- Serge Blouin -- bass (replaced Alain Jodoin) (1975-76)

- Jay Boivin -- lead guitar (replaced Georges Marchand)

  (1966)

- Jean-Guy 'Arthur' Cossette -- lead guitar, backing vocals

  (replaced Ernest Rock (1970-)

- Ronny Dann -- 

- Roger Gravel --

- Francois Guy -- vocals, rhythm guitar, percussion 

  (1965-68)

- Claude Hetu -- keyboards (1975-76)

- Daniel Laurendeau -- drums (1968)
- Charles Prevost Linton -- vocals, keyboards (1965-)

- Serge Locas -- keyboards (1975-76)
- Alain Jodoin -- vocals, bass (replaced Francois Guy)

  (1970-)

- Ricky Johnson -- lead guitar (replaced Jay Boivin) (1966)

- Georges Marchand -- rhythm guitar (1965-66)

- Louis Parizeau -- drums, percussion (1970-76)

- Ernest Rock -- lead guitar (replaced Ricky Johnson)

  (1966-67)

- Wally Rossi -- guitar (1975)

- Richard Tate -- drums, percussion (1975-76)

- Daniel Valois -- guitar, flute, vocals (1975-76)

- Dennis Violetti -- lead guitar (1975-76)

- Gilles Boivon (solo efforts)

- Francois Guy (solo efforts)

- Les Jaguars (Jean Guy 'Arthur' Cossette)

- Charles Linton (solo efforts)

- Georges Marchand (solo efforts)

- Les Merseys (Alain Jodoin and George Marchand)

- La Révolution Française (Francois Guy)

Genre: garage

Rating: **** (4 stars)

Title:  Sinerisme

Company: Rusticana

Catalog: CKL-1243

Year: 1966

Country/State: Montreal Quebec, Canada

Grade (cover/record): VG / VG

Comments: --

Available: 1

GEMM catalog ID: 5134

Price: $100.00

Most folks don't realize how large and energetic Quebec's 1960s rock scene was.  That's always struck me as a shame since there were hundreds of bands playing the scene, including some exceptionally talented outfits who never managed to break out to a larger (aka English) audience.  Among the most talented were Les Sinners.

Originally known as The Silver Spiders, singer Francois Guy, keyboard player Charles Prevost Linton, and drummer Louis Parizeau started their musical partnership in 1965.  Within a matter of months they'd opted to change their name to the more daring Les Sinners, as well as expanding the line-up to include rhythm guitarist Georges Marchand.  Marchand was subsequently replaced by Jay Boivin, who was then replaced by Ricky Johnson.  While undergoing various personnel shifts the band's R&B-influenced performances gained them a following on the local dance and club scene.  It also attracted the attention of Canadian country star Roger Miron who signed them to his Rusticana label.

Signed to Rusticana the group began cranking out singles:

- 1966's 'Elle est Revenue' b/w 'Le Souvenir' (Rusticana catalog number FC 734)

- 1966's 'Sinnerisme' b/w 'L'Hymne a "Zoe"' (Rusticana catalog number FC 743

- 1966's 'La Troisieme Fuite de Mohamed "Zali" ' b/w 'L'Herbe est verte Mais je suis Las' (Rusticana catalog number FC 749).

As was standard marketing procedure, Rusticana wasted little time compiling the earlier singles ('A' and 'B' sides) along with a handful of newly recorded studio numbers.  Released as 1966's "Sinerisme", the results made for a first rate collection of Stones-styled R&B rockers.  Propelled by Guy's raspy voice, original material like the title track, '' and '' wasn't fancy (much of the album sported a low-fit, echoy sound), or particularly creative, but was still thoroughly engaging.  Dark, greasy and slightly dis-nerving (just like the album cover), this was near perfect mid-1960s garage rock.  Sure, the French lyrics tended to soften the overall attack (what else would you expect from a romance language), but there was still something fascinating in hearing snarling French vocala.  In contrast to most Quebec-based bands the album was also notable for the fact it included a couple of English lyric performances including the freakout 'Candid Colour Count Down' (complete with reference to Mohammed Ali) and 'Sour As a Sidewalk'.  Personal favorites included the should've been a pop-ht 'Je Suis Las', the pounding rock ' and 'Nice Try' and the goofy 'Cleopatra'.  All told a real find that should get wider exposure among collectors.

