11234 - TROOPER - HITS FROM 10 ALBUMS (2010)

TROOPER
''HITS FROM 10 ALBUMS''
JULY 1 2010
62:59
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1 Baby Wontcha Pleas Come Home 03:07
2 General Hand Grenade 03:06
3 The Boys In The Bright White Sports Car 02:57
4 Two for the Show 03:28
5 Santa Maria 02:54
6 We're Here for a Good Time(Not a Long Time) 03:30
7 Oh Pretty Lady 04:35
8 Raise a Little Hell 03:41
9 Moment That it Takes 03:19
10 Round Round We Go 04:15
11 Three Dressed Up as a Nine 04:37
12 Janine 04:07
13 Real Canadian 03:36
14 It Comes and it Goes 04:22
15 Thin White Line 04:02
16 Boy with a Boat 03:32
17 The American Dream 03:43
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ABOUT THE ALBUM/OFFICIAL
On Canada Day, July 1st, 2010 - 35 years to the day after their first ever release - Trooper and Universal Music Canada released Hits From 10 Albums, a career retrospective that spans the entirety of their recording career.
Remastered by Craig Waddell of Gotham City Studios, Trooper's seventies hits - noticeably lacking in sound quality on the Hot Shots CD - were updated with a sonic strength and vitality not heard since the tracks were first played back in the recording studio.
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BIOGRAPHY/AMG
John Bush
Vocalist Ramon McGuire formed Trooper (originally Applejack and later Winters Green) in 1972. By 1974 they had added drummer Tommy Stewart and bassist Harry Kalinsky. After hearing Trooper play, Randy Bachman signed the band for his Legend label and released "Baby Woncha Please Come Home" in 1975. The group's self-titled debut appeared the same year; it was followed by Two for the Show (1976). Soon after, Frank Ludwig became Trooper's piano player and Kalinsky was replaced by Doni Underhill. Ludwig played on Knock 'Em Dead Kid (1977), Thick as Thieves (1978), Flying Colors (1979) and Hot Shots (1979), but was then replaced by Rob Deans. The Last of the Gypsies (1989) and Ten (1991) were the last albums recorded for Warner Music, but Trooper is still active.
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WEBSITE
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11233 - TROOPER - TEN (1991)

TROOPER
''TEN''
JUNE 5 1991
40:00
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1 The American Dream 03:43
2 Too Much Too Easy 04:09
3 Simple Thing 02:53
4 Kids In Love 04:23
5 What Day Is This? 04:06
6 Don't Let Nothin' Bring You Down 04:08
7 True Love 03:44
8 Fight For Freedom 04:34
9 Stop Thinkin’ 04:03
10 What The Hell's Goin' On? 04:12
Tracks By Smith & McGuire
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Larry Church/Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals
John Stoltz/Drums, Backing Vocals
Brian Smith/Guitar, Backing Vocals
Blaine Smith/Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Ra McGuire/Vocals, Backing Vocals
Graeme Coleman/Additional Keys (& String Arrangement On 4)
Paul Seeley/Backing Vocals
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ABOUT THE ALBUM/OFFICIAL
Trooper's "Ten" was released in 1991 and is their last studio album. The single "The American Dream" went top ten, and the ballad "Kids In Love" also received airplay on Canadian radio.
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BIOGRAPHY/AMG
John Bush
Vocalist Ramon McGuire formed Trooper (originally Applejack and later Winters Green) in 1972. By 1974 they had added drummer Tommy Stewart and bassist Harry Kalinsky. After hearing Trooper play, Randy Bachman signed the band for his Legend label and released "Baby Woncha Please Come Home" in 1975. The group's self-titled debut appeared the same year; it was followed by Two for the Show (1976). Soon after, Frank Ludwig became Trooper's piano player and Kalinsky was replaced by Doni Underhill. Ludwig played on Knock 'Em Dead Kid (1977), Thick as Thieves (1978), Flying Colors (1979) and Hot Shots (1979), but was then replaced by Rob Deans. The Last of the Gypsies (1989) and Ten (1991) were the last albums recorded for Warner Music, but Trooper is still active.
