Album Information:
Album ID: 10104
About The Guess Who:
The Guess Who is a Canadian rock band that was formed in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1958. Originally known as Chad Allan and The Reflections, the band went through a number of name changes before eventually settling on The Guess Who in 1965. The band is best known for hits such as 'American Woman,' 'No Time,' and 'These Eyes.'
The band's original lineup consisted of Chad Allan (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Randy Bachman (lead guitar), Jim Kale (bass), Bob Ashley (organ), and Garry Peterson (drums). In 1966, Allan left the band and was replaced by Burton Cummings, who became the band's lead vocalist and primary songwriter.
The Guess Who's early music was heavily influenced by British Invasion bands such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, but they soon developed their own sound, which combined rock, pop, and psychedelic elements. The band's breakthrough came with the 1969 album 'Wheatfield Soul,' which featured the hit single 'These Eyes.'
In 1970, The Guess Who released what would become their biggest hit, 'American Woman.' The song, which was written in response to the band's distaste for American politics, became a No. 1 hit in the United States. The band's other hits from this era include 'No Time,' 'Share the Land,' and 'Undun.'
The Guess Who underwent several lineup changes throughout the 1970s, with Bachman leaving in 1970 to form the band Bachman-Turner Overdrive. Cummings left the band in 1975 to pursue a solo career, and the band disbanded in 1975, only to reunite briefly in 1978.
In the 1990s, The Guess Who enjoyed something of a resurgence, with the classic lineup of Cummings, Bachman, Kale, Peterson, and Donnie McDougall reuniting for tours and new recordings. The band was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1987 and the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002.
In summary, The Guess Who is a Canadian rock band that enjoyed great success in the late 1960s and early 1970s with hits such as 'American Woman' and 'No Time.' The band is also known for its lineup changes, with key members such as Chad Allan and Randy Bachman leaving the band at various points in its history. Though the band disbanded in 1975, it has reunited periodically for tours and new recordings.
About the album American Woman:
'American Woman' is the sixth studio album from Canadian rock band The Guess Who, released in 1970. The album features a mix of hard rock, blues, and psychedelic rock, and showcases the band's unique style and sound.
The title track, 'American Woman', is one of the album's most recognizable songs and a classic rock staple. It features a memorable guitar riff and politically charged lyrics that were interpreted as a critique of American society and culture. The song became the band's only number one hit in the United States and also won a Grammy award for Best Hard Rock Performance.
Other noteworthy tracks on the album include 'No Time', a catchy and upbeat rock song with a driving rhythm and singalong chorus. 'No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature' is a two-part song that contrasts a sweet love ballad with an ominous tale of impending destruction, making it a favorite among fans. 'Talisman' is a more experimental track, featuring trippy instrumentation and psychedelic vocals.
The album has been praised for its strong songwriting, diverse range of musical styles, and the band's tight musicianship. The Guess Who's use of multiple vocalists and harmonies is also a standout feature of the album.
Overall, 'American Woman' is an iconic album that has stood the test of time and remains a beloved classic in the world of rock music.
Members:
The Guess Who were a Canadian rock band who achieved great success in the late 60s and early 70s. The band went through numerous member changes over the years, but below are profiles of the key members who contributed to their most well-known recordings.
1. Chad Allan (born Allan Kowbel on March 29, 1943)
Chad Allan was the original lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for The Guess Who. He formed the band in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1958 with guitarist Randy Bachman and bassist Jim Kale. Allan was the lead singer on the band's first hit single, a cover of Johnny Kidd & the Pirates' 'Shakin' All Over' in 1965. He left the band in 1966, but remained active in the Canadian music scene as a producer and performer.
2. Burton Cummings (born December 31, 1947)
Burton Cummings joined The Guess Who in 1965 as a keyboardist and backup vocalist. He eventually became the lead vocalist and primary songwriter for the band, penning hits such as 'American Woman,' 'No Time,' and 'Share the Land.' Cummings left the band in 1975 to pursue a solo career, but occasionally reunited with the group for special performances.
3. Randy Bachman (born September 27, 1943)
Randy Bachman was the lead guitarist and primary songwriter for The Guess Who during their early years. He co-wrote their breakthrough hit 'Shakin' All Over' and composed other hits such as 'Undun' and 'No Sugar Tonight.' Bachman left the band in 1970 to form Bachman-Turner Overdrive, but continued to collaborate with The Guess Who's other members on occasion.
4. Jim Kale (born August 11, 1943)
Jim Kale was the bassist for The Guess Who from their inception until their breakup in 1975. He contributed to the band's distinctive sound with his heavy basslines and was also a backing vocalist. Kale had a role in the group's reunions in the 1980s and 2000s.
