Once again; MY CHILDHOOD ANTHEM!!!!!! Despite being wrongfully snubbed on the Billboard Charts; "Painted Ladies" is a BONA-FIDE CLASSIC!!!!! I SALUTE MY CANADIAN MUSICAL BRETHREN (IAN THOMAS in particular)!!!!!
Apparently, IAN THOMAS was often Compared to Neil Young because his Voice and Storytelling Style related to THIS particular Tune... SERIOUSLY! What a Compliment, TOO!!! ❤ 😂
@carolinewoodward1016 That's bc of a dirty tactic w/in radio called PAYOLA (which essentially fucked ovr lots of Canadian musicians including Ian Thomas). Ironically; 2 of his best songs were covered by Santana (1982 w/"Hold On") & Manfred Mann's Earth Band (1984 w/"The Runner"). BTW; Ian's originals r both from 1981 (the latter's the title cut; "The Runner" as both songs r from that album).
Thomas himself is criminally underrated in the United States. In Canada he was almost but not quite famous, and several of his singles charted in the Canadian top 40. In the U.S. his only song to chart was this one. But several of his songs have been covered by far better known American musicians.
Reminiscent of the sound America had with their band. Both groups made a great contribution to the 70s classic sound. I heard both groups on radio and my 4 track tape deck while driving around with my future wife in my 68 Nova SS rebuild. Great times, great memories.
I agree that both Ian Thomas and America are reminiscent of each other's sound and vibe albeit Ian's sound is a little more edgier than America's is. I would have loved to hear the Ian Thomas band doing America's (You can do) Magic and I bet you couldn't tell the bands apart! ua-cam.com/video/tt4cR9szMS8/v-deo.html Have a listen people as Bassinman200 knows what he's talking about!
I was 13 in 1973 and this song would play on my transitor radio when i went to bed. Then i bought the lp to pkay on my dads stero. . Loved the whole album and few after that @@lewisowens284
This tune defines a time in my young childhood which was open and innocent, a time to be proud to be Canadian, all things were possible and you felt alive. The sky was the limit. Thank you Ian Thomas.
This song is a forgotten but fabulous oldie. I remember hearing it on the radio while it was on the chart in December, 1973. Music was great back then. I'm proud to be able to remember it.
"C-K-L-W...the Motor City!" I still remember this song from my childhood, listening to it playing on that legendary radio station from across the Detroit River. MEMORIES!!!
I'm Canadian but just found out Ian Thomas is SCTV's Dave Thomas younger brother. I never knew that before. Awesome song. Just one of many by Ian Thomas.
Wow, Im glad you mentioned that. I had no idea. I have been watching Grace on Fire a lot lately. Dave has a great character on that show as well as of course SCTV.
I love that song he wrote and made popular by Santana with Alex Ligertwood singing it called Hold On. Man the words in that song produced so much Nostalgic type feelings within me that it was like it explained a lot and answered so many questions of why I felt the way I’ve felt all of my life. I wished i could harness every moment of my life of the times spent with friends and loved ones.
@@deaf19830 I hear ya, Dave. W/such irony; Santana's 20 yrs older than me (My DOB: 7/20/1967). I'm a big fan of Carlos Santana but a MASSIVE FAN OF IAN THOMAS (whose 17th b-day coincided w/the infamous Detroit Riots which occurred 3 days after I was born). That aside; being from Detroit, MI (stone's throw away from Windsor, ONT, CAN), Ian Thomas (via "Painted Ladies") became a major musical idol of mine (only yrs l8r did I learn of his older brother Dave "Doug McKenzie" Thomas). The Thomas Brothers (along w/Rick Moranis; a.k.a.: "Bob McKenzie") r ENTERTAINMENT ROYALTY!!!!! DON'T EVER 4GET THAT!!!!!
@@deaf19830 I loved the Santana version, and then the Ian version, once I heard it. I'm a musician and always wanted to do a mellow version of Hold On, but never worked with anyone to sing it; eventually I took up singing, 35 years after I heard the tune, and do it live now. You know it's a good song when you can completely change how you perform it, and it's still great.
@@JimClaytonJazzLikewise here. Grew up on the cover version by Santana but thanks 2 YT; I FINALLY HEARD THE ORIGINAL BY IAN THOMAS!!!!! IAN'S VERSION HAS SO MUCH GR8 VIBES 2 IT; I REFUSE 2 LISTEN 2 SANTANA'S VERSION EVER AGAIN!!!!! Likewise w/"The Runner" (Ian's original from 1981---"The Title Cut"--vs. Manfred Mann's Earth Band's cover version from 1984). Ian's original versions of both "Hold On" & "The Runner" (the latter in respectful honor of the L8, GR8 Terry Fox) has so much feeling 2 them that the cover versions (from Santana & MMEB, "respectively) lack. Again; if it wasn't 4 Ian Thomas, most Canadian musicians (from 1975-current & regardless of genre) wouldn't c the light of day in the USA). Musically speaking; CANADA #1!!!!! This is from an American-born MFer from Detroit, MI!!!!!
Such a great tune. Loved it so much as a kid in the 70's. Never forgot the words. Alot of people think this is 'America'. Great to hear it again after all these years.
