That ’70s Guy – Retro Review Albums Turning 50 in 2025
Hey folks, it’s me, That ’70s Guy, back with another retro review of albums turning 50 in 2025. For this entry, we venture way back to the fourth studio release for Halifax, Nova Scotia’s finest, April Wine – Stand Back. Released in June 1975, the ever-changing lineup on this album consisted of Myles Goodwyn on guitar and vocals, Gary Moffat on guitar, Jim Clench on vocals and bass and Jerry Mercer on drums. This was their first platinum album and is what many say defined them and set the course for them to be one of Canada’s most important and famous rock bands.
APRIL WINE – Stand Back – June 1975
I first heard of April Wine way back in 1971, with “Fast Train” being a hit on local am radio. A song that was so much heavier than what was normally being played on AM radio back then, especially if they had the balls to play the full version. Then in 1972, the incredible On Record was released, which contained the 45 single “You Could’ve Been a Lady“. That really was the one that hooked me, including the B-side gem “Teacher“. Next up was what I consider their finest moment and one of my definitive desert island classics – by any band, Electric Jewels. In the spring of 1974, April Wine, along with Fludd and A Foot in Coldwater, came to Kitchener and Brantford. My buddy’s mom drove us to Kitchener for the first show and waited around till it was over. Later that week, we went to the same show in Brantford. In reality, these were my first real “rock concerts” I would attend. April Wine were a staple in our young lives by now, never far from a basement turntable, a car 8-track player, a roller rink or any Radio Shack car stereo at any bush party.
Ok, it’s June 1975, let’s put this baby on the record player.
Side 1
1. “Oowtanite” – probably one of the most recognizable intros in music period. Once you hear the train, you immediately crank the volume. Sung by Clench, this is an AW staple, then and still to this day. Their 4th single from SB.
2. “Don’t Push Me Around” – a fast, catchy Myles rocker keeping up the pace set by “Oowatanite“!
3. “Cum Hear the Band” – a slow rock ballad that was a huge am hit. I remember thinking at the time, AW is releasing a third ballad in a row, but they are heavier than this and hoped they wouldn’t be pegged as a ballad band with so many rocking songs. Nonetheless an iconic Canadian song.
4. “Slow Poke” – I was never a fan of this slow, bluesy song. I always thought Myles sang it out of the norm before finding out years later that his vocals were actually slowed down in the studio.
5. “Victim of Your Love” – OK, back to the rock songs, this heavier song closes out side 1 with style. Great heavy riff and a nice Frank Marino-style solo. Love the fade-out chorus.
Side 2
1. “Baby Done Got Some Soul” – Ok, another Clench song to kick off side 2. Flip side of the “Cum Hear the Band” 45. Despite a side opener, a song that I had even forgotten about. It was nice to hear again and sing along to the chorus.
2. “I Wouldn’t Want To Lose Your Love” – the first single from SB released at the end of ’74, making the anticipation of the new album a priority. A perfect love song for us young teenagers. Whether it be a school dance, roller skating or ice skating, grab your girl and go. A sweet guitar solo ending. One of AW’s best.
3. “Highway Hard Run” – flipside of the “Oowatanite” 45, a great rocking tune. Love the tone changes from soft into heavy into the chorus. This one has Myles written all over it, including his signature-sounding guitar solo.
4. “Not For You, Not For Rock and Roll” – a typical quick poppy AW homage to rock and roll.
5. “You Wouldn’t Want Your Love (Any Other Way)” – a catchy as hell, beautiful song with a to-die-for chorus and a heavy riff underneath. Soooo good!! Only Myles can pull this type of song off.
6. “Tonite is a Wonderful Time to Fall in Love” – One of my fave AW songs. It’s poppy, ballad-like and heavy all at the same time. Something only AW mastered. This was a huge hit in Canada, reaching number 5 and is still in their setlist today. You won’t catch anyone not singing the chorus out loud. What a perfect ending to the album. Great memories!
With Stand Back, AW also solidified themselves as a band that could ballad you to death while headbanging you to death with the next track. Stand Back is probably their most “Top 40” AM radio-friendly pop record. I would list Stand Back as my fourth fave AW album, behind Electric Jewels, On Record and Harder Faster. Not too shabby considering their amazing 16-album collection.
As I mentioned above, the first two shows I saw them were in 1974. Some other memorable AW concerts I attended included opening for Kansas at CNE Exhibition Stadium, August 31, 1977. Headlining Kitchener, Ontario on the Harder Faster tour April 12, 1980 with opening act, a young Red Rider. London, Ontario, October 11, 2019, seeing Myles for the last time live and just recently on May 1 this year, also in London, my first show without Myles.
My Top 10 April Wine Songs Of All Time:
1. Weeping Widow
2. I’m On Fire For You Baby
3. You Could’ve Been a Lady
4. Before the Dawn
5. Teacher
6. Electric Jewels
7. Roller
8. Drop Your Guns
9. Cats Claw Live
10. Tonite is a Wonderful Time to Fall in Love
So, there you have it, my friends, an absolute life changer gem turning 50. Did I say 50? WOW! Stay tuned right here for the next installment of That 70’s Guy – Retro Review Albums Turning 50 in 2025.
Brian
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*Live photos by Brian Ronald
