BLVD - 1988 BLVD
Posted by gdazegod on August 19, 2003
BLVD - BLVD (1988, MCA)
David Forbes - vocals
Randy Gould - guitars
Andrew Johns - keyboards, vocals;
Mark Holden - saxophone
Randy Burgess - bass
Jerry Adolphe drums
Additional Musicians:
Matt Frenette - percussion
Marc LaFrance - backing vocals
Brett Wade - backing vocals
Dave Pickell - keyboards
Doug Edwards
Dennis Marcenko
Rene Worst
Background
The well loved AOR band BLVD are perhaps the most unluckiest Canadian band never to strike it big. They had the talent, skills and the material to go all the way. We go all the way back to 1984 when the initial founding of this band commenced. Based around the recording/music engineering skills of Mark Holden, he teamed up with an American singer from Seattle David Forbes, plus lead guitarist Randy Gould. At the time, the band were based in Calgary Alberta, and managed to swing several of their own tunes in the studio where Holden worked. In 1985 however, the band relocated to Vancouver, and hooked up with a management team which included Bryans Adams manager Bruce Allen. Two years later they signed on with the MCA label. The debut album was produced by Pierre Bazinet, better known for his work with Sass Jordan, but it also had input from famed big-name producer Humberto Gatica, Bob Rock and Thom Trumbo. The resultant 10 track collection an understated masterpiece of smooth AOR/melodic rock.. that's obvious to all those who have heard it.
The Songs
A rip-through the songs sees a handful which stand head and shoulders above the dross of 1988 (actually 1988 was a good year!!). Kicking off with the punchy and racy 'Dream On' and following on with the keyboard luciousness of 'Far From Over', we're on to a good thing after two songs. It doesn't end there: 'Never Give Up', and 'Under The Moonlight' are for me the album's highlights, followed closely by the David Roberts/Mark Baker penned 'In The Twilight' and the harder rockin' 'Missing Persons', a choice track indeed, with Forbes doing his best Jon Anderson (Yes) impersonation on the chorus!
In Summary
Interest in the band soon gathered momentum, culminating in stints with Glass Tiger and Boston throughout Canada. Of course, AORsters will know of their sophomore album 'Into The Streets' which was released two years later (review elsewhere on G-DAZE), with more of a guitar edge, but still very melodic. The band folded shortly after, which was a shame. An excellent outfit for sure, and even after 2 albums and 14 years of absence, BLVD/Boulevard still hold a special place in the musical hearts of many.
Track Listing:
01 Dream On
02 Far From Over
03 Western Skies
04 Never Give Up
05 In the Twilight
06 When the Lights Go Down
07 Under the Moonlight
08 You and I
09 Missing Persons
10 You're For Me
Related Articles:
BLVD - 1988 BLVD
Boulevard - 1990 Into The Street
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