5. Garry Peterson (born May 26, 1945)
Garry Peterson was the drummer for The Guess Who, joining the group in 1965. He provided the band with a steady, driving beat on hits such as 'No Time' and 'Laughing.' Peterson continued to perform with The Guess Who after they re-formed in the 1980s.
Track List for American Woman:
Sure, here are all the tracks in the album 'American Woman' by The Guess Who, listed in order:
1. 'American Woman' (5:08) - This is the title track of the album and also one of The Guess Who's most famous songs. It starts with a catchy guitar riff and features powerful vocals from lead singer Burton Cummings. The song expresses a desire for independence and rejection of societal norms.
2. 'No Time' (3:50) - The second track of the album features a bluesy guitar intro before building up to a catchy chorus. The lyrics focus on a relationship that is falling apart due to lack of time and commitment.
3. 'Talisman' (5:10) - This is a slower, more contemplative song that showcases Cummings' vocal range. The lyrics are somewhat mystical, with references to ancient civilizations and powerful talismans.
4. 'No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature' (4:54) - This track combines two previously separate songs, seamlessly transitioning between them. 'No Sugar Tonight' is a catchy song about a failed relationship, while 'New Mother Nature' is a psychedelic tune with lyrics about the changing seasons.
5. '969 (The Oldest Man)' (3:08) - This song has a more experimental sound with distorted vocals and guitar. The lyrics reference biblical characters and mythical figures, with the 'oldest man' being referred to as a sort of prophet or sage.
6. 'When Friends Fall Out' (3:07) - This upbeat song has a more lighthearted feel than some of the other tracks on the album. It features playful lyrics about the ups and downs of friendship.
7. '8:15' (2:42) - This song has a funky, almost disco-like beat with a catchy chorus. The lyrics are about a man who is constantly on the go but always finds time for his lover at 8:15 pm.
8. 'Proper Stranger' (4:07) - 'Proper Stranger' is a slower, more melancholy song that features beautiful harmonies between Cummings and guitarist Randy Bachman. The lyrics are about a person who feels like an outsider and struggles to connect with others.
9. 'Humpty's Blues/American Woman (Epilogue)' (6:18) - This final track of the album starts with a bluesy instrumental section before transitioning into a reprise of 'American Woman.' The lyrics in the epilogue are more reflective and introspective, with the narrator wondering if they made the right choices in life.
Overall, 'American Woman' is a classic album that showcases The Guess Who's unique blend of rock, blues, and psychedelic influences. It features catchy, memorable songs with thoughtful lyrics that explore a wide range of themes.
Discography for The Guess Who:
Here is the complete discography of The Guess Who in chronological order, including all albums, singles, and other releases with their respective release dates:
Albums:
1. Shakin' All Over (1965)
2. Hey Ho (What You Do to Me!) (1965)
3. It's Time (1966)
4. A Wild Pair (with The Staccatos) (1966)
5. The Guess Who's Greatest Hits (1968)
6. Wheatfield Soul (1969)
7. Canned Wheat (1969)
8. American Woman (1970)
9. Share the Land (1970)
10. Live at the Paramount (1972)
11. Rockin' (1972)
12. Artificial Paradise (1973)
13. #10 (1973)
14. Road Food (1974)
15. Flavours (1975)
16. Power in the Music (1975)
17. The Way They Were (1976)
18. Guess Who's Back (1978)
19. All This for a Song (1981)
20. Now And Not Then (1995)
Singles:
1. 'Tribute to Buddy Holly' (1963)
2. 'Shakin' All Over' (1965)
3. 'Till We Kissed' (1965)
4. 'Clock on the Wall' (1965)
5. 'In His Image' (1966)
6. 'Believe Me' (1966)
7. 'Hey Ho (What You Do to Me!)' (1966)
8. 'Laughing' (1969)
9. 'No Time' (1969)
10. 'American Woman' (1970)
11. 'No Sugar Tonight' (1970)
12. 'Hand Me Down World' (1970)
13. 'Share the Land' (1970)
14. 'Rain Dance' (1971)
15. 'Albert Flasher' (1971)
16. 'Sour Suite' (1971)
17. 'Glamour Boy' (1972)
18. 'Star Baby' (1974)
19. 'Clap for the Wolfman' (1974)
20. 'Dancin' Fool' (1974)
21. 'When the Band Was Singin' (Shakin' All Over)' (1976)
Other Releases:
1. 'Guess Who's Back' (1978) - single
2. 'Let's Go' (1981) - single
3. 'The Spirit Lives On: Greatest Hits Live' (1997) - live album
4. 'Running Back Thru Canada' (2000) - live album
5. 'Playlist: The Very Best of The Guess Who' (2009) - compilation album
Note: This list includes all the major releases by The Guess Who, but may not be an exhaustive list of all their minor releases, collaborations, or bootlegs.