Scatter for all

Well a little more hip hop this time around for you fine folk.  This time we head to the bright lights and city sights of Bolton, ON.  Yeah, that's right ;).  This is where "Scatter" hails from, and his latest free offering Get up to Speed, is worth taking note of.

The album is actually composed of 6 previously recorded tracks.  He's offering it up for free, in hopes of building some excitement around his name.  It's a great listen, and features some other great Canadian artists (Mic Boyd, D-Sisive and Moka Only).  He has an old school sound that I really enjoy.

The first track is named "No Brainer", and it's got that old school vibe that I was talking about.  It hooked me into his album right away.  Something to nod your head to and really enjoy the beat.  My other favourite song would be "Back to Reality" and that track features D-Sisive (who seems to be everywhere these days).  The song just zooms along and has a great flow for me.

I've always been a beat guy, and Scatter has me figured right out.  I hope we can expect more soon from the Ontario talent.  If he keeps pumping out tunes like these, hip hop fans will be Scattering to find his latest.

A whole bunch of stuff while I'm thinking of it...

I've been busy, whatever...

Well, how many posts can I start this way?  It’s been way too long, but I’ve finally got something together here, to share with you wonderful folks out there.  This is gonna be a pretty random, and completely packed post.  I figure I’m just gonna write about everything I want to share, rather than try and save any of it for another day (cause who knows when the hell that will come?!).

First up is Sidney York, and her brand new album, Apocalyptic Radio Cynic.  With no shortage of musical experience, Brandi Sidoryk has put together one beautiful full length.  She is calling a few spots in Western Canada home right now, and I'm sure they are all very proud of the talented songstress.  Funny enough, the self titled "Apocalyptic Radio Cynic" is probably my favourite tune on the album, it's just    effing gorgeous! Look for it at the end of the month.

More new music to sick your ears on is coming to us from Vancouver, as the McAloneys’ and their group Cupla have a couple of awesome new tracks up.  This is just a group of super rad people, so to hear them putting out such awesome music is amazing.  It’s a group that makes it very easy to cheer for and become a fan.  Check out "Path Unknown", that'll bring up your day.

Speaking of “easy to be a fan”, everyone’s favourite Saskatoon rock outfit, The Sheepdogs, are still in the running for the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.  Get over and vote for our fellow Canadians!

Another fellow Canadian I expect to have a great summer is Bodhi Jones.  He’s got lots in the works, and judging by our favourite VanCity Busker’s blog and twitter feeds, he’s stoked about life right now. 

As for us Vancouver Islanders, there is plenty to be stoked about these days as well.  Personally, I’m beyond excited for Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings playing here at Alix Goolden Hall at the end of the month.  June brings plenty of talent into town, and I’m really excited that Sasha Lewis will be one of those acts. Keep an eye on her to find out exactly when and where, but plan for mid to late June. 

Another act in June worth your time is Jessica Benini.  The Victoria talent will be releasing her album June 9^th at Upstairs cabaret.  With the pipes this woman has, this may be a downright inspiring show to check out.

Also today, presale starts for Rifflandia.  They have added Royal Athletic Park to the list of venues, sounds awesome.


And there you go all, a quick and dirty run through of everything that has my attention right now.  Plenty of great Canadian content in there, and probably even better then all the mentioned acts music, would be their personalities.  Seriously people, how lucky are we to be Canadian and have all these great acts represent us?

A Small Town Eulogy that will bring a tear to your eye

Well thanks again to Meg from Rock Me Joe, we've got some more amazing Canadian music to spark your interest.  Perhaps not surprisingly, I'm taking us to Toronto yet again, where we can feast our ears (does that even make sense?) on Graydon James & The Young Novelists.  The group has released a four song E.P., there first collaborative works, entitled A Small Town Eulogy. 

Graydon has done plenty of writing and recording in the past, but these 4 songs mark the beginning of a total group collaboration.  They have certainly picked great tracks, showcasing a great ability to change speeds and feel.  The album really gets the imagination going as to how good their live show must be.  Plenty of members with an abundance of talent makes for a great act, and I suspect these guys don't disappoint. 

All four songs are certainly worth checking out, and like many bands these days, they are using a "name your price" campaign on bandcamp.  Whether you pay a dollar or a hundred dollars, you'll never think twice.  Graydon James & The Young Novelists are worth every penny.

