“When the world ends, will we dance the apocalypso?” asks Mathias Kom towards the end of The Burning Hell’s new album, Baby. If we did, it might sound a bit like The Burning Hell. Led by ukulele-wielding, lyrically endowed Kom, The Burning Hell expands and contracts from a one-man show to a sprawling 13-person folk-rock […]
Sarah Greene
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Lisa Hannigan
Irish singer Lisa Hannigan’s Sea Sew doesn’t sound like the debut album that it is. Not surprising, considering her experience. After seven years of collaborating with and singing backup for Damien Rice (as well as vocal contributions for The Frames and Herbie Hancock), she’s put out a collection of her own. Hannigan’s voice moves fluidly […]
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Lucas Stagg and Paul MacLeod w/Kev Corbett
“We’re playing 21 shows in 18 days,” says Lucas Stagg, on day four of his eastern-Canadian tour with Busted Flat labelmate Paul MacLeod. The two songwriters embarked on a similar tour this past October and Stagg says it went so well that they decided to do it again, this time in support of Stagg’s Great […]
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Kelly Joe Phelps
Kelly Joe Phelps has been travelling with the blues for over a decade and a half. Before that he was a jazz musician, bass player, music teacher and improviser. First and foremost, he is a songwriter and guitar player of both the straight and slide variety. Based in Vancouver, Washington—“Nowadays it’s a sprawling mess only […]
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The Deep Dark Woods
Saskatoon’s The Deep Dark Woods has created an album to help you fill winter’s long, dark hours with appropriately sad, introspective music. Produced in Vancouver by Steve Dawson, the band’s third album is reminiscent of Uncle Tupelo’s Anodyne—not surprisingly, both were recorded live off the floor. Ryan Boldt’s candid lyrics and understated delivery shine through […]
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Lake of Stew
It’s rare to stumble upon a CD so well suited to repeat listens on the kitchen stereo. Nine bluegrass-playing Montrealers take turns singing joyfully down-and-out songs about missing buses, having their hearts broken and repaired, motels, armadillos and the Dalai Lama. The lyrics are great—funny and earnest, sometimes simultaneously. Highlights include “Mary Margaret” (“I spoke […]
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Jolie wanderer
Jolie Holland is in Brooklyn, New York, at her apartment south of Prospect Park, when she answers the phone, turns off some tinny-sounding music in the background and says hello. She sounds tired, and explains she is getting over a cold. Her speaking voice, with just a hint of a southern accent, is surprisingly quiet […]
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Skate it while we got it
The following rinks are open, weather permitting: George Dixon Recreation Centre (off of Gottingen St., near Uniake Square) Larry O’Connell (Fourth St. off of Newton, off of Chebucto) Ardmore Park Community Rink (Oxford and Almon) North End Community Rink (Agricola and Lady Hammond) Halifax Commons (Pool near the skate park) Porters Lake Community Centre (4693 […]
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The Bicycles
“Uh-huh, oh yeah!” and what sounds like a recorder solo. So begins The Bicycles’ second album, Oh No, It’s Love. The songs are just as short, poppy and danceable as 2006’s The Good, The Bad and The Cuddly, but luckily it didn’t take the Toronto foursome as long to make this album (fans waited five […]
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Bundle up for outdoor fun
Suggestions for winter sports and activities within the bus routes or a few ski lengths of the city.
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Annabelle Chvostek
Annabelle ChvostekResilienceBorealisChvostek has stepped out of the Wailin’ Jennys and put out a solo roots pop album showcasing her breadth as a singer/songwriter. “Resilience” starts the album slowly before veering to pure pop. “Seven Years” is reminiscent of older Neko Case melodies, “Wait for it” is a mandolin-tinged, country love-song romp and “Racing With the […]
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Doiron’s days
Julie Doiron has been quietly rocking her way into peoples’ hearts since 1990, when she started singing and playing bass in Eric’s Trip. Numerous solo albums, a Juno and a Polaris nomination later, Doiron is based near Jean-Talon Market in Montreal and is still very happy to be making music. “I love performing every night,” […]