Information/Write-up
The Halifax Independent Music Festival was hosted by the Double Deuce Road House on June 28 and 30th, and July 1 and 2 of 1992. Over the four days, twenty one of Halifax’s best bands performed, with each set being recorded live to D.A.T. (digital audio tape). From their set, each act chose one song to appear on this compilation.
There was a sense in the air that something special was occurring that week. There was unprecedented interest in the festival from the local media, which was reflected in the packed houses during the festival. The buzz that there was something going on in the local alternative music scene was beginning to reach beyond the converted. For those who weren’t there, “Cod Can’t Hear” will give you a taste of what you missed. For those who were there, I hope it provides a reference point for some great memories.
This compilation is a snapshot of the Halifax independent music scene as it was during the summer of 1992. It reveals a maturing, diverse sound, from roots rock to metal, from grunge to power pop and everywhere in between.
The thing all these bands seem to have in common is the integrity with which they approach their music. There is a growing sense that there is a future to be had in music here, and they are responding. More and more acts are releasing their own recordings and making tour plans. They are making it happen, not waiting for it to happen. Remember the names of the bands on “Cod Can’t Hear”, I’m sure you’re going to hear a lot more from them in the future. The Halifax alternative music scene has come of age.
-Greg Clark
1. Black Pool – ‘What Are You Saying?’
Written by
John Chisholm
Musicians
John Chisholm: vocals, guitar
Catherine McKinnon: violin
Matt Murphy: lead guitar, vocals
Tim Brennan: bass
Dave Marsh: drums
2. Leonard Conan – ‘Leaving’
Written by
Andy McDaniel
Musicians
Andy McDaniel: vocals, guitar
Donald Nicholson: organ
Dave MacDonald: bass
Andrew Townsend: drums
3. Thrush Hermit – ‘The Young and the Groomed’
Written by
Joel Plaskett, Rob Benvie
Musicians
Joel Plaskett: vocals, guitar
Rob Benvie: vocals, guitar
Ian McGettigan: bass
Michael Catano: drums
4. Spike N – ‘Life in Reverse’
Written by
Jason Ives
Musicians
Jason Ives: vocals, guitar
Damien Dunphy: bass, vocals
Wayne MacPherson: lead guitar
David Pierce: drums
5. Weasel Faced Judge – ‘Veal’
Written by
David Lewis, MacMillan
Musicians
David Lewis: guitar
Andrea Bonomo: vocals
Chris Fawcett: bass
Cliff Gibb: drums
6. Fourteen Eyz – ‘Salvation Man’
Written by
Mike Diabo
Musicians
Chuck R.: vocals
Michael Diabo: guitar
Wade Coffin: drums
Mark Gosine: bass
7. Adrenalin – ‘Forced Consent’
Written by
Adrenalin
Musicians
Todd Zannie: vocals
Dean Rhynold: drums
Craig Langille: bass
Bill McPherson: guitar
Chris Austin: guitar
8. Deep Woods – ‘The House’
Written by
MacDonald (lyrics), Gord, Rob, Bob
Musicians
Don MacDonald: vocals
Rob Mills: bass
Gordon Francis: guitar
Robert Francis: drums
9. Cheese Ranch – ‘Waldo’s Ashes’
Written by
Roland Blinn, Todd Michalik
Musicians
Roland Blinn: vocals, organ
Todd Michalik: lead guitar
Ed Michalik: rhythm guitar
Ben Ross: drums
Lucas Pearse: bass
10. Cool Blue Halo – ‘Some Other World’
Written by
Barry Walsh
Musicians
Barry Walsh: vocals, lead guitar
Paul Boudreau: vocals, guitar
Dave Brennan: drums
Tom Carroll: bass
11. Too Many Daves – ‘1906’
Written by
Markley, Morgan, T.M.D.
Musicians
David Jennings: vocals, rhythm guitar
Anita Lipohar: keyboards
Phil Secord: bass
Sam King: lead guitar
John Legere: drums
12. Sloan – ‘Ragdoll’
Written by
Sloan
Musicians
Patrick Pentland: vocals, guitar
Chris Murphy: vocals, bass
Jay Ferguson: guitar
Andrew Scott: drums
13. Bubaiskull – ‘Like a Pig’
Written by
Bubaiskull
Musicians
Chris Logan: vocals, guitar
Allison Outhit: lead guitar
Tim Stewart: bass
Adam Cavill: drums
14. Aimless – ‘Smile’
Written by
Aimless
Musicians
Jason Amey: vocals, guitar
Kelcey Parker: lead guitar
Mike Jackson: bass
John Rowe: drums
15. Donner Party Reunion – ‘Omnivorous Society’
Written by
D.P.R.
Musicians
Jon Johnson: vocals
Reg MacKaracher: drums
Clayton Gibb: lead guitar, vocals
Brad Baxter: bass
Dean Sheppard: rhythm guitar
16. Quahogs – ‘Back to the Nun’
Written by
Todd Calder
Musicians
Scott Tappen: vocals
Gerard Watters: drums
John MacKenzie: bass
Len Woolley: guitar
Todd Calder: guitar
17. 100 Flowers – ‘Memory Lane’
Written by
Steve Moore
Musicians
Steve Moore: vocals, guitar
Mark MacMillan: lead guitar
Henri Sangalang: bass
Carl Gosine: drums
18. Bluegrass Lawnmower – ‘Bone of Contention’
Written by
Al Tuck
Musicians
Al Tuck: vocals, guitar
Paul Mandell: banjo
Matt Murphy: guitar, vocals
Tracy Stevens: bass
Dave Marsh: drums
19. The Gluetones – ‘29’
Written by
Paul Hogan
Musicians
Paul Hogan: vocals, guitar
Meg McCallum: backing vocals
20. North End Fender Benders – ‘She’s Gone’
Written by
Doug Hines
Musicians
Doug Hines: vocals, guitar
Bernie Fitzgerald: guitar
Fred Parker: bass
Brian Gourley: drums
21. Jale – ‘Twisted’
Written by
Jale
Musicians
Eve Hartling: vocals, guitar
Jennifer Pierce: guitar, vocals
Laura Stein: bass
Alyson MacLeod: drums, backing vocals
Production
All songs were recorded at the Double Deuce Roadhouse, live, on June 28 and 30, and on July 1 and 2, 1992 except Jale – “Twisted”, which was recorded at Sound Market Recording Studio, Halifax, N.S. and produced by Terry Pulliam.
Live Recording to D.A.T. by Lloyd Hansen
Mastered and edited by Lloyd Hansen at Reel North Recording Studios (506) 450-3299, except Sloan and Thrush Hermit recorded live to D.A.T. by Greg Moore
The Recording Crew: Geoff Doane, Carl Gosine, Steve Moore
Executive Producers: Greg Clark and Peter Rowan
Artwork
Cover artwork by Adam Cavill
Live photos by Eric Brown
Design and layout by Bruce Worrall
Album title suggested by Colin MacKenzie
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