"Sinerisme" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Sinerisme   (Les Sinners) - 2:27

2.) Candid Colour Count Down   (Les Sinners) - 3:23

3.) L'Hymne a "Zoe"   (Les Sinners) - 2:52

4.) Sour As a Sidewalk   (Les Sinners) - 3:22

5.) Je Suis Las   (Les Sinners) - 1:47

(side 2)
1.) La Troisieme Fuite de Mohamed "Zali"   (Les Sinners) - 3:23

2.) Nice Try   (Les Sinners) - 2:11

3.) Elle est Revenue   (Les Sinners) - 2:35

4.) Cleopatra   (Les Sinners) - 2:25

5.) La Souvenir   (Les Sinners) - 2:56

Here's a link to a link to a YouTube black and white television promo clip of the band performing 'Elle est Revenue':

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OM3bjo4Fco

Genre: rock

Rating: *** (3 stars)

Title:  Sinnerismes

Company: Jupiter

Catalog: Joy 7009

Year: 1967

Country/State: Montreal Quebec, Canada

Grade (cover/record): VG / VG

Comments: small punch out hole top left corner

Available: 1

GEMM catalog ID: 5102

Price: $100.00

The band's choice for their label debut was interesting - a largely rote Francophile version of The Beatles 'Penny Lane' b/w 'Les Greves d'aujourd'hui' (Jupiter catalog number JP 1088).  Musically the song wasn't really different from the original, though there was something fascinating in hearing the song with French lyrics and occasionally ragged group harmonies. The single's ensuing success led Jupiter to rush the band into the studio, resulting in the release of 1967's Pierre Noles produced "Sinnerismes".  (From a marketing standpoint the album title was odd since the debut LP had the same title.  Must have been a Canadian thing ... ).  With the exception of The Beatles cover the album featured all original material; largely written by Guy, Linton and Rock.  Exemplified by tracks like 'Notre Etang', 'Les Dentes Grilles' and the snarling 'Les Greves d'aujourd'hui' the results offered up an interesting mix of their earlier garage roots with occasional nods to lite-psych and the outright weird (check out the freaked out 'L.S.D. Ha! Ha!' and the a capella snippet 'Les Ledgende des Nymphes Perdues'). Personal highlights included the jangle rocker 'Les Bouffons' (I guess it translated as the the buffoons, or the clowns) and the super strange ' La Petite Souris'.

"Sinnerismes" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Penny Lane   (John Lennon - Paul McCartney - S. Venne) - 

2.) Notre Etang   (Francois Guy - C.P. Linton) - 

3.) Les Ledgende des Nymphes Perdues   (Francois Guy - C.P. Linton) - 

4.) Les Dentes Grilles   (C.P. Linton) -

5.) L.S.D. Ha! Ha!   (Francois Guy - C.P. Linton) - 

6.) L'hymne a Ti-Pop   (Francois Guy - C.P. Linton) - 

(side 2)
1.) Les Greves d'aujourd'hui   (Francois Guy - C.P. Linton) - 

2.) Je Reve a Toi   (Francois Guy - Ernest Rock) -

3.) Les Bouffons   (Francois Guy - Ernest Rock) -

4.) Versailles 1667   (Francois Guy - C.P. Linton) - 

5.) La Petite Souris    (Francois Guy - C.P. Linton - Ernest Rock) -  

6.) Les Disc-Jockeys   (Francois Guy) - 

Here's a link to a link to a YouTube black and white television promo clip of the band performing 'Penny Lane':

