In the 1980s, just before “new” country began polluting the FM airwaves, a string of edgier country-rock bands began popping up throughout Canada – a sort of underground twang. Psychadelia meets Carl Perkins meets the Ramones, err, something like that. Remember K.D. Lang’s first album on the Bumstead label? It was punky and punchy country. From the stables to the city and back again.
The Devil Likes Me is from the 1985 “Wig Wam Beach” EP by Three O’Clock Train.
Details below courtesy of canoe.ca and Justin-Time Records.
Three O’Clock Train formed in Montreal in May 1984. The band began playing small clubs in and around the city before getting to play at the ‘84 First Annual Country And Western Jamboree at Wig Wam Beach in Kanawake – the Indian Reservation located across the river from Montreal.
They took the name of the gig and applied it to their 1986 debut EP on Pipeline Records. An LP soon followed after their eastern Canadian and US tour called ‘Muscle In’ which was also released on Pipeline.
Lead singer and guitarist Mack MacKenzie is of native Micmac, Scottish, Irish, Dutch and French ancestry. Shortly after his family moved to Montreal in the early 1970s, Mack took an interest in music, starting with the guitar at age eight. By the time he reached fourteen, he was playing in his first band and writing songs.
To this day, many cite Three O’Clock Train’s influence on such successful Canadian bands as Blue Rodeo and Cowboy Junkies. The group’s recordings have shown up on countless “best of” lists, and past performances are remembered fondly. Three O’Clock Train performed throughout Canada to enthusiastic acclaim, always leaving an indelible impression on those fortunate enough to have witnessed their impassioned live performances.
Mack MacKenzie (vocals, guitar)
Stuart MacKenzie (guitar)
Dave Hill (bass)
Pierre Perron (drums)
Stefan Doroschuck (keyboards — under a pseudonym; 1984-85)
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