AccuRadio Song Of The Day-The Northern Pikes

Artist:The Northern Pikes
Song:She Ain't Pretty
Album:Hits and Assorted Secrets 1984-1993





The Northern Pikes had success in their native Canada. But they were never able to break through in the US. And that is what split them up in 1993. The 1990 single She Ain't Pretty was their biggest hit. They reformed in 1999 and they still tour. They released an album last year. The Northern Pikes are from Saskatoon. Lead singer and guitarist Bryan Potvin and bassist Jay Semko were friends in high school. After bouncing around different bands, the two decided to join forces and name themselves after a fish. Meryl Bryck was the second guitarist. All three guys wrote songs and The Northern Pikes usually self produced their albums. They went through a few drummers. But by the time they got a record deal, Don Schmid had joined and he was the drummer for most of the band's run. The Northern Pikes started out as a top 40 cover band playing local clubs to raise money to record an EP. After releasing two EPs, Doug Chappell of Virgin Records signed them to a six album international deal. That seems excessive for an unknown band. The Northern Pikes released four albums for Virgin. The 1990 album Snow in June was their most successful in Canada. She Ain't Pretty reached #6 on the Canadian Singles chart. But Virgin in the US passed on the album and Scotti Bros. released it in 1991. After the 1992 album Neptune, The Northern Pikes split up frustrated about their inability to get anywhere in the US. Semko released a solo album in 1995. He composed the music for the popular Canadian TV series Due South and other TV shows and films. He continues to do that today. He has released 11 solo recordings. Potvin became A&R manager for PolyGram Canada. He developed acts like Tegan & Sara and Finger Eleven. When Virgin asked The Northern Pikes to help them with the 1999 comp CD Hits and Assorted Secrets, they toured briefly and then decided to reform permanently. They still tour and last year the album Forest of Love was released by Universal Canada. Here's the video for She Ain't Pretty by The Northern Pikes.