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwK33G-yOC8

Genre: rock

Rating: **** (4 stars)

Title:  Vox Populi

Company: Jupiter

Catalog: Joy 7009

Year: 1968

Country/State: Montreal Quebec, Canada

Grade (cover/record): VG / VG

Comments: --

Available: 1

GEMM catalog ID: 5264

Price: $150.00

In the wake of “Sgt Pepper” ever band in the world seems to have rushed into the studio to write and record their ‘big statement’ concept album.  Les Sinners were no different – their contribution to the musical archives being “Vox Populi” (Latin which roughly translates as ‘voice of the people’).  Cloaked in an intriguing pseudo-religious themed cover, the concept was somewhat vague (made all the more difficult to follow by the fact all of the performances were in French), but apparently dealt with everyday life for the ‘little people’.  Anyone expecting another set of garage-oriented rockers was probably disappointed by this outing. Largely written by vocalist Francois Guy and bassist Charles P. Linton, it was clear the band had been listening to lots of ‘happening’ bands (as well as possibly ingesting some popular illicit substances).  Odd time signatures, treated vocals, Indian influences, in-between song spoken word segments, cool production effects, you’ll find it all here, along with some first rate pop-rock songs (‘Tard, Il Se Fait Tard’, ‘Kid Sentiment’ and ‘Devoir Partir’).  In fact this is one of those albums where it’s simply fun to sit back with a beer or two and simply play ‘spot the influences’.  Without wasting time going through the entire set, enough to say that ‘Depuis Longtemps Deja’ sounded like Byrds-styled jangle-rock, ‘Fou Fu Roi’ bore a remarkable resemblance to “Sell Out”-era The Who, ‘Monsieur Ding Ding’ could have easily been mistaken for a Monkees outtake, while the lysergenic-tinged ‘Aujourd’Hui Et Demain’ and ‘Je Ne Sais Pas’ recalled the Fab Four.  To be honest, with the exception of the aimless ‘Pourquoi Croire Oublier le Temps’ every one of the eleven tracks had at least something going for it.  You can’t say that about most big name releases.  While it may not have been the year’s most original collection, you had to admit being able to draw comparisons to the cream of 1967 rock groups was an impressive accomplishment.  The fact of the matter was that the band deserved considerable credit, turning in what’s probably the best French-Canadian concept album ever recorded.  Okay, that’s a little bit like being a big fish in a small pond, but the album remains a lost classic.

The album was also tapped for a couple of singles:

- 1967’s ‘Je Ne Sais Pas‘ b/w ‘Tard, Il Se Fait Tard’ (Jupiter catalog number JP-1117

- 1967’s ‘Monsieur Ding Ding’ b/w ‘Aujourd’Hui Et Demain’ (Jupiter catalog number JP-1132)

The band actually recorded an English version of the LP, though it didn’t see the light of day until 1993 when the small xxx label released it.  The release is somewhat hard to find, but is worth the effort and leaves you to wonder what might have happened with the right marketing.

"Vox Populi" track listing:

(side 1)

1.) Vox Populi    (Francois Guy) – 1:05

2.) Fou Du Roi   (Francois Guy – E. Rock) – 2:19

3.) Tard, Il Se Fait Tard   (Francois Guy – Charles P. Linton) – 2:50

4.) Aujourd’Hui Et Demain   (Francois Guy) – 2:56

5.) Kid Sentiment   (Francois Guy – Charles P. Linton) –1:42

6.) Devoir Partir   (Francois Guy – Charles P. Linton) – 2:30

(side 2) 

1.) Je Ne Sais Pas   (Francois Guy – Charles P. Linton) – 2:39

2.) Depuis Longtemps Deja  (Francois Guy – Arthur Cossette – F. Guy) – 2:44

3.) Monsieur Ding Ding   (Francois Guy – Georges Marchand – F Guy) – 1:39

4.) Marie-Jeanne   (Francois Guy – Charles P. Linton) – 2:09

5.) Pourquoi Croire Oublier le Temps   (Francois Guy – P Noles – E Rock – F Guy) – 3:10