Fables for Fighters, the next album in your collection

Well you should all send Meg a thank you email for this latest recommended music.  Meg has us headed to "La Belle Province", Montreal specifically, where Chris Velan calls home.  There is still more to thank Meg for (I think she has what I listen to figured out), but for now let's talk about how awesome Fables for Fighters is.

I couldn't believe I hadn't heard anything from Velan before.  That was my first thought when I hit play.  The music couldn't have sucked me in any faster.  This is the fourth full length for the Montreal based artist, and listening to this album has sparked my interest in the rest of his catalogue.  The eleven songs sound magnificent, it's a tight album that passes time incredibly fast.  The man has a great voice, and the music behind him is diverse and engaging. 

It's actually a tough album to pull favourites off of.  As lame as it is to say, it's all good.  Seriously.  Each time the track clicks over, you are equally excited about what your ears are hearing, you forget all about the last one and fully dive into the present.  Did I mention I can't believe I haven't listened to this guy before?

Another thing I'm digging about Chris Velan right now is his approach to the upcoming tour in support of the new album (available April 19).  Looking for pledges from fans to help finance the tour, it's a great opportunity for fans to really help out.  On top of feeling good about helping, you get the album digitally, and it looks like some other pretty awesome stuff as well.  Check it out for sure.

Velan definitely has at least one new fan on the West Coast. I'm really hoping all these pledges will get the tour van all the way out to Vancouver Island, as Fables for Fighters is one of this early year's best.

Don't we all need Shelter?

I know I said this was going up yesterday, but did anyone else catch that Jays game last night? 5 plus hours and 15 innings later, they lost (and probably deserved that fate), but my oh my what an exciting game.  I didn't think anyone would be offended with a little Sunday reading anyhow.

And what are we reading about on this fine Sunday?  An album that was a long time coming, and worth every second of the wait.  This is Franco has released thier first full length, titled Shelter.  With 11 polished tracks, this band's mature sound continues to surprise me, and I mean that in the best way possible.  I know the album took a little longer than the band had hoped, but I am sure they are pleased with the result.

"Crowded House" is still one of my favourites from this group.  The vocals are as good as they always are, and I really like the keys, they pull me in, in a big way.  "Love just leads you" would be another favourite.  Some great harmonies really have the vocals stick out for me, it's a fun one to sing along with (whether you can sing or not :).  I've also got to mention "Stuck Between".  I remember reading a review of the song when it was first released a while back, and the person was less than impressed.  I found it funny cause I thought this song was great.  It's my kind of tune, a short, happy little diddy, and I don't know how anyone could not enjoy it.

Enjoying it is what these guys are about, on top of that, they're driven, and continue to push themselves in a positive manner.  I think Shelter is a great step for the group, and they are poised to make 2011 the year you fell in love with This is Franco.

AND... It's time for another GIVEAWAY! The band was kind enough to send me a couple copies of Shelter, so leave a way to reach you in the comments section below for your chance to win! (I'm not on facebook, but a twitter handle or email would be best). Good Luck!

Spring Mix - An Island SoapBox Mixtape

So I've been thinking about putting a little "mix-tape" playlist together for a while now, and I've finally followed through with it.  It's basically a bunch of favourites from albums featured here on the blog.  It's a little self serving, I know :)  but at the same time, it's a killer playlist and these are some of my favourite tunes!  It's just a shade over 50 minutes if your interested.  Hope you enjoy, let me know what you think!


1. Sasha Lewis -
Reasons from
the album Rooted

2. The Mountains and the Trees - Miniumum Wage Lovers from the album I made this for You

3. Folk Thief - A light for liberty from the album Love Heartache & Oblivion

4. The Sheepdogs - The one you belong to from the album Learn and Burn

5. Treelines - Ghost Towns from the album Young Man

6. Dan Kosub - Til I'm there from the album Jacob's Island

7. Jeremy Fisher - Alison from the album Flood

8. Ryan Van Bellegham - If I come back this way from the album Another Man


9. Lady Hayes - Recipe for Disaster from the album Opening Hearts & Apertures

10. Shortwave - Motown from the album The Skyline Verses

11. The Ruby Spirit - Caligari from the album Born under a Veil


12. Henry and the Nightcrawlers - Fan the Flames from the album 100 Blows






13. Alli Sunshiine and the Blue Sparrows - House of Hanover from the album The Muse E.P.

14. Katie Schaan - You from the album Close to Me



15. Christopher Arruda - We'd be good men from the album Swain E.P.







So thanks to some hard work from Twitter friends Pawnshop Manual, there is a YouTube Playlist of all but two songs here! Thanks so much guys!

