Dave Hayden

Jesse DangerouslyVerba VolantBackburnerIn Latin, verba volant means “words fly away,” and in Jesse D’s latest, that’s exactly what’s happening. This album kills on so many fronts—special props to Timbuktu and Fresh Kils, who lay down some inspired beats. But it’s ultimately Jesse’s talent as a linguist and MC that shines. On what could be one […]

Nordic NomadicNordic NomadicBlue FogEx-Deadly Snakes guitarist Chad Ross released a greatly under-appreciated solo record a few years back under the moniker Ghoststory. Now he goes by Nordic Nomadic. This record continues where the last one left off—softly sung, mid-tempo, neo-folk rock conjuring up images of abandoned western landscapes and quiet reflection. The lead track, “The […]

Various Artists David Shrigley’s Worried NoodlesTom LabThere is something extra-special about an album with innovative packaging. Combine that with great music and you have something to truly behold. Which is exactly what Worried Noodles is. As an artbook—a hardcover booklet featuring 50-plus pages of original Shrigley drawings and handwritten lyrics—it would stand on its own. […]

[image-4]Published February 07, 2008.Doug MasonInvisible Star(indie)You didn’t need to be involved in the Halifax music scene in the mid-’90s to appreciate Invisible Star. But it could help. Doug Mason—band name or alter-ego?—is the creation of Michael Jackson. Along with Cliff Gibb, Mike O’Neill and a few other 
notable Halifax musicians, 
Jackson has turned out a […]

[image-4]Published February 07, 2008.Cat PowerJukebox(Matador)While listening to Jukebox, it’s hard to avoid comparing it to 2000’s The Covers Record. While the obvious is obvious—both showcase Chan Marshall’s unique interpretive abilities via a series of covers from artists that inspire her—the differences are as pronounced as those between Moonpix and The Greatest. Jukebox (as with her […]

Taken By TreesOpen FieldRough TradeCompared with Victoria Bergsman’s work with The Concretes, her first solo record is a strikingly minimalist recording. Save for the lush string arrangements of “Lost and Found,” its songs, like “Sunshine Lady,” with its twee melody over top of a solo ukulele, and “Too Young,” which uses only metalophone, snare drum […]

Jess KleinStrawberry Lover(Ryko)Fans of Jess Klein’s critically acclaimed debut Draw Them Near will find this a suitable follow-up, with confident strides forward as a songwriter. Her voice, straddling the bitter resolve of Lucinda Williams and the sweetness of Tanya Donelly, stands out most beautifully on the slower, starker numbers like “Bombs Are Falling” and the […]

The HissPanic Movement (Sanctuary)This Atlanta garage rock quartet delivers pretty much exactly what you would expect on this debut, plundering the riches of everything from ’70s rock (Led Zep, Neil Young) to the Stone Roses. Solid tracks like the rawkous “Clever Kicks” or the heroin-languid dirge of “Ghost’s Gold” might find favour with college radio, […]