Michael Bolotin was 23 when he recorded the tracks in Toronto, Canada for "Every Day of My Life". Produced by Jack Richardson, the album showcases the singer's immense lung power. There are some differences from his self-titled debut (1975) -- here are more disco rhythms to keep with the times, and the horn sections get a bit repetitive...but there are some winners with his beautiful ballad "You Mean More to Me" and, arguably the best Walsh cover around, his throaty rendition of "Rocky Mountain Way". All in all, this is a great effort by a virtually unknown singer who would, years later, rise to fame with a new sound and a slight change of name.

It's 1976, the era of disco, and Michael was buried in obscurity. Too bad for such a promising singer-songwriter. There's so much here to marvel at: excellent covers of Joe Walsh's "Rocky Mountain Way" and the Guess Who's "These Eyes", gorgeous renditions of "If I Had Your Love" and "You Mean More To Me",...and a somewhat autobiographical "Singin' The Blues". It's early, though: Michael was looking for a consistent voice, and the disco tempos on a couple of songs seem out of place. But Michael was in his second year of what should earn him a place in the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame in 2000. Anyone with me here?

Alot of people assume that The Connecticut Born Bolotin is Canadian because of his early affiliation with Canadian Producers at RCA who began his career in the Mid 1970's. He sounds like a perfect mixture of Michael Mc Donald and Joe Cocker in this fantastic set. The Guess Who cover of "These Eyes" is a wonderful example of his vocals, as he channels Burton Cummings with immaculate accuracy. Definitely a record to own, and treasure.