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2017:

 

   

         

         

 

         

 

 

 

 

 

JANUARY 2017:

 

 The Rolling Stones – Blue & Lonesome

The Rolling Stones – Blue & Lonesome

After almost 55 years of career, the old rock 'n rollers return with a new album, 11 years after A Bigger Bang. The Rolling Stones entered the studio to record and came out three days later with a blues record of 12 tracks under their arm, their best recording in a long time. It was after recording a rather successful version of Little Walter's "Blue and Lonesome" that the band decided to record more Chicago blues. There are songs of Willie Dixon, Howlin' Wolf, Eddie Taylor, Jimmy Reed, and others. The band is more united than ever and you can hear that on Blue & Lonesome which remains solid from beginning to end. It must be said that it is a return to roots for the Rolling Stones whose inspiration came from the blues. Will Blue & Lonesome be the last album by the Rolling Stones? Maybe not, but if the rumors about it are founded, we can say that they will have made their exit by the front door, closing the loop in a great way. Note the presence of Eric Clapton on two tracks, Clapton who was recording in the next studio. (January 2017 Featured Review)

Polydor / Universal

½

   

           

 Sebastian Kole – Soup

Sebastian Kole – Soup

Sebastian Kole was first recognized as an excellent songwriter who wrote hits for Alessia Cara ("Here"), Jennifer Lopez, Demi Lovato, Maroon 5 and Brandy. He now releases his first album, Soup, a skillful blend of R&B and urban pop with southern influences. Kole offers a fusion between Adele, Coldplay and John Legend, with several ballads, but also energetic and entertaining songs. He also has a powerful and very pleasant voice. Note that three of the songs on the album can be heard in ABC's Grey's Anatomy TV show. (January 2017 Featured New Artist)

Motown / Universal

½

   

 LP – Lost on You

LP – Lost on You

After the excellent Forever for Now in 2014, the Los Angeles singer returned with a prominent album at the very end of 2016. Lost on You includes among other things her greatest radio hit to date with the unforgettable title-song. Laura Pergolizzi offers several songs with a more pop trend than on her previous recordings, which may allow her to finally reach a large audience. Despite everything, she never loses her creative abilities while she offers us compositions of high quality that have nothing to envy her past work. She seems to be assuming herself a little more than before. Here is a very solid record that will propel LP to superstar title. (January 2017)

Music Video: « Lost on You »

BMG / Vagrant / Warner

½

   

 Mosquito-B – Use Less U

Mosquito-B – Use Less U

Mosquito-B is a Quebec band formed nearly 20 years ago by singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Daniel L. Moisan. They offer pop rock music inspired by The Beatles and The Cure. After two albums in French, the band returned with two albums in English and they were able to make their way in the British market. Mosquito-B are back with their fifth album, Use Less U, mixed and co-produced by Paul Northfield (Rush, April Wine, Dream Theater) and mastered in London by Ray Staff (Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Black Sabbath, Muse). Oriented to the new music market, the group offers its album online only at the cost of one pound (about $1.70 CDN), a strategy justified by the fact that the total amount will go to the band which represents more than the profits via a record contract. Musically, Moisan and his band are faithful to their roots in British rock, with also elements of comparison with REM and Tragically Hip. Mosquito-B offer several excellent compositions from the 14 tracks of Use Less U ("Not Easy", "The Neon Riders", "The Room", "I Don’t Know", the first single "Left for Love", etc.), for a very pleasant album to listen to until the end. (January 2017)

Music Video: « Left for Love »

½

 The Weeknd – Starboy

The Weeknd – Starboy

The Toronto R&B singer returns with a new album and the hit title song, featuring French duo Daft Punk. On Starboy, The Weeknd is amusing about his recent popularity and all the paradoxes it involves. He presents some high quality songs in addition to the title song ("Party Monster", "Rockin'"). On the other hand, he also offers several pieces without personality, which can leave frankly indifferent. And it's not his sampling of Tears for Fears in "Secrets" that comes to save the bet, since it only looks weird. With the ballad "True Colors", he really shows us his true colors in an extremely annoying ballad. In short, if the new album of The Weeknd may seem interesting at first, it turns out rather very disappointing later. (January 2017)

Music Video: « Starboy »

Republic / Universal

½

   

 

DECEMBER:

 

