Hokus Pick is apparently a Canadian expression of surprise. And this record continues to surprise. The court jesters of CCM, the Canadian rock band Hokus Pick had a ten year career that, given the quality of their output, should have garnered the band a longer tenure. It is with “Snappy” that the band it its full stride with a complete album of memorable, funny, serious and, well…weird…songs. The track that informed the albums title also sports one of the greatest videos ever. After the more U2 influenced “Faith, Hope and Love” starts the album, it is “I’m So Happy” that steals the show. As mentioned the video is simply hysterical, but deep within the ska grooves is a positive message of hope. This theme will permeate the album. It was really a shame when I was working for Diamante Distribution that we could never really garner the sales and the radio response necessary and that the band deserved. Even touring with Steve Taylor (a perfect fit) could not break the band nationally, another in the long line of disappointments in this industry. “We Are the People” drives a 60’s influenced rock that would later prove successful for the previously reviewed “Rock n Roll Worship Circus.” “The ska influenced “Our God” should have been a late 90’s youth anthem…should have been! A personal favorite is “True Believer,” a song reminiscent of then labelmates, The Kry. A great, straight ahead and emotional song about the struggles of faith and the desire to be a competent follower of Christ. The CD did also contain a hidden bonus track, if you want to call it that. It is more of a radio play called “An Appointment with Stupidity.” Hysterical, but not necessarily meant for repeated listening.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist
1 – Faith, Hope And Love – 3:59
2 – I’m So Happy – 2:51
3 – Naturally – 2:52
4 – Nothing More – 4:58
5 – We Are The People – 3:15
6 – This Time – 4:16
7 – Our God – 3:18
8 – True Believer – 4:18
9 – God For One Day – 3:27
10 – Silver – 2:44
11 – Let Go, Let God – 4:20
12 – Comfort Song – 1:01
13 – (Hidden Track) – 29:49
Credits
Art Direction – Keith Hamilton
Bass Guitar – Dave Strilchuk
Drums [Ayotte] – Rick Colhoun
Engineer – Rick Colhoun
Engineer [Second] – Riley Armstrong
Lead Guitar – Matt Pierrot
Photography By – James Copp
Producer – Hokus Pick
Vocals, Guitar – Russ Smith
Written By – David Strilchuk, Matthew Pierrot, Richard Colhoun, Russell W. Smith
Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Soundcastle
Manufactured By – Malaco Music Group
Distributed By – Malaco Music Group