6.) Vox Populi   (Francois Guy) – 1:29

Genre: rock

Rating: *** (3 stars)

Title:  Sinners

Company: Trans World

Catalog: TW 6801

Year: 1971

Country/State: Montreal Quebec, Canada

Grade (cover/record): VG / VG

Comments: owner sticker on back cover (Pierre Corbell)

Available: 1

GEMM catalog ID: 5356

Price: $100.00

I'll readily admit that Les Sinners online discographies are a mess (and mine isn't perfect).  There are plenty of online references, but precious few of them are available in English and both the French and English versions seem to be full of errors and disconnects, including a couple of references that indicate the band that recorded the 1971 'monster' album was a different outfit than recorded the other Sinners LPs.  I'm pretty sure there was only one Sinners, though by the time 1971's "Sinners" was released lead singer Guy Francois had left in order to pursue Quebec independence and other musical interests via the band La Révolution Française.  With the exception of drummer Louis Parizeau, Francois and the rest of the original Sinners lineup seem to have headed for the door leaving the Sinners nameplate in the hands of drummer Louis Parizeau and new lead singer/bassist Alain Jodoin.  The pair quickly recruited lead guitarist Arthur Cossette and guitarist Daniel Valois to continue the group.  

Signed to the Trans-World label, 1970's "Sinners" marked a departure from recent stabs at concept pieces and a return to a more streamlined pop and rock oriented sound.  Jodoin wasn't as gifted a singer as Francois, but his raspy voice was actually well suited for the band's return to a more basic sound.  Mind you, this wasn't the garage rock found on their debut, rather featured a diverse collection of tracks including stabs at political activism 'Quebec Nous T'aimons' (echoing Francois' solo agenda), a bluesy-psych workout 'Petite Filles T'es Down'' early stabs at afrobeat 'Jungle (Afriqu'out)' and the brief instrumental 'Funerailles D'un wa wa Rond', and even an extended raga instrumental 'Aux Petits Oiseaux (Raga)'.  The album also showcased a strange penchant for adding flutes to many of their arrangements (check out the opening rocker O.K. L'chien'').  It certainly wasn't the most focused effort you'll ever hear leaving you with the impression these guys were trying to figure out where they might fit in the buying public demography.  Still, the band's rock oriented material made for some nice highlights, including the bluesy 'Charogne', 'Heavy' and 'Groovy' (the latter which included a rare English vocal performance and could have been a top-40 hit.    Trans World also tapped the album for a pair of singles:

- 1971's 'Quebec Nous T'aimons' b/w 'Chicoutimi' (Trans World catalog number TWF 69)

- 1971's 'Jungle' b/w 'Heavy' ((Trans World catalog number TWF 77)

"Sinners" track listing:

(side 1)

1.) O.K. L'chien   (Jean Gerard - Alain Jodoin) - 2:38

2.) Jungle (Afriqu'out)   (Alain Jodoin - Jocelyne Berthiaume) - 3:15

3.) Quebec Nous T'aimons   (Alain Jodoin - Jocelyne Berthiaume) - 3:27

4.) Groovy   (Alain Jodoin) - 2:47

5.) Funerailles D'un wa wa Rond (instrumental)  (Jean Gerard) - 0:55

6.) Petite Filles T'es Down   (Alain Jodoin - Louis Parizeau - Jean Gerard) - 4:48

(side 2) 

1.) Charogne   (Jean Gerard) - 2:52

2.) Chicoutimi   (Alain Jodoin - Louis Parizeau) - 2:40

3.) Heavy    (Alain Jodoin - Louis Parizeau - Jean Gerard) -2:50

4.) Ben Gele   (Alain Jodoin - Louis Parizeau) - 2:12

5.) Aux Petits Oiseaux (Raga) (instrumental)   (Daniel Valois - Louis Valois - Michel Papineau) - 5:12

