Long Long Way includes three of Thomas' strongest tunes with the anti-violence-themed title track, the rocksteady "Makin' It Hard," and "Mother Earth," which is an obvious ode to the environment. All of these songs were played on Canadian radio, but none of them managed to keep Thomas in the spotlight or put his name back on the American charts. What they did do was expose the fact that Thomas was writing for himself and expressing his opinions on matters that he felt were important, and all that was needed was some punchy music to accompany his pop/rock sentiments.
by Mike DeGagne
In 1974 Ian Thomas released his second album, Long Long Way. The title track from the album climbed to #17 in Vancouver. However, unlike his previous Top 40 success in the USA, “Long Long Way” became the first of twenty-five single releases to fail to crack the Billboard Hot 100. While “Long Long Way” was on the charts in August and September 1974, America was going through a political crisis. Richard M. Nixon had resigned from the presidency on August 9, 1974, due to the Watergate scandal. The introspective tune questioning the notion of progress was out of synch with sentiment given the political crisis south of the border.
Tracks
1. Long Long Way - 5:00
2. Tidal Wave - 3:48
3. Makin It Hard - 3:32
4. Wheels On Fire - 2:52
5. Top Of The World - 3:01
6. For Knowing You - 6:53
7. Count Your Blessings - 4:24
8. Mother Earth - 3:17
9. It's Over - 5:24
Words and Music by Ian Thomas
Musicians
*lan Thomas - Acoustic Guitars, Vocals
*Steve Hogg - Bass
*Barry Keane - Drums, Percussion
*Mick Ralphs - Electric Guitar
*John Capek - Keyboards
*B.J. Cole - Steel Guitar
*David Hentschel - ARP Synthesizer
*Milan Kymlicka - Strings, Brass, Tympani Arranger
