In the late '70s, Vancouver, British Columbia was one of Canada's hotspots for punk music. The scene produced a few stellar bands, and the Pointed Sticks were one of them.
History of the Pointed Sticks
The Pointed Sticks formed in August 1978 after vocalist Nick Jones arrived back in Vancouver after a year spent working in the record shops of London, England. They were a part of the Vancouver "**** band" tradition; basically they were just playing for fun. Members included Jones, guitarist Bill Napier-Hemy, bassist Tony Bardach, drummer Ian Tiles (later replaced by Ken "Dimwit" Montgomery), and keyboard player Gord Nicholl.
The Pointed Sticks' Sound
At the time the band got together, hardcore was on the rise and punk music, along with live shows, was becoming more aggressive. The Pointed Sticks set out to do the opposite, penning upbeat pop tunes packed with hooks, harmonies and catchy organ lines.
Signing to Stiff Records
The Pointed Sticks quickly grew in popularity, and released a few singles on local label Quintessence: What Do You Want Me To Do/Somebody's Mom, The Real Thing/Out of Luck, and Lies/I'm Numb. Soon, offers came in from a variety of record labels including Sire and Stiff Records.
Opting to sign with Stiff, they became the first Canadian band on the legendary label's roster and went over to England for a tour and to record with Nigel Grey, a producer known for his work with the Police. It was a disaster and the sessions were scrapped. The Pointed Sticks were soon dropped from the ailing label and they recorded their debut LP, Perfect Youth, in Vancouver, releasing it on Quintessence in 1980. But things were going sour and the Pointed Sticks dissolved over a period of a few months in 1981.
The Pointed Sticks Reunion
In 2006, DOA frontman Joe "Shithead" Keithley and Japanese promoter Toshio of Base Records managed to convince the members of the Pointed Sticks, who never intended to reunite, that fan demand was sufficient to warrant a few reunion gigs in Japan. Audience response was tremendous, and fans who hadn't even been born when Perfect Youth came out screamed along to every word.
New Pointed Sticks Recordings
The band was moved to record a thank-you 7" for their Japanese fans, called, appropriately, "My Japanese Fan." Over the next few years, the Pointed Sticks played Vancouver, Toronto and festivals in New York and Austin, and plans were hatched to make a new record. The group recorded live drums and bass at Mushroom Studios, then moved on to Paramount Recorders, owned by band member Gord Nicholl. The album was mixed by longtime friend and renowned engineer Mike Fraser, reportedly in exchange for a case of beer.
Three Lefts Make a Right Album
Three Lefts Make a Right was released on November 30, 2009, following up Perfect Youth after almost 30 years. The album is poppy as ever, though the Pointed Sticks aren't afraid to branch into new territory with doo-wop inspired All Night and the Pulp-esque Scrambled Eggs. Napier-Hemy compositions Start Something New and By Your Side have a particularly classic Sticks sound.
The Pointed Sticks Live
At present, the Pointed Sticks play a few select dates a year. Find out where they'll be by checking their website.
Sources:
Bardach, Tony. Personal interview. 19 March 2010.
Letter From Band. Official website. 20 March 2010.
Mack, Adrian. Welcome to the Pointed Sticks. The Georgia Straight. 19 Dec. 2010.
