The rise of Heart is one of those typical show biz success stories every band wishes to emulate. With a background in folk music, sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson quickly fell in with the Seattle music scene when they joined Heart in the early 70s. After gaining a sizeable following in the neighboring Canadian city of Vancouver, the band signed on with Mushroom Records, a small independent label, and recorded their debut Dreamboat Annie. Selling thousands of copies in the Pacific Northwest, the album was eventually issued nationwide and became an instant smash. It may be easy to attribute Heart’s initial success to the novelty of two women undulating in a style more akin to Led Zeppelin than Joni Mitchell or Fleetwood Mac. Their subsequent accomplishments, however, swiftly put any doubts about their respective talents to rest.
The focus of Heart has always been on the Wilson sisters, but Dreamboat Annie is very much a collective effort. Even as the album is anchored by a number of musicians, the core of the group that included the Wilsons along with guitarist Roger Fisher, bassist Steve Fossen, guitarist/keyboardist Howard Lesse, drummer Mike Derosier and producer Mike Flicker had a deeper imprint on the results. Similar to Fleetwood Mac of the mid 70s, the Wilson sisters were romantically linked to two of their male counterparts; unlike the Mac, however, is that when the couples separated, the consequences were less than harmonious. The communal hold of Dreamboat Annie, along with Little Queen and Magazine (both considered their sophomore release depending on the record company), bears a personal stamp on many levels. One can only imagine when Ann belted out the lyrics of “Magic Man” or “Crazy On You,” she was staring into the eyes of Flicker for inspiration. Meanwhile, the guitar duo of Wilson and Fisher groove through “White Lightning & Wine” (gotta love that cowbell!) and “Sing Child” (the lone group composition) like lovers crossed in a defiant match for affection.
The three versions of the title track function as a thematic thread that runs through the entire piece while a choice selection of ballads coyly pinpoint another side of the band — one of sensibility and remarkable restraint. “Soul Of The Sea” is a splendorous quilt of acoustic guitars, mandolins, subtle orchestrations and the honey-filled harmonies of the Wilson sisters. Likewise, “(Love Me Like Music) I’ll Be Your Song” and “How Deep It Goes” are simple and eloquent melodies that amble forth with user-friendly easiness. The state of Heart these days runs hold and cold with the Wilson sisters pursuing solo careers and collaborations, alongside the occasional band reunion. Either way, it’s always a good time to throw on Dreamboat Annie and get reacquainted with one of rock’s classiest acts.
~ Shawn Perry