I myself without a word of a lie watched Ian Thomas Live in Sydney in 1972, Cape Breton County NS @ the University of Cape Breton Island, just the same as i had also watched April Wine in 1973 also @ the same venue behind the scenes just because of being a kid of 14, 15 years of age. and i extremely enjoyed to my hearts content both Concerts.!!!
Awesome song! I remember being 10 years old when I first heard this song! I've never forgotten it! Today, hearing it, it does sound a lot like the band AMERICA to me...❤❤
Saw this band in late 70s in my high school just north of Toronto in. Barrie. Like many bands at that time the musical talent was evident and we enjoyed many of this bands songs and still do today. Thanks for posting this. Nice memories
Underated song! If anyone out there thinks that they can write a song like this......I want to hear it! I'm from Detroit and I know my music well. This song has stuck in my brain for years. Great tune. And oh yeah, those boys in Canada can produce great music....Neil Young, Burton Cummings etc.....
Great song. I had the K-tel record Music Power back in 1974 and that's where I heard it originally. They never played it on the air in Minnesota. This song has the style of the band America, especially the la la la la la la and do do do do do do do. If I didn't know this was Ian Thomas I would swear it was America. So much like "A Horse With No Name" sound.
Just now put it together that this dude wrote Hold On (covered by Santana) and Runner (covered by Manfred Mann). I listened to this tune a lot decades ago as a kid, courtesy of one of those K-Tel compilation LPs (remember those?).
What an amazing song, have always loved it and so glad to hear it being played again on the radio. BTW, for years I thought this was America, the band.
Oh my God decade's later this song just popped into my head and I had to find it and listen. Brings me back to my childhood sure wish it was really still then.
@@lisasmith7530This song had so much airplay deserving of #1 yet Ian Thomas was ROYALLY SCREWED OVR IN A MANNER BEYOND DESCRIPTION!!!!! This song definitely represented my childhood (as a then 6 Y.O.). This song's in my personal Top 5 EVER!!!!!
One of thee all time great Canadiana songs. Ian is such an amazing performer.....( I have seen everybody-except the Beatles), and when I saw Ian thomas in a small venue in Oshawa about 1998, to this day the best concert I have attended.
I just had the pleasure of spending an entire week and 3 concerts touring with him and his band along with Michelle Wright and Valdy. Many happy memories I will never forget, such humble people.
@@whoopygoldburgh5070U gotta remember; Ian's brother's Dave Thomas (a.k.a.: "Doug McKenzie" & the MC from "Stripes"). Humor runs deep in the Thomas family.
@@billybandyk0720 yeah, the thing is with Ian Thomas is that he is as funny as he is musically talented and he would be a great guy to sit and have a few beers with. I love these older grizzled musicians that have a million stories to tell from life on the road. I saw The Steve Miller Band last night in Niagara falls Canada. Another legend who I'd pay just to listen to his stories. I didn't know this , he was saying Les Paul was his godfather and he's pretty much the reason he became a musician. Very cool gentlemen🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸.
@@whoopygoldburgh5070 Dude; "funny" that u mentioned Steve Miller. On my 24th & 25th b,-days, he per4med @ PINE KNOB MUSIC THEATER (in Clarkston, MI; a Detroit suburb). 2 of the best concerts I've ever attended. W/that said; Ian Thomas was my childhood idol (courtesy of "Painted Ladies"). W/Windsor, ONT, CAN being a "stone's throw" away from Detroit; I was 4tun8 2 listen 2 his GR8 MUSIC!!!!! Bc of something called PAYOLA; IAN THOMAS GOT THE BIGGEST SCREW JOB EVER 4 AN ENTERTAINER!!!!! He simply put out CLASSICS (even as other artists covered him). Give me Ian's originals of "Hold On" (Santana; 1982) & "The Runner" (Manfred Mann's Earth Band; 1984) from 1981 & u have the BEST FUCKIN' ENTERTAINMENT EVER!!!!! Along w"Painted Ladies", "Liars", "Coming Home", "Strange Brew":(from his brother Dave's movie), & "Riders On Dark Horses" (my personal fave from Ian Thomas) along w/"Time Is The Keeper", "Harmony" (featuring Dave Thomas in the vid), & "Levity" (featuring Ryan Stiles in the vid,); Ian Thomas had MAJOR CONNECTIONS in the music industry (moreso than most people realize).
That's bc Ian Thomas was BLACKLISTED by the American Music Industry due 2 "Painted Ladies " not being justified a higher chart ranking. Please watch "Behind The Vinyl" (the "Painted Ladies" edition) & u''ll understand the whole fuckin' situation.
"Painted Ladies" is a 1973 hit recorded by Canadian singer-songwriter Ian Thomas. It was released as part of his solo career on the album Ian Thomas. The song reached #4 on the Canadian charts and made the U.S. Top 40 (peaking at #34). Reportedly the chorus was written about his stay at a nightclub in the Kitchener-Waterloo area which had a strip club on a different level and rooms above. The painted ladies referenced in the song are about the dancers in the club. The streetcars and airplanes referenced the area of Toronto and Mississauga with the Toronto International Airport, another area famous for its strip clubs.
this is a terrific tune. I had heard hold on and pilot in the early 80s and really loved both songs. I hadn't realized this was his tune until later on. I had heard the song when I was really young but I thought America had sung it.
