Not since The Joy Of Sexwas published in 1972 had there been such a wondrously free celebration of sexuality and life itself as on The Smell Of Our Own, the cult classic album by The Hidden Cameras, which originally came out twenty long years ago. These Canadian peddlers of what they were calling "Gay Church Folk Music" could have you crying one moment and dancing the next, and this deluxe reissue only serves to remind us of The Joy of Hidden Cameras!
TheHiddenCameras burst onto the Toronto music scene in the early 2000’s boasting an irresistible combination of pop and queer sensibilities. Playing self-proclaimed ‘Gay Church Folk Music’ a new genre of their own making and songs ranging from haunted, aching ballads to foot-stomping anthems, the band’s outrageous stage shows packed such disparate venues as sweaty dance bars, art museums, working porn cinemas as well as many churches. Fronted by lead singer-songwriter Joel Gibb,the ensemble continues its musical provocations to this day, with Berlin now as its centre of gravity.
TheHiddenCameras had yet to release a note of commercially available music when, in early 2002, they became among the most discussed and celebrated unsigned bands in the history of their native Toronto. By the close of the year, they had been the subject of uncommonly sensational features in The Globe and Mail (Canada’s national newspaper) as well as in every daily and weekly in Toronto. The reasons for the reckless enthusiasm of these usually cautious journals was simple: revelatory live performances that attacked and transcended the staid, dispassionate traditions of rock nightclub culture; and the songs of band front-man and mastermind Joel Gibb, a talent of uncommon melodic and poetic gifts. The Smell of Our Own, TheHiddenCameras debut album was originally released in April 2003 on Rough Trade to tremendous critical acclaim.
Deluxe yellow coloured 2LP edition features bonus demos and live session recordings.
