bands
The Just Barelys – Mad Bits
(Dead Bum, 2012)
Baby Eagle & The Proud Mothers – Bone Soldiers
(You’ve Changed Records, 2012)
BA Johnston – Hi Dudes!
(Mammoth Cave, 2012)
Andrew Sisk – Treelines
(Independent, 2012)
Mike O’Neill – Wild Lines
(Independent, 2012)
Jeff & Jane Hudson – In My Car 12″
(Electric Voice Records, 2012)
Long Weekends – Don’t Reach Out 7″
(Noyes Records, 2012)
Jerry Leger – The Good Old Days Are Back in Drag
(Golden Rocket Records, 2011)
Slim Twig – There’s a Secret to Your Pleasure 7″
(Calico Corp, 2011)
U.S. Girls – Island Song 7″
(Calico Corp, 2011)
The Lost Lovers Brigade – Little Skeletons
(Independent, 2011)
Writers’ Strike – Stay Down
(Independent, 2011)
“Writers’ Strike have got the art of the catchy pop-rock song down to a science.” – Gray Owl Point
Honheehonhee – Shouts
(Independent, 2011)
“A sugar-shocked, lightning-paced collection of buzzy Korgs, overblown octave chords and cheery glockenspiel” – FFWD
My Cat is an Alien – Living on the Invisible Line
(Divorce, 2011)
“…MCIAA prove that, when in the right context, the most infinitesimal shift can resonate as loudly as a wall of feedback.” – Mr. Atavist
Al Tuck – Under Your Shadow
(New Scotland Records, 2011)
“…may be the best album of his buried-meets-storied career…” – Xpress
Marine Dreams – Marine Dreams
(You’ve Changed, 2011)
“Marine Dreams is the shit.” – Quick Before it Melts
Select Series: Bad Vibrations – Black Train
(Brotherhood Records, 2011)
“My new favourite thing.” – The Toronto Star
Rain Over St. Ambrose – Overton Window
(Acadian Embassy, 2011)
“Arguably one the year’s best records.” – Indie403
David Myles – Into The Sun
(Little Tiny Records, 2011)
“Holymuthaf-ingsh*t! This Is The Best Album I Have Heard All Year!!!” – The Late Greats
The Golden Seals – Increase the Sweetness
(Zunior, 2011)
“Increase the Sweetness stands firmly as one of the more irresistible choices for carefree, summery guitar rock.” Skeleton Crew Quarterly
Kuato – Summer EP
(Acadian Embassy, 2011)
“…delivers on the giant, punishing sound that Kuato is known for, with plenty of tight rhythms and catchy guitar work.” – Noisography
The Weather Station – All Of It Was Mine
(You’ve Changed Records, 2011)
“New folk of the highest order.” – Exclaim!
Dog Day – Deformer
(Fundog Records, 2011)
“I’m pretty sure even the Dog Day kids are a little weirded out by my fanhood at this point, but they’re still my favourite Canadian band right now.” – Toronto Star
Banded Stilts – By The Back Stair
(Independent, 2011)
“This soft collection of songs makes great music to play after a long day. It’s comforting and warm, kind of like curling up with a blanket and a good book.” – Grayowl Point
Joel Plaskett – EMERGENCYs, false alarms, shipwrecks, castaways, fragile creatures, special features, demons and demonstrations.
(New Scotland Records, 2011)
“He seems like a young man off to a good start.” – The Wounded Jukebox
Jerry Granelli Trio – Let Go
(Plunge Records, 2011)
“A classic genre breathes with new life, nostalgic and fresh..” – The Montreal Mirror
David Myles- LIve at the Carleton
(Little Tiny Records, 2011)
“David Myles, a self-described “tall, skinny dude with glasses,” doesn’t think of himself as skilled in the art of seduction. But he’s selling his musical talent way short, as he proves in this live set.” – Toronto Star
Frederick Squire – Frederick Squire Sings Shenandoah and Other Popular Hits
(Blue Fog Recordings, 2011)
“a stunningly beautiful collection of forgiveness laments.” - Slowcoustic
Kate Maki – Moonshine
(Confusion Unlimited, 2011)
“…highly recommended for anyone clamoring for the next Gillian Welch record, and a surefire elixir to whatever Nashville is passing off as country music these days.” – My Old Kentucky Blog
Dog is Blue – Tortoise
(Independent, 2011)
“Watson’s nearly-spoken delivery coupled with Heaney’s wonderful singing voice, some banjo and glockenspiel generate the warmth and earnestness necessary to make folk music resonate.” - The Wounded Jukebox
Racoon Bandit- Into the Hills
(Collagen Rock Records, 2011)
“It’s an incredible effort, one of those debut albums that obviously comes from a band interested in a long professional career.” – Toro Magazine
Quiet Parade – Please Come Home (We Hate It Here Without You)
(Acadian Embassy, 2011)
“…heartbreaking and funny and cute and crushing. [Please Come Home] has the feel of an Eliot Smith album produced by George Martin.”- Noisography
Kyp Harness – Resurrection Gold
(Independent, 2011)
“…one of the best records of the year.” – Herohill
J.J. Ipsen and the Paper Crown – Entertainment Ordinaire
(Independent, 2011)
“Entertainment Ordinaire weaves a precious narrative…reinforced by tight musicianship and lovely songs.” - Skeleton Crew Quarterly
Rain Over St. Ambrose
(Acadian Embassy, 2011)
“Full of crunchy guitars, honest lyrics and memorable hooks, Rain Over St. Ambrose make my ears turn east while bringing back good old-fashioned rock n’ roll fun.” – IndieMusicFilter
Daniel Romano – Sleep Beneath The Willow
(You’ve Changed Records, 2011)
“One of the most pleasant surprises of 2011, Sleep Beneath the Willow is a great record by a talent to be reckoned with. Highly recommended.” – My Old Kentucky Blog
The Albertans – New Age
(Ernest Jenning Record Co., 2011)
“This is a band well on their way to selling out club shows and moving into an opening slot for much greater things.” - Jambase
Shotgun Jimmie – Transistor Sister
(You’ve Changed Records, 2011)
“Sixteen songs fly by in the blink of an eye, learning from the best moments of his other musical incarnations.” – Herohill
Giant Hand – Starting As People
(Empty Room Music, 2011)
“Starting As People more than lives up to the very high standards set by its predecessor (Coming Home).” -I(Heart)Music
Cursed Arrows – Death Rattle Blues
(Independent, 2011)
“Death Rattle Blues…is chalk full of catchy licks and powerful drumming. Simply haunting.”
