SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: LIGHTHOUSE – ONE FINE MORNING (ANNIVERSARY EDITION)

LIGHTHOUSE
ONE FINE MORNING (ANNIVERSARY EDITION)
ANTHEM RECORDS

In 1969, keyboardist Paul Hoffert and drummer/vocalist Skip Prokop came together to form a band that would become one of Canada’s most successful and most loved rock bands, Lighthouse. They released their self-titled debut album in 1969, having by then assembled a large band featuring a powerful horn section. Although they had many Canadian and regional hits, it was 1971 when the band recorded their landmark and biggest selling album, One Fine Morning. This album featured many hit singles (the title track, and “Hats off To The Stranger”) and not only was it an FM radio staple, it went platinum in Canada. The single, “One Fine Morning,” was a huge hit in Canada, but also in the US as well.

By the time Lighthouse came to record One Fine Morning, they had perfected their sound and style. While they could be compared to Chicago, given their horn section, Lighthouse were very different from their US counterparts. Lighthouse was less jazz and more rock ‘n’ roll. One Fine Morning has some brilliant and energetic rock. “Sing Sing Sing,” for example, is pure rock. “Show Me The Way” is another rocker that features some fantastic guitar work along with powerful vocals.

Although it may be hard to believe, over the years, Lighthouse’s albums became increasingly difficult to find in stores. That problem has been rectified with the re-release of their classic album, One Fine Morning – Anniversary Edition. Not only has the album been remastered, but a number of bonus tracks have been added to really complete the story of this album. With this re-release, a number of essential bonus tracks have been added.

The bonus demos show the band wanting to really focus on their heavy sound. And these versions, stripped back as they are, sound fresh and exciting. The previously unreleased track, “All God’s Children,” is a lost gem and thankfully has been restored for all to hear and enjoy. The live recording of “World’s Biggest Rock & Roll Band” demonstrates their ability to perform live and just how great they were live.

One Fine Morning – Anniversary Edition is a very welcome re-release. Lighthouse created some very original and fantastic music in their career, and they were much more than their huge hit singles. This album was a landmark achievement and was very influential when it was originally released in 1971. Lighthouse produced a near-perfect rock album with a great many components. With this re-release, one can hear just how great this band was.

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