HIGH CLASS IN BORROWED SHOES

MAX WEBSTER's sophomore album was produced by themselves and Terry Brown. Hugh Syme did the front cover illustration, but the picture of the band is what leaves the biggest impression, drawing a lot of laughs from anyone who has seen it. Nice platform shoes Kim ! I can't believe I actually wore platforms in grade 9. Did I just say that out loud ? Believe me, all pictures have been destroyed. I was reading in the liner notes where the band thanks RUSH and crew, but also Chum FM and Ric Ringer which brings back memories of that radio station when they played good music. Now you go to Q107 where Kim Mitchell happens to be a DJ now if you want some good Classic rock. Mitchell and Pye Dubois created all the songs here except for "Rain Child" which was done by keyboardist Watkinson, he also sings lead on it.

"High Class In Borrowed Shoes" is an uptempo rocker with Kim's unmistakable guitar runnung roughshod all over the place. "Diamonds Diamonds" is a slower tune with clever lyrics while harmonies and keys stand out. "Gravity" is my favourite. Humerous lyrics encouraging us to "Get a little savagery in your life" instead of playing it safe. Love the guitar late in this one. "Words To Words" features some guest piano and synths from Doug Riley.This is a ballad with acoustic guitar and light drums also helping out. "America's Veins" is one i'm not a big fan of. Riffs and vocals with attitude start the show and we get a keyboard solo before 2 minutes. Riffs come and go.

"Oh War !" opens with outbursts of drums until it kicks in with a steady rhythm with vocals. Guitar 2 1/2 minutes in is great. Kim drops the f-bomb on the chorus each time. "On The Road" is a top 3 track for me,there's something uplifting about this one and I like the lyrics. "Rain Child" is my least favourite although there is some good guitar at times. "In Context Of The Moon" has a darker, heavier sound to it at times early on. I like the floating organ 2 1/2 minutes in during the instrumental break.The guitar comes in screaming and then it turns kind of jazzy. Great sound.

I think MAX WEBSTER's first 4 albums are classics, I would rate this as my fourth favourite. It's hard not to think of spring when listening to this band's music.