Music Express: The Book

Years ago, Music Express–Canada’s answer to Rolling Stone–was required reading for anyone who wanted to know what was going on with music in this country. Founded in Calgary in 1976, it moved from a regional rag to an international publication tracing the rise of bands like Rush, Triumph, Bryan Adams, Loverboy and so many other artists from the late 70s and through the 80s.  The mag also carried some great photography from around the planet as well as interviews with KISS, U2 and Bowie.

In the days before MuchMusic, it was virtually the only way a kid like me on the prairies could keep up on what was happening in Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver.  I still have some copies carefully stored in my basement, some of which were purchased at the Rexall Drugs in my hometown a gazillion years ago.

The print edition of Music Express disappeared after 17 years, squeezed out of the magazine market by competitive forces.  But imagine my surprise (and delight!) when I found that owner/editor/writer Keith Sharp has resurrected the magazine online.

Now Keith has taken it one further with a book that chronicles the rise and fall and resurrection of Music Express.  If you came of age musically in Canada during that era, you’ll love it.