MOXY – Moxy (That 70s Guy Retro-Review)

MOXY - Moxy (That 70s Guy Retro-Review)That 70s GuyRetro Review Albums Turning 50 in 2025

Well, hello, some old things are new again. Speaking of old, your friend, That 70s Guy, is returning on CGCM with my take on 70s classic retro album reviews where I put my own personal spin and memories on it. However, this time around I will be focusing on albums turning 50 years old in 2025. My normal routine will still be geared toward Canadian and unknown gems whether it be an actual band or a lesser-known album from a well-known band. But my mind is wide open so you never know what may pop as a 50-year-old retro classic. Without further ado let’s get to this year’s first victim.

MOXYMoxy S/T (Released 1975)

Moxy’s self-titled debut (also known as the “Black” album) was released in 1975. While I don’t know the actual release date of this album, it really found its way onto mine and my friend’s radar in early 1976. But nonetheless, I felt what an album to start my return with. One of the most iconic Canadian hard rock albums of all time and still what I feel is underrated and unknown, especially in 2025.

Moxy was formed in Toronto in 1973. The band consisted of Earl Johnson, lead guitar, Buddy Caine, rhythm guitar, Bill Wade, drums, Terry Juric, bass and Buzz Shearman on vocals. Also contributing on all but two guitar solos on the album was Tommy Bolin.

Ok, it’s 1976, we are 16 with not a care in the world. All my friends were getting their driver’s licenses and bombing around with the windows down and 8 tracks blasting. We were the coolest kids around – well at least we thought so. Being from Brantford we would drive into neighbouring Paris, Ontario to go roller skating in my buddy’s jacked-up Ford. Moxy could be heard as we entered town. Let’s take a minute to review the songs.

Side 1

Photo By Buzzzsherman (talk) – I (Buzzzsherman (talk)) created this work entirely by myself., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24992987

1.     “Fantasy” – A phenomenal opening track. Bill’s gong starts an almost realistic journey into a fantasy world which I entered many times as a young teenager with my headphones and black light on. Maybe the closest you’ll get to a ballad on this record. The line “We cried tears of joy” may sum this album up from start to finish in a nutshell.

2.     “Sail On Sail Away” – Maybe one of the greatest songs ever written. “Sail On Sail Away” remains one of my fave songs EVER! From Buzz’s gentle acoustic opening through one of the most pounding intros ever.  Capping it off is one of Earl’s brilliant solos. Outstanding!

3.     “Can’t You See I’m A Star” – possibly the gem that started it all with this being the first single that got them noticed. My God, what a friggin’ rock song this is!! I still have the 45.

4.     “Moon Rider” – every time I listen to this album the current song I’m listening to is my fave. This is no exception. What a superb closer to side one.

Side 2

Back cover of Moxy LP

1.     “Time To Move On” – awesome in-your-face fast-paced opener for side two. Things are getting good!

2.     “Still I Wonder” – an intro riff to die for. Are you serious, is this for real in 1975? A true rock song! Buzz’s vocals give every song a melodic feel despite mind-blowing dual guitars exploding at every turn. I always remember when seeing them live and being on Buddy‘s side of the stage and hearing that monstrous rhythm guitar keeping everything together.

3.     “Train” – ok now for my least fave song on the album – it’s only an 8/10 lol  Maybe a bit bluesy for me, well at least until Earl loses his mind at the end.

4.      “Out of the Darkness” –  Now for goosebump time – even after 50 years. If “Sail On Sail Away” is number one, “Out of the Darkness” is number two of all Moxy songs. Buzz’s mesmerizing vocals put me into a dream still today as if I was 16 again and the memories of the time, my buddies, the girls, the smell are right there in front of me. It brings tears to my eyes. And that’s a great feeling to have. Only 8 songs, what were they thinking?

So, there you have it, my song for song memories.

MOXY Live Memories

During this time, most will remember the iconic story of Joe Anthony of San Antonio playing them on KISS FM resulting in them touring in Texas with up-and-coming AC/DC as support. Flying the Canadian flag at that time made me very proud of rock and roll.

Personally, I was lucky to see Moxy many times in bars, arenas and schools. A couple of highlights were at the University of London Ontario opening up for Styx on the Crystal Ball Tour 1977, the Graham Bell hotel in Brantford with new singer Michael Rynoski (Reno) of future Loverboy 1978 for the Under the Lights Tour and when Buzz rejoined the band for the Canadian Music Festival in Toronto 1979 with Ted Nugent and Aerosmith among others.

MOXY - Moxy (That 70s Guy Retro-Review)Only two members of the original Moxy are still alive with Earl still carrying the torch and keeping Moxy alive with a new band and numerous shows on the horizon – including Time to Rock Festival in Sweden this summer. I always believed Moxy was one of the greatest bands ever, let alone Canadian, with the debut bordering on early heavy metal. Listening to it for the millionth time I feel it still stands the test of time and could be released today. They went on to record four more fabulous studio albums.

Final thoughts:

Moxy 1 is one of my favourite albums, period! By anyone at any time. As they say – a desert island classic. I still play it over and over today, never tiring. If for some reason it’s unknown to you, please, please, please seek it out and give it a spin.

So, there you have it my friends, an absolute 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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