This new career spanning collection from Vancouver’s The Be Good Tanyas is a nice overview of the ladies’ work from 2000 through 2006, and also includes four previously unreleased tunes for the diehard fans. Continue reading “The Be Good Tanyas – A Collection”
Lindi Ortega – Cigarettes & Truckstops
From the first tune through the final cut of Cigarettes & Truckstops, Lindi Ortega’s voice cuts through Colin Linden’s thoughtful and bucolic production like a shot of 151. Continue reading “Lindi Ortega – Cigarettes & Truckstops”
Carolyn Mark – The Queen of Vancouver
That Carolyn Mark doesn’t have more acclaim is a shock, as her wordplay and tone are unique tools that she uses to employ character and mood better than most Canadian songwriters. Mark’s sense of humour permeates many of the songs, giving her more definition than your typical singer-songwriter. Continue reading “Carolyn Mark – The Queen of Vancouver”
Corb Lund – Cabin Fever
Corb Lund’s sixth solo release is his strongest since 2007’s Horse Soldier! Horse Soldier! and likely his most accessible to date. Continue reading “Corb Lund – Cabin Fever”
Tif Ginn – Tif Ginn
This debut solo disc from Texas’ Tif Ginn is at once a fresh sounding 12 tracks and a throw-back to the glory days of honky tonk angels. Continue reading “Tif Ginn – Tif Ginn”
Ray Wylie Hubbard – The Grifter’s Hymnal
If you’ve never heard Hubbard’s particular brand of “deep-groove-in-the-blood-masterless-samurai-folk-poet-blues,” then it’s about time you did. Continue reading “Ray Wylie Hubbard – The Grifter’s Hymnal”
Hillbilly Highway – Speckled Bird Burritos
by Sheldon Birnie
I’ve been turned onto a lot of great artists over the years by just flipping through the stacks of used records, waiting on something to catch my eye. Continue reading “Hillbilly Highway – Speckled Bird Burritos”
Hillbilly Highway – Beer break at Big Bad John’s
by Sheldon Birnie
Holidays are a time for visiting family and friends. My folks have moved on out to Vancouver Island, and so I hit the Highway last week to visit them and spend a couple days in Victoria. Continue reading “Hillbilly Highway – Beer break at Big Bad John’s”