The opening riff in Pilot gets stuck in people's heads and they have to know more about the Musician. That was how I discovered Ian Thomas, by hearing Pilot on the radio.
Why in hell do they call him a 1 hit wonder, im coming home, right before your eyes, and liars just to name a few were great tunes! Thnx for posting this..
This song's my CHILDHOOD ANTHEM (I was 6 Y.O. when this CLASSIC SONG HIT THE AIRWAVES)!!!!! Only 8 yrs l8r did I recognize who Ian's bro was (Dave Thomas; a.k.a.: Doug McKenzie but it was the MC stint in "Stripes" that truly indic8d that Dave & Ian Thomas were rel8d).
Attn: 2 those 4 "likes" 2 my comment; I appreci8 ur "like" & knowledge behind my comment. U all have gr8 taste in humor (which makes it more appreciative). Thanks again 4 ur support (especially 4 our Canadian BROTHER ?IAN FUCKIN' THOMAS)!!!!! DON'T EVER FUCKIN' 4GET THAT!!!!!
Remember hearing this on the radio in the fall of 1973. Grew slowly on me but it sure stuck once it did. Like the funky clavinet riff over a nice simple folky tune with a great pop chorus.
I just heard this song on the radio for the first time this morning and liked it right away. Makes it that much better of a find to know he's Canadian also :)
grew up hearing this track on the radio and took me forever to find out that it was Ian Thomas...thanks itunes and youtube..you're reconnecting me to lost music...peace.
I’m so glad someone posted this song! The only version available on iTunes is a re-recorded version very different from the original. This is why I continue to buy a physical copy of the song because either the record company or the artist re-records it and always changes it and usually not for the better!
Reading my Rush Artwork book and how Hugh Syme played keyboard on the song Delights. He did Rush's album covers, so many hidden secrets in the Canadian rock world. Also, agree with the other comment, it did sound a lot like America.
@@jeanfresco5667 one day you're gon'na be "old" and some snotter is gon'na give you some unsolicited lip-service...You just might look back and say, "That was an asshole thing to say!" And only then will you be correct!
Wow. I grew up with this song, I’m 🇨🇦 & never knew it was a Canadian who sang it. That shows how little publicity he got. Too bad because It’s a great song. OK I have now looked at all his top songs and remember everyone they were part of the backdrop of the 70s and I know every single word and note lol. Great stuff.
I used to hear this on WLS Chicago when I was a little girl in the early 70's on the school bus radio. the oldies stations where I live now never plays it!
America covered "Right before your eyes" so maybe they thought they sounded the same too, Ian has a lot of great songs so does america I wonder if he ever filled in lead vocals for them.
+Al McCullough Likewise :P lol. I discovered this song last summer and I cant get enough of it. I dont know if its just me, but more young people need to listen to stuff like this! And I am just 18 lol Stuff from the 70s and 80s rules!
Yes it was a great time as I was a junior in HS, I don't want to go off track, but another great song out about the same time was "Pretty Lady" by Lighthouse, great also
I'm glad to find so many people like and remember Ian Thomas. I remember when Painted Ladies came out and wished it had been a bigger hit here in the States. It's true that he had a long career as a popular artist in Canada. I recently got his "Looking Back" CD which traces his career to the early 90's. Great to hear all he's done.
@@canuck-guy2384 Dude; likewise here. Let me make this abundant clear; if it wasn't 4 IAN THOMAS, CANADIAN MUSICIANS WOULDN'T C THE LIGHT OF FAY IN THE U.S.A.!!!!! Granted; there r xcptions 2 the rule such as The Band, Neil Young, Paul Anka, Andy Kim, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, IAN THOMAS,. The Guess Who, B.T.O., Gordon Lightfoot, Lighthouse (the L8, GR8 Skip Prokop), The Band (Robbie Robertson & the L8, GR8 Rick Danko), Sweeney Todd (Bryan Adams & Nick Gilder), Trooper, etc.
For those wondering, the musicians are lead vocalist-acoustic and electric guitarist Ian Thomas, electric guitarist Danny Weiss, pedal steel guitarist Al Brisco, bassist Steve Hogg, drummer Barry Keane, and keyboardist John Capek.
Im a young Canadian who randomly heard this on the radio and was blown away. Such a good tune and I made sure to share with my friends.
factss lol thats alll it was, rest is history
I feel this song in my soul ❤ it!
Thats awesome . ❤
Always reminded of the band America with Horse with no name , also an excellent tune. 👍🤘🎸🔊🇨🇦
Check out his brother Dave Thomas 😊
Once again; MY CHILDHOOD ANTHEM!!!!!! Despite being wrongfully snubbed on the Billboard Charts; "Painted Ladies" is a BONA-FIDE CLASSIC!!!!! I SALUTE MY CANADIAN MUSICAL BRETHREN (IAN THOMAS in particular)!!!!!
In my neighborhood in Chicago it was a favorite at our pool hall. Always a great singalong tune.🍻
@@philipcollins408 U betcha, Phil. BTW; I'm also a fan of ur namesake (from Genesis).
