Trooper - Hot Shots (Reissue) (1979)

Dishing out playful songs with freewheeling lyrics, all built around slapdash guitar were Trooper, one of Canada's biggest bands from the mid- to late '70s. Hot Shots is a splendid 12-song assortment of this groups best offerings, bar none. Taking off with the chugga-chugga guitar pulse of "Boys in the Bright White Sports Car," this best-of epitomizes a band that really knew how to have fun. "Baby Woncha Please Come Home" reveals some startling harmonica playing, while "Two for the Show" proves that they can do just as well singing ballads. The synthesizer plays a keen role on "Round Round We Go" while a pounding drum beat accentuates "Raise a Little Hell." This album is a great overview, and would even satisfy anyone who isn't in the know. One of the best-selling compilations in Canadian music history, Hot Shots is extremely pleasing, and is a solid reminder of how amusing rock & roll can be.