That's it.  Some music from all over that I really enjoy.          

Looking forward to hearing what you think, and about your mixes!

Open your ears to Lady Hayes

Well I know it's been a while, but I promise you all this is worth the wait.  And if you can imagine, Toronto is yet again where our featured artist resides.  Shelly Hayes, or as listeners know her, Lady Hayes unleashed Opening Hearts & Apertures on the world in February, and if the rest are like me, they are diggin it.

This is Hayes debut solo effort, and it's 12 tracks will induce an interest for more.  Her voice alone is going to keep you glued, sounding perfect and effortless throughout the album.  Lucky for us it's full length, all because Hayes sound impressed producers enough (from a DIY demo she was working on), to push forward with this debut.

"Recipe for Disaster" is featured on Lady Hayes blog, and is by far my favourite.  It kicks along with an awesome drum beat, and has some brass that puts it over the top.  Apparently I'm a sucker for first songs these days as well, because the other song that really sticks out for me is the first track from Opening Hearts & Apertures, titled "Defining Lines".  She got me right off the hop with her voice, and this is a great two minutes that really showcases just that.

I'm looking forward to more from Hayes.  This album really got me quickly, and I'm confident I'm not alone.  It's another spin you won't be disappointed with.

I'm a thief, you're a thief, let's all Folk Thief

Dave Hadgkiss calls Vancouver home, and is the man behind Folk Thief.  He's set to release his debut album, Love Heartache & Oblivion.  It's listed as "Folk and Country", and if you gave me this album 5 years ago, I wouldn't have given it a chance.  But we live in the now, and the now says this is well worth anyone's time.  10 tracks later and I'm ready for more.

It's a pretty twangy listen at times, and Hadgkiss really has a country feel to his vocals.  Other times I can hear the folk side of things much easier.  He seems to play between the two effortlessly, giving the album a diverse feel, and a quick flow.  He also has some beautiful back up singers, which really shine on a few of the tracks.

"A Light for Liberty" is the second track on the record, and one of my favourites.  It's one of those songs that makes you want to play guitar, or learn to play guitar.  Hadgkiss also sings along in a pretty cool way.  "The Devil Behind Me" would be my other favourite on the album.  I guess growing up in Kamloops, Dave was in a geek/punk band, and did a lot of screaming.  He's got a tiny bit of that left in him, and he lets 'er go in this one.  It's a good one to vent along with.  It's got a slow build, and you feel great when you hit "the moment".

Dave's got shows lined up in support of the album in both Vancouver and Victoria.  I can't say he's not going to go through Love or Heartache, but this album should steer him well clear of oblivion.

Catch a ferry to Jacob's Island

Looks like I'm not finishing that Toronto kick anytime soon.  Dan Kosub call's Ontario's capital home, and he is set to release Jacob's Island March 8th. I'm really enjoying E.P.'s lately, they seem like such a great way to create buzz and excitement for more from the artist.  Kosub's latest works are no different.  Six solid tracks, and now I sit and wait for the tour...

With an upbeat sound, and a great voice, it's an easy album to fall into.  Kosub sounds like he's been releasing albums for years.  "House Arrest" and "Til I'm there" are my two favourites.  I love the instruments in "House Arrest", and "Til I'm there" is a killer song to start the album off with, Kosub's singing pulling you in immediately.

This talented singer/songwriter has tour dates lined up in Ontario to support this latest release.  He also has plans of hitting the road hard this summer, making his way out here to Victoria and then heading back.  Bringing Jacob's Island with him, gives us all the chance to visit and take in the sights and sounds.

I know you want Another Man...

Northwestern Ontario is the latest stop to make your ears happy.  Kenora, Ontario is where Ryan Van Belleghem calls home, and you might as well pay attention now, because the 18 year old is talented.

Another Man is Van Belleghem's debut album.  The singer/songwriter wrote and composed the eleven track L.P. and released it this past November.  Finding it's way through several genres, the album demonstrates how versatile the young musician is.  It's a fact that has grown on me as I've listened to the album more and more (which has also led me to liking it more and more).