Apparently, IAN THOMAS was often Compared to Neil Young because his Voice and Storytelling Style related to THIS particular Tune...
SERIOUSLY!
What a Compliment, TOO!!!
❤ 😂
@@jeffreybarkin3177 Very true, Jeff. I also compare Ian Thomas 2 Bruce Springsteen.
My Dad owed a Billiards Hall I remember smashing the 8 ball down the rail to win a 10 cent chochlate bar
Even if this song never reached number one, Its stood the test of time. That more then most #1 Hits can say.
COMPLETELY AGREED!!!!!! "PAINTED LADIES" RECEIVED SO MUCH AIRPLAY THAT IT DESERVED 2 B #1!!!!! NO FUCKIN' DOUBT ABOUT IT!!!!!
Agreed!
@@michaelmilitano3647U betcha.
@carolinewoodward1016 That's bc of a dirty tactic w/in radio called PAYOLA (which essentially fucked ovr lots of Canadian musicians including Ian Thomas). Ironically; 2 of his best songs were covered by Santana (1982 w/"Hold On") & Manfred Mann's Earth Band (1984 w/"The Runner"). BTW; Ian's originals r both from 1981 (the latter's the title cut; "The Runner" as both songs r from that album).
Great music to grow up with it was like yesterday, and now I'm 63 where did the time go?
One of the most underated songs from the Singer-Songwriter era of the 70's.
Completely agreed, Frank.
Thomas himself is criminally underrated in the United States. In Canada he was almost but not quite famous, and several of his singles charted in the Canadian top 40. In the U.S. his only song to chart was this one. But several of his songs have been covered by far better known American musicians.
Bc of something called PAYOLA; Ian Thomas was essentially blacklisted in the USA 4 speaking out against it (& wrongfully so).
Reminiscent of the sound America had with their band. Both groups made a great contribution to the 70s classic sound. I heard both groups on radio and my 4 track tape deck while driving around with my future wife in my 68 Nova SS rebuild. Great times, great memories.
"Right Before Your Eyes" was written by Ian Thomas. Both America's version and Ian's version are good.
I agree that both Ian Thomas and America are reminiscent of each other's sound and vibe albeit Ian's sound is a little more edgier than America's is. I would have loved to hear the Ian Thomas band doing America's (You can do) Magic and I bet you couldn't tell the bands apart! ua-cam.com/video/tt4cR9szMS8/v-deo.html Have a listen people as Bassinman200 knows what he's talking about!
My god... how did this not become a hit song? Why did it take me five decades to find it? Remarkable...
Good question!! 5 decades?? I was there when the song first came out..I am a child of the 70s..this song is exactly what the time was like
I was 13 in 1973 and this song would play on my transitor radio when i went to bed. Then i bought the lp to pkay on my dads stero. .
Loved the whole album and few after that @@lewisowens284
This tune defines a time in my young childhood which was open and innocent, a time to be proud to be Canadian, all things were possible and you felt alive. The sky was the limit. Thank you Ian Thomas.
Every day i think how lucky we were to grow up in the era of the best music
This song is a forgotten but fabulous oldie. I remember hearing it on the radio while it was on the chart in December, 1973. Music was great back then. I'm proud to be able to remember it.
Me too !
On a transistor radio!
I was living in Urbana, IL back then, heard it on WLS out of Chicago. They had a great playlist, played songs that were not heard in too many markets
Man i love this! This era and style of music is wonderful
COMPLETELY AGREED!!!!! This song COMPLETELY REPRESENTS MY CHILDHOOD!!!!!! Shit; I was 6 Y.O. when it hit the airwaves.
"C-K-L-W...the Motor City!" I still remember this song from my childhood, listening to it playing on that legendary radio station from across the Detroit River. MEMORIES!!!
Ian Thomas is a forgotten Canadian gem
I regret saying forgotten
There’s always delete
@B.J. Banditt well said 👍🏻✌️🇨🇦
@@61guitbox U betcha!!!!! We all damn well know that Ian Thomas got a bigger screw job than Bret Hart did vs. Shawn Michaels. SIMPLY PUT!!!!!
@@ticklekinky SPOT-ON, Dave. SPOT-ON U R!!!!!
Got tickets to see Ian Thomas this week. Should be a great show. Blast from the past!
how was it?
I'm Canadian but just found out Ian Thomas is SCTV's Dave Thomas younger brother. I never knew that before. Awesome song. Just one of many by Ian Thomas.
Yeah I just heard now
Wow, Im glad you mentioned that. I had no idea. I have been watching Grace on Fire a lot lately. Dave has a great character on that show as well as of course SCTV.
he's equally talented to his brother
@@staceypeak199 no problem.
Really? That’s cool
I seen Ian Thomas perform this song in a tiny pub downtown Toronto in late 70s. They were phenomenal 🔥 ❤ ❤ ❤
KOOL!!!! U witnessed a LEGENDARY ENTERTAINER!!!!!
