Video flashback

I'm An Adult Now - The Pursuit of Happiness [1986]

Here’s the debut single by Edmonton’s Moe Berg and the fabulous TPOH.

This video was a two-time staple on MuchMusic - by the sound of it this is the original recording - it was released a second time after being re-recorded for debut album ‘Love Junk’.

Despite a brief MTV ban, the single and subsequent album sold well on both sides of the border.

Berg’s songs are often horny, but frank and relatable. He has always featured two female backing vocalists and crunchy guitars, and the sweet harmonies juxtapose nicely with six strings and stomp boxes.

I’m An Adult Now | TPOH - peaked #35 [1987], then #1 [1989]

Shot guerrilla-style on Queen Street West in Toronto [the same street as the MuchMusic environment], we see the band performing, as well as some local characters contributing to the urban vibe.

The highlight for me is Moe scooching down to sing to a stone-faced little kid while listing many of his adult problems.

Sometimes my head hurts and sometimes my stomach hurts
And I guess it won’t be long
‘Fore I’m sitting in a room with a bunch
Of people whose necks and backs are aching
Whose sight and hearing’s fading
Who just can’t seem to get it up

Speaking of hearing, I can’t take too much loud music

I mean I like to play it, but I sure don’t like the racket
Noise, but I can’t hear anything
Just guitars screaming, screaming, screaming
Some guy screaming in a leather jacket - Woah!

The Pursuit of Happiness has been one of fave CanCon bands since their inception. If you like power pop and haven’t checked them out - do yourself a favour!