Album flashback

Alannah Myles - self-titled [1989] - Part One

This is a story in two parts.

I’m going to break down this massive record for you here in Part One:

• Four top 30 singles including two top 10s

• One of only four diamond-selling CanCon albums of the decade (denoting one million sold in Canada alone)

• The biggest selling debut LP of the era

• A Grammy and multiple Junos

• Alannah paves the way for our 90s divas -

  • Celine (6x diamond)

  • Alanis (1x double diamond)

  • Shania (3x double diamond!)

  • Also Amanda Marshall and Sarah McLachlan (1x diamond)

Yes, Myles was the catalyst for all of the above. But despite that success, she got badly burned by her label. And so…

Part Two will be a cautionary tale about a decades long fight for an artist to share in the wealth they generated, and how the music business is still stacking the deck in their favour. Alannah’s story with a few other examples mixed in.

Meanwhile, let’s get to the music…

Alannah Myles was born on Christmas Day 1955 in Toronto. Before her singing career took off she was a model, actress, and TV presenter, almost landing the host gig for Fashion Television that went to Jeanne Beker. These gigs were all a means to fund the music career that Myles wanted so badly.

Enter Christopher Ward. Those of us raised on MuchMusic know him as one of the original VJs on our nation’s music station. But he was also a musician and songwriter, and Myles’ romantic partner. Their romance ended right around the release of this album, but the two continued to collaborate musically.

Christopher Ward - Boys & Girls | did not chart

While this single did not chart, it is notable for an early appearance of Mike Myers character Wayne Campbell, as well as a cameo from Alannah.

Notably, Ward did hit the CanCon charts five times in the 70s.

In the studio, the recording was under the supervision of producer David Tyson, who also provided keys and some bass. The label was keen on the project so top Toronto studio talent was brought in, including:

• Guitars: Kurt Schefter, Bob Bartolucci, and David Wipper on acoustic guitar and mandolin.

• Drums: Jørn Andersen

• Backing Vocals: Notable contributions from CanCon legend Lisa Dalbello as well as frequent Kim Mitchell collaborator Peter Fredette.

Love Is - peaked #16, 1989

Come for that guitar hook, stay for the sultry bass line. One of the features of this album is Alannah’s ability to belt out a rocker like this with notable swagger, yet also be capable of a tender ballad.

Black Velvet - peaked #10, 1989

The monster hit, that went #1 in the US while peaking at #10 here at home. Yet another example of a track that you immediately think had to have been an artist’s biggest hit - that wasn’t.

Nonetheless, it’s a mood. I always feel like I’m sitting on the stoop on a hot summer night when I hear it. You know I love a middle eight, and that bass line is straight up sexy.

Still Got This Thing - peaked #28, 1989

Always felt this deserved a little better. An absolute rocker and the video conveys pure joy for me - especially seeing Myles belt it out with legendary singer Jackie Richardson. Oooh, and that guitar solo, come on!

Lover Of Mine - peaked #2, 1990

The final single from the album was actually the biggest smash. Only held off the chart’s apex by I Wish It Would Rain Down by Phil Collins.

It’s dreamy, swooning, and another great platform for Alannah’s vocals. She sings the hell out of this song, a little silk and a little gravel.

And don’t worry, the debut single from Myles’ next record - Song Instead Of A Kiss - would go all the way to #1.

Stay tuned for Part Two. It might piss you off a bit.