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WEBSITE
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11232 - TROOPER - THE LAST OF THE GYPSIES (1989)

TROOPER
''THE LAST OF GYPSIES''
MAY 29 1989
37:58
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1 Workin' Like A Dog 03:48
2 Thin White Line 04:02
3 The Girl Don’t Know 03:50
4 The Real World 03:34
5 Don't Like Being Told What To Do 03:24
6 Boy With A Beat 03:33
7 The Best Way (To Hold A Man) 03:46
8 S100,000.00 04:13
9 Ain't Gonna Swallow My Pride 03:24
10 The Last Of The Gypsies 04:20
All Tracks By McGuire & Smith
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ABOUT THE ALBUM/OFFICIAL
1989's "The Last of the Gypsies" was the first record released on Smith & McGuire's Great Pacific Records label. It contained the hits "Boy With A Beat" and "Thin White Line" and was certified gold.
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BIOGRAPHY/AMG
John Bush
Vocalist Ramon McGuire formed Trooper (originally Applejack and later Winters Green) in 1972. By 1974 they had added drummer Tommy Stewart and bassist Harry Kalinsky. After hearing Trooper play, Randy Bachman signed the band for his Legend label and released "Baby Woncha Please Come Home" in 1975. The group's self-titled debut appeared the same year; it was followed by Two for the Show (1976). Soon after, Frank Ludwig became Trooper's piano player and Kalinsky was replaced by Doni Underhill. Ludwig played on Knock 'Em Dead Kid (1977), Thick as Thieves (1978), Flying Colors (1979) and Hot Shots (1979), but was then replaced by Rob Deans. The Last of the Gypsies (1989) and Ten (1991) were the last albums recorded for Warner Music, but Trooper is still active.
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WEBSITE
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11231 - TROOPER - MONEY TALKS (1982)

TROOPER
''MONEY TALKS''
APRIL 1 1982
36:47
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1 Money Talks 03:37
2 Only A Fool 03:09
3 This Must Be The Place 04:17
4 Lookin For Trouble 04:04
5 Ready For The Nite 03:20
6 Everything You Want 03:41
7 Could've Been Me 03:23
8 Any Minute Now 03:36
9 It Comes And It Goes 04:04
10 Dig A Little Deeper 03:30
All Tracks By Smith & McGuire
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Robert Deans/Keyboards
Phil Kenzie/Saxophone
Ramon McGuire/Vocals
Brian Smith/Guitar, Backing Vocals
Tommy Stewart/Drums, Backing Vocals
Doni Underhill/Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals
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ABOUT THE ALBUM/OFFICIAL
"Money Talks", produced by Heart producer, Mike Flickr, was released in 1982 and "Only a Fool" was the single, although "It Comes And It Goes" has become a fan favourite.
CD not commercially available
Digital downloads not yet available
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REVIEW/AMG
Mike DeGagne
Void of any craftsmanship or energy, Money Talks is an absolute bomb, resulting in a poor representation of this group's ability to make music. Sounding tired and disconcerting, there isn't a single song that kindles talent, either lyrically or instrumentally, and Ramon McGuire sounds like he has just about had enough. If any song here has potential, it's "Only a Fool," mainly because of the up and down chorus, but even this tune could have been attempted at better. Interested fans should stick with Trooper's '70s albums, or better yet, pick up Hot Shots, and try to stay clear of any post-'80s releases.
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BIOGRAPHY/AMG
John Bush
Vocalist Ramon McGuire formed Trooper (originally Applejack and later Winters Green) in 1972. By 1974 they had added drummer Tommy Stewart and bassist Harry Kalinsky. After hearing Trooper play, Randy Bachman signed the band for his Legend label and released "Baby Woncha Please Come Home" in 1975. The group's self-titled debut appeared the same year; it was followed by Two for the Show (1976). Soon after, Frank Ludwig became Trooper's piano player and Kalinsky was replaced by Doni Underhill. Ludwig played on Knock 'Em Dead Kid (1977), Thick as Thieves (1978), Flying Colors (1979) and Hot Shots (1979), but was then replaced by Rob Deans. The Last of the Gypsies (1989) and Ten (1991) were the last albums recorded for Warner Music, but Trooper is still active.
