Erect - We Are Police b/w The Colony

Tracks

Side 1

		Track Name	Length
	1	We Are Police	02:19

Side 2

		Track Name	Length
	1	The Colony	02:39

Photos

Videos

Information/Write-up

"The Final Drive of The Erect Mobile" by Robert Williston unfolds on a crisp late fall day in 1978, casting the charming town of Midland, Ontario into a whirl of anticipation for its annual Christmas Parade. Little did the locals suspect that this joyous occasion would become the unlikely birthplace of the iconic band "ERECT" and their inaugural recording.

In the vintage 1962 Chevy Nova, affectionately dubbed "The Erect Mobile," bassist Peter Molloy embarked on a road trip to the wrecking yard cheered on by Angela and Andy Camp. The car, held together by sheer willpower and a few strategically placed 2x4's, was on its last legs - quite literally. The floorboard on the driver's side had succumbed to rust so thoroughly that the makeshift support was required just to keep the seat from plunging into the depths below.

Unaware of their vehicular predicament, they embarked on their final journey through the streets of Midland. However, unbeknownst to them, the town's finest weren't about to let the whimsically named Erect Mobile pass by unnoticed.

As they paraded through the streets, the clattering of the Chevy's engine drowned out by laughter and applause. With lights ablaze, the officers pulled the band over. It turned out that driving a car with "ERECT" emblazoned on the side, coupled with a seat held up by 2x4's, wasn't exactly in line with the local road safety standards.

The officers, fighting back chuckles, informed the band that their beloved Erect Mobile was far from roadworthy. It wasn't just the 2x4 engineering marvel but also the fact that Pete, barely able to see over the dashboard, looked more like a bobblehead than a responsible driver.

Undeterred, Pete, the master of improvisation, chose an unconventional route - quite literally. He steered the Erect Mobile through a side alley and boldly joined the parade route from the wrong end. The crowd erupted into laughter and applause as The Erect Mobile, became the unofficial opening act of the Christmas Parade.

Pete's low-slung driving position, the precarious 2x4 seat support, and the prominent "ERECT" on the car's side turned them into instant local celebrities. The misadventure, filled with unexpected applause and cheers, served as the inspiration for what would become "We Are Police," the band's debut song.

Following this uproarious escapade, the band decided to immortalize their tale in music. Collaborating with renowned Canadian Reggae producer John Forbes, Angela teamed up with another talented singer, Carla Goldstein. Together, they crafted a promotional 45 single, featuring the unforgettable tunes "We Are Police" and "The Colony" at The Grange Studios, accompanied by drummer Ted Rosnick. In the fall of 1979, upon arriving in Toronto, they recorded about 10 demos at Sound Canada with John Forbes. Andy recalls, "The Colony" was about going to the colony on the moon or Mars...that's why the lyric "Hey NASA here's my application, Hey NASA Make my reservation Now". We just wanted to get off the planet!!!"

The story of the Erect Mobile's last ride and the impromptu parade performance became the stuff of legend in Midland, inspiring not just a song but the birth of a band. And so, with a hearty laugh echoing through the chilly Ontario air, the music of "ERECT" found its way into the hearts of the town, leaving behind a tale as amusing and enduring as their unforgettable last ride.

The single caught the attention of Stompin' Tom Connors and his manager, Jury Krytiuk, leading to a re-recording and subsequent re-release in 1980 on Boot Records - a label more known for its folk and country offerings than the new wave rock of Erect.

Fast forward to February 26, 2024, the two original tracks were remastered, accompanied by 10 previously unreleased gems from the mid-80s. This compilation, titled 'Consequence of Life,' joyously emerged for streaming on citizenfreak.com, marking a delightful resurgence of the band's spirited musical journey.

Produced by John Forbes for Erect Productions

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