I love that song he wrote and made popular by Santana with Alex Ligertwood singing it called Hold On. Man the words in that song produced so much Nostalgic type feelings within me that it was like it explained a lot and answered so many questions of why I felt the way I’ve felt all of my life. I wished i could harness every moment of my life of the times spent with friends and loved ones.
@@deaf19830 I hear ya, Dave. W/such irony; Santana's 20 yrs older than me (My DOB: 7/20/1967). I'm a big fan of Carlos Santana but a MASSIVE FAN OF IAN THOMAS (whose 17th b-day coincided w/the infamous Detroit Riots which occurred 3 days after I was born). That aside; being from Detroit, MI (stone's throw away from Windsor, ONT, CAN), Ian Thomas (via "Painted Ladies") became a major musical idol of mine (only yrs l8r did I learn of his older brother Dave "Doug McKenzie" Thomas). The Thomas Brothers (along w/Rick Moranis; a.k.a.: "Bob McKenzie") r ENTERTAINMENT ROYALTY!!!!! DON'T EVER 4GET THAT!!!!!
@@deaf19830 I loved the Santana version, and then the Ian version, once I heard it. I'm a musician and always wanted to do a mellow version of Hold On, but never worked with anyone to sing it; eventually I took up singing, 35 years after I heard the tune, and do it live now. You know it's a good song when you can completely change how you perform it, and it's still great.
@@JimClaytonJazzLikewise here. Grew up on the cover version by Santana but thanks 2 YT; I FINALLY HEARD THE ORIGINAL BY IAN THOMAS!!!!! IAN'S VERSION HAS SO MUCH GR8 VIBES 2 IT; I REFUSE 2 LISTEN 2 SANTANA'S VERSION EVER AGAIN!!!!! Likewise w/"The Runner" (Ian's original from 1981---"The Title Cut"--vs. Manfred Mann's Earth Band's cover version from 1984). Ian's original versions of both "Hold On" & "The Runner" (the latter in respectful honor of the L8, GR8 Terry Fox) has so much feeling 2 them that the cover versions (from Santana & MMEB, "respectively) lack. Again; if it wasn't 4 Ian Thomas, most Canadian musicians (from 1975-current & regardless of genre) wouldn't c the light of day in the USA). Musically speaking; CANADA #1!!!!! This is from an American-born MFer from Detroit, MI!!!!!
Such a great tune. Loved it so much as a kid in the 70's. Never forgot the words. Alot of people think this is 'America'. Great to hear it again after all these years.
Yes very similar to America. One reason why I liked it so much
Ironically; America covered Ian's "Right Before Your Eyes". Such a CLASSIC!!!!! IAN THOMAS FUCKIN' ROCKS!!!!!
The 70's what a great time to be alive man\,,/
Finally found this song. Been looking for years just couldn't remember the name😊
I myself without a word of a lie watched Ian Thomas Live in Sydney in 1972, Cape Breton County NS @ the University of Cape Breton Island, just the same as i had also watched April Wine in 1973 also @ the same venue behind the scenes just because of being a kid of 14, 15 years of age. and i extremely enjoyed to my hearts content both Concerts.!!!
I loved this song 🎵 then and still do....this song was underrated....
UNDERR8D? B.F.U. (Big Fuckin' Underst8ment)!!!!!
Awesome song! I remember being 10 years old when I first heard this song! I've never forgotten it!
Today, hearing it, it does sound a lot like the band AMERICA to me...❤❤
Saw this band in late 70s in my high school just north of Toronto in. Barrie. Like many bands at that time the musical talent was evident and we enjoyed many of this bands songs and still do today. Thanks for posting this. Nice memories
Holy s*** that's just popped up on my UA-cam. I haven't heard this song and maybe 20 years maybe longer. What a great tune.
Saw him in Sydney, Tuesday April 23,2024.The whole band sounded so tight and could still bring it.
One of my all time favourite songs. Still crank it up when it comes on the radio :)
It's MANDATORY 2 CRANK THIS TUNE OUT!!!!! TOP 5 SONG EVER (REGARDLESS OF GENRE)!!!!!
One of my favorite songs from the '70's.
Underated song! If anyone out there thinks that they can write a song like this......I want to hear it! I'm from Detroit and I know my music well. This song has stuck in my brain for years. Great tune. And oh yeah, those boys in Canada can produce great music....Neil Young, Burton Cummings etc.....
Marc; u r SPOT-ON!!!!! I'm a fellow Detroiter & was 6 yrs old when this song was released & it still FUCKIN' ROCKS!!!!!
I heard this on CKLW radio out of Windsor when I was 14. Just across the Detroit River. Still enjoyable.
Great song. I had the K-tel record Music Power back in 1974 and that's where I heard it originally. They never played it on the air in Minnesota. This song has the style of the band America, especially the la la la la la la and do do do do do do do. If I didn't know this was Ian Thomas I would swear it was America. So much like "A Horse With No Name" sound.
America does a cover of Ian's "Right Before Your Eyes". Both versions are great.
Just now put it together that this dude wrote Hold On (covered by Santana) and Runner (covered by Manfred Mann). I listened to this tune a lot decades ago as a kid, courtesy of one of those K-Tel compilation LPs (remember those?).
Man it's been decades since I heard this great tune. It is great to rediscover such great music of the 70's.