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WEBSITE
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11230 - TROOPER (1980)

TROOPER
''TROOPER''
OCTOBER 4 1980
36:26
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1 Don't Feel Like Dancin' 04:31
2 If I Never See Your Face Again 03:32
3 Are You Still My Baby 04:43
4 Real Canadians 03:37
5 Legend 03:43
6 Dump That Creep 03:46
7 Laura 03:33
8 I Don't Wanna Be Here 03:57
9 Volunteer Victims 05:01
All Tracks By Smith & McGuire
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Robert Deans/Keyboards
Ray McGuire/Harmonica, Vocals
Brian Smith/Guitar, Vocals
Tommy Stewart/Drums, Vocals
Doni Underhill/Bass Guitar, Vocals
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ABOUT THE ALBUM/OFFICIAL
In 1980 Trooper released their "untitled" album. Singles from the album were "The Real Canadians" and "Are You Still My Baby".
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REVIEW/AMG
Mike DeGagne
Trooper's second self-titled album became their weakest pre-Hot Shots effort, as the band failed to produce the freewheeling guitar rock sound found on earlier albums, or show any signs of accomplished songwriting. Keyboard player Frank Ludwig left the band, replaced by Robert Deans, but a shakeup in the group's personnel was the least of Trooper's problems at this point. Nearly every song from Trooper sounds silly, quickly written, and musically irritating, and for the first time in their career, they had released an album that didn't contain a Top 40 single in Canada. "Dump That Creep" comes off as sophomore-sounding tripe, while tracks such as "Volunteer Victims" and "If I Never See Your Face Again" are rush jobs that have no way of disguising it. "Real Canadians" is much too transparent to be effective, as the group runs through a list of Canadian cities from coast to coast behind a tired guitar riff in the hopes of retaining whatever Canadian fans they have left. "Laura" is the only cut that holds any interest, with its appeal emanating from some charging guitar and from the only singable chorus amongst the album's tracks. As a matter of fact, this is the album that marked the demise of the band. Hot Shots, a greatest-hits package, was released within the same year of Trooper and quickly became the band's best-selling album. Trooper tried to make a comeback in 1982 with Money Talks, but the results were just as discouraging.
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BIOGRAPHY/AMG
John Bush
Vocalist Ramon McGuire formed Trooper (originally Applejack and later Winters Green) in 1972. By 1974 they had added drummer Tommy Stewart and bassist Harry Kalinsky. After hearing Trooper play, Randy Bachman signed the band for his Legend label and released "Baby Woncha Please Come Home" in 1975. The group's self-titled debut appeared the same year; it was followed by Two for the Show (1976). Soon after, Frank Ludwig became Trooper's piano player and Kalinsky was replaced by Doni Underhill. Ludwig played on Knock 'Em Dead Kid (1977), Thick as Thieves (1978), Flying Colors (1979) and Hot Shots (1979), but was then replaced by Rob Deans. The Last of the Gypsies (1989) and Ten (1991) were the last albums recorded for Warner Music, but Trooper is still active.
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WEBSITE
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11218 - TROOPER - FLYING COLORS (1979)

TROOPER
''FLYING COLORS''
SEPTEMBER 4 1979
40:14
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1 3 Dressed Up As A 9 04:40
2 Good Clean Fun 04:46
3 All Day And All Of The Night 03:06 (Ray Davies)
4 Go Ahead And Sue Me 04:18
5 Drive Away 03:41
6 Mr.Big 03:23 (Doni Underhill, Frank Ludwig, Tommy Stewart)
7 Janine 04:05
8 Quiet Desperation 04:25 (Doni Underhill, Frank Ludwig, Tommy Stewart)
9 Back To You 04:09
10 She's So Sweet 03:36
Tracks By Brian Smith & Ra McGuire, Except 3, 6, 8
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Doni Underhill/Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals
Tommy Stewart/Drums, Percussion, Backing Vocals
Brian Smith/Guitar, Backing Vocals
Frank Ludwig/Keyboards, Vocals
Ra McGuire/Vocals
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ABOUT THE ALBUM/OFFICIAL
Released in 1979, the same year as "Hot Shots", "Flying Colors" contained the hits "Three Dressed Up As a Nine", "Janine" and "Drive Away". The album was certified double platinum.
