Good, great Canadian made music makes me proud. I don’t know why. I had no part in creating it, so why should I be proud? Maybe it’s because I am Canadian, maybe it’s because I’ve seen my fair share of Canadian musicians live, whatever the reason. I feel there is a certain “sound” that is prevalent to most good Canadian music. No I don’t mean like Avril Lavigne, Nickelback or Justin Bieber. They are all Americanized Canadians. America, you can have ‘em. I mean there is just a certain raw quality that is associated with most Canadian music. For the most part the music isn’t hyperstylized, or artificial sounding.
This year I’ve been more than a little impressed with Canadian musicians. And yeah, proud to be Canadian. There were a couple albums that really stood out - besides The Sheepdogs, who I already reviewed: here
Yukon Blonde - Tiger Talk
Released: March 20, 2012
Expanding their horizons Yukon Blonde released an album, Tiger Talk, which differs from their previous self titled album. There is less of a folk sound. Tiger Talk is infused with megawatt energy. And, after now seeing Yukon Blonde live, I feel that their sophomore album better represents the bands live sound.
Yukon Blonde is this indie rock, 70’s radio rock/surf rock sounding band from Kelowna, B.C. Their sound exudes west coast. On Tiger Talk you can expect to dance, and swoon. The band is more generous with their guitar riffing donning the album with some dirty solos.
The key songs on Tiger Talk would have to include “Stairway”, a song about missing home. It’s full of hooks and prevalent drumming mixed in with YB’s signature “ooooooh’s”. “Radio” is the most high energy song on the album sounding more punk than folk complete with controlled beat, hand clapping, and yea, more “ooooh-ing”. My three favorite tracks are a tie between “My Girl”, a west coast sounding love song, “Iron Fist”, a smooth, funky, sombre track with a great beat and soothing vocals, and “Oregon Shores”, which might be one of the most impressive songs on the album outfitted with striking harmonies.
I predict these 70’s sounding indie rockers will be around for awhile. I hope so at least.
Bahamas - Barchords
Released: February 7,2012
It is obvious that Alfie Jurvanen or as we know him, Bahamas, latest album is on the Brushfire Records roster. And no, contrary to popular belief, this Toronto born Ontarian did not grow up on the west coast. Barchords is Bahamas second album. He is known for his California sounding beach tunes, and Barchords is no different.
Barchords really lays out Jurvanens soulful and folkful vocal talents more so than his 2009 album Pink Strat. It is full of airy, dreamlike, acoustic surf sounding folk songs. The feeling evoked through Barchords is not unlike the feeling you would receive from the works of artists like Jack Johnson, M.Ward, or Bon Iver.
The first single off Barchords was an obvious choice, “Caught Me Thinkin’”. It’s a jaunty pop- folk song with Californian tenderness. I think the best track would have to be “Lost in the Light”, a soulful folk song with soothing vocals and melody. But, “Your Sweet Touch” is probably my favorite. It uses careful folk melodies melded with a more garage blues sound, mixed in with sharper vocals.
Barchords is elbow deep in lovelorn lyricism, subtle electricity, and folk authenticity. A perfect album for California daydreaming.
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