It was from about this era that Ian Thomas developed a knack for writing music with strong thoughtful lyrics, it became apparent as we saw evidence of it on ‘Still Here’ and it continued on with ‘Glider’.
Written by: gdmonline
ARTIST: Ian Thomas Band
ALBUM: Glider
LABEL: GRT
SERIAL: GRT 9230-1082
YEAR: 1979
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Canada
LINEUP: Ian Thomas – vocals, guitars * Dave Cooper – guitars * Hugh Syme – keyboards * Steve Hogg – bass * Mike Oberle, Jorn Andersen – drums * Bob Doidge – recorder * Milan Kymlicka – sring arrangements
TRACK LISTING: 01 Pilot * 02 I Still Want To Hold You * 03 Small Talk * 04 High And Mighty * 05 Time Is The Keeper * 06 Beast Of Phobia * 07 Nero’s Spell * 08 Voices Of The Children
WEBLINKS: Wikipedia Page
Background
This is an album I’d been wanting to get my hands on for years. Having been a huge fan of Ian Thomas’ early works, in particular the 1978 closet classic ‘Still Here’, the following year’s release ‘Glider’ was a must-have in my books.
It was from about this era that Ian Thomas’s knack for writing music with strong thoughtful lyrics became apparent. We saw evidence of it on ‘Still Here’ and it continued on with ‘Glider’. After listening to ‘Glider’, I think I come away still preferring ‘Still Here’, but that’s because I am more familiar with it.
The Songs
Leadoff track ‘Pilot’ is one of Ian’s best-remembered tracks, the popping bass work is apparent, but it’s the gorgeous harmony vocals coming together on the pre-chorus and chorus sections that stand out.
‘I Still Want To Hold You’ is a combination of Hugh Syme’s vibe like keyboards, mixed with an ethereal/progressive section a la Alan Parsons Project through the middle. ‘Small Talk’ is a punchier tune, allowing Dave Cooper to stretch out a bit on lead guitar.
‘High And Mighty’ stands alongside the 70’s styled rock previously heard by many artists featured here at Glory Daze. The orchestral mid-section is an interesting part, again Alan Parsons Project rears its head. Changing tempo to a semi-disco beat is ‘Time Is The Keeper’, it’s not as bad as it sounds, as the chorus is rather excellent and the tune is very melodic.
‘Beast Of Phobia’ is a dense affair, part prog, part pop and part AOR. It comes across as clever, but ends up being obtuse in the same vein as Todd Rundgren. ‘Nero’s Spell’ features Syme’s stereophonic keys which bounce across the left/right stereo divide, a pleasant workout with a spicy latin section mid-tune.
The closer ‘Voices Of The Children’ is a beautiful atmospheric piece, based on piano layers and intricate guitar/keyboard interplay. It becomes a dramatic slab by the halfway stage, the end sequence is a fiery guitar laden climax before the soothing piano returns to finish off the deal.
In Summary
After a good solid run with GRT Records, Ian had to look for greener pastures by the end of the decade. The guys from Rush and their label Anthem Records came to the party, and Ian enjoyed a number of releases on the label right through to 1985.
Certainly the GRT releases from Ian represent an interesting period for him, the music here being lightweight pop/AOR which would harden up eventually during the early 80’s. You can read more on his other albums elsewhere on this site. Click the tag below.
Ian Thomas Band on Video
Click to go to YTM album page.
