Released in September of 2006 by singer songwriter Emily Haines,more commonly known as the front runner for Toronto, Canada's indie-rock band Metric and her various collaborations in another Toronto, Canada indie rock band Broken Social Scene.

Released in 2009 “The Truth about Us: A Twenty Year Retrospective” is worth any Canadians time. This album covers the various hits of the Skydiggers over their twenty year career. It was in 2009 that I was introduced to the “Diggers” by a band member Ron Macey, bassist at a friend’s back-yard BBQ in Toronto.  Shortly after our meeting I was given the new-release of this album and I must admit I was weary as good Canadian music can be hard to find.  Seeing as the band was twenty years in service and they were unknowns to me, I was worried what exactly I was in for and knowing that I might see Ron again I was hoping I was going to like the album. 

This is probably the best album that has landed on the shelf in a long time. This was by far, my go to for 2010. If you’re familiar with the Mumford and Sons debut album “Sigh No More” album then you know this album writes its own review “Best New Album- period”.   If your not- I’m here to tell you what you’re missing out on…  Released in October 2009 in Europe and in February 2010 in North America;  this London based indie folk band has captured international attention and is drawing crowds in from every corner to attend their sold out shows. 

If you like jazz music this album is for you. This is the third album by Sarah Blasko released in 2009, whose voice is simply beautiful.  Today so many artists lack true talent, but every once in a while you find someone who has natural singing ability without the need for studio tricks to enhance the depth of their voice. Her songs take you through the journey of the artist’s life; it’s personal and exposes many vulnerable moments in her relationships.

Post-Punk, Glam Rock, Art Rock and Indie Pop are all references that could be used to define “The XX”.  XX is the debut album released in August 2009, from this English rock band that leaves you wanting more. There’s something so simple yet so right about this band. This album is an easy listen that is not forced between tracks.

Certainly I’m Indebted.

Band of Skulls – Baby Darling Doll Face Honey – Reviewed

The rock music scene has been patiently waiting since the late nineties for a garage band. It’s taken almost twenty years to find a band that fits in this genre that doesn’t fit into the one to three hit wonder categories.
Since the release of Baby Darling Doll Honey Face in March of 2009 you’re left feeling impatient waiting for their next album release. The rock music scene was cluttered with garage bands in the nineties, some of which bands are still a part of the best bands and/or albums of all-time. Between breakups and tragic deaths it seems to be a glimpse on the music radar scene historically speaking.

Iron & Wine is unique and often described as a band. To the contrary I’ve always referred to Iron& Wine simply as Sam Beam a one man show. The style of music is very simple finger picking, which often gives listeners a sense as to a bigger presence on stage. His new album Kiss Each Other Clean is a definite compilation of artists which for that reason has made it a hard listen, his support on stage can be distracting to a long-time fan. After giving this album several spins, it’s without a doubt that I say it’s a welcomed change to his past work.

Released in 2008 (I know that's a long time ago), The Rhumb Line delivers all the way through. The album opener, Ghost Under Rocks, is a no-holds-barred gem that will leave you wanting more. It's catchy melodies and pseudo-chant driven chorus will mesmerize you! Dying Is Fine is an upbeat, high-hat ladened work of art. It's interlude is sweet yet sad.

Band of Horses is back with their 3rd installment: Infinite Arms. Let me first start off by saying that this is one of the most relaxing albums I've ever listened to. Band of Horses uses very simple instrumentation that holds it's own very well. Utilizing clever, calming lyrics, Infinite Arms is an album you won't soon be able to put down.

Let me start off by saying that this album is just plain fun. Matt and Kim have matured immensely from the first effort (Grand). Cameras is a crowd pleaser for sure, but the depth of this album is the true surprise here.