Numerous drummers came and went until June of 1986, when Don Schmid joined to make it a permanent quartet. With the help of friend and local booking agent Robert Hodgins, the band cut its teeth on the prairie bar circuit. The combination of exciting live performances, well-received indie albums, and the continuous stream of demos caught the ear of Doug Chappell, President of Virgin Records, Canada, and with the help of managers Fraser Hill and Ed Smeall, The Pikes signed to the label on December 19, 1986.
In January 1987, the band began sessions at Metal Works Studio in Toronto with producers Rick Hutt and Fraser Hill, and they finished mixing at McClear Place Studios for what would become its first Virgin album, titled 'Big Blue Sky'. It was released in June of '87 and featured the singles "Teenland" and "Things I Do For Money", introducing the band to a wider audience and expanding the touring range to all parts of Canada and the USA.
Spring of 1988 saw The Pikes at Bearsville Studios in Woodstock, NY. and later in Le Studio, Morin Heights, Quebec for the recording and mixing of 'Secrets of the Alibi'. The sophomore album had a more "live off the floor" feel, and the heavy airplay of single "Wait For Me" and "Hopes Go Astray" kept the band on the road virtually non-stop across the continent until the summer of '89.
Up to this point, the primary singers and songwriters were Jay and Merl, with the exception of some group compositions and "Hopes" written by Bryan. The Pikes third album Snow In June saw the blossoming of Bryan as a singer and writer, most notably for the hit single "She Ain't Pretty". In addition the album featured other hits, "Girl With A Problem" and "Kiss Me You Fool", and featured a star-studded cast of additional musicians - Garth Hudson, Crystal Taliefero, John Sebastian and Stan Szelest, as well as mixes by acclaimed engineers Bob Clearmountain and Hugh Padgham. Recording again in Bearsville and mixing at A&M Studios in Los Angeles, the Pikes spent almost six months working on the album, considered by many to be their finest.
After almost two years of touring to support Snow In June, the band began work on Neptune in July of '92 at A&M Studios in LA with Rob Jaczko as co-producer. Subsequent sessions continued at Metal Works in Toronto and Blue Jay Studio in Boston. From start to finish the album took exactly two months to record, mix and master¤ the fastest turnaround since their indie days- Released in November, Neptune featured the keyboard work of Ross Nykiforuk, also a native of Saskatoon and an on-stage addition for the Snow In June tour. Also featured were two duets with Margo Timmins of "Cowboy Junkies", one of which¤ "Worlds Away"¤ made its way onto an episode of the TV series "Due South". The album featured the singles "Twister", "Believe" and "Everything", and in December saw the band fly from one end of Canada to the other on a whirlwind tour promoting the record.
The spring of '93 saw the last tour for The Pikes, and the fifth and final album gig, recorded live during concerts in Montreal and Toronto. It featured 13 songs and showcased the raw energy the band always exhibited onstage.
The Northern Pikes played their final concert of this first era on July 2, 1993 in Fort Frances, Ontario. Their unofficial final recording session took place July 9, '93 in Don's "Fresh Vibe North" studio where Jay, Bryan, Don and Ross laid down the original tracks for the theme song to "Due South" written by Jay and Bryan. Shortly afterwards, the band disbanded.
However, in 1999, the band reformed to build a Greatest Hits package, called "Hits and Assorted Secrets 1984-1993." On the subsequent tour to promote this album, the band decided to release a live work in 2000 ("Live"). This was followed by a studio album in 2001 ("Truest Inspiration"), and another in 2003 ("It's a Good Life"). A collaborative album with fellow Canadian artist Les Stroud followed-up in 2008. They've continued to tour over the past few years.
Teenland
The Northern Pikes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I want to find out what I missed
Don't leave me now, don't leave me now
Don't leave me at a time like this.
Posters in blue look just like you
A snapshot on a magazine
Now all the rage, turn back the page
Here in...
Teenland oh oh oh
Teenland oh oh oh
Teenland oh oh oh
Teenland now
Drink up and drown, drink up and drown
This poison always brings me around
I need cigarettes, I need cigarettes
I need nicotine for full effect
Here in...
CHORUS
All the kids are walking out on their heroes now
What the kids are talking about means zero now
You've gotta give us a break, give us a break
Give us a break in Teenland now
In dreamland now, in Teenland now.
Right now!
You're all the same, you're on the team
Sometimes it makes you want to scream
Give me a kiss, give me a kiss
I want to find out what I missed
Here in...
CHORUS x2
The Northern Pikes's song "Teenland" is a nostalgic reflection on the confusing and tumultuous time of adolescence. The opening lines of "give me a kiss, give me a kiss, I want to find out what I missed" hint at the intense curiosity and hunger for experience that teenagers often feel. The fear of missing out or not fully experiencing life is a common theme among young people, who are eager to explore and discover their personal identity. The lyrics also touch on the desire for connection and fear of abandonment, as the singer begs their lover not to leave them at a time of such intense emotion and uncertainty.
