Silver Dollar

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Silver Dollar" by April Wine from their 1978 album First Glance. This track is a stormy, moody masterpiece, often hailed as one of the band’s finest. Fans on YouTube have called it a "badass" classic, with one commenter noting its eerie resemblance to Jimi Hendrix’s "If 6 Was 9," a comparison shared by others for nearly four decades. The song’s supernatural themes and epic guitar work from Myles Goodwyn, Brian Greenway, and Gary Moffet create a haunting, five-and-a-half-minute journey that some wish stretched even longer. Recorded at Le Studio in Morin Heights, Quebec, alongside tracks like "Let Yourself Go" and "Get Ready for Love," "Silver Dollar" stands out for its dark, doomy vibe, as noted by reviewers on Rate Your Music. One fan on LyricsJonk recalled seeing Myles Goodwyn take the stage with a chrome guitar that dazzled under the spotlight during a 1978 North Bay, Ontario, show, adding to the song’s legendary live energy.

"Silver Dollar" closes First Glance on a high note, with its intricate guitar riffs and storytelling lyrics penned by Goodwyn. A review on Outsider Rock praises its "scary tale" quality, packed with awesome guitar layers. Fans on social media, like those commenting on YouTube, still rave about its raw power, with one user in 2019 saying they hadn’t heard it in 30 years but were instantly transported back to the good ol’ days of classic rock. Another fan discovered it on vinyl and declared it their new favorite, calling it an underrated gem. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the gritty, rebellious spirit of late-’70s rock, a time when Canada was a music powerhouse, as one reviewer on Rate Your Music put it.

April Wine kicked off their journey in 1969 in Waverley, Nova Scotia, when brothers David and Ritchie Henman, along with cousin Jim Henman and Myles Goodwyn, formed the band. They soon relocated to Montreal, a hub for Canada’s music scene, and signed with Aquarius Records in 1971. Their self-titled debut dropped in 1971, but it was their 1972 single "You Could Have Been a Lady," a cover of a Hot Chocolate song, that hit No. 1 in Canada, putting them on the map. By the time First Glance rolled out in 1978, the addition of guitarist Brian Greenway brought a fresh spark, leading to their first U.S. gold record. The band’s relentless touring, including opening for the Rolling Stones, and hits like "Roller" cemented their status as a staple of Canadian classic rock, as detailed in their bio on The Canadian Encyclopedia.

Stay connected with April Wine through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share updates and throwbacks for their loyal fans. Zoo Freaks can also dive into fan communities like the April Wine Fans Facebook group, a lively spot for sharing memories, rare photos, and concert stories. For more fan-driven content, check out April Wine Web Service, a dedicated fan site packed with discographies, tour history, and news. Keep rockin’ with the Zoo Crew, and let "Silver Dollar" take you on a wild ride!