The Smalls are one of Canada’s most beloved underground bands, a group whose fearless creativity and relentless energy left an indelible mark on the country’s alternative music scene. Emerging from Edmonton, Alberta in the late 1980s, The Smalls built a cult following with their genre-defying sound, fusing punk, metal, country, and jazz into something entirely their own. Over the years, their albums have become touchstones for fans of independent music—each release a testament to their uncompromising vision and restless artistry.
In this deep dive, we’ll explore The Smalls’ discography in detail: from their raw early breakthrough albums to their most critically acclaimed releases and fan favorites; through periods of bold experimentation and sonic evolution; into their much-anticipated reunion era and later works. We’ll also guide you on where to stream The Smalls’ most iconic albums today, ensuring that new listeners and longtime devotees alike can experience the band’s legacy in full fidelity.
The Smalls began as a quartet of university friends—Mike Caldwell (vocals), Corb Lund (bass), Dug Bevans (guitar), and Terry Johnson (drums)—who quickly became fixtures in Edmonton’s thriving punk and metal scenes. Their self-titled debut album, The Smalls (1990), was recorded on a shoestring budget but bristled with raw energy and invention. Released independently, it was packed with frenetic riffs, unconventional song structures, and Caldwell’s distinctively powerful vocals.
The debut’s DIY ethos resonated deeply with local audiences. Tracks like “Payload” and “Uranium” showcased not only technical proficiency but also a willingness to subvert genre expectations. While initial distribution was limited to local record stores and shows, word-of-mouth spread rapidly throughout Western Canada.
Building on this momentum, The Smalls released To Each A Zone in 1992. This sophomore effort was more ambitious both sonically and lyrically. The band expanded its musical palette by incorporating elements of jazz improvisation and country twang—a nod to Lund’s Alberta roots. Songs such as “On the Warpath” highlighted their evolving songwriting skills while retaining the aggressive edge that defined their early work.
Key Characteristics of Early Albums:
| Album | Release Year | Notable Tracks | Defining Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Smalls | 1990 | Payload, Uranium | Raw production; genre-blending |
| To Each A Zone | 1992 | On the Warpath | Expanded influences; improved musicianship |
This period laid the foundation for The Smalls’ cult status across Canada. They toured relentlessly in battered vans across vast stretches of prairie highways—an experience that shaped both their sound and lyrical perspective.
By the mid-1990s, The Smalls had cemented themselves as one of Canada’s most vital independent acts. Their third album, Waste & Tragedy (1995), marked a turning point—both critically acclaimed and embraced by an ever-growing fanbase. Produced by Joel van Dyke at Greenhouse Studios in Vancouver, Waste & Tragedy featured tighter songwriting without sacrificing experimental edge.
Songs like “Pity the Man with the Fast Right Hand” became instant fan favorites thanks to their intricate rhythms and wry lyricism. Critics praised the album for its cohesiveness; Exclaim! magazine lauded it as “a masterclass in controlled chaos.” The album also saw significant college radio play across Canada—a testament to its broad appeal among alternative music fans.
Following up on this success was no small feat, but The Smalls delivered again with My Dear Little Angle (1999). Widely considered their magnum opus by both critics and fans alike, this album captured everything that made the band unique: blistering guitar work from Bevans, thunderous basslines from Lund (who would later find solo fame with his own country project), Johnson’s dynamic drumming, and Caldwell’s commanding vocals.
Standout tracks like “Natural Woman” and “Chords Are Poison” demonstrated an even greater mastery of melody amid chaos. Lyrically introspective yet musically adventurous, My Dear Little Angle earned rave reviews from publications such as Chart Attack and helped solidify The Smalls’ place in Canadian rock history.
Fan-Favorite Tracks Across Albums:
These albums not only expanded The Smalls’ audience but also influenced countless younger bands who admired their fearless blending of genres.
Never content to rest on past successes or adhere strictly to any single genre formula, The Smalls continually pushed boundaries throughout their career. While many bands find comfort in repetition after achieving acclaim, these Albertan trailblazers leaned into experimentation—often challenging listeners’ expectations along the way.
A defining feature of The Smalls’ experimental phase was their seamless integration of disparate musical styles within single songs or even passages. For instance:
Their willingness to take risks paid off artistically if not always commercially. As critic Michael Barclay noted in his book Have Not Been the Same, “The Smalls made music for those who wanted more than just loud guitars—they made music for listeners who wanted adventure.”
One particularly bold experiment came during live performances where they would rework existing songs mid-set or segue into spontaneous jams—keeping both band members and audiences on their toes night after night.
Notable Elements of Sound Evolution:
This phase solidified The Smalls’ reputation as musicians’ musicians—a band whose influence extended well beyond mainstream recognition.
After nearly two decades together—and facing challenges common to many touring bands—the original lineup disbanded amicably in 2001. Members pursued various projects: Corb Lund found international success fronting his eponymous country band; Mike Caldwell worked as an educator; Dug Bevans continued performing regionally; Terry Johnson explored other creative ventures.
However, demand for a reunion never waned among diehard fans. In 2014—after thirteen years apart—The Smalls announced a series of comeback shows under the banner "The Small Return." Tickets sold out almost instantly across Western Canada; venues were packed with old-school devotees alongside younger fans eager to witness legends in action.
While no new studio album emerged from this reunion era, live recordings captured during these shows offered glimpses into how seamlessly they could recapture old magic while injecting fresh energy into classic material. Reviews from outlets like CBC Music praised their undiminished chemistry onstage:
"They played like they'd never left... every song felt urgent yet effortless." — CBC Music Review (2014)
This period also saw renewed interest in reissuing older albums digitally—a boon for longtime collectors frustrated by years of out-of-print CDs or cassettes.
Impactful Moments During Reunion Era:
| Year | Event | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | "Small Return" tour announced | Sold-out venues; resurgence in popularity |
| 2015 | Digital reissues begin | Albums become accessible to new digital audiences |
Although they have not released new studio material since reuniting, rumors persist about possible future recordings—fueling anticipation among loyal followers who remain eager for any sign of new music from these Canadian icons.
For many years following their breakup—and even during much of their active run—accessing The Smalls' discography was notoriously difficult outside local record shops or secondhand markets. However, thanks to digital platforms embracing catalog releases from influential indie artists, discovering (or rediscovering) The Smalls has never been easier than it is today.
It should be noted that availability can vary by region due to licensing agreements—but North American listeners generally enjoy full access across all major platforms as of 2024.
Pro Tip: Many dedicated fans maintain online communities (e.g., Reddit threads or Facebook groups) sharing news about rare finds or upcoming digital releases—making them valuable resources for anyone looking to dive deeper into rarities beyond official channels.
For those new to The Smalls—or longtime listeners looking to revisit highlights—the following list offers a roadmap through some of their most impactful works:
And don’t miss these standout tracks:
Whether you’re streaming online or hunting down vintage vinyl at your local shop, these selections represent some of Canadian underground music’s finest moments—and showcase why The Smalls remain so revered decades after first plugging in on Edmonton stages.
As digital access expands—and as reunion rumors swirl anew—the legacy of The Smalls continues to grow far beyond Western Canada’s borders. For those seeking uncompromising artistry rooted equally in technical prowess and emotional intensity, few bands offer a richer discography—or a more inspiring story—than these enduring trailblazers from Alberta’s heartland.