I dig the way he has played across all these genres, but my favourite two songs on the album definitely have a similar vibe.  "True" is the first track on the album, and I think that was a good choice.  He lists Jack Johnson as a musician that inspires him and it's clear on a few tracks.  I like it.  "If I come back this way" would be my another favourite.  It's the ease of the singing in these two tunes I like as well, it just sounds very natural.  

I'm really impressed with Another Man.  It's a tight eleven tracks and it certainly has sparked my interest to see where Ryan goes from here.  Calling himself an amateur, and taking the attitude that everyone has to start somewhere, there is no doubt there will be plenty of growing from here for Van Belleghem.  It's an exciting fact when you hear how much talent he already has.

Burn one and join the Pack

Saskatoon Saskatchewan is the next stop on the map, as we open our ears up to The Sheepdogs.  As usual I am behind on this, but the group is in a contest to try and make the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine!  One spin through Learn & Burn, and you'll be getting all the friends you know to vote for them as well.

The 15 song album is bad ass.  Like bad ass straight from the 60/70's.  The boys like to rock, and I am glad they do.  From the first note of the album you know you are in for a treat.  It has that old-school rock vibe right then and there, and it doesn't let up.

"The one you belong to" is the name of that first track, and because of that opening riff, is probably my favourite track on the album.  I just need some friends and a dock/campsite to really complete the experience.  "Southern Dreaming" is another favourite.  These guys sound like your favourite rock groups of the past, and I just embraced this album so quickly because of that feeling.

There is also a pride issue here.  The Sheepdogs are the only Canadian band in the Rolling Stone Cover contest.  With an album that rocks like this, you'll be busy voting for the boys in between air guitar licks.

Get Rooted with Sasha Lewis

Well I've put a halt to my Toronto kick momentarily, Rooted has us interested in Salmon Arm, B.C. and the talented Sasha Lewis.  This album is another case of obvious talent from the moment you hit play.  Lewis can flat out sing, and I was ready to hear all 10 tracks immediately.

She may be from small town Canada (Dunster, B.C.) but the debut album from the talented singer/songwriter should garner big city attention.  The pace of the album changes nicely, but it maintains a constant feel.  Often it is easy to zone out of a song, and miss what you are listening to, but Lewis voice doesn't allow that.  The result is an album that plays front to back in seemingly record time.

"Until your Home" and "Reasons" are probably my two favourite songs on the album.  As I mentioned before, Lewis has a great voice and is a treat to listen to.  For me though it's often the beat that pulls me in.  The first being sort of a happy tune that is simple on the ears.  The latter similar in that it's simple as well, but it's got a different vibe that I totally dig.  For whatever reason, this album intrigued me to hear Lewis and Vince Vaccaro together.  Not sure why, but I think they could put something pretty sweet together.

You will not be sorry if you give Rooted a shot.  It's a great listen and really does a good job generating interest in the artist.  I'm confident if you listen to the record, you will be bugging her to play your hometown!

    

Dinosaur Bones, a rare and precious find

I am officially on a Toronto kick.  Hailing from the Big Smoke is the latest recommended listening from Island SoapBox, Dinosaur Bones, and their debut full length My Divider.  Due out March 8, this bad boy is down right good.  Taking their time in the studio (they spent over six weeks recording), the five men behind the sound have put forth 11 tracks worth listening to.

My first impression of the record was it seemed very dramatic.  The songs have a great flow, and I found myself going through a range of emotions listening, but the dramatic undertones seem to carry through.  I think that's why I'm enjoying this particular album so much, this is music that is out of my "typical listening", especially when it comes to a five piece group, but these guys have me hooked.

"Ice Hotels" is probably my favourite right now.  I think it offers up a lot of what Dinosaur Bones offers up, and what I just talked about.  The song builds really nicely, and stays quite simple sounding while getting there.  "Bombs in the Night" would be my other favourite.  I like the driving beat behind this one, and I just really like how it's put together.  It does a weird thing in my brain I can't quite describe, I just know I enjoy it!

This album has certainly made a fan out of me.  I was not very familiar with the group before, but I am quite pleased to know about them now.  I'm thinking March 8 will be a great day for the boys, and an even better day for their fans.  With a Canadian Tour planned already, there will be plenty of opportunity to grab this album for yourself, and add to that growing fan base.

A Mafia I could join...

