By Nicole Kobie
Want to travel? With this compilation, you can go around the world in 15 tracks. World Connection, created by the record company with the same name, is a starter set for world music. Full of upbeat, diverse songs from Peru to Bulgaria, from Portugal to Surinam, this music is like a 200-level course. All the… Continue reading World Connection
By Ken Clarke
Just when you thought Stevie Ray Vaughn could never be replaced, along comes Double Trouble with a new CD to confirm that fact. Not that they’re daring to emulate their glory days, but the very name of the band conjures up obvious comparisons. Double Trouble is now Tommy Shannon (bass), Chris Layton (drums) and a… Continue reading Been a Long Time
By Ken Clarke
Hot on the heels of the 2000 ConstruKction Of Light European tour, King Crimson graces our discerning ears with a new three CD live set. The first two discs contain innovative live versions of various Crimson compositions as well as a unique cover of "Heroes" (Robert Fripp was the guitarist on David Bowie’s original). Disc… Continue reading Heavy ConstruKction
By Nicole Kobie
Just as talking dirty can be fun, so can punk band Guttermouth. Covered with Ants is all hyperactive, damn-the-man anthems. The typical punk tracks vary from head-bopping to head-banging intensity, never losing their bouncy energy. Don’t expect mind-blowing lyrics, or mind-numbing music either. Guttermouth aren’t stuck in the guitar-bass-drum rut of many similar groups; they… Continue reading Covered With Ants
By David Kenney
Hawksley Workman is in love with absurdity. (last night we were) The Delicious Wolves is an ode to his favourite subject, intertwined with love and flirted with repeatedly. The piano plunking singer/songwriter coos and bounces into panic attacks disguised as songs only to retreat back inside. "Jealous of your Cigarette," "Little Tragedies" and "You Me… Continue reading The Delicious Wolves
Just as the snow thaws and patios become useable yet again, John Scofield gives the gift of perfect accompaniment for wining and dining dinner guests. As the evening progresses to drinks at dusk, Works for Me accompanies the transition perfectly. His intellectual hip style is on display yet again–this time in a much more laid-back,… Continue reading Works For Me
By David Kenney
Infusing bits of bluegrass, blues and folk-soul, Vancouver’s Blue Good Tanyas make the chirpiest music this side of the Appalachian mountains. On their debut album, Blue Horse, the female trio soak carefree songs in banjo, fiddle, acoustic guitar and skipping vocals. Guitarist/vocalist Frazey Ford is a lower-toned, less strict-sounding Natalie Merchant with the down-home hokiness… Continue reading Blue Horse
By Nicole Kobie
The Waterboys’ latest release, aptly titled A Rock in a Weary Land, will make even devoted Waterboy fans tired. Stepping between folk and harder rock styles, Weary Land is a strange mix of indiscernible ballads and noisy, flailing guitars. Lead singer Mike Scott’s spirituality slips through, but the subtlety feels sneaky. Why doesn’t he just… Continue reading A Rock in a Weary Land
By Nicole Kobie
Live at Ernesto’s, The Slackers live compilation recorded in the "best Mexican restaurant in Europe," is summer slacking music. In three words or less: Perfect BSD music. Reggae-styled ska tracks are the only music found on this CD, but you’ll find yourself wanting more of the same, not less. Listen to these energetic, jumpy tunes… Continue reading Live at Ernesto’s
By James Keller
After a slew of unsuccessful live albums, the Dave Matthews Band has returned to music-making with Everyday, their ninth CD–and what a welcome return it is. Dave Matthews et al continue their tradition of creating intricately orchestrated acoustic-driven pop. Peppered with Matthews’ unique voice, they shift from sweet melodies to their signature frantic musical rants… Continue reading Everyday