By 1980, Zon had dropped their pomp approach in favour of radio edged songs, and it would prove to be the last of their studio albums before the band called it day.
Written by: Lee South Africa
ARTIST: Zon
ALBUM: I’m Worried About The Boys
LABEL: Falcon
SERIAL: FAL 80.003
YEAR: 1980
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Canada
LINEUP: Denton Young – vocals * Brian Miller – guitars * Howard Helm – keyboards * Jim Samson – bass * Kim Hunt – drums
TRACK LISTING: 01 Giveaway * 02 Want My Baby * 03 Better Get Up * 04 I Always Fall * 05 Sweet Jane * 06 Rock And Roll Your Own * 07 Takin’ The Easy Out * 08 Highschool * 09 Just The Other Side * 10 For You
Background
After building up quite a following with their legendary first two albums, Zon were the victims of some cruel and inaccurate journalism after a sold out arena concert in Canada – the journalist saw the opening act and assumed he had seen Zon. The result was a scathing review in the nationwide newspaper, and bear in mind this was the main story of the entertainment page!
Needless to say, this was a crippling blow to Zon, who lost their major label status and had to settle for the independent Falcon label as a means to release their third album. It’s very difficult to track down, but worth the effort.
The Songs
‘Giveaway’ is a flowing AOR anthem in the flag waving tradition, complete with staccato piano bits like Toto and Harlequin. Very nice arrangement and melodic throughout.
‘Want Me Baby’ calls to mind the ‘truck stop diner rock n’ roll’ of George Thorogood and The Destroyers, combined with straight ahead AOR vocal melodies – a strange mix that turns out fairly well.
‘Better Get Up’ is another 50’s rock and roll meets 80’s AOR hybrid, pleasant enough and fairly close to ‘Below The Belt’ era Franke and The Knockouts in attitude.
‘I Always Fall’ is yet another departure, this time delving into a swing jazz meets AOR workout – far removed from the keyboard heavy pomp death they’re known for, but entertaining nonetheless.
Next up is a live encore version of the Velvet Underground‘s ‘Sweet Jane’, played with attitude and a driving momentum – very well received by the arena audience.
Remaining highlights are the mid tempo AOR of ‘Takin’ The Easy Way Out’, the well crafted uptempo anthem ‘High School’, and the stunning power ballad ‘For You’ which closes a strong yet diverse AOR album.
In Summary
By 1980, Zon had dropped their pomp approach in favour of radio edged songs, and it would prove to be the last of their studio albums before the band called it day.
Circa 2003, and it seems that Zon may have reformed, apparently there could be an all new studio CD in the works – now that would be very welcome news, at a time when we could all use some cheering up.
Zon on Video
For You
Giveaway
