Canadians Streetheart delivered some cool songs on ‘Under Heaven Over Hell’, not as dynamic as what was heard on ‘Meanwhile Back In Paris’ but still, I like this a lot.
Written by: gdmonline
ARTIST: Streetheart
ALBUM: Under Heaven Over Hell
LABEL: Atlantic
SERIAL: KCA 25001
YEAR: 1979
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Canada
LINEUP: Kenny Shields – vocals * John Hannah – guitars * Spider Sinneave – bass * Daryl Guthiel – keyboards * Matt Frenette – drums
TRACK LISTING: 01 Hollywood * 02 Main Street * 03 Fight To Survive * 04 Baby’s Got A Gun * 05 Dreaded Dotted Line * 06 Star * 07 Whose Turn Is It Tonight * 08 Here Comes The Night * 09 Under My Thumb
WEBLINKS: Site Link
Background
‘Under’ is the operative word for this 1979 and second LP from Canadian legends Street Heart. Having personally wrapped my aura and other sticky bits around the band’s debut ‘Meanwhile Back In Paris’, I was surprised to see some of the personality of Streetheart’s sound having departed.
Guitarist Paul Dean left the band and heading west to hook up with former Moxy lead singer Mike Reno to form the successful Loverboy. He would be joined by Frenette upon the completion of this album.
Streetheart churned out a 3 track 12′ single prior to the UHOH release, Actually ‘personality departure’ is probably not an apt description, as new guitarist John Hannah is pretty accomplished, just a different style that’s all. There are some cool songs here, not as dynamic as what was heard on MBIP but still, I like them a lot.
The Songs
Opener ‘Hollywood’ is one that bounces off the walls with immediate impact, and it’s a great flirtatious lead-off. ‘Main Street’ has a distinct British feel, the chorus is very bright too which adds to its appeal. ‘Fight To Survive’ is a busy track, with the keys and rhythm section tipping this tune on its head with its constructive arrangement.
‘Baby’s Got A Gun’ is another with a British sound. The chorus is catchy, Shields has obviously listened to the likes of Steve Marriott and Rod Stewart over the years. ‘Dreaded Dotted Line’ treads a fine between power-pop and hard rock, the former winning out so slightly.
‘Star’ has a similar sound to the lead-off track ‘Hollywood’. Shields is indeed the star of the show on this one, combining Prairie Rock with that glitter/glam/blues hybrid which marked the style of bands such as the Rolling Stones and Mott The Hoople. ‘Whose Turn Is It Tonite’ hovers between a power ballad and mid-tempo rocker with a darker tint edging through on the verses.
Two covers appear at the tail of the album. Van Morrison‘s ‘Here Comes The Night’ is given a loose languid ballad orientation, while the Rolling Stones ‘Under My Thumb’ is one of the band’s most popular songs in their discography. The plinky-ponk keyboards from Guthiel a distinct difference on this version.
In Summary
The album furnished three singles: ‘Hollywood’, ‘Here Comes The Night’ and the gold certified ‘Under My Thumb’. As for the album, ‘Under Heaven Over Hell’ sold over 100,000 copies in Canada making it a platinum selling LP for its time. As mentioned, Frenette left the band after this album, replaced by Herb Ego who would stay with the band right through the 80’s decade.
Streetheart on Video
Click to go to YTM album page.
