Clik here to view.
New music review: Mind Over Matter, Young the Giant (Warner Music Canada)
There was no way to predict the transformation of Young the Giant from popular, but only mildly interesting, alt-rockers to bona fide songsmiths, but with their sophomore album, the Irvine, Calif.,...
View ArticleClik here to view.
New music review: After the Disco, Broken Bells (Columbia)
Maybe it’s churlish to detract from the fairly impressive individual track records of Brian (Danger Mouse) Burton and the Shins’ James Mercer – but really, do we need yet another homage to the class of...
View ArticleClik here to view.
New music review: Kin, Pat Metheny Unity Group (Nonesuch)
When he reinstated sax into his lineup for the first time in more than three decades with the Unity Band album in 2012, Pat Metheny produced a wonderfully satisfying piece of work. With the followup...
View ArticleClik here to view.
New music review: Emmaar, Tinariwen (Anti)
The highly-acclaimed Tuareg musicians were forced by the activities of Islamist extremists to leave the Sahara Desert and record their seventh international album in California, but the choice of...
View ArticleClik here to view.
New music review: Martel, Jay Malinowski & the Deadcoast (Pirates Blend/ Sony...
Ambition is certainly not lacking in the heavily-involved new concept album by Bedouin Soundclash frontman Malinowski. Based on the life of his Huguenot ancestor Charles Martel of Lyon, it comes with...
View ArticleClik here to view.
New music review: Le sans visage, Dan Bigras (Ange Animal)
The first album of new material since 2005 from singer-songwriter-actor Bigras has an early lock on being the best release this year with the mayor of Montreal on background vocals. Vire ta chaise de...
View ArticleClik here to view.
New music review: Morning Phase, Beck (Capitol)
“Raise yourself to the morning alone/ Night is gone,” Beck sings in Waking Light, which closes his 12th studio album with sweet glockenspiel, Brian Wilson falsetto harmonies and Lucy In the Sky...
View ArticleClik here to view.
New music review: Serge Fiori, Serge Fiori (GSI Musique)
On his first album in 28 years, the former Harmonium leader ruminates on death, loss and alienation in the technological era, among other things one might think about on the eve of a 62nd birthday....
View ArticleClik here to view.
Album review: Dedication shows Justin Kauflin finding his own voice
Justin Kauflin Dedication Jazz Village On his second disc, 28-year-old pianist Justin Kauflin pays tribute to the important figures in his life, with most tracks inspired by his teachers, mentors and...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Album review: The High Dials keep it fresh with In the A.M. Wilds
With their brave fifth album, the High Dials downplay the ’60s nuggets that have generally informed their style and open the door to a more rhythm-based sound centred on keyboards and bass. Related...
View Article