 Bruno Mars – XXIVK MAgic

Bruno Mars XXIVK MAgic

After the mega hit "Uptown Funk" with Mark Ronson in 2014, Bruno Mars returns with a new solo album. Four years after Unorthodox Jukebox, he comes to us with a third record much more coherent from one end to the other. Mars explores more than ever his funky side, definitely where he is at his best, with still this background of R&B and soul that is characteristic to him. It is rock, new wave and reggae that disappear completely here, leaving at the same time songs much more compatible together for a more solid album along its length. This was the main problem of his previous record which nevertheless contained great hits including the inescapable "Locked Out of Heaven". On XXIVK Magic, Bruno Mars pays tribute to the black radios of the 1970s and 1980s, with obvious influences from Michael Jackson, Lionel Ritchie and of course James Brown in the funkiest moments. Mars unfortunately plays the bad boy's card in most of the nine songs, which he does not need to do. It is still his best album to date. (December 2016 Featured Review)

Music Video: « 24K Magic »

Atlantic / Warner

   

     

 DNCE - DNCE

DNCEDNCE

With only one song, "Cake By the Ocean", Joe Jonas (from the Jonas Brothers) new band became a worldwide sensation in less than a year. Flanked by Cole Whittle (Semi-Precious Weapons) on bass and keyboards, South Korean JinJoo Lee on guitar and Jack Lawless on drums, Jonas now arrives with the debut album of DNCE. In addition to "Cake By the Ocean", the record contains the recent hits "Toothbrush" and "Body Moves", in addition to other infectious tracks ("Doctor You", "Naked"). The quartet offers a mix of pop and dance rock, always funky and energetic, with choruses revisiting disco. At times we can compare them to Maroon 5, but DNCE is above all an alternative to disposable and interchangeable pop music, proof that pop music can be of quality. Will it pass the test of time? Several songs on DNCE are likely to succeed this tour de force, with not only unforgettable melodies, but also rich enough compositions to remain interesting during several new listenings. Even the ballads offered ("Almost", "Truthfully") remain pleasant to listen to avoiding many clichés. It is therefore an extremely pleasant album that offer us Joe Jonas and his band! (December 2016 Featured New Artist)

Music Videos: « Cake By the Ocean » - « Toothbrush » - « Body Moves »

Republic / Universal

½

   

 Bobby Bazini – Summer Is Gone

Bobby Bazini Summer Is Gone

The Quebecer releases his third album with Summer Is Gone. Produced by Martin Terefe (Mike Posner, Shawn Mendes, James Blunt), the album once again offers soulful pop rock songs, all delivered with Bazini's unique voice. According to the first single, "C'est là vie", the artist seems determined to take back where he left two years ago with the successful album Where I Belong, with a song with an unforgettable melody that should have no difficulty in conquering radios. For the first time, Bobby Bazini collaborates with authors and composers for writing, which adds a very interesting external opinion on several songs. He managed to preserve his influences of the past while modernizing his sound to bring it up to date. This is again a very good record that proposes Bobby Bazini, a great evolution for him. (December 2016)

Universal

½

   

 Bon Jovi – This House is Not for Sale

Bon JoviThis House is Not for Sale

With This House is Not for Sale, the band from New Jersey releases its 14th album in more than 30 years of career. Bon Jovi takes an important turn with this album since it is the first one without Richie Sambora, the guitarist who occupied an important place in the group and who left in the middle of a conflict. The band is far from being pitiful about its fate when it returns to an energetic and aggressive rock sound, without too many tearful ballads. In this sense, this new recording reminds fairly Have a Nice Day released in 2005, the first record produced by John Shanks who is back here for a sixth collaboration. Without returning to the style of their best years in the 1980s, Bon Jovi manage to refresh their sound with a pleasant album to listen to as a whole. (December 2016)

Music Video: « This House is Not for Sale »

Island / Universal

½

   

 Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – Skeleton Tree

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – Skeleton Tree

The Australian artist has never hesitated to visit the darkest corners of the human being, and it is still the case on Skeleton Tree, his 16th album. It must be said that Nick Cave lived a huge drama during the preparation of this new record: his 15-year-old son died tragically in July 2015 after falling from a cliff. This drama stained the whole of Skeleton Tree which becomes at the same time perhaps his most touching work to this day. It is a modest album of eight tracks and 40 minutes, with a black cover. Overall rather intimate, the album does not contain large orchestral parts. Most of the pieces give the feeling of an author's reading on a background of ambient music. Skeleton Tree contains a very special atmosphere, dark, touching and captivating. This is again an excellent record for Nick Cave and his band. (December 2016)