This song has become stuck in my head like a little brain worm. Sometimes I find myself singing the chorus at work.
Takes me back to 1974, in a club in Hays, Ks. Good times, good friends, awesome music.
What an amazing song, have always loved it and so glad to hear it being played again on the radio. BTW, for years I thought this was America, the band.
Me too
not hard to hear why
Oh my God decade's later this song just popped into my head and I had to find it and listen. Brings me back to my childhood sure wish it was really still then.
Agree I remember this song as a teenager and has been fav . We need a time machine to go back in time lol great times for sure cheers .
@@bobwirth9256 OH wow! I sure wish. Those days were awesome! I've been listening to The Beatles white album a lot too. Brings me back!
@@lisasmith7530 Yes music from that era had so much meaning in the lyrics . They always told a story about life . They had brilliant minds back then .
Yeah
I had the 45!!!!
@@lisasmith7530This song had so much airplay deserving of #1 yet Ian Thomas was ROYALLY SCREWED OVR IN A MANNER BEYOND DESCRIPTION!!!!! This song definitely represented my childhood (as a then 6 Y.O.). This song's in my personal Top 5 EVER!!!!!
One of thee all time great Canadiana songs. Ian is such an amazing performer.....( I have seen everybody-except the Beatles), and when I saw Ian thomas in a small venue in Oshawa about 1998, to this day the best concert I have attended.
KOOL!!!!! U saw the BEST FUCKIN' ENTERTAINER EVER!!!!! I'm fuckin' proud of u.
I just had the pleasure of spending an entire week and 3 concerts touring with him and his band along with Michelle Wright and Valdy. Many happy memories I will never forget, such humble people.
Just saw him in st.catharines ontario. What a great guy and very funny. You were very fortunate to spend some time with him.
@@whoopygoldburgh5070U gotta remember; Ian's brother's Dave Thomas (a.k.a.: "Doug McKenzie" & the MC from "Stripes"). Humor runs deep in the Thomas family.
@@billybandyk0720 yeah, the thing is with Ian Thomas is that he is as funny as he is musically talented and he would be a great guy to sit and have a few beers with. I love these older grizzled musicians that have a million stories to tell from life on the road. I saw The Steve Miller Band last night in Niagara falls Canada. Another legend who I'd pay just to listen to his stories. I didn't know this , he was saying Les Paul was his godfather and he's pretty much the reason he became a musician. Very cool gentlemen🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸.
@@whoopygoldburgh5070 Dude; "funny" that u mentioned Steve Miller. On my 24th & 25th b,-days, he per4med @ PINE KNOB MUSIC THEATER (in Clarkston, MI; a Detroit suburb). 2 of the best concerts I've ever attended. W/that said; Ian Thomas was my childhood idol (courtesy of "Painted Ladies"). W/Windsor, ONT, CAN being a "stone's throw" away from Detroit; I was 4tun8 2 listen 2 his GR8 MUSIC!!!!! Bc of something called PAYOLA; IAN THOMAS GOT THE BIGGEST SCREW JOB EVER 4 AN ENTERTAINER!!!!! He simply put out CLASSICS (even as other artists covered him). Give me Ian's originals of "Hold On" (Santana; 1982) & "The Runner" (Manfred Mann's Earth Band; 1984) from 1981 & u have the BEST FUCKIN' ENTERTAINMENT EVER!!!!! Along w"Painted Ladies", "Liars", "Coming Home", "Strange Brew":(from his brother Dave's movie), & "Riders On Dark Horses" (my personal fave from Ian Thomas) along w/"Time Is The Keeper", "Harmony" (featuring Dave Thomas in the vid), & "Levity" (featuring Ryan Stiles in the vid,); Ian Thomas had MAJOR CONNECTIONS in the music industry (moreso than most people realize).
Just heard this song on SiriusXM (70s on 7), nearly forgot about this great tune. Love it! Brings me back to my youth....
I didn't think Sirius XM play songs like this. I thought Radio stations like ME TV 87.7 Chicago play underrated songs.
Never had too much Billboard success, but I dig Ian Thomas’ tunes.
That's bc Ian Thomas was BLACKLISTED by the American Music Industry due 2 "Painted Ladies " not being justified a higher chart ranking. Please watch "Behind The Vinyl" (the "Painted Ladies" edition) & u''ll understand the whole fuckin' situation.
Its been over 40 years since I've heard this tune.
Going to see him tomorrow night at the wellness center in pictou county Nova Scotia.
Listened to this on a '45 many, many times back in the 70's :) Still love it all these years later.
"Painted Ladies" is a 1973 hit recorded by Canadian singer-songwriter Ian Thomas. It was released as part of his solo career on the album Ian Thomas. The song reached #4 on the Canadian charts and made the U.S. Top 40 (peaking at #34). Reportedly the chorus was written about his stay at a nightclub in the Kitchener-Waterloo area which had a strip club on a different level and rooms above. The painted ladies referenced in the song are about the dancers in the club. The streetcars and airplanes referenced the area of Toronto and Mississauga with the Toronto International Airport, another area famous for its strip clubs.
I remember this song very well. I was only around 13 when it came out, but loved it then, and do so now. Thanks for posting.
