Tour of Japan

Mostly a footnote in the annals of rock — even Canadian rock — Teaze briefly got their moment in the (Land of the Rising) sun during a 1978 tour. This live document of their Japanese run was apparently released due to demand in said country, which must’ve been a shock to a band that never really found success elsewhere. Obscure or not, there’s a lot to love here. The album title tells you a lot about their straightforward approach. Bluesy hard rockers in the vein of UFO or their fellow countrymen Triumph, they knew how to string together a satisfying classic rock jam, whether it’s the Grand Funk-ish “Rockin’ with the Music” or the more emotionally vulnerable “Open My Eyes.” Lots of boxes checked: songs about rock ‘n’ roll, hanging with the boys, and adventures in amour; a talk box; an Easybeats cover; and, of course, the requisite instrumental showcase. At one point the singer shouts, “We’ve come a long, long way from Canada, and for one reason. And that is: to rock ‘n’ roll!” as the crowd goes wild. What more could one ask?