Dynamic list of the Top 10 CDs of the week
MADE IN B.C.: Eclectic discs show just how far the province is stretching its aural boundaries
This short list of 10 records that formerly were selected as The Garage CD of the Week doesn’t even begin to show the variety or volume of made-in-B.C. records that have been released in the past six months.
There’s variety, though, that possibly also is consistent. Hesitantly, The Garage recommends that the reader tries to hear them. The 10 are listed by the week they were picked.
Jan. 20: Dan Mangan and Blacksmith: Club Meds
This is a brave record. Mangan has turned his back on making a more commercial record or taking the easier route to the stardom he seemed destined for. Instead, he has taken a serious look at consumerism, found it wanting, and with a band has made an altogether more difficult album.
Feb. 3: Schuld Stamer: Kuddel Muddel
Blues with a contemporary approach. Two veterans try loops rather than going back to the delta for inspiration. The result is no less authentic or foreign, which is a testament to the experience of Andreas Schuld and Hans Stamer.
Feb. 17: John Gogo: Coal And Wood Revisited
Folk and soft-rock with a sense of place and time. In other words, Gogo has roots and draws upon them for well told narrative tales, and including little history lessons.
Feb. 24: Kelly Haigh: Post Apocalyptic Valentines
Not only a record but a book containing Haigh’s often macabre art, stories, lyrics and sometimes corny humour. Put it all together and Haigh is a mischievous but sincere individual. However, this all hinges on the music, which reveals her to be an accomplished multi-instrumentalist and good writer.
March 3: Colin James: Hearts On Fire
By now, James has established himself as a musician and singer with a discerning ear, but this is his best recent record, possibly because he has nothing left to prove. Also, James’s voice has matured to something closer to smoky that sounds good on him. Which is not to say James has let down his guard — any collaboration with Tom Wilson will have an edge — but his amalgamation of blues, rock and soul is just that much better.
March 10: China Syndrome: The Usual Angst
The third China Syndrome album reveals the first two as steppingstones. Leader Tim Chan keeps improving as a writer while Vern Beamish keeps improving as a versatile guitarist and Chan’s foil. On The Usual Angst there is more attention to detail, and the more personal quality of the songs. These also hint at a black humour (the album title alone is deferential) and a broadminded intelligence in the tribute to Steve Marriott.
March 31: Rock And Roll Circus: Rock And Roll Circus
It doesn’t take long to realize this is a throwback to the ’70s — not retro, as the Circus isn’t slavishly copying anything. Yet it is paying tribute, especially to The Faces and Ron Wood’s part in that band. If it sparks nostalgia, perhaps it was what was intended.
May 12: Alex Cuba: Healer
Despite the language barrier, Cuba is captured so intimately that these acoustic guitar-driven songs have a rare presence that can be appreciated in any tongue. There is an idealism lying behind the album that touches even the love songs. As well as its seductive power, Healer also has guests such as Kuba Oms and Ron Sexmith that suggest Cuba is stepping beyond his Cuban folk.
June 2: Swank: Keep It Together
Another attractive package by Swank, but beneath it is the band’s most complete merger of its garagerock (Lazy), ’50s balladry (Just Let Him Go) and — yikes — pop rock (Not Complaining). Holding it all together is Swank’s fast-paced country, which approaches skiffle (Rockbottom Line, which always stirs up Lonnie Donnegan’s take on Rock Island Lline).
June 9: The Wild: GxDxWxB
The Garage has received its share of punk, metal, blues and straightup rock, but The Wild has managed to blend it all in this EP. Big riffs are offset by a discernible sense of melody (Party ’Til You’re Dead) and it is all fuelled by a reckless attitude that is good-humoured (if you are not threatened by the stance) and energizing. Aerosmith meets Motorhead meets DOA meets Guns ’N’ Roses.