Doug Taylor

Steven BowersHoming(indie)Steven Bowers stands as an anecdotal, somewhat downbeat counterpart to David Myles among Atlantic Canadian singer-songwriters breaking big this year. His detail and character are worthy of a novelist. An observation like “little merchants” selling lemonade “to an angry, angry world” from “The Boy Who Lost an Eye” shows an empathy that lends weight […]

Elvis Costello and the ImpostersMomofuku (Lost Highway)As broad a path as Elvis Costello has blazed, he’s never equalled his first three albums (My Aim is True, This Year’s Model, Armed Forces) for grabbing your eardrums by the collar and shaking them. A few tunes on Momofuku enter that realm. They fuse current fears (“No Hiding […]

Amos Garrett Get Way Back: A Tribute to Percy Mayfield(Stony Plain) Ace session-guitarist Garrett (that’s him on “Snowbird” and “Midnight at the Oasis”) has a soft spot for the late Percy Mayfield, whose greatest acclaim came 50 years ago. Melancholy steeped in sardonic reflection distinguishes Get Way Back. Its timing benefits from renewed interest in […]

Ann VriendWhen We Were Spies(indie)When going for drama, Edmontonian Vriend has a voice that can tingle your spine and excite your dog. She’ll stick to moderate notes for the bulk of a song before reaching for the sky, then be ready. On a catchy number like “Start Over” the range is just right. A cheerful […]

Jim NoirJim Noir(Barsuk)On his second and self-titled album, Manchester’s Noir displays so many influences that it’s brash to call him an original. He is, though. More electronic toys than on his first, Tower of Love, results in a radiation of rococo rock Sensurround. “Ships and Clouds” has dreamy harmonies that would do Brian Wilson proud. […]

Lizz WrightThe Orchard(Verve Forecast)This Georgia preacher’s daughter reaches a spot beyond the initial receptors, and if she’s in the background, she’s not there for long. Wright brings gospel heat to a seamless mix of her own songs with transporting takes on the likes of Ike Turner (“I Idolize You”) and Led Zeppelin (“Thank You”). In […]

[image-4]Published May 29, 2008.ElbowThe Seldom Seen Kid (Polydor) On their fourth album, the Manchester quintet delves so deeply into silky crescendos and choral echoes, it softens you up for the rock. Elbow tends to maximize a dynamic range of a recording so that the crashing break in “The Bones of You” is as startling as […]

[image-4]Published May 22, 2008.ApocalypticaWorlds Collide (Red Ink)Cellos playing metal are no longer a novelty, thanks to Apocalyptica, but it continues to be a revelation. Longer strings really are heavier and the grandeur of the classics enhances each assault like a thunderclap across the ages. Vocals, furtively explored on the last album, are embraced on five […]

[image-4]Published May 15, 2008.Hot ToddyTrioindieTrio is a polished, serendipitous comfy couch Ry Cooder-appreciating blues ramble. Thom Swift is the strongest lyricist in the room, but three of his four compositions are instrumentals. The sadness of a girl’s life gone astray in Swift’s “Far Away From Home” is expressed in chops honed on those long New […]

[image-4]Published May 01, 2008.The Waco BrothersThe Waco Express: Live & Kickin’ at Schubas TavernBlooshotWaco Express is unique in how its Englishness and intelligence peek through as if incognito. Two key members were in the Mekons, who were less concerned with moving asses than minds. The Wacos go after both, in no particular order. It’s punk […]

Carlene CarterStronger(YepRoc)Best known as June Carter’s daughter, Nick Lowe’s ex and for a few motoring mishaps, Carlene emerges with her first album in 12 years. She’s lost nothing as a writer or performer. Though it reveals too few reservations about snazzy keyboard sounds or strange vocal effects, Stronger is a heartening glimpse at the resilience […]

Ridley BentBuckles & Boots(Open Road)Halifax-born Bent grew up in western Canada and quickly reveals there’s a lot going on under that big black hat of his. “Nine Inch Nails” is the cutest song about records in years. It’s a rousing two-step about a break-up with hasty allocation of assets: “She got my Tom T. Hall, […]