Gump (album)
| Gump | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 1991 | |||
| Genre | Rock | |||
| Label | Chrysalis | |||
| Producer | Chris Wardman | |||
| Sons of Freedom chronology | ||||
| ||||
Gump is the second album by the Canadian band Sons of Freedom, released in 1991.[1][2] The band was coy about the origin of the album title, claiming that it was inspired by Aerosmith's Pump, Van Halen's "Jump", and Canadian goaltender Gump Worsley.[3][4] "You're No Good" was the first single.[5] Sons of Freedom supported the album with a Canadian tour.[6]
Production
The album was produced by Chris Wardman.[3] Sons of Freedom funded the recording sessions by selling their tour van.[7] Most of the tracks began as studio jams, with the band then going over which parts worked as songs while maintaining a groove.[8][9] The lyrics were written by frontman Jim Newton (using the name Jim Kingston) in the fall of 1989; they were influenced by what Newton learned about storytelling in an acting class that he took.[10][11] Newton elected not to play guitar on Gump, in part because the band did not want to repeat the musical style of their debut.[10][12]
Critical reception
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic | [13] |
| Calgary Herald | B[14] |
| Morning Sentinel | 7/10[15] |
| The Winnipeg Sun | [16] |
The Vancouver Sun called the album a "compendium of thoughtful, rhythmic and riff-riddled pop", opining that it "splatters a canvas of sludge-guitar grey with streaks of brilliant melody to create a kind of post-punk sonic impressionism."[8] The Ottawa Citizen noted the "hypnotic, overdriven rhythm, in the tradition of such British groups as Gang of Four and Killing Joke."[9] The Calgary Herald concluded that "Gump is ugly rock 'n' roll... And that's what it makes it so appealing."[9]
The Hamilton Spectator opined that "Gump's true charm lies in the instrumental diversity offered by guitarist Don Harrison, bassist Don Binns and drummer Don Short."[17] The Winnipeg Sun praised the "invigorating music".[16] The Blade labeled the album "catchy" "muscle rock".[18] The Morning Sentinel likened the band to the Escape Club and Aerosmith, "but with a strong alternative influence."[15]
Track listing
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "You're No Good" | |
| 2. | "Dreamgirl #1" | |
| 3. | "Call Me" | |
| 4. | "Circle Circle" | |
| 5. | "I Can See" | |
| 6. | "USA Long Distance" | |
| 7. | "I Don't Care Anymore" | |
| 8. | "Jesus and Jim" | |
| 9. | "The Girl Can't Help It" | |
| 10. | "Dreamgirl #2" |
References
- ^ Barclay, Michael; Jack, Ian A.D.; Schneider, Jason (2011). Have Not Been the Same: The CanRock Renaissance 1985–1995. ECW Press. p. 695.
- ^ Jones, Owen (June 25, 1992). "B.C. rocker has no illusions". The Windsor Star. p. C11.
- ^ a b Harrison, Tom (October 11, 1991). "Fun and Freedom: Gump a 'smart' album". The Province. p. B27.
- ^ Robertson, John G. (2021). Hockey's Wildest Season: The Changing of the Guard in the NHL, 1969–1970. McFarland, Inc. p. 47.
- ^ Elliott, Rob (January 1992). "Reviews". The Rocket. No. 147. p. 36.
- ^ Reynolds, Bill (September 27, 1991). "Finding method in a screaming assault". The Globe and Mail. p. C2.
- ^ "Gump album financed by selling van". The Standard. St. Catharines. CP. November 9, 1991. p. 29.
- ^ a b Potter, Greg (September 18, 1991). "Streaks of brilliant melody enhance Sons of Freedom's latest album". The Vancouver Sun. p. C5.
- ^ a b c Parisien, Roch (September 26, 1991). "Sons of Freedom's new album an emotional roller-coaster ride". The Ottawa Citizen. p. E2.
- ^ a b Burliuk, Greg (January 28, 1992). "Vancouver Band Performs Clark Hall Tomorrow Night". Entertainment. The Kingston Whig-Standard. p. 1.
- ^ Metella, Helen (October 15, 1991). "Sons of Freedom satisfied with getting people excited". Edmonton Journal. p. C15.
- ^ Howell, Peter (January 31, 1992). "Sons earn freedom from CASBY curse". Toronto Star. p. D14.
- ^ "Gump Review by Sean Carruthers". AllMusic. Retrieved January 19, 2026.
- ^ Muretich, James (September 29, 1991). "Recent Releases". Calgary Herald. p. B7.
- ^ a b Clark, Lucky (February 15, 1992). "Overlooked CDs from '91". Morning Sentinel. TV Plus. p. 24.
- ^ a b Kendle, John (October 18, 1991). "Pop". The Winnipeg Sun. p. 31.
- ^ Krewen, Nick (December 28, 1991). "Sons of Freedom Gump". The Hamilton Spectator. p. B8.
- ^ Iverson, Doug (December 29, 1991). "Sounds". The Blade. p. G3.