CREDIT: ICHARD SIBBALD
Big Wreck is heading to London on November 27.

I write about random things a lot. I write a lot about random things. I've been reading recently about the concept of an 'ultimate one-hit wonder,' a phenomenon that extends the one-hit wonder paradigm by taking obscurity into account, and all based on the U.K. Top Singles chart.

Many people think the chart is a Top 40 — since those singles are the ones that are broadcasted — but it's actually a Top 75, and the 'ultimate one-hit wonder' is one that charts at number 75 for only one week and then disappears forever, like Academy Award-winning actor Sir Anthony Hopkins did with his single "Distant Star" in 1986.

Listening to that song, one thing is clear: there is no telling what radio listeners will attach to. You needn't tell that to Ian Thornley, however; if there is anyone who knows how unpredictable the music industry can be, it is certainly him.

As frontman of Big Wreck and Thornley, the man has unquestionably left his fingerprint on rock radio, helping to shape modern rock for over 15 years. One of the last genuine rock stars of the pre- MP3 era, Thornley has seen the ups and downs of the business and its effect on two successful rock bands and still affords himself only cautious confidence when speaking of Albatross, the new Big Wreck album released this March.

"I was pleasantly surprised, I had no idea that people were going to gravitate to it the way that they have," he described, reflecting back to the period just before the album was released. "I'm really proud of the record; I was then, and I still am. I still listen to it; I still get off on it."

In true form, Albatross is a massive rock album, featuring a dizzying cross-section of impeccable technique and exquisite guitar tones. Thornley and guitarist Brian Doherty expertly employ a wide range of instruments and effects and effectively capture that essence of unpredictability in the recordings; the first 10 minutes of Albatross will take you places you don't expect.

"I don't think you necessarily have to be a guitar nerd to enjoy it, but I certainly am," Thornley admitted, though he stressed that textures and effects on the record were strictly for flavouring and not opportunities for him and Doherty to show off.

"I don't think any of it sounds too self-indulgent, it serves the song," he said. "Especially with that record, I'm in a good spot musically. I like the way it's all coming together — I think the more fun that the band is having comes across in the music and the recording, people will react to that."

In a lot of ways, Big Wreck may have been oddly ahead of its time. The story of the band's troubled sophomore release and subsequent breakup a decade ago is all but forgotten; that turmoil overlooked for the recent successes and accolades they've enjoyed — Albatross' title track has charted higher on Canadian Rock and Alternative charts than any other single in the band's history, and earned them coveted 2012 CASBY Awards for Favourite New Single and Favourite New Album.

But don't make a big deal about it or anything; according to Thornley, the band — Doherty, Paulo Neta, Dave McMillan, Brad Park and himself — won't let it go to their heads. You won't catch them showing off any time soon.

"We're not a jazz fusion quintet here, we're a fucking rock band, right?" he laughed. "People don't show up to listen to us shred, they're there to hear the songs. If we can do that while shredding, then that's a bonus."

For more on Ian Thornley, visit bigwreckmusic.com or connect with him on Twitter @bigwreckmusic. Big Wreck is appearing in London at Centennial Hall on November 27 as part of a cross- Canada tour with Theory Of A Deadman; doors open at 7 p.m.

And for more of the latest in music news, views and streams, consider following this column on Twitter @fsu_bobbyisms. I'd love to know what you're listening to lately! I'm out of words.