Sailcats - ST

Tracks

Side 1

		Track Name	Length
	1	(We Don't) Communicate	03:24
	2	Sensation	03:19
	3	Make it On Our Own	04:08
	4	She Got the Look	03:36
	5	Look Me Straight in the Eyes	03:31

Side 2

		Track Name	Length
	1	Energy	03:26
	2	Livin' in a Movie	03:53
	3	Lost My Head	03:25
	4	Guilty	03:51
	5	Face the Music	02:53

Photos

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Information/Write-up

Sailcats were a Calgary, Alberta–based pop-rock band active in the early to mid-1980s, known for their polished harmonies and radio-conscious songwriting. Formed in 1978, the group coalesced after key members met while working and performing at ski resorts in Ontario, where informal collaborations between musicians led to the band’s initial lineup. Their recorded output documents a clear stylistic evolution, moving from a roots-oriented country-rock approach in their earliest years toward a cleaner, melody-driven pop-rock sound as the decade progressed. In its formative period, Sailcats functioned as a bluegrass-leaning country band before adapting to changing musical and market conditions, a transition that would ultimately shape their later identity.

The band’s first album, An Era’s End (1982), was released independently on Sail Cats Records. Stylistically rooted in honky-tonk, country rock, and country blues, the album reflects an early phase in the group’s development that differs markedly from their later work. Recorded while Sailcats were still consolidating their sound and personnel, the album was produced by Brian Bell and pressed by Cinram. The record stands as a snapshot of the band prior to their shift toward a more contemporary pop-rock direction.

By 1983, Sailcats had issued their self-titled album The Sailcats on Calgary’s The Label, manufactured by Doug Wong Music. Produced by Joe Cool and recorded at Sundae Sound, Thunder Road Studio, and Metalworks, the album marked a decisive move toward a polished, harmony-forward pop-rock sound. Reflecting on the change in direction, the band later noted, “When that Urban Cowboy thing died out and we couldn’t get a job playing bluegrass anymore, we had to go pop.” All material was written by the band, with tracks such as “(We Don’t) Communicate,” “Sensation,” “Livin’ in a Movie,” and “Face the Music” highlighting strong vocal projection, balanced instrumentation, and a clear focus on contemporary radio formats. The single “Sensation” received attention from adult contemporary programmers, with the band observing that “It seemed to have the best response after we’d sent the record around to the radio stations,” helping position Sailcats beyond the strictly local circuit.

In addition to their vinyl releases, Sailcats remained active within Calgary’s independent music community throughout the mid-to-late 1980s. As lineups shifted and members pursued parallel musical paths, the band continued to participate in regional recording and documentation projects. Sailcats appeared alongside Cindy Warren on the 1985 cassette Home Cookin’, which featured reworked or alternate versions of Sailcats material. In 1988, the band took part in Alberta Rising, an interview-based cassette documenting Alberta artists, which also included Cal Kellett, Rob Bartlett, Logic of Dreaming, and Frank Liddy. Preserved by the Calgary Cassette Preservation Society (CCPS), the release serves as an oral-history snapshot of Alberta’s independent music scene during the late 1980s.
-Robert Williston

Harmonies, reminiscent of the '70s producing this Calgary band into national prominence. Sensation, the first single taken from this set, has done well with A/C programmers. Light pop/rock love ballads it today’s listening audiences needs. Excellent vocal projection and well balanced instrumentation. Also key are Livin’ In A Movie, Face The Music, and She Got The Look. All material written by the band. The Label is based in Calgary.

Musicians
Bob Lively: bass
Dennis Marcenko: bass
Greg Sinclair: bass, vocals
Michael Moore: drums
Terry Paton: drums, percussion
Brad Steckel: guitar
Jeff Heintzman: guitar, guitar synthesizer, vocals
Michael Smith: guitar, lead vocals
Ted Alexander: keyboards
Ted Woodhouse: keyboards, lead vocals
Richard Harding: saxophone
Tom McKillop: saxophone

Songwriting
All songs written by The Sailcats

Production
Produced by Joe Cool
Engineered by Dan Lowe, Hugh Cooper, Nigel Blagborne, and Noel Golden
Recorded at Sundae Sound
Recorded at Thunder Road Studio
Recorded at Metalworks Studios
Mastered by Sabin Brunet
Manufactured by Doug Wong Music
Distributed by Independent Artists Distribution Inc.

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