Kobalt

½

     

 Joyce DiDonato – In War & Peace

Joyce DiDonatoIn War & Peace

Opera singer Joyce DiDonato has won numerous Grammy Awards as well as being recognized for her charisma and her social engagement. But she is above all one of the greatest opera singers in the world. On this album containing 15 Baroque arias exploring human nature, she tries to find out how to find peace in the midst of the current world chaos that has found its climax with the terrorist attacks of Paris and Brussels. She is accompanied for the occasion by Baroque ensemble Il Pomo d'Oro directed by Maxim Emelyanychev. The album is divided into two parts: “War” and “Peace”. Most of the works presented are from Purcell and Handel, but there is also Monteverdi and world premieres of Leo and Jommelli. Here is a great album for any opera fan. (December 2016)

Erato / Warner / SIX

½

     

 Metallica – Hardwired… To Self-Destruct

Metallica Hardwired… To Self-Destruct

If we ignore their project with Lou Reed five years ago for Lulu, it took eight years for a new album by Metallica. Hardwired... To Self-Destruct is the logical continuation of Death Magnetic which marked a return to their sound of the 1980s. Here, not only can we easily compare the band to what it did at the time of …And Justice For All, but it offers in addition long songs between 6 and 8 minutes. With 12 tracks, it is thus nearly 78 minutes of music that are offered to us, oddly on two CDs whereas the space was sufficient on a single one, probably to remind the years of the double vinyl. Several tracks of this new album have a drum that is shooting us and an unleashed guitar, but the band also slows down the rhythm on many occasions, as if they could no longer sustain the pace throughout a double album. It must be said that after 35 years of career, Metallica is part of the veterans of metal and may not have the same energy than the new generation. However, there are enough moments to satisfy their fans from the beginning, while not forsaking those who arrived later. The band pays tribute to the late Lemmy Kilmister, who died a year ago, on "Murder One". Only the title track is limited to three minutes, but it is certainly the fastest song with Lars Ulrich seeming particularly in good shape behind his drums. Other interesting moments include "Moth Into Flame", "Dream No More" and "Spit Out the Bone" in conclusion. A very effective album! (December 2016)

Music Videos: « Hardwired » - « Spit Out the Bone » - Other Music Videos

Blackened / Warner

½

     

 Sting – 57th and 9th

Sting57th and 9th

With 57th and 9th, it is a return to pop rock that Sting performs after various explorations. Named because of the street corner in Manhattan that he was going through every day to get to the studio, 57th and 9th always revolves around the themes of travel and moving. In its first half, the CD presents several energetic songs with even rock 'n' roll. On the other hand, Sting greatly slows down the tempo in a much more introspective second half. On the whole, the former leader of The Police offers very good compositions, so that he has lost nothing of his pop touch. (December 2016)

Music Video: « I Can’t Stop Thinking About You »

A&M / Interscope / Universal

½

   

 Alexandre Tharaud – Tharaud Plays Rachmaninov

Alexandre TharaudTharaud Plays Rachmaninov

The French pianist pays a great tribute to Rachmaninov on this new album, accompanied by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Alexander Vedernikov, a specialist of Rachmaninov. Tharaud first presents the masterpiece of "Piano Concerto No. 2, Op. 18". He continues with "Cinq morceaux de fantaisie, Op. 3", "Vocalise, Op. 34" (with singer Sabine Devieilhe) and two rare "Pieces for six hands" (Romance and Waltz). Tharaud remains dazzling throughout this 66-minute album on which he does not hesitate to explore somewhat more obscure works of Rachmaninov's repertoire. (December 2016)

Erato / Parlophone / Warner / SIX

½

   

 David Usher – Let It Play

David Usher Let It Play

With Let It Play, David Usher presents a concept-album on which one can discover all his admiration for the music from Quebec. He adapts 10 contemporary Quebec hits in English, while trying to preserve their original essence. We can hear songs from Alex Nevsky, Dumas, Ingrid St-Pierre, Karim Ouellet, Daniel Lavoie and many other well-known artists in the French province of Canada. We also find the French version of his hit "Black Black Heart" in duet with Marie-Mai. Obviously, we can say that his versions are a little too close to the original, but it is very interesting to rediscover these great hits of Quebec music in the language of Shakespeare. This is where we realize all the quality of this music that could very well travel around the world. (December 2016)

Evil Empire

½

 