The chorus, which repeats the word "Teenland" three times, emphasizes the sense of isolation and self-absorption that often characterizes adolescence. The use of the word "land" suggests a separate, enclosed space where teenagers are free to explore and establish their own rules and codes. The second verse, with its references to alcohol and cigarettes, touches on another common aspect of teenage life: rebellion and experimentation. However, the repeated phrase "give us a break" suggests that even amidst all the chaos and experimentation, teenagers are seeking understanding and acceptance from those around them.
"Teenland" was released in 1987, during the height of the Canadian rock scene, and became one of The Northern Pikes's most popular songs. Its catchy melody and relatable lyrics appealed to many young listeners struggling with the challenges of growing up. The song's success was also helped by an eye-catching music video featuring teenagers playing out scenes of rebellion and romance. Today, "Teenland" remains a beloved classic of Canadian rock and a testament to the timeless struggles of adolescence.
Line by Line Meaning
Give me a kiss, give me a kiss
The singer is looking for a moment of intimacy with someone else.
I want to find out what I missed
The singer is curious about experiences they haven't had yet.
Don't leave me now, don't leave me now
The singer is afraid of being abandoned or left behind.
Don't leave me at a time like this.
The artist feels like they need support or someone to rely on in a difficult moment.
Posters in blue look just like you
The artist is comparing real people to images and icons they see in media.
A snapshot on a magazine
The singer is referencing the unrealistic representations of people in media.
Now all the rage, turn back the page
The singer is referencing how quickly things become popular and then fade into obscurity.
At one time you were just like me
The artist is saying that the people they see in media were once like them, but have since become famous or successful.
Teenland oh oh oh
The chorus is a repetition of the song title, symbolizing a yearning for youthful energy and experiences.
Drink up and drown, drink up and drown
The artist is referencing the numbing effects of alcohol and how it can help them forget their problems.
This poison always brings me around
The singer is saying that despite the negative effects of alcohol, it can still be comforting in moments of distress.
I need cigarettes, I need cigarettes
The artist is expressing a dependence on nicotine to relieve stress or anxiety.
I need nicotine for full effect
The singer is saying that alcohol and nicotine work together to help them forget their problems.
All the kids are walking out on their heroes now
The singer is referencing how quickly people can lose interest in their idols or role models.
What the kids are talking about means zero now
The singer is saying that popular trends or topics lose their relevance over time.
You've gotta give us a break, give us a break
The artist is asking for a chance to enjoy their youth without being criticized or judged.
Give us a break in Teenland now
The artist is asking for a reprieve from the pressures of growing up.
In dreamland now, in Teenland now.
The singer is emphasizing the dream-like quality of their teenage experiences.
You're all the same, you're on the team
The singer is referencing the pressure to fit in and conform to societal norms.
Sometimes it makes you want to scream
The artist is expressing frustration with the pressure to conform.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRYAN ANTHONY POTVIN, DON GERARD SCHMID, JOHN PETER SEMKO, MERL DEAN BRYCK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ganjavih
Canadian music was so cool in the 80s.
@dvorazhe
they opened for bowie once. they had three lead singers -- this guy was on bass -- he does look alot like emilio estevez ! this is one of their best ones. sad innocent song, really. totally sums up small-town canadian life in the 80's
@k0sta5
This song kicked ass when it first came out and still holds up....I remember being SO disappointed when I heard She Ain't Pretty later on.....
@asadraza5367
Great song from Canada, from back in the day.
@Knat0001
Man I love this tune...sounds like it would make a killer rocked up cover.
@Crossbow0106
Coming from the U.S., I never was able to see any Pikes videos. Always loved this song. Thank you, I enjoyed it!
@truebeatlepeople
Glen Royer here, just want to say that the Northern Pikes were THE band of the day hands down!!! they got signed on the strengh of their great live show and the catchy songs, case closed. They were and still are in my opinion one of the BEST bands to ever come out of Canada and for me personally ( and i am sure i speak for most if not all of the members of Greenhouse and New Concept) were an inspiration for our OWN live performances and songwriting back in the day.Thank you guys,your still #1
@canadagirleh
Wow, I still get weak in the knees when I see Merl do his dance moves in this video.
@Tigger4Theo
Actually, it's Merl Bryck on lead vocals. Now that he is no longer with the Pikes, Jay Semko sings this one when they perform it live. He (Jay) also sang lead on it long before it ended up on the Pikes debut album, but the version that the fans know from the video, album, single, and most tours (except recently since Merl left) is with Merl Bryck singing lead.
@Tankard2002
I loved this track!