- Daily Consciousness
Money In The Banana Stand – There’s Always
(Bird Law, 2011)
“This is the type of band that could whip a crowd into a mosh pit in no time flat.” – Gray Owl Point
Peter Elkas – Repeat Offender
(New Scotland, 2011)
“…a smooth soul tour-de-force…” – Bob Mersereau
New Scotland Records 7″ Vinyl Single Series Vol. II
(New Scotland, 2011)
Spring Breakup – It’s Not You, It’s Me
(Label Fantastic!, 2011)
“They have the ability to put a big smile on your face as they tell their tales.” – The Broken Speaker
Jerry Leger – Traveling Grey
(Golden Rocket Records, 2011)
“This is the fourth album from hardworking Toronto, ON troubadour Jerry Leger, and it deserves to bring him wider recognition.” – Exclaim
Jon McKiel – Confidence Lodge
(Youth Club, 2011)
“…surprising beauty powering through heavy sludge.” – The National Post
Laura Peek – Key
(Just Friends, 2011)
“Peek’s quiet confidence helps her deliver serious emotions, interesting narratives and honest looks inside her soul with just the slightest smirk, forcing you to smile from ear-to-ear.” – Herohill
Construction & Destruction – Mutatis Mutandis
(Independent, 2010)
“Amongst numerous highlights, “What’s Left Us” finds Collins trading in her twinkling synth for tinkling ivories, acoustic rocker “Nightshade” brings to mind the backwoods Pink Mountaintops…” – FFWD
Zac Crouse – You Plan To Do Nothing
(Independent, 2010)
“I hesitate to call You Plan To Do Nothing a labor of love, simply because the friendship and smiles Zac shared with a stable of NS music vets ooze from this record and make you think everything about this process was invigorating and rewarding.” – Herohill
Jenocide – Knee Deep
(Independent, 2010)
“Jenocide is a touch tongue-and-cheek and tough enough to wear her heart-on-her sleeve. Wherever she goes she leaves a trail of glitter and lipstick marks in her wake. ” – Xtra
Milks & Rectangles – Dirty Gold
(Night Danger, 2010)
“Each one of the five tracks features catchy guitar, vocals, solid bass and drums. ” – Broken Speaker
Ryan Cook – Peaks & Valleys
(Independent, 2010)
“Wild Side Of Town is the first single from that release. The lighthearted, but all-too-familiar story of drunken debauchery…the song is just too good to ignore even if MOKB.” – My Old Kentucky Blog
Coco et Co – St. Denis
(Independent, 2010)
“There’s moments of sadness, beauty, whimsy; basically Sisk translates all of his most personal thoughts to tape with remarkable success and accessibility.” – Herohill
Gianna Lauren – Some Move Closer, Some Move On
(Forward Music Group, 2010)
“Equal parts Cocteau Twins, Beth Orton and Sufjan Stevens, this gauzy leadoff track to one of the season’s most intriguing albums is notable for a sonic template that’s unusually adventurous…” – Toronto Star
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Gamma Gamma Rays – Beeps
(Hot Money Records, 2010)
“Gamma Gamma Rays have released a record full of moments that any music fan will love.” – Herohill
Jerry Granelli – 1313
(DIVORCE, 2010)
“Entranced by the masterful demonstration of the textural and melodic possibilities of per cussion, the listener quickly gets lost in the music, forgetting it is a solo drum record.” – Montreal Mirror
B.A. Johnston – Thank You For Being a Friend
(Just Friends Records, 2010)
“…the Leonard Cohen of the local foodcourt.” – My Old Kentucky Blog
The Gertrudes – Dawn Time Riot
(Apple Crisp Records, 2010)
“They have produced an album stronger than the rock-solid limestone foundation of Kingston and more futuristic than the windmills of Wolfe Island.” – Thick Specs
Baby Eagle – Dog Weather
(You’ve Changed Records, 2010)
“Like Dylan’s first sides with a rock band, Baby Eagle sounds pleasantly shocked by the new electricity coursing through his vivid poetry on the infectious, supercharged Dog Weather.” – Exclaim
Christina Martin – I Can Too
(Come Undone Records, 2010)
“Her songs range from slow acoustic ballads to faster rocking numbers with the one constant being whatever she tackles sounds great.” – The Times & Transcript
It Kills
(Self-released, 2010)
“It Kills embodies human experience through spiritual sound.” – The Coast
Richard Laviolette & the Oil Spills – All of Your Raw Materials
(You’ve Changed Records, 2010)
“Amongst the most gifted young Canadian songwriters, Richard Laviolette’s full-blown country exploration with the Oil Spills has rendered his most startling and cohesive collection yet.” – Exclaim
Glory Glory Man United – Zombies!!!
