ian Thomas' music, and missed it. Even tho i had old cassette copies of it, it just wasn't the same. Now I can enjoy those classic songs on my iPod.

"Good night Mrs. Calabash..."; "I'm coming home"

I purchased this CD to hear their original recording of "Hold On." I ended up liking a couple songs.