Your host for Roots Rock Night in Canada (it’s a Hockey joke)..
A couple of days ago I wrote about Canadian Kathleen Edwards. Then I read about other Canadian acts that are a little country and a little rock and roll. Today, I make my daily trek over to the Waves of Twang that are Amber in Color and see that he is also becoming more enamored with our chilly neighbors to the north. While we are all in the mood to inform folks about the many ways in which Canada rocks, I would like to also agree that Jim Armstrong’s latest CD, Mudtown, is a worthy listen. Artists like him seem to fall into a group with early Steve Earle, Chris Knight, and even John Mellencamp when he isn’t singin’ about how trucks prove to the world that this is indeed “Our Country.“ I have never quite jived with such groupings, however. Chris Knight continues to bellow dark, gothic tunes of murder and betrayal, while he stays as far away from the mainstream as he seemingly can. Early Earle is a far cry from the latest incarnation of the Hard-Core Troubadour, and like I said earlier, Mellencamp is belting out jingles these days. I concur with Chip’s John Hiatt comparison over any other attempt to offer fans of a certain artist a suitable alternative. What struck me the most about Mudtown was how the disc seemed to effortlessly transition from bluesy-rockers like “Heaven Only Knows” and softer, more thoughtful alt-country tunes such as “I’m Coming Home.” This disc was released on Sonic Deli Records, on which Armstrong is a key player.
Another Canadian leaf that has wafted its way into my CD player is the latest from Songstress Brooke Miller. You Can See Everything, from the on-line label Audio Bee, is a collection of folk gems that would find themselves at home on any of the albums recorded by Patty Griffin, Gillian Welch (when she’s not in an Appalachian kind of mood), and most specifically, Texan Songwriter Susan Gibson. Like Jim Armstrong, Miller is a able to change the tempo of the disc without damaging the overall pacing of the CD. My fave track from the album, “Country from the Dome Car,” picks up the speed and rocks along while retaining its personal gravity and the feel of someone fondly recalling a story from her past. “World on a Whim” busts out with an electric Bluegrass sound, and the more acoustic track “What Kind of Move” showcases Miller’s vocal ability to conform to the right vibe with each song.
Oh Canada, we point our ears in your direction! Every time I relentlessly drown my waffles in your sweet syrup, I’ll make sure to do so while I spin your nation’s greatest tunes!
Brooke Miller Live – Country for the Dome Car
11 Responses
Kelly!
What a wonderful review of Jim Armstrong’s Mudtown CD; thank you very much.
Really, really pleased that you’ve enjoyed the music. We’re fans of John Hiatt so this comparison that both you and Chip of Amber Waves have made, likening Jim and his music to Hiatt, are very complimentary and all right by us!
Again, thanks so much – you’ve made these Canadians very happy;-)
Jim & Andrea – Sonic Deli Records, Toronto
Jim,
Please let us know at The Knob when you make a swing through Texas, we would love to be there and tell all the texas music fans to show up!!!
Speaking of the Great White North, check out Great Big Sea, not much in the way of twang, but exceptional none the less.
Hey Fitz,
I have been meaning to check them out, thanks! On the “non-twangy” side, i have really been digging the band “Band of Horses”. They have 2 albums out. if you like My Morning Jacket or the Shins, you’ll love their 2 discs, start with last years release “Everything All the Time”.
I’m diggin’ “Band of Horses”….to me they have a little of the same feel as the “Scud Mountain Boys”( one of my top five recordings is “Massachusetts”). Definetely a fresh, hippy-esque vibe to it. Just like Chip mentioned the other day, there is so much good music right now, i need to quit my day job to keep up. Regardless, keep updating me on quality music, it’s much appreciated.
Just saw that the Old 97′s are playing Dallas New Year’s Eve. The wife and I are considering making a trip to your neck of the woods.
Hey Fitz,
I have been chatting with Ken, the guitar player of the 97′s, and they are working on the new cd right now. theres a chance i will get to hear some tracks in the next week or so!!
I heard one off a link from their website, but I would love to hear more if you get a chance to post any. Is there any chance you would try and go to that New Year’s Eve show? What kind of place is the Longhorn Ballroom?
The longhorn is cool. its has a ton og history and is only now being used again as a real concert venue. i saw lucinda williams there a couple of months ago. There is a chance we’ll go, but things are up in the air as far as the baby and my wife’s views on leaving him late at night with family or whatever, so not sure. I’ll let you know if more definite plans get made!
I wrote wbout Armstrong too I really like that one. Corb Lund is another Canadian who is coming out with a good one.
Chip – I am with you on Corb Lund, he seems to be the new millenium’s Fred Eaglesmith. He reminds us that Canada can be as “country” as the hills of kentucky or the plains of west texas. His cowboy hat actually looks like it gets use even when he isnt on stage!