Goddo (1977) [Full LP]

+++ One Of Our Overlooked Albums Series +++

There's something quite compelling about Goddo. Like Max Webster, they enjoyed a reputation as one of the most magnetic and quirky Canadian hard rock bands operating in the late '70s. Employing an off-kilter psyche and a penchant for the absurd, Goddo's high octane brand of tough-guy rock was further enhanced by some of the most amusing lyrics of the era. The man mostly responsible for this intriguing direction was bassist and main songwriter Greg Godovitz. Like a contemporary court jester his brand of wit and wisdom cast an exceptionally warm glow on the Canadian music scene, even if the content failed to secure huge commercial rewards. As a former member of seasoned Canadian rockers Fludd, he departed that band to create a brand new vehicle following his own vision; melodic hard rock with enough lee-way to include quirky detours. Although primarily a supercharged high octane power trio, they also included elements of jazz and crushing blues rock. Godovitz together with drummer Doug Inglis and guitarist Gino Scarpelli set about recording their debut album in Montreal, unleashing one of the most striking Canadian debut albums of all time. Issued in early 1977, and housed in a superbly illustrated gate-fold cover, the album kicks off with 'The Bus Driver Blues' a lyrically hilarious track written about the band's previous drummer who left the group to drive a school bus. Other tough-nut rockers include 'Drive Me Crazy', 'Let That Lizard Loose' and 'Hard Years'. Of course, the jewel in the crown is the jazz tinged 'Under My Hat', a song complete with truly memorable hook and menacing vocals from Greg.

1) Bus Driver Blues - 4.38
2) Drive Me Crazy - 4.03
3) Let That Lizard Loose - 3.22
4) I'm Losing You - 7.27
5) Let It Slide - 5.24
6) Twelve Days - 3.20
7) Under My Hat - 4.52
8) Hard Years - 3.24