Doug Taylor

Jim Lauderdale & the Dream PlayersHoney Songs(Yep Roc)Renowned Nashville tunesmith Lauderdale sings 10 new numbers, backed by veterans of Elvis Presley’s and Bruce Springsteen’s bands and the likes of Emmylou Harris and Buddy Miller singing harmonies. With a background in bluegrass, Lauderdale keeps the arrangements simple and the themes uplifting. “I Hope You’re Happy” is […]

[image-4]Published March 13, 2008.Ray DaviesWorking Man’s Café(New West)On his second solo album, recorded in Nashville, Davies tries to slip into the American landscape and is still instantly identifiable. “Morphine Song” would fit on any Kinks album with its character-filled take on his hospital stay after getting shot in the leg. An understated beauty graces “In […]

[image-4]Published February 07, 2008.Chris RockCheese and Crackers: The Greatest Bits(Geffen)Though he constantly sounds like he’s losing it—and very few moments in this hour are not laced with obscenities—Rock leaves you with a warm feeling, much like Bill Cosby 30 years ago. Few comics are as brutally honest about touchy subjects. Rock knows O.J. did it […]

Michael Jerome BrowneDoubleBorealisA recent live show at Montreal’s Main Hall comes packaged with Browne’s solo debut from 1998. Browne is neither a prolific writer nor volcanic singer, but if you appreciate the subtleties of interpretation, tunings and timbre, there is a great deal to like. Howlin’ Wolf, John Lee Hooker, Jimi Hendrix (“Manic Depression”) are […]

WeenLa CucarachaRounderGiven Ween’s propensity for spoofing and genre-hopping, fans may not know when to take them seriously. La Cucaracha is best enjoyed with an open mind and no concerns over missing a joke. Often there is none. Ween play many styles and can call in a cameo from the likes of saxman David Sanborn on […]

Shooter JenningsThe WolfUniversal southThe son of the late Waylon Jennings already had a go at rejecting country for rock. Now a fiddle and pedal steel hold their own with twin guitars. When Jennings does Dire Straits’ “Walk of Life,” it has renewed energy and sonic depth. Of his originals, “Old Friend,” stands out. Waylon composed […]

Brooke MillerYou Can See EverythingHickoryA few years after playing Halifax, Prince Edward Islander Brooke Miller moved to Ontario and married one of the finest pickers in the country, Don Ross. Hubby’s playing and production grant this record some extra sparkle. An ear-opener is the quality of Miller’s songs and her charismatic performance. Predominantly acoustic, the […]

[image-4]Published January 31, 2008.Twilight HotelHighway Prayer(indie)Brandy Zdan and Dave Quanbury are Winnipeg-based Twilight Hotel, embodying the spirit of prairie folk festivals. Colin Linden produces and adds guitar, on keyboards is the late Richard Bell in the final session of his 45-year career. Linden and Bell contribute a meandering jam that sweetly wraps up the dozen […]

The Clumsy LoversSmart Kid(Nettwerk)Mainstays of the Vancouver folk scene for a decade, the Clumsy Lovers plop onto the national radar with their seventh album. Fiddle and banjo are granted power to rock in the proper hands, driving uplifting songs (where clumsy love rates extra value for being honest). If the aim is to sound live […]

Joss StoneMind Body & Soul (S-Curve/EMI)The UK teen tops 2003’s The Soul Sessions by writing 10 of 14 songs and inspiring a reunion of veteran Miami players. When Timmy Thomas plays organ with Little Beaver on guitar, you’d like Stone to take a breath so you can hear the band. On this point, the producers […]

GusterGanging Up on the Sun(Reprise)Casual listening might lump Guster with the nondescript rockish backing heard in some sunny screen trifle. Then the band’s imagery kicks in, revisiting high school in “One Man Wrecking Machine.” Add one hypnotic slide hook worthy of a classic. Like Cracker and NRBQ, Guster flex earthy American chops to make big […]