Woodwork - Anyday Now

Tracks

Side 1

		Track Name	Length
	1	Needed More	03:50
	2	Broken Promises	03:46
	3	She's a Rock N' Roller	03:46
	4	Manic Motion	06:23
	5	It's Only Make Believe	00:35

Side 2

		Track Name	Length
	1	Reflections	05:02
	2	Anyday Now	05:06
	3	You Take the Cake	04:18
	4	Times Haven't Changed	04:54
	5	Dave's Boogie	00:38

Photos

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Information/Write-up

In the vibrant early-1980s Winnipeg rock scene, Woodwork stood tall, both figuratively and literally. Founded by towering guitar virtuoso David Wood (6'3"), the band carved a name for themselves as one of the city's premier hard rock acts, electrifying pub audiences not only at home but across Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver.

Formed initially as a four-piece (with Stan Bedernjak on bass, Brad Meadmore on drums, and early keyboardist Kathy Brown, later replaced by Reg Mantel), Woodwork embodied a classic pub rock ethic, emphasizing tight musicianship, hard-hitting live performances, and a deep commitment to rock tradition. Their shows were dynamic affairs, fueled by Wood’s gymnastic stage antics - leaping, spinning, and charging through crowds while delivering screaming solos that paid homage to his heroes Clapton, Hendrix, and Beck.

By 1981, having built a strong regional following, Woodwork entered Winnipeg's Century 21 Studios and recorded their lone LP, Anyday Now, over the course of three days. Produced by Wood and engineered by Ralph Watts, the album features all original material primarily written by Wood and Bedernjak, capturing the band's fierce, sweaty live energy and songwriting maturity.

The album was self-released on their own Pear Records imprint: a cheeky homage to The Beatles’ Apple label. While Anyday Now didn't rocket them to national fame, it remains a remarkable snapshot of a hardworking prairie rock band poised on the brink of something bigger.

Highlights include punchy rockers like “Needed More” and “She’s a Rock N’ Roller,” along with the hook-laden title track “Anyday Now” and the riff-heavy closer “Dave’s Boogie.” The band's sound merges gritty 60s hard rock instincts with early 80s power and precision — a formula that resonated with bar crowds hungry for no-nonsense rock during a recession-era music scene.

True to their DIY spirit, the band even slipped a hidden Easter egg onto the back cover — a backward message that, when reversed, reads: “Play this album loud.”

Despite strong local support and healthy bar audiences, Anyday Now didn’t break Woodwork out of the pub circuit, something Wood candidly reflected on years later:

“We kind of thought having a record out would help propel us along further, maybe get us out of the pubs. It didn’t quite do that but it was what it was. There were some neat songs on that record.”

The album is also a personal artifact: Wood dedicated it to his mother, who supported his musical ambitions both emotionally and financially — even co-signing a loan for the band’s touring equipment.

As for the iconic (if awkward) front cover shot of the band standing in an emptied swimming pool surrounded by suspended guitars? Wood chuckles today, admitting it wasn’t exactly his vision:

“The photographer had this idea to hang guitars around us so we just went with it.”

Today, Anyday Now remains a cult classic among collectors and fans of Canadian independent rock, a testament to a scene where ambition, talent, and sweat equity were the true markers of success.

For anyone seeking a pure dose of early '80s prairie hard rock — infused with a heartland grit and an honest love of the form — Anyday Now is well worth tracking down and, as instructed, playing loud.
-Robert Williston

David Wood: all guitars, vocals
Stanley Bedernjak: lead vocals, bass, pedals, moog
Brad Meadmore: drums

Produced by David Wood
Engineered by Ralph Watts
Mixed by David Wood and Ralph Watts
Recorded and Mixed at Century 21 Studios, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Photography by Andrzej Durej
Art Direction by Gordon Korne

Tour Sound Director: Darren Welch
Lighting Director: Neil MacDonald
Stage and Spot Coordinator: Ernest Blackburn
Coordinated by Terry Dimonte
Tours are coordinated by The Hungry I Agency, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Very special thanks to Frank Weiner, Jerry Kolt, and Joyce Heywood
Special thanks to CIT and The Homegrown for the first step.

Thanks to Studio City, S. L. Feldman and Associates, Tim Catlin, the North End, all the places we play, and all our friends who keep believing.

Inspiration: Lenny Breau, Eddie Van Halen, Jeff Beck, and of course, Jimi Hendrix

"This album is dedicated to my Mother, for without her support and dedication over the years, this never would have been possible."

Peer Records is a subsidiary of Woodwork Band Co. Ltd.

DOUL DROCER SHIT YALP

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