Ok so we're headed to Toronto yet again, with some Manchester support in there for good measure.  The Hippy Mafia "is a collaboration of five individuals from five music genres hailing from Manchester UK and Ontario Canada." according to their website.  I think they are just rad.  Besides just really digging their tunes right now, their website is pretty fun in itself.  Some of the reading is right out there, but it is entertaining to read while you listen.

They only have 4 tunes up right now, and they have an E.P. in the works.  I will certainly be keeping an eye out for that.  As for what they have up right now, I really dig Apollo Creed.  This is more music that gets me wanting to move around, an instant energy boost when you really need it.  I like the fact they mention they come from 5 different music genres, because you feel like you hear a bit of everything in there.  I really feel if you're a music fan, there will be something about The Hippy Mafia you enjoy. 

Catch the Shortwave

Well we're headed back to Toronto again folks, and with good reason, Shortwave beckons.  Their new album The Skyline Verses, is the bands first kick at a full length, and I think they nailed it.   I don't often enjoy a record this much the first time through, but it really just sat well with me.  Eleven solid tracks make for a great play front to back.

There is something familiar about the sound of the whole record.  The first time through I was wondering if I had heard some of these songs before.  Not in the same-old-crap kinda way, but more in the favourite-old-diddy kinda way.  I really felt like the album just fell into the "old favourites pile", just like that.

This is certainly a more upbeat album, fourty-two minutes of music that gets me going.  I know usually I have pretty causal, easy listening on here, so that may be why I'm digging this as much as I am.  The energy is constant, and it's a good album to listen to for those times you're looking for a kick in the ass.

"Motown" is my favourite tune on the album.  I also think it gives a great idea of what the rest of the album is about.  It's just a super fun song, and much like the rest of the record, it fires up my inspiration as well.  The songs have such great beats, that the geeky inner-editor nerd comes out in me, and I just want to cut video to it!

It may be the bands first full length, but they are by no means new to the scene.  After giving this a spin, their experience is evident, and this album should generate nothing but positive vibes for Shortwave.

Everybody should be Making War

This rad cover shot was taken by my buddy from
www.cylerparent.com

Well Ellisa Hartman is fast becoming an Island SoapBox favourite, and the Making War E.P. has strengthened her case.  I remember her excitement for the release, and I can understand why.  The 6 song E.P. is a great showcase of her talents, and should please current fans as well as intrigue new ones.

"Making War" and "Smitten" are probably the two catchiest tunes on the album.  Both make you want to sing along, and I think these two will catch your attention and really allow you to enjoy the rest of the album, which rings along at a slightly slower pace.  As it's 6 songs, it's a quick play, but an enjoyable listen that will leave people searching out more Ellisa Hartman.

She is another musician on Vancouver Island who is just so incredibly personable, you want her to succeed.  This album is definitely a strong performance, and I think demand for this now Campbell River based musician should be on the rise.  Look for an interview in the coming weeks with Ellisa!

Add some Sunshine to your winter listening

Alli Sunshine and the Blue Sparrows offered up The Muse E.P. this past December.  Now I should have spread the word on this earlier, but hey, we're here now!  I've been listening to this album quite a bit over the past month, and Nanaimo certainly has another group to be proud of.

This is an excellent 5 song showcase that has me eager to hear (and see) more.  Alli Sunshine has a beautiful voice, which easily keeps your interest itself.  The instruments are equally great, and I enjoy the diversity of the 5 tracks.  "House of Hanover" and "Baby" are my favourites, I can't choose between the two.  "House of Hanover" is a gorgeous song, a slower pace that really let's you enjoy Sunshine's brilliance.  "Baby" has a super fun guitar solo that makes me love the entire album.  The whole song is fun to hear build, and I just really enjoy how it leaves me feeling.

The Muse E.P. is worth your time for sure.  The group sounds wonderful, and I think can safely say this is a job well done.  All 5 songs create an interest to hear more. A great Vancouver Island group that will be worth watching out for.

December Musings from atop Island SoapBox

The economy may still be in the dumps, but 2010
was a great year for music

I don't know how many of these will come, but I do know that I'm going to have to get in on these "year in review" style blogs.  I've decided for this one I'm going to list a few albums from the past year that I really enjoyed.  Please leave any feedback, and list anything that you enjoyed from 2010.  Happy Holidays!

