Saga: Every Album, Every Song - Paperback

by Mike Wilson (Author)

It all began in 1977 when Jim Crichton and Michael Sadler, both with a UK heritage, joined forces in their home town of Oakville, Ontario to write a few songs. What transpired was an impressive output of recorded material and one of the genre's most influential bands selling millions of records worldwide. Initially influenced by Gentle Giant and King Crimson, their synth-driven complex prog rock arrangements and melodic hooks was tricky to categorise, but that didn't halt their increasing popularity across Europe (mainly Germany), North America and Costa Rica. Fans admired their technical prowess, intelligent storytelling, and innovative approach to songwriting. They were also clever, daring, and experimental, creating an inspired decades spanning Chapters puzzle, a 25 track concept album, an ill-fated TV soundtrack attempt, and a 'hits' acoustic reworking. Saga didn't achieve mainstream recognition, but were appreciated for their incredible musicianship, thought provoking anthemic music, and exceptional live performances. This book explores every track from Saga's 23 studio albums and chronicles the band's other releases, highlighting the key factors related to each. It includes the thoughts of the band, the music press, and exclusive interviews with two of Saga's founders. It's a homage and an essential guide to an exceptional band.

Author Biography

Mike Wilson has done most things in the music industry: songwriter, drummer, adviser, mentor, radio presenter, manager and producer. Mike formed the 'New Wave of British Heavy Metal' band Oxym in 1977, releasing the single 'Music Power' in 1980, and album Passing Through Gateways 36 years later. Mike also wrote and performed on Chayan's 'Forgotten Dreams of an Unbeliever' in 2019 and The Universal Juveniles UK 2016 'Climbing a Cloud', a tribute to Max Webster. Mike is a Business Consultant and Lectures at York St John University, England. He is also a qualified cricket umpire.