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REVIEW/AMG
Mike DeGagne
Flying Colours is one of Trooper's most disappointing albums, lacking any sign of effort or application toward the ten-song lineup. Only one song, "3 Dressed Up As a 9," carries any weight by way of a catchy chorus. Every tune here sounds overly sappy, causing one to snicker at the lack of sincerity on attempted love songs like "Back to You" and "Janine." Known mainly for their good time rock & roll fun, they've made all the ballads on this album (there are four of them) sound shallow and meek, leaving it with a shoddy result. The band's rendition of the Kinks' "All Day and All of the Night" is quite laughable, and just doesn't work at all. Nearly each song sounds turgid and out of place, with sloppy musicianship and no concern for tidiness. Although this band is capable of making good music, it seems they've left their talents elsewhere on this release.
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BIOGRAPHY/AMG
John Bush
Vocalist Ramon McGuire formed Trooper (originally Applejack and later Winters Green) in 1972. By 1974 they had added drummer Tommy Stewart and bassist Harry Kalinsky. After hearing Trooper play, Randy Bachman signed the band for his Legend label and released "Baby Woncha Please Come Home" in 1975. The group's self-titled debut appeared the same year; it was followed by Two for the Show (1976). Soon after, Frank Ludwig became Trooper's piano player and Kalinsky was replaced by Doni Underhill. Ludwig played on Knock 'Em Dead Kid (1977), Thick as Thieves (1978), Flying Colors (1979) and Hot Shots (1979), but was then replaced by Rob Deans. The Last of the Gypsies (1989) and Ten (1991) were the last albums recorded for Warner Music, but Trooper is still active.
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WEBSITE
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11217 - TROOPER - HOT SHOTS (1979)

TROOPER
''HOT SHOTS''
COMPILATION
MARCH 5 1979
41:43
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1 The Boys In The Bright White Sportscar 02:59
2 Baby Wontcha Please Come Home 03:10
3 General Hand Grenade 03:08
4 Two For The Show 03:31 (Ra McGuire)
5 Ready 03:11
6 Santa Maria 02:58
7 We're Here For A Good Time (Not A Long Time) 03:32
8 Oh Pretty Lady 04:36
9 (It's Been A) Long Time 03:15
10 Round Round We Go 04:17 (Frank Ludwig)
11 Moment That It Takes 03:21 (Tommy Stewart, Doni Underhill)
12 Raise A Little Hell 03:41
Tracks By Brian Smith, Ra McGuire, Except 4, 10, 11
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ABOUT THE ALBUM/OFFICIAL
Trooper's Greatest hits album, "Hot Shots", was released in 1979. "The Boys in the Bright White Sportscar", from the "Two For The Show" album, was included on the album and soon earned its 'greatest hit' designation. Hot Shots earned 6 platinum albums - the first Canadian album to ever reach this status.
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REVIEW/AMG
Mike DeGagne
Dishing out playful songs with freewheeling lyrics, all built around slapdash guitar were Trooper, one of Canada's biggest bands from the mid- to late '70s. Hot Shots is a splendid 12-song assortment of this groups best offerings, bar none. Taking off with the chugga-chugga guitar pulse of "Boys in the Bright White Sports Car," this best-of epitomizes a band that really knew how to have fun. "Baby Woncha Please Come Home" reveals some startling harmonica playing, while "Two for the Show" proves that they can do just as well singing ballads. The synthesizer plays a keen role on "Round Round We Go" while a pounding drum beat accentuates "Raise a Little Hell." This album is a great overview, and would even satisfy anyone who isn't in the know. One of the best-selling compilations in Canadian music history, Hot Shots is extremely pleasing, and is a solid reminder of how amusing rock & roll can be.
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BIOGRAPHY/AMG
John Bush
Vocalist Ramon McGuire formed Trooper (originally Applejack and later Winters Green) in 1972. By 1974 they had added drummer Tommy Stewart and bassist Harry Kalinsky. After hearing Trooper play, Randy Bachman signed the band for his Legend label and released "Baby Woncha Please Come Home" in 1975. The group's self-titled debut appeared the same year; it was followed by Two for the Show (1976). Soon after, Frank Ludwig became Trooper's piano player and Kalinsky was replaced by Doni Underhill. Ludwig played on Knock 'Em Dead Kid (1977), Thick as Thieves (1978), Flying Colors (1979) and Hot Shots (1979), but was then replaced by Rob Deans. The Last of the Gypsies (1989) and Ten (1991) were the last albums recorded for Warner Music, but Trooper is still active.
