Harlequin - Love Crimes (1980) [2012 Remater]

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Harlequin - Love Crimes (1980) [2012 Remater]

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Harlequin's roots began as a Winnipeg circuit band in early 1978. The band reigned of singer George Belanger, guitarist Glen Willows, Gary Golden on keyboards, drummer David Budzak and Ralph James on bass. Within a year they were doing regular gigs across mid and eastern Canada and were signed to Epic Records in 1979. Their debut album, VICTIM OF A SONG was produced by Jack Douglas, who'd previously worked with the likes of Cheap Trick, Patty Smith, Aerosmith and John Lennon. Released that fall, it immediately made an impression with both the critics and the fans alike. "Sweet Things In Life" and "You Are The Light" both became instant radio staples across the country and Harlequin was rewarded with a debut gold record. Backed by the solid writing of other tracks like "Turn Around" and their first single "Survive", the band was heralded as one of the country's most promising new groups.
Following a year long tour which saw them open for such heavyweights as April Wine & BTO, they returned to the studios for LOVE CRIMES, released in the summer of 1980. Again, the airwaves were filled with the tight harmonies and catchy rhythms of the singles "Innocence" and "Thinking Of You". after Hannah left to join Streetheart in 1980, Harlequin came back with CRIMES OF PASSION later that year. Fueled by new guitarist Glen Willows, tracks like the singles "Innocence", "Take This Heart" and "Thinking Of You" put to rest any fears the group couldn't function through problems like personnel changes. The band was now taking its straight forward rock and roll message all across Canada, and into the rest of the world.
It would be nearly two full years before their third record, ONE FALSE MOVE would hit the shelves. By this time Denton Young had replaced Budzak on drums. Back for his third consecutive stint behind the controls was Douglas and the fans' wait was justified by what many considered to be their best effort yet. "I Did It For Love", "Superstitious Feeling" and the ballad "Heart Gone Cold" pushed them to the elite status of only having three records, but all going gold. More touring across Canada and into the states and Europe followed for the next year or so.
Epic released a greatest hits package entitled RADIO ROMANCES in the middle of in-fighting within the band in '84. Included were the new singles "No Mystery" and "Take This Heart". They released a self-titled album in '85 which featured new keyboardist John White and John Hannah, ex of Streetheart, returning on guitars. "Take This Heart" was featured as the lead track and first single. Their second life was short-lived however, as the band called it quits shortly after the end of a North American tour which saw them share the stage with the likes of Loverboy and Streetheart. Epic released another greatest hits package in '86, but by that time the rigors of the road had taken their toll on the band, and they called it quits later that year.
Belanger and company all but disappeared until the mid 90's, when the advent of the 'classic rock' weekend festival brought them back to the stage. They are currently still making their rounds around the country, playing to packed houses and outdoor concerts. They released a new album entitled HARLEQUIN II in 2005, which was met by rave reviews. "Sometimes I Feel", "Let Me In" and "Trust The One" have been heralded as some of the best new rock in years.