Doug Taylor

If you’d heard Fred Eaglesmith’s tormented musings 20 years ago, you might be concerned that he’d do himself or somebody harm. Well, he’s still at it, sounding just as wounded and occasionally hostile, releasing nearly an album a year—a brisk touring itinerary is needed to satisfy the Fred-heads. Eaglesmith is resourceful when it comes to […]

This musician’s musician finds the ideal setup for a solo recording with a 50-year-old microphone. With no overdubs and four prized guitars including a 12-string and National steel, Dawson’s virtuosity and imagination are front and centre, reminiscent of albums in the 1970s by John Fahey and Leo Kottke. He has fun with titles like “Flophouse […]

The band born from appreciation for Willie P. Bennett 18 years ago not only endures but may be just hitting its stride. Colin Linden, Stephen Fearing and Tom Wilson each has his strengths. Now, when it comes to playing, composing and singing, they become a unit more clearly than ever on this mostly acoustic set. […]

This album has already been noticed by more people than The Devil Makes Three’s decade of earlier releases. Originally from Vermont, based in California, the trio’s new label hooked them up with Nashville producer Buddy Miller. Sure enough, Miller’s earthy guitar boosts “Hand Back Down” into as rambunctious a critique of religion as you’re likely […]

With that tone of lament that turns up these days in male groups from Kings of Leon to Mumford and Sons, this quintet from Fredericton could blend in with some very popular acts. The album and song titles are six different women’s names, like a triage tent in the love wars. Loads of hooks help […]

Some artists affirm life just by being as eccentric and prolific as ever. Though Howie Gelb has been more celebrated for past exploits with Giant Sand, his solo career is attracting admirers. Scottish singer KT Tunstall, Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy and violinist Andrew Bird all contribute. An oddly tuned, meandering piano, ghostly backing vocals and Gelb’s […]

Fifty years after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, an assortment of Canadians bring to life the jottings of the little-known Scott Garbe. Viewpoints get portrayed in the manner of Jesus Christ Superstar, from an emergency room orderly (“Parkland”) to Jack Ruby (“When Will I Be Mine”) to First Lady Jacqueline (“Disintegrating”). The latter […]

Producer Howard Redekopp (New Pornographers, Mother Mother) at times dominates the music on Afterlife Blues with his bang-chime-reverb imprint. The title song benefits from getting some sonic space to stand on its’ spooky, Kinksian own: “From up here, it makes you seem so small.” Elsewhere, lyrics get fogged and instruments fall into a blender. A […]

The long-awaited sequel to Deltron 3030 arrives 13 years later, about seven years after Dan the Automator and Kid Koala prepared tracks for Del the Funky Homosapien’s raps. How do you follow up the end of Earth civilization, when even alien invaders took a pass? Why, with better dance beats, alternate reality and defiance of […]

The title song is a composition by Smiley Bates, who was as country as you could get 40 years ago, a simplicity you wouldn’t expect to inspire these two consummate Newfoundland musicians. Duane Andrews has a flair for flourish and is best known for carrying forward the legacy of Django Reinhardt. Craig Young came back […]

A native Cape Bretoner now based in Winnipeg, MacPherson makes genre-defying rock that continues to gain emotional force. Lead track “1995” muses about youthful idealism, squandered affections and redirected energy with a slashing guitar jamming in extra notes to emphasize the vision quest. A blindfold quiz on MacPherson would be tough. Fireball roars like Creedence […]