 Martha Wainwright – Goodnight City

Martha WainwrightGoodnight City

Montreal's Martha Wainwright is back on record after releasing the soundtrack of the French TV series Trauma three years ago, as well as an album with her sister Lucy last year. On Goodnight City, she still presents this clever mix of folk and alternative pop, with her unique voice filled with emotion and her endearing personality. This time on the other hand she goes a little further with energetic heartbreaking songs that recall the punk side of Patti Smith. She co-wrote "Look Into My Eyes" with her aunt, Anna McGarrigle, then her brother Rufus offers her "Francis". She also sings a song written by Merrill Garbus of Tune-Yards, "Take the Reins". On Goodnight City, Martha Wainwright goes a little further in her creation with an album that must be discovered with patience and openness. A great evolution for her! (December 2016)

Cadence

½

   

 

november:

 

 Green Day – Revolution Radio

Green Day Revolution Radio

After the ambitious project of three albums by Green Day in the fall of 2012 (Uno, Dos and Tré), Billy Joe Armstrong has been admitted into rehab, forcing at the same time the trio to take a break. They are now back strong with a title that seems inspired by The Clash, Revolution Radio. There are several energetic songs that recall the best years of the band, such as the first single ("Bang Bang"), "Say Goodbye", "Bouncing Off the Wall" and the title track. They alternate with little more pop songs, some of which are somewhat breaking the rhythm of the whole to make us realize at the same time that Green Day don’t do concept albums anymore, to our regret. Obviously, this is not an easy task to redo a record the quality of American Idiot. But a clearer guideline certainly lacks to Revolution Radio. Nevertheless, the group has sufficient energizing songs to make us want to go see them in concert again. (November 2016 Featured Review)

Music Video: « Bang Bang »

Reprise / Warner

½

   

     

 Kirty – Kirty

KirtyKirty

Kirsten Scholte (aka Kirty) is a singer-songwriter from Orillia, Ontario, now based in Toronto, who gives us her second album. On this self-titled album, she offers an essentially folk sound with very good pop melodies and traces of rather soft rock. She has several solid compositions including the remarkable "Letting You Down" and "Be Here", not to mention the first single, "That's Not Me". Kirty has a lovely voice that manages to seduce us quickly. Thus: after having started listening to the album, it is rather difficult not to go to the end of the 10 tracks. So, this is a very pleasant album to discover! (November 2016 Featured New Artist)

Postwar

½

   

 Bon Iver – 22, a Million

Bon Iver22, a Million

22, a Million is the third album from Bon Iver, but the first in five years. Justin Vernon again redefines the indescribable indie sound of Bon Iver with a mixture of electro and folk, rock and experimentation. Rather difficult to approach, it's an album that we must listen carefully and a few times, to grasp all the subtleties. Its complexity can also be a disadvantage as the frustration of having difficulty understanding what is happening can take over. Among the experiments, there are the voices that are regularly modified or accelerated, jerky synthesizers and treated saxophones. The whole is accompanied either by a soft guitar or a piano. There are also some passages of R&B on the album that certainly prove it is very creative. (November 2016)

Jagjaguwar

½

   

 Michael Bublé – Nobody But Me

Michael BubléNobody But Me

The Canadian crooner celebrates 15 years of career by presenting a new album truly to his image. On this ninth record, he indeed offers mostly jazz standards, interrupted by little more pop songs. Among the highlights of the CD, there is a beautiful duet with Meghan Trainor, "Someday", on which the two singers are accompanied by ukulele. Also to check out, his version in the Sinatra style of "My Baby Just Cares For Me". The new songs "Today Is Yesterday's Tomorrow" and "Nobody But Me" prove that Bublé can also offer quality new original material. His fans should be satisfied again. (November 2016)

Reprise / Warner

   

 Chris de Burgh – A Better World

Chris de BurghA Better World

The prolific songwriter and pop rock singer is back again with a new album, the 26th of his career. A Better World takes a thorough look at the current world and its major issues through a mixture of energetic pop rock pieces, like the first single, "Bethlehem", and more adult ballads. Many grandiose orchestrations and arrangements come envelop the whole around his deep and powerful superb voice. This is a record with many good times that should appeal again to his faithful audience. (November 2016)

Rockware / Justin Time / SIX

   

