Late weekend night and I’m at the Bojar Grill,
I got decisions to be made between lager and ale
KIM MITCHELL – Akimbo Alogo (Alert, 1984)
Some Max Webster fans were disappointed in this, Kim Mitchell’s first full-length solo album. I guess I could see why, because Akimbo Alogo is pretty straight-forward rock. There’s not a trace of that prog or experimentation that made Max Webster such a unique creature. However, those fans were too quick to judge, as this is simply a great sincere album loaded with stellar playing and hooky songs.
Akimbo Alogo(great title) still stands up on its own as Kim’s finest solo album. Back in that hazy summer of 1984 it spawned four hit videos: “Lager & Ale”, “That’s A Man”, the fantastic ballad “All We Are” and of course, the immortal “Go For Soda”. Although the album cut “Rumour Has It” is no slouch, “Lager & Ale” is one of the hardest driving tunes Kim’s done. The video was one of those great 80’s ones that was just a live performance — but then that live performance becomes so ingrained into your head, that it’s your default version!
But Kim’s always been tender too, and his excellent feel on the six string assures us that the few ballads are still memorable. There’s the hit “All We Are” (still gets airplay today!), but “Caroline” and “Called Off” are both excellent songs. “Called Off” in fact scorches with Kim’s fiery guitar work.
The only holdover from the Max days is lyricist Pye Dubois, spinning words as only he could, with humour and poetry. “All We Are” was written during the tail end of Max, but Kim knew nobody in that band could sing the high notes in the chorus. Along comes Peter Fredette, a talented musician and singer in his own right. His vocal made this song something truly special. (Live, Fredette also sings Geddy Lee’s high part in “Battle Scar” as well as “All We Are”.)
Of course, Kim’s guitar playing is among some of the best he’s ever laid down on vinyl, and that includes the Max stuff. His soloing here is vibrant and warm, loaded with feeling. Kim makes it sound easy — if only!
There’s also a minimum of synth programming going on here, compared to the albums that followed. I think Kim got a little too carried away with it on Shakin’ Like A Human Being. I’m not sure why Kim thought it was a good idea to start doing stuff like that anyway, but at this point he hadn’t gotten too carried away with it…yet. There’s a little programmed percussion in “Love Ties” and elsewhere.
I wish the CD had been digitally remastered. My vinyl sounds better than the CD. The only B-side I’m aware of is the “Syphon Remix” of “Go For Soda”.
5/5 stars
mikeladano.com 
Oh yeah this is great record,Akimbos playing here is stellar .
Rumour has it is a great guitar track,good ol can rock at its finest,I agree that the Zztopish synths were rearing there ugly vibes on Shakin but that was 86….same yr as Turbo !
But back to this one and the E.P are I think his finest pieces of guitar work……
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You’re right! Damn that 1986 period was brutal for synth! When did ZZ Top do Afterburner? ’85?
Isn’t it funny how Kim has never never managed to swim back up to this level. Shakin had some great tunes on it but the production was way too wimpy. Rockland had better production but it lacked soul…and since then he’s been bobbing and weaving. I think Kimosabe is an underrated gem though, a very deep record.
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I have the Afterburner vinyl here. It was indeed 1985.
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Totally agree with ya,Shakin I mean I bought that one on cassette and I remembered being pumped listening to Get Lucky….and than kinda downhill after that….Rockland I was fooled by the title ,I mean it was mellow,Aural Fixations??? Dunno….I did like the Itch record though……Kimosabe is a great track with Andy Curran….for a underrated gem check out Soho 69 Scatterbrain……..luv that one….
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As far as ZZ Top goes I think they had a bigger influence on the rock sound of the eighties than they ever got credit four. I mean Afterburner is basically sides 3 and 4 of Eliminator. But it was successful and many a artist tried nicking that sound but I think for some unexplainable reason ZZ was the only artist that could pull it off on two back to back records.
Having said that Eliminator was the far superior of the 2 but man Woke Up With Wood is a classic!!!!
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Elimnator was the first cassette I ever bought with my own money. On a family holiday to Orlando, FL. I was ten. Even better? I still have that tape.
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Funny this would turn up now. Talk about timing. Some awesome, generous rawker just gave me this on vinyl!
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Hi Mike. Great write-up, and interesting timing as I was just listening to Kim’s “Rockland” CD for the first time last week. When “Akimbo Alogo” came out, I bought it solely on the strength of “Go For Soda” which was getting a lot of radio play at the time. I also bought the follow-up, “Shakin’ Like A Human Being,” but it’s been more than 20 years since I played either of them. I still have both LPs and plan on giving them a listen again to see how they hold up, and based on how much I liked “Rockland” I’m very optimistic.
Also, I knew he was in Max Webster but they’re a band that has slipped under my radar all these years. As a huge prog fan, your write-up here makes me think I might really like them, but I don’t know where to start. Which album or compilation would you recommend?
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High Class In Borrowed Shoes.
All of their records were great, but this one really encompasses everything the band did.
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while I totally agree about everything you are all saying about “akimbo”…my heart is with “Rockland” ! it was the FIRST CD I ever bought (at Dutch Boy on Highland RD!!) in 1989 (yes CD’s were out then…think I paid $22.99 for it)…and that started it all for me! great production, simple catchy tunes (drums I could actually play!), and awesome rockers! Love me some Kim Mitchell, I guess
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I liked Rockland at first but not so much anymore. Side two in particular just sort of sags for me, now.
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