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WEBSITE
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11216 - TROOPER - THICK AS THIEVES (1978)

TROOPER
''THICK AS THIEVES''
JUNE 19 1978
38:36
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1 Live From The Moon 03:41
2 No Fun Being Alone 03:19
3 Round Round We Go 04:18 (Frank Ludwig)
4 Drivin Crazy 03:24
5 Roll With It 04:15
6 Say Goodnight 03:53
7 The Moment That It Takes 03:21 (Tommy Stewart, Doni Underhill)
8 One Good Reason 05:17
9 Gambler 03:20
10 Raise A Little Hell 03:43
Tracks By Brian Smith & McGuire, Except 3, 7
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Doni Underhill/Bass Guitar, Vocals
Tommy Stewart/Drums, Percussion, Vocals
Brian Smith/Guitar, Vocals
Frank Ludwig/Keyboards, Vocals, Lead Vocals On 3
Ra McGuire/Lead Vocals, Harp
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ABOUT THE ALBUM/OFFICIAL
Trooper's fourth album, "Thick as Thieves", contained the hits "Raise a Little Hell" (their first and only hit in the U.S.), "Round, Round We Go" and "The Moment That It Takes". It shipped gold, and later double platinum.
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REVIEW/AMG
Mike DeGagne
Thick as Thieves has Trooper sounding pretty sturdy and musically adept, even on the filler. Frank Ludwig's keyboards helped in giving "Round Round We Go" its number ten placing on the Canadian charts, tied with "Oh Pretty Lady" for the band's highest ranking single, while "Raise a Little Hell" became the band's most popular tune, thanks to its blunt guitar/drum composite and straightforward, rudimentary beat. But aside from these two hits, songs like "Live From the Moon," "No Fun Being Alone," "Say Goodnight," and "One Good Reason" all sport attractive rhythms, surprisingly brisk harmonies, and lyrics that don't seem as if they were written as last-minute efforts. Although the group's intentions were obvious on "Drivin' Crazy," it does meet its designed purpose as a gratifying driving tune, but both "Gambler" and "Roll With It" are a little weak and sound rather negligent when compared to the rest of the album. Thick as Thieves stands out, albeit slightly, from the rest of Trooper's releases as an album that makes for a sufficient listen from one end to the other, while most of their hits are better appreciated in compilation form on Hot Shots, their best-selling album.
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BIOGRAPHY/AMG
John Bush
Vocalist Ramon McGuire formed Trooper (originally Applejack and later Winters Green) in 1972. By 1974 they had added drummer Tommy Stewart and bassist Harry Kalinsky. After hearing Trooper play, Randy Bachman signed the band for his Legend label and released "Baby Woncha Please Come Home" in 1975. The group's self-titled debut appeared the same year; it was followed by Two for the Show (1976). Soon after, Frank Ludwig became Trooper's piano player and Kalinsky was replaced by Doni Underhill. Ludwig played on Knock 'Em Dead Kid (1977), Thick as Thieves (1978), Flying Colors (1979) and Hot Shots (1979), but was then replaced by Rob Deans. The Last of the Gypsies (1989) and Ten (1991) were the last albums recorded for Warner Music, but Trooper is still active.
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WEBSITE
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11215 - TROOPER - KNOCK 'EM DEAD, KID (1977)

TROOPER
''KNOCK 'EM DEAD, KID''
JUNE 8 1977
32:35
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1 Knock 'Em Dead Kid 04:48
2 Waitin On Your Love 02:22 (Frank Ludwig)
3 Most Of The Country 03:38
4 You Look So Good 04:54 (Smith, McGuire, Ludwig)
5 We're Here For A Good Time (Not A Long Time) 03:35
6 Oh, Pretty Lady 04:38
7 Cold, Cold Toronto 03:28 (McGuire, Underhill)
8 It's Been A Long Time 05:08
All Tracks By Brian Smith & Ra McGuire, Except 2, 4, 7
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Roy Ayotte/Percussion On 5, 7
Randy Bachman/Guitar, Producer
Frank Ludwig/Keyboards, Vocals
Ray McGuire/Harmonica, Vocals
Brian Smith/Guitar, Vocals
Tommy Stewart/Drums, Vocals
Doni Underhill/Bass Guitar, Vocals
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ABOUT THE ALBUM/OFFICIAL
"Knock 'Em Dead, Kid", which included the hits "We're Here for a Good Time" and "Pretty Lady", was certified platinum in March 1978.
