Information/Write-up
Johnny and the G-Rays stand out as one of the hidden gems of Toronto’s vibrant late-'70s music scene—a fascinating blend of punk, rockabilly, and new wave that somehow slipped through history’s cracks yet remains essential listening for anyone exploring Canada’s musical underground.
The band joined Citizenfreak early on, and has been part of the platform’s archives for fifteen years. Initially, a review by Kevin McGowan on ItCameFromCanada in 2009, the piece later morphed into its presence on Citizenfreak, preserving the band’s legacy.
Fronted by the charismatic and versatile Johnny MacLeod, whose brooding vocals, evocative songwriting, and spirited guitar work formed the emotional core of the band, Johnny and the G-Rays emerged from Toronto’s fertile Queen Street West scene in the late 1970s. Harri Palm’s fiery, inventive lead guitar added layers of intensity and technical brilliance, perfectly complemented by Robert G. Macdonald’s robust, driving bass and Bent Rasmussen’s precise, rhythmically powerful drumming.
Their sole LP, Every Twist Reminds, released in 1980 and masterfully produced by Stacy Heydon—renowned for his collaborations with Iggy Pop and David Bowie—is a lost gem blending punk’s raw energy, rockabilly’s swagger, and new wave’s inventiveness. Tracks like "Every Twist Reminds" and "Trails of My Skin" showcase the band's chemistry, especially highlighting Harri Palm’s exceptional guitar skills, honed through collaborations across Toronto’s underground music scene.
"Our commitment was to play every gig at a flat-out, emotionally connected and draining pitch," MacLeod recalled. "At a time when bringing an acoustic guitar onstage was a provocative act to some audiences, we were definitely at odds with the outside perception of 'New Wave' music."
Despite their brief run and a tempestuous internal dynamic, Johnny and the G-Rays significantly influenced Canadian punk and alternative music. They shared stages with iconic bands like Iggy Pop, Talking Heads, XTC, and Teenage Head, earning recognition from respected music outlets like Creem magazine and New York Rocker. Their live shows were legendary for their relentless energy, emotional depth, and a willingness to defy musical expectations—often confounding punk and new wave audiences alike by introducing elements of country, blues, and acoustic sets at a time when doing so was considered radical.
Reflecting on the band’s sound, MacLeod once said, "The G-Rays combined ideas of British rock from Cliff Richard onward with a love for blues, R&B, Hank-era country, electronic, psychedelic, traditional folk to Bob Dylan, philosophy, and '50s jazz greats to modern Miles. Iggy, Dolls, Television, Velvet Underground, MC5, Captain Beefheart, of course. We loved guitar music of all kinds, especially Jimi Hendrix. Some of that mix might be better understood today than it was then."
Beyond the band’s dissolution, its members continued shaping Canadian music history. Harri Palm, notably, pursued intriguing solo projects, such as the compelling and exploratory Molly Kurvink w/6 lb Head, Pope of the Woods, as well as his work on John MacLeod's 'If You’re Living', further showcasing his virtuosity and genre-blending creativity. These recordings, rich in intricate guitar work and atmospheric compositions, demonstrate Palm’s continued evolution and dedication to exploring new musical territories while also honoring his roots.
In 2008, Every Twist Reminds saw a long-overdue reissue on CD, complete with six additional tracks, reigniting interest in the band’s catalog and reaffirming their place in the annals of Canadian music history. "I still love this record," MacLeod remarked. "Please listen to it again."
Johnny and the G-Rays' legacy is a significant chapter in Canadian punk and new wave history. Their LP, produced by Stacy Heydon (noted for his work with Bowie and Iggy Pop), stands as an enduring document of a band passionately dedicated to their eclectic vision—one that fiercely burned brightly, perhaps too intensely, but left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to hear it.
For fans and curious listeners alike, revisiting Johnny and the G-Rays—and the continuing creative endeavors of its former members like Harri Palm—is a rewarding exploration into a dynamic era of Canadian music.
-Robert Williston
Johnny MacLeod: lead vocals, guitar, harmonica
Harri Palm: lead guitar, steel guitar, backing vocals
Robert G. Macdonald: bass, backing vocals
Bent Rasmussen: drums, backing vocals
Produced by Stacy Heydon
Mixed at Kensington Sound
Recorded at Studio 306
Mastered and lacquer cut at Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Don Mills, Ontario
Pressed by Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Don Mills, Ontario
Printed by Shorewood Packaging Corp. of Canada Ltd.
No Comments