Love the bass line! :-)
another great Canadian classic what a great upbeat tune and a classic ive always loved this song such a hit
Not heard this in several years. I still love it. Thanks for the post.
I always loved hearing this song! Thank You for the songs of the 70's
He's playing in Meaford the 1st of December
this is a terrific tune. I had heard hold on and pilot in the early 80s and really loved both songs. I hadn't realized this was his tune until later on. I had heard the song when I was really young but I thought America had sung it.
I think this was his first AM radio hit. So long, long ago!
The opening riff in Pilot gets stuck in people's heads and they have to know more about the Musician. That was how I discovered Ian Thomas, by hearing Pilot on the radio.
Wow still a banger song . Great times from the past .
When I first heard this song back in the early 70s, I thought it was the band America. Ironic, of course, given that Ian is Canadian. Still love it 🙂
You're not the only one who thought it was America. It sounds so much like "A Horse With No Name".
One of my absolute favorite songs
I saw Ian at the mississauga library for a small intimate gig back in 2005 I think. Canadian legend.
This is one bad ass song, he beats the hell out of that acoustic guitar.
WOW, what a very talented artist /musician we were lucky to grow up listening to here in Canada, so much talent up here eh.
Roger Roach; U BETCHA!!!!!!
Respect from your hometown of Dundas, Ontario
great production for a such a 3 minute gem
Ian Thomas sounds so much like the band America....one of my "one hit" wonders from 1973!
His son recently was paralyzed in a snowmobile accident. It is a tragic time for his family
God bless them.
Mr oh thats awful .Prayers
Omg. I had no idea, thank you for letting us know. Wow. That's terrible.
I’m a very close family friend to his daughter and have met Ian and his son and I can say his son is doing great since he’s made a great recovery.
@@matthewthieme2917 oh that's great to hear. Thanks for letting us know.
@@matthewthieme2917 awesome! Glad to hear that.
Great song and an old favourite from 70's radio in Canada. I remember Ian Thomas playing this on SCTV as his brother Dave Thomas was in the cast. :)
I remember this on the radio back in 73. Only made it to #34 in the US. Pretty sad. Great song. 💯💥❤️🩹
Why in hell do they call him a 1 hit wonder, im coming home, right before your eyes, and liars just to name a few were great tunes! Thnx for posting this..
Maybe the best era ever for classic rock! Loved the song!
Greg W.; COMPLETELY AGREED!!!!! I was 6 Y.O. when this CLASSIC hit the airwaves. Brings me back 2 my childhood.
This song's my CHILDHOOD ANTHEM (I was 6 Y.O. when this CLASSIC SONG HIT THE AIRWAVES)!!!!! Only 8 yrs l8r did I recognize who Ian's bro was (Dave Thomas; a.k.a.: Doug McKenzie but it was the MC stint in "Stripes" that truly indic8d that Dave & Ian Thomas were rel8d).
Attn: 2 those 4 "likes" 2 my comment; I appreci8 ur "like" & knowledge behind my comment. U all have gr8 taste in humor (which makes it more appreciative). Thanks again 4 ur support (especially 4 our Canadian BROTHER ?IAN FUCKIN' THOMAS)!!!!! DON'T EVER FUCKIN' 4GET THAT!!!!!
love this song, so free and happy!
... so many great memories listening to this band in the 70's
Recently purchased Ian's 'best of' album - really good stuff
70's & 80's Peak Canada it was such an awesome place then especially in the Summer
Remember hearing this on the radio in the fall of 1973. Grew slowly on me but it sure stuck once it did. Like the funky clavinet riff over a nice simple folky tune with a great pop chorus.
I just heard this song on the radio for the first time this morning and liked it right away. Makes it that much better of a find to know he's Canadian also :)
So many years later I see how this song influenced my life....it is one of my life tracks
grew up hearing this track on the radio and took me forever to find out that it was Ian Thomas...thanks itunes and youtube..you're reconnecting me to lost music...peace.
I am so grateful to have lived in the musical times I have just been lucky enough to hear
IAN THOMAS = BEST ENTERTAINER EVER!!!!! Along w/brother Dave Thomas & Rick Moranis, IAN'S ENTERTAINMENT ROYALTY!!!!!!
Probably all of Canada's most underrated artist. This is my fave-or-ite Ian Thomas tune. Thanks for the post anippygirl!!!!
Likewise here!!!!!
I will never get tired of listening to this most awesome song ❤️
Likewise here, Julie. Shit; I GREW UP on this song.
Absolutely love this song and Ian Thomas
Likewise here, Lorraine.
I was just starting high school when this song came out. Wonderful memories.
I’m so glad someone posted this song! The only version available on iTunes is a re-recorded version very different from the original. This is why I continue to buy a physical copy of the song because either the record company or the artist re-records it and always changes it and usually not for the better!
Hearing this for the first time in 30 some years and still remember most of the words.....priceless
Thanks for posting this. Who else first heard the song on a K-Tel collection?
Reading my Rush Artwork book and how Hugh Syme played keyboard on the song Delights. He did Rush's album covers, so many hidden secrets in the Canadian rock world. Also, agree with the other comment, it did sound a lot like America.
