SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: THE KINGS – THE LONGEST STORY EVER TOLD

THE KINGS
THE LONGEST STORY EVERY TOLD
DIZZY/WARNER

The Kings formed in the late 1970s in Vancouver, although many of the members were from Oakville and Toronto. They released their debut album, The Kings Are Here in 1980 and they had an international hit with “The Beat Goes On/Switchin’ To Glide”, a classic single and album, both produced by Bob Ezrin. After their second album Amazon Beach, the band had some member changes and changed labels, but did not have the same commercial impact as they once did. This was a shame, as they released some great albums and music over the years. Since the 1990s, The Kings have split up, reunited, and some members have come and gone. The good news is that they are back with their seventh studio album, The Longest Story Ever Told.

For The Longest Story Ever Told three of the original  members are back together, Dave Diamond (vocals, bass), Mister Zero (guitar), and Sonny Keyes (keyboards). Todd Reynolds (drums) is the newcomer to the band, and he seems to fit in quite well. They worked with some talented producers who had a turn in mixing songs for the album, including their original producer, Bob Ezrin, Terry Brown (Rush, Blue Rodeo, Gowan), Garth Richardson (Rage Against The Machine), Michael Vail Blum (Madonna, Prince), and Chris Snow (Barenaked Ladies, Big Wreck, Arkells).

This album is exactly what one would expect from the band. They know how they want to sound, and they stick to what they do best. From the opening track, “Always On The Deep End”, the listener knows what is in store — melodic, well written songs. There are surprises, such as “Clean Shot” which is a much harder, almost late 1960s hard rock sound. The keyboards sound great and Diamond’s vocals are right on the mark. Even the surprises have the trademark Kings sound.

The album ends with a bang with “Triangle Blues”, a rocking way to bring the album. The Kings can rock with the best of them. They have always had fun with their albums, musically and lyrically, and The Longest Story Ever Told is no exception.

It has been a while since The Kings’ last studio album, 2003’s Because Of You, and The Longest Story Ever Told is a welcome return. It is always great to hear new music from artists one has grown up with and The Kings are a band that were missed when they were not around. The Longest Story Ever Told is a great album and one that fans will love. It may even win them some new fans.

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