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REVIEW/AMG
Mike DeGagne
Strong harmonies and a frolicking musical outcrop make Knock 'Em Dead Kid one of Trooper's best works, giving way to three solid singles and helping them become an important musical icon in their homeland of Canada. While not rock solid, this album does give fans a good taste of what the band is made out of, with a blend of both amusing and subtle music. "We're Here for a Good Time" is a peppy, party-all-night kind of tune, while "Oh, Pretty Lady" is a truly tasteful ode. "It's Been a Long Time" is a mild but honest rock song that drifts along wonderfully. While fans would be better off with Hot Shots, a greatest-hits collection, Knock 'Em Dead Kid has a character all its own and stands up as a modest release.
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BIOGRAPHY/AMG
John Bush
Vocalist Ramon McGuire formed Trooper (originally Applejack and later Winters Green) in 1972. By 1974 they had added drummer Tommy Stewart and bassist Harry Kalinsky. After hearing Trooper play, Randy Bachman signed the band for his Legend label and released "Baby Woncha Please Come Home" in 1975. The group's self-titled debut appeared the same year; it was followed by Two for the Show (1976). Soon after, Frank Ludwig became Trooper's piano player and Kalinsky was replaced by Doni Underhill. Ludwig played on Knock 'Em Dead Kid (1977), Thick as Thieves (1978), Flying Colors (1979) and Hot Shots (1979), but was then replaced by Rob Deans. The Last of the Gypsies (1989) and Ten (1991) were the last albums recorded for Warner Music, but Trooper is still active.
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WEBSITE
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11214 - TROOPER - TWO FOR THE SHOW (1976)

TROOPER
''TWO FOR THE SHOW''
JUNE 26 1976
34:28
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1 Two For The Show 04:27 (Ra McGuire)
2 Gypsy Wheeler 03:31
3 Santa Maria 02:56
4 Loretta 03:21 (Brian Smith, Tommy Stewart)
5 The Boys In The Bright White Sports Car 03:00
6 Ready 03:27
7 Watcha Gonna Do About Me 03:28
8 I Miss You Already 04:48
9 What's Gonna Happen Now? 05:26
Tracks By Brian Smith & Ra McGuire, Except 1, 4
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Harry Kalensky/Bass Guitar, Vocals, Chimes
Ra McGuire/Harmonica, Lead Vocals
Brian Smith/Lead Guitar, Vocals
Tommy Stewart/Drums, Percussion, Vocals, Lead Vocals On 4
Randy Bachman/Lead Guitar On 1, 7
Barry Keene/Congas On 6
Frank Ludwig/Keyboards, Vocals, Lead Vocals On 2 (Alternating Lead)
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ABOUT THE ALBUM/OFFICIAL
Released in 1976, "Two For the Show" became Trooper's first gold album. The title song went to #1 and "Santa Maria" top five. The album later went platinum.
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REVIEW/AMG
Mike DeGagne
Trooper's second album finds the band getting into the gist of developing radio-tailored rock & roll, thanks to the production help of Randy Bachman. Three of the album's tracks, "Two for the Show" (the obligatory ballad), the lighthearted "Santa Maria," and the roistering guitar-built "Boys in the Bright White Sports Car" all made the Canadian Top 40, verifying the fact that the bandmembers were advancing in their songwriting and in their ability to create marketable music. Even on the non-singles like "Ready" and "Whatcha Gonna Do About Me," it's evident that Bachman's focus was aimed at the merits of a strong hook and a gripping chorus, which in turn escalated Trooper into the same category as country mates like April Wine, Loverboy, and Prism. What's even more noticeable is the added energy coming from vocalist Ramon Maguire, especially on "Sports Car," and from the significant contributions of Frank Ludwig's keyboards, which help to give the band a more confident and professional sound, particularly in comparison to Trooper's self-titled debut album released a year prior. It was with Two for the Show that Trooper won Canadian fans over, even though they wouldn't win a Juno award (Canada's equivalent of a Grammy) for another four years.
