Coney Hatch, eh?

I think I'm above-average in Glam trivia. I think I know most of the signed band of the classic Glam time period...but yesterday, I was schooled. There I was, driving along and some band called Coney Hatch came on the Boneyard. Baffled, I listened.

Once home I looked up Coney Hatch and learned a few things: the band is Canadian and has a connection to April Wine. They apparently have four albums to their credit, including a best-of package. I must admit I'm surprised such an obscure band has a greatest hits compilation, but maybe Coney Hatch is really famous and I've been missing out.

Honestly, I wasn't impressed with "Monkey Bars." Since you should never judge a band by one song, I went to YouTube for more research.    

I must admit I like several other Coney Hatch songs more than "Monkey Bars." I'll also be the first to say there isn't anything really original here. In fact, my husband says the intro to "Fantasy" is a direct rip-off of "Smoke on the Water." I think this is a fair comparison. You decide.

Here's "Shake It."

Here's "First Time for Everything."

So, what do you think of Coney Hatch? Please tell me I'm not the only person unfamiliar with this band. By the way, you can hear more songs here.

Comments

[Metal Mark]

I have their first one on CD, it's alright. I think I first heard them on the radio in the mid-80's. More just hard rock than glam though.

[Christian]

I have the best of, I think it's called 'best of three'. There's a couple of really good songs. Even the best of is patchy tho. This ain't love is my favourite of theirs.

[Sean]

Pretty mediocre really. I guessed as much when I read that they had a connection to April Wine.

[MotleyCrue666]

I don't think they are that good. I've never heard of them before this and I am not impressed. I do see the conecction betweet somke on the water and Fantasy.

They sound more like a pop band then any kind of rock.
Their singer has a lowsy voice that reminds me of 80's pop male singers and the music isn't heavy enough. its just their look that's glam.

[Kenny Ozz]

Wow..... NEVER heard of them. AMAZING!

[aXe mAn]

Yeah I've known about them for a while! I heard them for the first time on Pirate Radio. "Hey Operator" is a great song! My favorite by them..you should check it out.

[Randy]

I never could get into them.MuchMusic used to play them on their old "Power Hour" back in the mid 80's, along with massive amounts of Helix, Lee Aaron, Mama's Boys, Venom, Vandenberg. The Power Hour preceded "Headbangers Ball" by a couple of years and was a lot more diverse. It was cool. They played the early videos from W.A.S.P.(first album), Great White's first e.p.,and Queensryche (the e.p & Warning videos). The bands MTV didn't touch until a couple of years later when their second and third albums were released, and hard rock ruled the airwaves.

[Joe]

I saw Coney Hatch years back open for Fastway and Iron Maiden on the Piece of mind tour...I didn't know who they were at the time...but they put on a cool show.

[glam rocker archie]

i have althere cds and each one gets better, there is actually 2 singers in band for those who for some reason cant tell them apart, but they are agreat live band seen them a few times and met them great guys,lot of good rockin tunes a few fillers but who doesnt

[Vicky]

I'm a huge fan. I grew up listening to them. Carl Dixon sings most of the songs, but songs like "Monkey Bars" are sung by the bass player, Andy Curran.

Sadly, Carl Dixon was recently in a devastating car crash and almost died. He was pretty banged up, and will end up losing an eye.

Read here: http://www.sleazeroxx.com/news08/0502con.shtml

[Vicky]

p.s. after Coney Hatch split up, Carl started singing for April Wine.

[jody Row]

This is cool, me and some buds were listening and wondering about this band at the same time Nat was listening. We were coming home from a show in New Orleans, (The Glitter Boys at The House of Blues), when Coney Hatch came on. We were joking around and calling them Coney Hatchett!! Thanks for straightening it out for us Nat. The band blows, but I always like to know my glam trivia!!

[Allyson]

Did Nathalie leave a comment then delete it?

-- Allyson

[glam rocker archie]

carl did not sing for april wine he is playin guitar myles goodwin is singin still for april wine

[jody Row]

Sorry Alyson, I was saying Nat the whole time I meant that for you. Rock on!

[Rick]

Coney Hatch was indeed a band from Canada. They were very popular here in Canada and had their first album produced by Canadian guitar legend Kim Mitchell (Max Webster) and the other two albums were produced by Max Norman (Ozzy)I believe. They were one of the few bands who employed 2 lead singers, Andy Curran and Carl Dixon. Both have had solo careers (although nothing special) and Carl Dixon has also recently toured as a member of April Wine & The Guess Who. A few months ago he was involved in a horrific car accident in Australia and has lost an eye, broke both legs, most of his ribs, shoulder and pelvis among many other things.
http://www.carldixon.com

[Rick D]

I too first heard Coney Hatch on Boneyard! I rather like them. I didn't know at the time if they were a new band or from back in the day. They play a straight forward hard rock style. The singer reminds me of Celtic Frost, but the grooves are Nazareth like. I've always been an April Wine fan, so there may be an attraction there as well. On a side note, Boneyard has brought me back alot of lesser knowns from the eighties such as the band Angel and another Canadian outfit Max Webster. Good Stuff!