Album flashback

The Northern Pikes - Secrets of the Alibi [1988]

Hailing from ‘The Paris of the Prairies’ aka Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, we have The Northern Pikes.

Bringing that ‘just get shit done’ ethos that makes us Prairie folk stand out a little bit, the boys self financed their first two releases - a self-titled EP and a full-length called ‘Scene In North America’.

Perusing their website I found a great little anecdote from frontman Jay Semko on how to generate airplay in the pre-internet days:

"I wrote to the Library of Congress and got the listing of college radio stations. We sent them out and we got played, they charted really well. It was a pleasant surprise to us and that really opened the door for people to notice us."

Many of these songs would end up on their major label debut ‘Big Blue Sky’, which reached Gold status in Canada.

The classic Pikes lineup got back into the studio in the spring of ‘88, consisting of:

• Merl Bryck (vocals, guitar)

• Jay Semko (bass, vocals)

• Bryan Potvin (vocals, guitar)

• Don Schmid (drums)

Behind the boards are the same production tag team from the last sessions, Rick Hutt and Fraser Hill.

The decision is made to go live off the floor this time, as the lads have been on tour and are showing both chops and chemistry.

While Semko is the primary writer and singer, both Bryck and Potvin have songs on side two.

Wait For Me - peaked #58

Someone hurt Jay real bad, guys. The months are going by and she ain’t coming back.

What a terrific song, though. From Potvin’s arpeggiated hook, solid rhythm section work and Bryck’s subtle harmonies.

Lyrically, this always felt like the prairies to me - I think it might be Semko’s little drawl.

If you had three wishes, what would they be?
Would you change yourself
Or would you try to change me?
Do wishes come true - well, I'll just wait and see

I don’t think she’s coming back. But I know my wish is that this song had charted better, it’s a gem.

Hopes Go Astray - peaked #45

Potvin penned this one, and it was the best performing single from the record, despite one of the most unusual videos of the era.

Schmid’s drums really drive this track alongside the propulsive bass line. The verse melody is simple, but also an absolute ear worm.

The highlight for me has always been the bridge. It pushes an emotional button for me, and Potvin’s delivery somehow adds a surprise element.

Now the princess washes dishes
She's done more harm than any good
I am the witness of hugs and kisses
Loneliness is never understood

Add the breakdown of the chorus, followed by a sharp drum break and you have another well-crafted tune.

Let’s Pretend - peaked #66

Sometimes The Pikes drop a little hint of spirituality into their lyrics, and this is one of those times.

Let's pretend The Beatles never broke up after all
Let's pretend that Jesus came back down to save us all
My one friend is always in my body and my mind
Let's pretend that prisoners are pardoned for their crimes

It’s a pretty big twist to go from that Fab Four name drop - complete with ‘yeah, yeah, yeah’ - to a Jesus name drop.

I forgive all the earnestness in this track though, because apart from the quick little bridge before Potvin’s Fender-bending solo it comes at us HARD.

This is my favourite version of the Pikes, with those great harmonies and everyone bringing that musical urgency.

Place That’s Insane - DNC

Of course, my fave track from ‘Alibi’ is the opener - ‘Place That’s Insane’.

Could have been a single and I’ve always wondered if singing about the travails of an exotic dancer was too much for us at the time. It’s hardly risqué, is it?

This is why I was never in A+R, I guess…

The pay's not good, but she gets some good tips
It must be her smile or the lick of her lips
She lives in a room upstairs
Where there's no running water
And she can't wash her hair
I asked her if she likes her work
If she ever got tired of the drunks and the jerks
She told me that it pays the rent
And there's no need to stop
'Til something better comes along

Anyway, great story song that allows me to connect with a character and somehow visualise the absolute dive that she works in.

Give this record a spin, gang. You won’t be disappointed.

PS - Tina, all I am saying is give Pikes a chance! lol