Hidden Cameras - The Smell Of Our Own (20th Anniversary)

The Hidden Cameras burst onto the Toronto music scene in the early 2000’s boasting an irresistible combination of pop and queer sensibilities. Playing self-proclaimed "Gay Church Folk Music" - songs ranging from haunted, aching ballads to foot-stomping anthems - the band’s outrageous stage shows packed such disparate venues as sweaty dance bars, art museums, working porn cinemas, and churches. Fronted by lead singer-songwriter Joel Gibb, the ensemble, now based in Berlin, continues its musical provocations to this day.

The group had yet to release a note of commercially available music when, in early 2002, they became among the most discussed and celebrated unsigned bands in the history of their native Toronto. By the close of the year, they had been the subject of uncommonly sensational features in local and national press. The reasons for the reckless enthusiasm of these usually cautious journals was simple: revelatory live performances that attacked and transcended the staid, dispassionate traditions of rock culture, and the songs of band front-man and mastermind Joel Gibb, a talent of uncommon melodic and poetic gifts.

The Smell of Our Own, The Hidden Cameras debut, was originally released in April 2003. This deluxe 20th anniversary edition is pressed on double vinyl and features a bonus disc of demos, live sessions, and other rarities.

Exclusive YELLOW vinyl produced by Rough Trade in 2023.

TRACKLISTING:

1. Golden Streams
2. Ban Marriage
3. A Miracle
4. The Animals Of Prey
5. Smells Like Happiness
6. Day Is Dawning
7. Boys of Melody
8. Shame
9. Breathe On It
10. The Man That I Am With My Man
11. Ode To Self-Publishing (Fear of 'Zine Failure)
12. Boys of Melody (CBC Session)
13. Smells Like Happiness (4-track Demo)
14. Shame (CBC Session)
15. Day Is Dawning (CBC Session)
16. The Dying Galation
17. Heavy Flow of Evil
18. Ban Marriage (4-track Demo)
19. Breathe On It (CBC Session)
20. A Miracle (4-track Dem0)