Jeremy Fisher's Flood was an album that I was extremely excited for all year.  I was pumped to review it, and was utterly thrilled to sit down and interview him.  The album is dynamite.  Even with my excitement, it exceeded my expectations.  For an artist who seems to enjoy more success every time he takes his next step, Flood might be a major jump.  I gotta believe there will be nominations in 2011 for this great spin.

Zachary Lucky is an awesome dude I had the pleasure of meeting on one of his many tour stops in Victoria over the past year.  A very chilled out personality who just wants to play his music for you.  You can't help but want success for the passionate singer/songwriter.  Come & Gone might be Lucky's jumping off point.  It was an album that totally blew past my expectations.  Recorded in Yorkton, SK, this is a record any fan of music can really enjoy.

A band that certainly can't complain about 2010 is Island SoapBox favourites, Treelines.  "Summer Song" was named CBC Radio 3's "R3-30 Song of the Summer" shortly after the band relocated to Vancouver.  The boys used the second half of 2010 to set up shop in Van City, and have done nothing but build momentum with their release of Young Man.




That's it for this post.  I'll get another one out soon, including a short list of acts I think you should watch out for in 2011!  Who are your artists of choice? Any albums that really blew you away this year?

"Our First Christmas" Tis the Season to listen...

Light Organ Records has arrived on the scene in time for Christmas 2010.  Giving us "Our First Christmas" An album featuring all sorts of local acts, and all sorts of Christmas songs that don't suck.

I'm not sure what it is about traditional Christmas music, but I've never really enjoyed it.  So when Christmas music comes around that I do enjoy, it is all the more exciting. This way I can feel more in tune with the season, and less like a Grinch!

You can tell right from the first note it's a seasonal listen.  Bells jingle and "Fa la la, fa la la" is sung perfectly by Adaline & Frederick.  The song "Let's stay inside" is a wonderful start with a great BC feel.

The Zolas actually have one of my favourite songs on the album right up next simply called "Snow".  Admittedly this is a group I don't know much about, but the after hearing this jam and really, really liking it, I'm going to check more of them out!

As usual, I won't go through every track here with you guys, but there is one more I really enjoyed.  The Fugitives put forth "Christmas at the Office Party".  It's a very enjoyable acoustic diddy, and it contains my favourite line on the album.  "Christmas, fuck yeah...fuck yeah".  I mean how good is that?  Toss in a little Harp for good measure and you have me sold.

It's great to see Light Organ Records giving us more access to local content.  This is an excellent Christmas album, and a great way to introduce yourself to some bands you may not have heard yet.  I strongly suggest giving it a spin this holiday season, it is after all, Christmas music that doesn't suck.

SWAIN: You should listen to it

Back to Nan-town we go, and it's another great effort from Christopher Arruda.  SWAIN, is his latest works, a 7 song E.P. serving as a footnote of sorts to his debut full length.

I was lucky enough to chat with Arruda a while back, just before releasing this album.  He had mentioned how proud of it he was, and he had a lot of positive things to say about it.  Now I can see why.

The album starts with a tune called CJ Somers, and I really feel like this was the perfect song to start the album with.  Arruda and his vocals shine on this track.  It really feels bare to me, as though he is laying it all out in front of you right off the hop.  This is me, take it or leave it, and I love it.

As Arruda mentioned last time we spoke, there are no drums on the album, and it does move along at a slower pace.  I don't think this takes away from it in any way though.  It actually showcases the Nanaimo artist and his talents even more-so.  With smooth vocals ever present and some beautiful guitar and keys, this album is a thought provoking gem.

My favourite track is "We'd be good men".  Something about the guitar right off the hop really sucks me in, and there is something about this song that just strikes me as being so raw.

To be perfectly honest, the first time I played this album through, my reaction wasn't much more than "meh".  Maybe I was in a bad mood or something that day, because every time I play this album out now, I enjoy it more and more.  And if you have ever had the privilege of seeing Arruda live, you know the passion he brings with his music.  That passion is very evident on this record.

Arruda has had one hell of a year, and he doesn't seem to be slowing down.  With a second full length in the works as well as a move to a Canadian Metropolitan area, it looks like we are only going to see more from this talented singer/songwriter in the future (check out his new website to see what I'm talking about).

During this time of year, when the days are short and the skies are grey, this is the kind of album you need to get your thoughts going.  Lie back, close your eyes and push play.  SWAIN takes care of the rest.