Dr. Dog’s sixth album in many ways feels like an album of firsts. In addition to it being their first album under the Anti- umbrella, it is also the first album to not be produced by the band themselves, instead relying on an outside producer. While sometimes this can cause problems, it is not the case this time around. The album feels more focused and to the point, removing some of the excesses that bogged down their previous albums. There are no psychedelic soundscapes to distract you as you listen to the album, allowing you to pay attention to the music. And the music that Dr. Dog makes is great. They’ve always sounded like a band from the late 1960s that entered a time machine and started recording today, and they still keep that sound on the album. You still get great harmonies from Toby Leaman and Scott McMicken mixed with songs that feel drawn from real life, and backing music to tie it all together in an enjoyable package. Fans of Brian Wilson, Spoon, and Novillero will find the most enjoyment in this album. (Anti-, www.anti.com) Charles Lefebvre
Winnipeg music & culture since 1989