Dropped by Trans World over the next three years the line up recorded a series of singles for various small labels including:

- 1972's 'Messieurs les Jures' b/w 'Tranquillment' (SS catalog number SS-000)

- 1972's 'Les Gens "Ben Correct"' b/w 'Le Flip Side' (Campus catalog number CS-6013)

- 1972's 'On Sera Bien Chez Nous' b/w 'On est Toujours Seul' (Campus catalog number CS-6023)

- 1973's 'Sha Na Na' b/w 'Viens Avec Moi' (Union catalog number UN 3502)

- 1973's 'Ca Finit Toujours par L'amour' b/w 'Ca Finit Toujours par L'amou' (Union catalog number UN 3511)

- 1973's 'Douce Folie' b/w 'Attention' (Union catalog number UN 3515)

Genre: rock

Rating: ** (2 stars)

Title:  ?

Company: Chelsea

Catalog: CHL-511

Year: 1975

Country/State: Quebec, Canada

Grade (cover/record): VG / VG

Comments: minor ring and edge wear

Available: 1

GEMM catalog ID: not yet listed

Price: $20.00

By 1975 the band had undergone another extensive personnel line up that left drummer Louis Parizeau as the only holdover.  Backed by bassist Serge Blouin, keyboardist Claude Hetu, synthesizer player Serge Locas, and guitarist Daniel Valois and Denis Violetti the group recorded a string of three singles for the Celebration label:

- 1975's 'Qual Epouvantail' b/w 'L'Interview' (Celebration catalog number 2131)

- 1975's 'Anges Sorel' b/w 'Doctuear' (Celebration catalog number 2137)

- 1976's 'Springbed Boogie' b/w 'You're My Woman' (Celebration catalog number 2138)

The band also scored an American contract with the Chelsea label.  1975's "?" may have been more interesting from a marketing perspective than for its music.  In what looked like a late inning effort to attract a wider audience French and English versions of the album were simultaneously released.  Unfortunately, at least to my ears the album was kind of disappointing with the band all but abandoning their long standing garage and psych roots in favor of a rather conventional and plodding set of pop-rock.  Probably the best song on the LP, 'Lies' was really the only track that even came close to recalled their earlier catalog. The fact that lead singer Alain Jodoin sounded uncomfortable handling the English lyrics didn't exactly help matters, nor did the occasionally clumsy translations courtesy of C. McDernott - if that sounded like a snotty comment then check out 'Sad Boy Lamb').  Still, if you gave the set a chance it kind of grew on you.  Original material like 'Live My Life Today', 'Happy' and 'Please Don't Go' was quite commercial, recalling something that UK popsters like Pilot or The Sweet might have recorded.  Certainly not on a par with their earlier releases, but not a total wipeout either ... 

 "?" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Live My Life Today   (Alain Jodoin - J Berthiaume) - 2:37

2.) Rat City   (Alain Jodoin) - 2:12

3.) Happy   (Daniel Valois - J. Berthiaume) - 2:28

4.) Please Don't Go   (Alain Jodoin - J Berthiaume) - 2:30

5.) You're Fine You're Fine   (Alain Jodoin - Daniel Valois - J Berthiaume) - 2:08

(side 2)
1.) Sad Boy Lamb   (Alain Jodoin - Daniel Valois - J Berthiaume) - 3:12

2.) Stripper   (Alain Jodoin - J Berthiaume) - 2:58

3.) Lies   (Alain Jodoin - J Berthiaume) - 2:39

4.) Spring Bed Boogie   (Richard Tate - A. Finaldi) - 2:36

5.) You're My Woman   (Alain Jodoin -  J Berthiaume) - 2:36