Long-time Halifax scene-guy Matt Reid assembles friends and family
for a delightful collection of piano-pop tunes. Perhaps those closest
to Reid know the inspirations for these songs—imaginary or not—but
regardless, it’s fun to speculate whether his words address real
Halifax people and situations. The lyrics for each of these 12 tracks
reads like a direct correspondence or a compelling diary entry, like a
slightly lighter-hearted version of Ben Folds’ The Unauthorized
Biography of Reinhold Messner.
Things kick off dramatically with “Well, F”—almost a slow tango
with the keyboard, which demands, “I see no justice in a world that
shits on such a decent guy.” “Finger on the Pulse” goes for the jugular
of the Saturday night dance crowds with “handbill in my left, staple
gun in the right.” Reid sneaks in a jab to those who spend time on
local message boards on “Cheap Shots at Easy Targets,” before changing
the tune to the lovely old-timey “Belle,” perhaps a sweet, romantic ode
to a deceased grandmother.
Reid makes good use of his pals’ talents (his band includes Dean
Gallant, Kristina Parlee and Luke Goguen, plus a ton of guests),
including better half Rochelle Goguen (Stolen Minks), who closes the
show, singing sultry lead on “Reason,” and demonstrating a kinship with
Carolyn Mark not heard before. Sue Carter Flinn
This article appears in Jan 8-14, 2009.