Tellin’ Me Lies

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Tellin’ Me Lies" by April Wine from their 1981 album The Nature of the Beast, and the Zoo Freaks are loving the vibes! This song, written by Myles Goodwyn, is a hard-hitting rocker with a catchy refrain that captures the frustration of deceit in relationships. One piece of trivia about "Tellin’ Me Lies" is its role as the second track on the album, setting the stage for the high-energy sound that defined The Nature of the Beast. According to a 2018 article from Pencil Storm, the song’s upbeat tempo and sharp guitar riffs made it a perfect opener alongside "All Over Town," establishing the album’s near-perfect rock tone. Fans on X have noted the song’s “malin” (clever) composition, with its infectious chorus that sticks in your head, as mentioned in a review on Amazon.

Another interesting tidbit comes from the album’s production context. The Nature of the Beast was recorded at Le Manoir Studios in Oxfordshire, England, following April Wine’s 1980 European tour, as noted on Wikipedia. The band’s time in this picturesque setting likely influenced the album’s polished yet raw energy, with "Tellin’ Me Lies" showcasing their ability to blend 1970s hard rock with early 1980s pop sensibilities. Social media posts, like one from The Metal Voice on X in 2024, highlight the album’s significance as April Wine’s commercial peak, with fans on platforms like Facebook often citing "Tellin’ Me Lies" as an underrated gem compared to hits like "Just Between You and Me." The song’s lyrics, available on Genius, reflect a universal theme of heartbreak and betrayal, resonating with listeners then and now.

April Wine got their start in 1969 in Waverley, Nova Scotia, when brothers David and Ritchie Henman, along with Jim Henman and Myles Goodwyn, formed the band. According to their bio on their official website, they relocated to Montreal early on, signing with Aquarius Records in 1971. Their self-titled debut album dropped in 1971, but it was their second album, On Record (1972), featuring the hit "You Could Have Been a Lady," that put them on the map, reaching the Billboard Hot 100. The band’s early years were marked by relentless touring across Canada, building a loyal fanbase. Myles Goodwyn, the primary songwriter and lead vocalist, became the driving force, with the band’s lineup evolving over time. By the time The Nature of the Beast was released, the classic lineup included Goodwyn, Brian Greenway, Gary Moffet, Steve Lang, and Jerry Mercer, delivering their signature hard rock sound.

April Wine remains active, with their legacy celebrated across social media and fan communities. You can follow them on their official Facebook page, where they share tour updates and memories, or on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content. Their X account keeps fans in the loop with news and throwbacks to classics like "Tellin’ Me Lies." For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, the April Wine Fans Facebook group is a vibrant community sharing rare photos, concert stories, and love for the band. Fan sites like Metal Archives offer detailed discographies, while Last.fm provides streaming options and fan reviews, making it easy to stay connected to April Wine’s enduring legacy.