Aviator Sunglasses
- Justin
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
In this post, I'll be exploring two fascinating albums released 44 years apart - See Forever Eyes by Canadian band Prism, released in 1978, and Eyes Of Oblivion by Swedish band The Hellacopters, released in 2022.
So why am I discussing these two seemingly unrelated albums? This post is a perfect example of what you can expect from my blog - a showcase of albums from my collection that often have little in common beyond a shared cover art illustration or concept. Sometimes this shared theme carries a deep and meaningful narrative, sparking intriguing tangents that may stray far from the albums themselves. Other times, as in this case, the connection is more light-hearted - like two people wearing aviator sunglasses.
I couldn't find an aviator sunglasses-related tangent to explore here, though I suppose I could tie in something from Top Gun if I really tried!
As I've mentioned before, the fusion of sight and sound in a band's visual identity has always intrigued me. Some might consider it unconventional to discuss '70s classic rock alongside modern hard-punk-garage rock in the same post, but that's exactly what I love about being a passionate music enthusiast - I enjoy the freedom to explore connections wherever they lead.
Revisiting albums I haven't played in years, uncovering unexpected links, and broadening my understanding of music all add to the experience. More than anything, it gives me the perfect excuse to sit back, immerse myself in great music, and share my thoughts and discoveries with anyone who might find them interesting.
So the first album I would like to shine a light on is See Forever Eyes by Canadian band Prism. This is the bands second studio album and whilst CD pressings are scarce and rather expensive, second hand vinyl copies are both affordable and widely available.
When I saw the album credits featuring Little Mountain Studios alongside the name Bruce Fairbairn, I was immediately intrigued to give this record a listen. While 1978 predates the fame that record producer Bruce Fairbairn would later achieve, it’s always fascinating to trace the early steps of our favourite musicians and producers on their journey to global success. And on a related note, Prism played a pivotal role in launching the careers of Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance - the latter contributing two tracks to this album under the pseudonym Rodney Higgs.
See Forever Eyes is an engaging listen from start to finish. The tracks feature a variety of styles, with plenty of up-tempo rockers reminiscent of bands like Boston, Styx, and even Aerosmith. Lead vocalist Ron Tabak's distinct high-range vocals stand out, as does the skill of the other musicians. A diverse array of keyboard instruments adds depth and character to many tracks, including some intriguing sci-fi-inspired synthesizer effects. A touch of trumpet on one track is an unexpected yet delightful addition.
None of this is surprising, considering the bands popular in the US at the time - Boston comes to mind immediately. Moreover, Prism was formed from two local Vancouver bands: Sunshyne and Seeds Of Time. Sunshyne was a jazz-rock band featuring Bruce Fairbairn on trumpet, while Seeds Of Time leaned toward a blues-oriented rock style. This album is likely to resonate with fans of classic rock and AOR from the late '70s and early '80s, offering both nostalgia and musical excellence in equal measure.
The next album I want to highlight is Eyes Of Oblivion by Swedish band The Hellacopters. Formed in 1994, the band is often categorized as garage rock - a description I've never been particularly fond of, and perhaps that's where my hesitation with this band initially stemmed from. Let me explain.
Despite being their eighth album, Eyes Of Oblivion marks my first listening experience with The Hellacopters - my so-called “gateway album.” The band was strongly recommended to me a few years ago, but I suspect the garage rock label dampened my enthusiasm to explore their work. It wasn't reluctance to try something new, but more a matter of avoidance, as my attention was focused elsewhere.
Garage rock, to me, has always carried associations of raw, lo-fi, and unpolished sound. And while I have a deep appreciation for late-'70s punk - undoubtedly influenced by garage rock - there's always been something about the genre that deterred me, though I can't quite pinpoint why. Perhaps it stems from my general disinterest in lo-fi music when it became a distinct genre, or maybe my mixed feelings about the garage rock revival of the late '90s and early '00s played a role. Whatever the reason, Eyes Of Oblivion finally pulled me in, and I’m glad it did.
What ultimately drew me to this particular album in their discography was the striking cover art and the evocative title. The word "oblivion" suggests a state of total destruction or chaos, perfectly reflected in the artwork - a tough guy with a cigarette in his mouth, purple skies lit by lightning storms mirrored in his aviator sunglasses, and purple embers smouldering on the end of his cigarette. These visual elements add so much to the album's allure.
I can't speak to the band's earlier work, but this album is anything but raw and unrefined. To my surprise, Eyes Of Oblivion is melodic and polished, packed with backing vocals, keyboards, and hook-laden tunes that had me regretting the years I'd overlooked this band. My favourite track is the title song, which clocks in at four minutes and sits near the end of side one. It's brilliantly crafted and only underscores my mistake in ignoring The Hellacopters for so long.
While I suspect their earlier albums might lean more into the garage rock categorization, I hope there are more gems like this one scattered throughout their catalogue. Exceptional stuff!
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