This was one of my favorite songs of 1973.
this was when music was music !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
yup
Go take your geritol, grandpa
@@jeanfresco5667 one day you're gon'na be "old" and some snotter is gon'na give you some unsolicited lip-service...You just might look back and say, "That was an asshole thing to say!" And only then will you be correct!
@@jeanfresco5667Have some respect for people who managed to grow old. Not everyone does....
@@jeanfresco5667 Go drink some Pepto Bismol, Lil Jeannie Al Fresco.
Wow. I grew up with this song, I’m 🇨🇦 & never knew it was a Canadian who sang it. That shows how little publicity he got. Too bad because It’s a great song. OK I have now looked at all his top songs and remember everyone they were part of the backdrop of the 70s and I know every single word and note lol. Great stuff.
TOOK MY MONEY LIKE I KNEW THEY WOULD .LOVE THAT LINE .
It got as high as number 34 on the pop charts when my dad and the family went on their first Canadian fishing trip to Nestor Falls.
Nestor Falls!!
Another great Canadian singer/songwriter.
I used to hear this on WLS Chicago when I was a little girl in the early 70's on the school bus radio. the oldies stations where I live now never plays it!
W1440AM Wetaskiwin does, along with a ton of other Canadian greats. www.w1440.com/
The old WCFL played this . Listened to a WCFL aircheck dated December 1973 they played it. So did XEROK 80 in El Paso/Juarez.
Sounds like a song "America"
would do...very similar to their
distinct sound!
Hell, I thought it was their song lol I was wrong but easy mistake. :o)
Never thought of that but you are right on target.
America covered "Right before your eyes" so maybe they thought they sounded the same too, Ian has a lot of great songs so does america I wonder if he ever filled in lead vocals for them.
tim smith So you mean just like Neil Young sounded before any of them...
truthbtold Good ear truthbtold, I just listened to this for the time in about 40 years and he (they) sound a lot like America.
This song has 243,067 views. I'm pretty sure I have about 243,066 of them. Love this song!
+Al McCullough Likewise :P lol. I discovered this song last summer and I cant get enough of it. I dont know if its just me, but more young people need to listen to stuff like this! And I am just 18 lol
Stuff from the 70s and 80s rules!
+Al McCullough YEA,MAN - IT WAS TH SHIT BACK IN THE DAY - JUST DISCOVERED HE'S CANUCK! GO FIGURE! LOL
+Al McCullough Me too! Have played and played the album!!
born 83
I thought he was my age. over 50
i was 18 when this was out, ooh the memerious i wish i had a time machine, so i could be like rod taylor go back in time.
Yes it was a great time as I was a junior in HS, I don't want to go off track, but another great song out about the same time was "Pretty Lady" by Lighthouse, great also
@@lourowberryrowberry2343 COMPLETELY AGREED!!!!!! Ian & Skip had similar vocal styles that it's quite uncanny.
I'm glad to find so many people like and remember Ian Thomas. I remember when Painted Ladies came out and wished it had been a bigger hit here in the States. It's true that he had a long career as a popular artist in Canada. I recently got his "Looking Back" CD which traces his career to the early 90's. Great to hear all he's done.
Listen to UA-cam's Behind The Vinyl: Painted Ladies by Ian Thomas as to why it wasn't a "bigger" hit and the music industry corruption.
@@canuck-guy2384 Dude; likewise here. Let me make this abundant clear; if it wasn't 4 IAN THOMAS, CANADIAN MUSICIANS WOULDN'T C THE LIGHT OF FAY IN THE U.S.A.!!!!! Granted; there r xcptions 2 the rule such as The Band, Neil Young, Paul Anka, Andy Kim, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, IAN THOMAS,. The Guess Who, B.T.O., Gordon Lightfoot, Lighthouse (the L8, GR8 Skip Prokop), The Band (Robbie Robertson & the L8, GR8 Rick Danko), Sweeney Todd (Bryan Adams & Nick Gilder), Trooper, etc.
Here is some trivia for everyone. Ian Thomas is the brother of Dave Thomas from Canada's Second City. One of the McKenzie brothers.
And I also remember the SCTV episode that featured Ian and his band... classic stuff
Makes me wonder what a hoot their parents must have been.
P.S. Ian also showed his own comedic chops as Dougie Franklin on The Red Green show...hilarious!
Bob and Doug...
ehcanada777
Close, but no cigar.
For those wondering, the musicians are lead vocalist-acoustic and electric guitarist Ian Thomas, electric guitarist Danny Weiss, pedal steel guitarist Al Brisco, bassist Steve Hogg, drummer Barry Keane, and keyboardist John Capek.
He looks like he is of First Nations
Decent
LA LA LA
LA lah LA
Sounds like
Native chanting
@@davemorrisette6464 WTF, Dave? BTW; r u rel8d 2 Alanis?
brings back wonderful memories of best friends, I miss them
Great song, so glad this song is being played regularly on XM SIRIUS's The Bridge which focuses on the mellower side of classic rock music
Canadian 70s icon. Best music era ever, and great time in history to be s teen.
One of those tunes that came out of the AM radio like magic in the air... What an era! What happened..?