(Out Of Sounds Records, 2010)
“…destined to attract the attention and favor of Constantines, Sonic Youth and Mission Of Burma fans, but the record is made all the more exciting by the fact that Glory Glory Man United is only getting started” – Ground Control
Daniel Romano – Workin’ For The Music Man
(You’ve Changed Records, 2010)
“…the most intimate set of songs he’s written, and perhaps his greatest musical achievement to date.” -Quick Before it Melts
La Strada – New Home
(Ernest Jenning Record Co., 2010)
“All in all, New Home is an incredible album”
- I (heart) Music
Owl – Chants (The Vibrations in the Streets Keep Me Weak in the Knees)
(2010)
“…a quiet underbelly of synth and threads of guitar, while Murnaghan’s low, sweet voice sings about friends and lovers.”
- The Coast
Steve Poltz – Dreamhouse
(New Scotland Records, 2010)
“…another gem in his sparkling catalog.”
- Herohill
Laura Merrimen – Love Letters For Lonely Hunters
(2010)
“The mature rustic-edge to her voice and the uber-southern comfort she imbues with her phrasing are generally hallmarks of a veteran recording artist like Rosanne Cash.”
- Pennyblack Music (UK)
The Robots – Hey Buddy, Dummy
(Night Danger, 2010)>
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“The Robots sound like a great lost band from the ’90s.” – I (heart) Music
The Gertrudes – Shanty Song/Sailor 7″
(2010)
“The large band references past eras in hushed tones and adds atmospheric textures that pull the music into the present.” – Now Magazine
Apollo Ghosts – Mount Benson
(2010)
“If Apollo Ghosts’ vinyl-only debut, Hastings Sunrise, elevated the Vancouver trio to buzz-cult status last year, the band’s sophomore effort, Mount Benson, is bound to be its big breakthrough.” – Vancouver Sun
Andrew Watt and the Glory Glory – First Day of Summer Life
(2010)
“It’s a soaring pop beat with ascending choruses and that trademark driving-along-the-beach feel.” – RoundLetters
The Sheepdogs – Learn & Burn
(2010)
“…they’ve certainly soaked up all the right ’70s influences. But, more importantly, they’ve got the songs to match the sound.” – Eye Weekly
The Stance – I Left Love Behind a Long Time Ago
(Just Friends Records, 2010)
“I love it when a band appears to have all their shit together like The Stance does, they know who they are, they know their place, and they know how to do what they do well.”
- Quick Before it Melts
The Pinecones – Sage
(Just Friends Records, 2010)
“A great album for your nephew, his grandfather or anyone in between.” – The Globe and Mail
Ruth Minnikin – Depend On This
(Songmill Music, 2009)
“Perhaps the standout is the blissful title track that uses terrific horns and steel during the verses before exploding into a sing-along chorus.” – Herohill
Daniel, Fred & Julie – Self-titled
(You’ve Changed, 2009)
“Not like a Monsters of Folk, but more haunting and pain filled like a Ghosts of Folk…The record – aptly titled Daniel, Fred & Julie – is probably my favorite record of the year.” – Herohill
Dog Day – Elder Schoolhouse
(Divorce, 2009)
“…among the best they’ve recorded. It would be easy to credit White with this victory, but it’s just as likely that he happened to come along right when Dog Day were hitting a creative peak.” – Chartattack
A History Of – Action in the North Atlantic
(Noyes, 2009)
“The 10-song, 35-minute tour-de-force assaults you with sing/shouted vocals, heavy drums and huge guitar…the band plays with an intensity that is missing from far too many of today’s bands.” – Herohill
Gravity Wave – Gambol
(Fuzzy Logic, 2009)
“…the new tracks are beautifully orchestrated and exude a laconic Nick Cave/Tom Waits feeling.” – Eye Weekly.com
Jenocide – Machines To Make Us Wet
(2009)
“…Clarke navigates vocal history with PJ Harvey wails, Sleater-Kinney grit, Blondie rhymes and a Morrissey-like croon atop changing electronic blips, bounce and buzz.” – The Coast
