Change of Heart (band)
Change of Heart | |
---|---|
Origin | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
Genres | Alternative rock |
Years active | 1982 | –1997, 2009, 2012, 2017
Labels | Cargo Records |
Past members | Ian Blurton Ron Duffy Glenn Milchem John Richardson Rob Taylor John Borra Mike Armstrong Bernard Maiezza Rob Higgins |
Change of Heart was a Canadian alternative rock band, active from 1982 to 1997.[1] They had one Top 40 hit, "There You Go" in 1992, as well as several hits on Canada's modern rock charts, including "Trigger" and "Little Kingdoms".
The band had a diverse, genre-defying sound, with the songs on their albums crossing from pop to hard rock to something almost akin to punk.[1]
History
The band was formed in 1982 in Toronto, Ontario by vocalist and guitarist Ian Blurton and bassist Rob Taylor,[1] initially inspired by contemporary punk rock bands such as The Clash, Gang of Four and L'Étranger.[1]
Over the next number of years, Blurton also participated in a number of side projects, working with Jolly Tambourine Man, Cowboy Junkies, Slightly Damaged and A Neon Rome.[1] Original percussionist Mike Armstrong left the band during the recording of their 1987 album Slowdance, and would later join King Cobb Steelie.[1]
The band's 1989 album Soapbox featured the song "Pat's Decline", the band's first single to garner widespread national exposure on
Drummer Ron Duffy left the band in 1991, and was replaced by Glenn Milchem for the recording of their 1992 album Smile.[1] Following the recording, Milchem left to join Blue Rodeo, and was replaced by John Richardson. Bernard Maiezza, formerly of A Neon Rome, also joined the band during this era.[1]
Smile was produced by
Following a cross-Canada tour with
Following the tour to support their 1994 album Tummysuckle, Borra left the band and was replaced by Rob Higgins for the band's final album, 1997's Steelteeth.
The band toured in 1997 to support Steelteeth, including the Another Roadside Attraction festival tour,[5] but broke up soon afterward.
Blurton, the band's singer and main songwriter, went on to form the bands Blurtonia and C'mon, as well as becoming a record producer. Maiezza went on to form Cookie Duster with Brendan Canning of hHead; that band released its debut album, produced by Blurton, in 2001.[6]
Reunion
The band's Steelteeth lineup, consisting of Blurton, Richardson, Higgins and Maiezza, reformed for a one-off show at the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto on June 20, 2009.[7]
A new 25 song, two-LP compilation entitled There You Go '82 - '97 has been assembled by Ian Blurton and was released on September 18, 2012 by
The lineup of Blurton, Maiezza, Milchem and Taylor reunited again in 2017 for the 25th anniversary vinyl reissue of the Smile album, playing shows in Ontario and Alberta.[9]
Discography
- 50 Ft. Up (1986)
- Slowdance (1987)
- Soapbox (1989)
- Smile (1992)
- Tummysuckle (1994)
- Steelteeth (1997)
- There You Go '82 - '97 (2012)
References
- ^ ISBN 978-1-55022-992-9.
- Montreal Gazette, October 21, 1992.
- ^ James Muretich, "CD almost drove Change of Heart mad". Calgary Herald, November 19, 1992.
- ^ Jennie Punter, "12 years along, Change Of Heart comes of age: T.O.'s foremost indie squad primed for major touring". Toronto Star, December 29, 1994.
- ^ "Forget h.o.r.d.e., Lilith Fair and Lollapalooza, Another Roadside Attraction is the best touring festival on the continent". Edmonton Journal, July 18, 1999.
- ^ "Brendan Canning on Cookie Duster and Life After BSS: 'I Wanted a Fresh Perspective'" Archived 2018-10-09 at the Wayback Machine. Spinner, June 26, 2012.
- ^ Ben Rayner, "North By Northeast All over the map; Music critic Ben Rayner offers his picks for the best of the annual music festival's 500 shows". Toronto Star, June 18, 2009.
- ^ a b c "Change of Heart Reveal 'There You Go '82-'97' Retrospective". Exclaim!, August 8, 2012.
- Kingston Whig-Standard, September 21, 2017.