54 40 Bio
54
40 have always opted to go their own way by making records that feel natural in
relationship to their time, their place and their mood. In 1986 the Vancouver
quartet created their self-titled first album for Warner/Reprise known to fans
as the Green Album. It featured the classic signature tracks "I Go
Blind" and "Baby Ran." From there they produced two more albums
for Warner/Reprise Show Me and Fight For Love containing mainstay radio staples
"One Gun," "Miss You," "One Day In Your Life" to
name a few. In 1990 the band moved on to Columbia Records. Radio and fans
responded to their new label debut Dear Dear as it carved out the solid rock
tunes "She-La" and "Nice To Love You." The follow-up was the
jagged autobiographical story of Smilin' Buddha Cabaret. The album was a journey
to the places that had influenced the band from their start. The session tapes
contained over 35 songs to choose from and out of it emerged the gem "Ocean
Pearl".
Trusted By Millions, the third album for Columbia, was solid pop/rock. Radio
friendly tunes "Love You All," "Lies To Me" and
"Crossing A Canyon" garnered top spins at rock/album oriented stations
across the country. 1998 brought us Since When, a beautiful album that sounded
old and new at the same time, in a way that only a band with a two decade long
history can manage. The double disc Heavy Mellow followed in 1999. It showcased
both the driving rock side of the band’s live set with their more reflective
arrangements. Casual Viewin’, released in 2001, drew from 60’s soul and
hip
hop grooves and in the words of Neil Osborne, is a "feel good groove
record’. Put all these albums together and pick the catchiest singles and you
get Radio Love Songs, The Singles Collection. Released in April 2002 the album
included two new tracks and a plethora of favorites from the past.
After more than 20 years of consistently creating some of Canada's most
recognizable and memorable classic alternative
rock, the latest chapter in the
history of this prolific band is the release of their tenth studio recording
Goodbye Flatland. It's a sonic reminder of why 54*40 is so deeply rooted in the
fabric of our music scene and what makes the band so damn good.
With any great rock group it always comes down to the sum of parts. While it's
easy to say 54*40 defines this statement - it's the relentless power and rhythm
of drummer Matt Johnson and bassist Brad Merritt, the crafty edge of Phil
Comparelli's guitar work and the signature phrasing, timbre and lyrical muse of
lead singer Neil Osborne that drives the point home. Collectively, all of these
elements resonate within the 11 tracks of Goodbye Flatland. A thoughtful and
supercharged collection of material that sizzles with the snap crackle and pop
of post modern intensity, and something else. It's a certain kind of feeling
that only a 54*40 album can deliver - very familiar to the group's legions of
fans and a seductive introduction for new recruits.
A glowing, razor sharp final mix by studio whiz Warne Livesey (The The, Midnight
Oil, The Mathew Good
Band) reveals the obviously inspired session co-produced by
Osborne and engineer Howard Redekopp. A sonic exploration worthy of some serious
headphone action without losing sight of the fact that at the core, 54*40 is a
rock band – that, well...rocks! The first two singles Animal In Pain and Take
Me Out provide proof on that count and the album, as a whole, once again,
displays the group's top shelf songwriting skills and ever maturing pop
craftsmanship.
After almost two decades in the musical trenches, 54*40 show no sign of slowing
down.
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