Electric Jewels

Chronique

With April Wine's third release, the band was just beginning to make a real name for itself, thanks to "You Could Have Been a Lady"'s Top 40 marking on the charts the previous year. Electric Jewels didn't spark a hit, although the power-driven guitar punch of "Weeping Widow" gained a moderate amount of radio play in Canada, as did the semi-ballad "Lady Run, Lady Hide." This album, like most of April Wine's early material, consisted of a three-tiered formula; two or three strong tracks, two or three so-so rock and rollers or ballads, and two or three unnecessary time fillers. As far as the band's lineup goes, both David and Ritchie Henman had left, replaced by guitarist Gary Moffet, and Gerry Mercer, who took over the drumming duties -- and Moffet's playing does give April Wine an added boost, which is noticeable on a number of cuts. "I Can Hear You Callin'" and "Just Like That" show the greatest potential outside of "Weeping Widow" and "Lady Run, Lady Hide," but both Goodwyn and the rest of the band were still experimenting with their writing, and, more importantly, how heavy of a rock band they were going to be. When all is said and done, the better tracks from Electric Jewels and the two albums that precede it can best be heard on most of April Wine's compilations.
© Mike DeGagne /TiVo