Product Description

The early legacy of an amiable lunatic
He was often called ‘an amiable lunatic’. He was often cited as Canada’s answer to Frank Zappa (presuming Frank Zappa was a question). His fans (and creditors) across the country were numerous. The press loved him. He supported Seagram’s almost single-handed. And now - it’s finally arrived - the much-heralded and long-awaited BEST OF… JOE HALL.

Many remember Joe from his early time with the EYEBALL WINE COMPANY, while others swear that the classic CONTINENTAL DRIFT days were the best. But no matter which era you remember most fondly, you'll find all his most famous works here, ‘together again for the first time’, on this rich, new BEST OF… anthology.

The collection has been lovingly resurrected from moldy old tapes that had long languished in dank basements and filthy seamen’s chests. Remarkable new digital technologies have enriched the sounds immeasurably. "It doesn't sound like what we did in the studio", remarked longtime friend (and lead guitarist) Tony Quarrington, "it sounds better!"

Joe’s emotional ballads still serve as a foil to set off his wackier, zanier tunes. Do you remember listening to ‘Vampire Beavers’, ‘Nos Hablos Telephonos’, or ‘Eva B’? Well, they’re all here, along with other gems like ‘Here Comes the Third World’, ‘Muscle Beach’, ‘Lulu (Let’s Go Out Dancing)’, and ‘You’re the Only One That I Could Trust’.

Producer Tony Quarrington has carefully restored a total of twenty-one songs, mostly from Joe’s first four vinyl albums: but there are also surprise inclusions from radio and television sources, and from unreleased recordings of 1972 and 1983.

Joe Hall’s recorded legacy may ultimately be indescribable, but the title - TRAVELLING WITHOUT DEODORANT - says a lot. This new classic is now available on Cordova Bay Records.