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BIOGRAPHY/AMG
John Bush
Vocalist Ramon McGuire formed Trooper (originally Applejack and later Winters Green) in 1972. By 1974 they had added drummer Tommy Stewart and bassist Harry Kalinsky. After hearing Trooper play, Randy Bachman signed the band for his Legend label and released "Baby Woncha Please Come Home" in 1975. The group's self-titled debut appeared the same year; it was followed by Two for the Show (1976). Soon after, Frank Ludwig became Trooper's piano player and Kalinsky was replaced by Doni Underhill. Ludwig played on Knock 'Em Dead Kid (1977), Thick as Thieves (1978), Flying Colors (1979) and Hot Shots (1979), but was then replaced by Rob Deans. The Last of the Gypsies (1989) and Ten (1991) were the last albums recorded for Warner Music, but Trooper is still active.
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WEBSITE
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11213 - TROOPER (1975)

TROOPER
''TROOPER''
JULY 1 1975
33:31
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1 I'm In Trouble Again 03:18 (Mixmaster Michael Smith)
2 General Hand Grenade 03:06 (Mixmaster Michael Smith)
3 All Of The Time 07:13 (Harry Kalensky, Ramon McGuire, Mixmaster Michael Smith)
4 Eddy Takes It Easy 03:20 (Mixmaster Michael Smith)
5 Roller Rink 04:20 (Mixmaster Michael Smith)
6 Baby Woncha Please Come Home 03:03 (Mixmaster Michael Smith)
7 Love Of My Life 05:17 (Ramon McGuire, Michael Smith)
8 Don't Stop Now 03:50 (Ramon McGuire, Mixmaster Michael Smith)
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Harry Kalensky/Bass Guitar, Vocals, Backing Vocals
Ra McGuire/Harmonica, Vocals
Brian Smith/Guitar, Vocals, Backing Vocals
Tommy Stewart/Drums, Vocals, Lead Vocals On 7, Backing Vocals
Randy Bachman/Lead Guitar Right Side On 7
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ABOUT THE ALBUM/OFFICIAL
Trooper is the band's self titled debut album. Released on Canada Day in 1975.
The album was produced by Randy Bachman of Bachman-Turner Overdrive and The Guess Who fame.
The album would produce two Canadian hits: "Baby Woncha Please Come Home" and "General Hand Grenade".
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REVIEW/AMG
Mike DeGagne
Trooper's debut sported their first single in "Baby Woncha Please Come Home," fusing Ray Maguire's carefree snippets of harmonica with Brian Smith's cordial blues-rock guitar riffs. Although it received just as much airplay as the playful and upbeat "General Hand Grenade," it was the latter that became the band's first Top 30 hit inside their homeland, peaking at number 23 in 1976. The other six tracks displayed quite a large difference than the other two in their lack of pop\rock appeal and brittle, amateurish bar band makeup. Their attempt to win over the high school crowd is apparent on the ineptly written "Roller Rink," and efforts like "Don't Stop Now" and "Love of My Life" are too customary and trite-sounding to administer any distinguishable talent from the band's members, or from Trooper as a whole. To be fair, it is Trooper's first album, and the releases that followed took the effectual mixing of harmony and guitar-led rhythm found in "Baby Woncha Please Come Home" and implemented it into more of their songs, thus creating an enhanced and more likeable radio rock sound. All this came from putting Randy Bachman in charge of the production for Trooper's next couple of albums, since he was able to isolate and then strengthen the aspects of their music that would eventually make them one of Canada's most popular groups.
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BIOGRAPHY/AMG
John Bush
Vocalist Ramon McGuire formed Trooper (originally Applejack and later Winters Green) in 1972. By 1974 they had added drummer Tommy Stewart and bassist Harry Kalinsky. After hearing Trooper play, Randy Bachman signed the band for his Legend label and released "Baby Woncha Please Come Home" in 1975. The group's self-titled debut appeared the same year; it was followed by Two for the Show (1976). Soon after, Frank Ludwig became Trooper's piano player and Kalinsky was replaced by Doni Underhill. Ludwig played on Knock 'Em Dead Kid (1977), Thick as Thieves (1978), Flying Colors (1979) and Hot Shots (1979), but was then replaced by Rob Deans. The Last of the Gypsies (1989) and Ten (1991) were the last albums recorded for Warner Music, but Trooper is still active.
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WEBSITE
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