Coney Hatch was one of a gang of young, loud rock bands that sprang up around the turn of the 80's. Beginning in 1980 with a line-up that included founding members Andy Curran and Dave Ketchum, Coney thundered across Canada, swapping the first few guitar players for Steve Shelski and Carl Dixon as they went. By Early 1981, the changes were complete and songwriting focused among the front triumvirate of Carl, Andy and Steve carried by the unstoppable bedrock drumming of Dave (Thumper) Ketchum. Added to a batch of songs from the pre-Carl era, Coney's new writing and constant touring soon had them ready to record. Enter Kim Mitchell, legendary Canadian singer/guitarist, who offered to help out. Without question, this was the big break every band dreams of. Kim worked in rehearsals and studio with the lads, then took the results to Anthem Records (his label at the time) among others. Anthem signed the band in November '81, and the following summer saw the first of three worldwide releases.

Having quickly made a name for themselves on the Canadian club circuit, Coney Hatch signed with fledgling Anthem Records in early 1981 and proceeded to record their freshman effort with no other than legendary singer/songwriter (and label boss) Kim Mitchell acting as producer. Not too shabby. In an era when rock radio thrived on a steady diet of Boston, Journey, and Foreigner (vocalist Carl Dixon drew comparisons to a less strident Lou Gramm, fused with a certain Joe Lynn Turner vibe), the foursome's commercial brand of hard rock seemed like perfect fodder for the airwaves.

OUTA HAND.-Released July 1983. Produced by Max Norman. One year and much touring later. Don't Say Make Me.-Our angry "rebel" song from "Outa Hand". It became our live opening song forever after because of the mighty guitar riff starting it. Andy has long wanted to record a sensitive acoustic version of this one. C.D.Shake It-Andy's lyric, based on the previous year spent with our heads buried in video games whenever not actually on stage. Note the return of Steve's jazzy organ style. Video performance by the band followed soon after the release of "Outa Hand". C.D. First Time for Everything-Our shot at a single was most added radio-play song in the USA the week it came out. Shelski music track, Carl added lyrics and melody. There are some nice background vocals by Peter Fredette here. A video for this one also. A.C. Some Like It Hot-An Andy lyric based on some interesting experiences in Arizona when we toured there with Judas Priest. Andy says this is his favorite guitar solo from Steve. Cool drums from Thumper. C.D. To Feel The Feeling Again-Our only ballad: Andy had a gorgeous bass part, Steve added the lovely guitar, and I had to come up with lyrics and melody as good as the music. Nice, sentimental thing it became for us, especially in our reunion shows. C.D.

FRICTION- Released in February 1985, again produced by Max Norman. A change in the band: Dave Ketchum out as drummer, Barry Connors in. This Ain't Love-Guitar thunder on this track owing to the 8000 overdubs Max had us do. One of the better Carl/Andy collaborations. C.D. Wrong Side Of Town-Andy wrote this after being caught in a silly street-hustle in baad Detroit. Something about hot jewelry? We worked the tune several ways before we decided to just rock. Blazing solo from Steve. C.D. Girl From Last Nights Dream-I was in charge of adding lyrics to a music idea from Steve, but I was stuck. In he walks to rehearsal one morning in a daze saying "I had a dream last night about the most incredible girl". Bingo! C.D. Fantasy-Starting again from a musical track Steve wrote. We were stumped for a change in the song until one night after dinner I sat outside the studio in the back of Steve's car, just thinking, and the "did you give it up" section fell from the sky into my head. Nice when that happens. Another video, shot in England this time, C.D.

A fine introduction to these Canadian rockers' career, Best of Three assembles the best tracks from the LPs Coney Hatch, Outa Hand and Friction.