 Brent Cobb – Shine on Rainy Day

Brent CobbShine on Rainy Day

After releasing his first album at the age of 20, Brent Cobb took a 10-year break before returning now with Shine on Rainy Day. In fact, he mostly wrote for others during that period: Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Kenny Chesney, etc. But, being more comfortable in Georgia than Nashville, he decided to go back to his roots in the deep south. There are still country keys in his music that remind Nashville, but the essence of his style is folk and roots. He offers 10 effective songs that will appeal to both country and folk fans. (November 2016)

Elektra / Warner

   

 Leonard Cohen – You Want It Darker

Leonard CohenYou Want It Darker

Montrealer Leonard Cohen began his musical career later on when he was well into his thirties. 50 years later, he thus releases only his 14th career studio album as he is now 82 years old. Otherwise, recent years have been particularly creative for the one who first started as a poet. After the excellent Old Ideas in 2012 and the inevitable Popular Problems two years ago, here he is back with another prominent album. Announced as his last album, You Want It Darker appears as an exceptional conclusion to his ultimate trilogy. Produced by his son Adam, the record offers once again great compositions, performed with his superb voice increasingly low. He concludes it with a cover, "String Reprise / Treaty", which beautifully puts an end to this too short 36-minute CD. (November 2016)

Columbia / Sony

   

 Les Deuxluxes – Springtime Devil

Les DeuxluxesSpringtime Devil

The Deuxluxes is a Montreal duo formed of couple Anna Frances Meyer and Étienne Barry. They propose to revisit the golden age of rock 'n' roll with a rockabilly sound from another era. Otherwise, they create a very good link with contemporary music with garage rock explorations reminding the White Stripes. We can also detect influences of soul music from the 1960s and spaghetti western, all in a sexy coating. The duo might be minimalist, but they managed to present greatly energetic music on this first rather creative album. This is an excellent record that is offered to us with Springtime Devil, though it barely crosses the 30-minute bar. (November 2016)

Music Video: « Springtime Devil »

Bonsound

½

 

 Dragonette – Royal Blues

DragonetteRoyal Blues

The Toronto electro-pop trio is back on record four years after the excellent Bodyparts. On this fourth album, Martina Sorbara and company present again this catchy pop music which has made their success in the last years, a sound that can be compared in part to Icona Pop and Gwen Stefani. Mostly inspired by the separation between Martina Sorbara and bassist Dan Kurtz, the record remains sunny despite the main theme. After collaborations with Basement Jaxx, Kaskade and Martin Solveig, Dragonette is ready to remain at the forefront of the Canadian pop dance scene with once again a very effective record, perfect for dance floors. (November 2016)

Universal

½

   

 Piers Faccini – I Dreamed an Island

Piers FacciniI Dreamed an Island

The British Piers Faccini is back with a sixth folk album, but more mixed than ever of influences of different world music. His French and Italian roots are certainly for something about it, but he goes much further, making a complete Mediterranean tour to the Middle East. These influences probably come from that island he dreamed about, in a way a new country that encompasses several cultures. The artist deals with tolerance, terrorism and Donald Trump (very topical). Obviously, the fans of Faccini will not be so disoriented, but they will discover a little more about him. (November 2016)

Beating Drum / Six Degrees / SIX

   

Jonny Fritz – Sweet Creep

Jonny FritzSweet Creep

Jonny Fritz (also known as Jonny Corndawg) is a guy who has a bizarre mix of country and rock, as if he does not fully assume his attraction to country. In addition, he cannot help to integrate a touch of humor in his songs. On his fourth album, the second under his own name, he attempts to take a new path with poor quality instruments: percussion samples, cheap guitars and synthesizers of another era. One can easily imagine that the 11-track record (of only 30 minutes) has not been recorded in a studio and it was confirmed when he said to have done it in a backyard. Despite the bad things, we must admit that Fritz manages to present an interesting enough creativity to successfully captivate us. Sweet Creep eventually becomes friendly and you cannot compare it to anything else. You must surely like the genre, but it's an intriguing album. (November 2016)

ATO

 

 Norah Jones – Day Breaks

Norah Jones Day Breaks

After a duet album with Billie Joe Armstrong in 2013 to pay tribute to the Everly Brothers (Foreverly), the jazz singer is back with her sixth solo album. On Day Breaks, Norah Jones drops the ambient music of Little Broken Hearts (2012) to return to a more straightforward jazz pop sound on piano, closer to her debut on the now classic Come Away With Me. She mainly offers original songs, but also three carefully chosen covers to form a uniform and complete whole. Her reinterpretations include her remarkable bluesy version of Neil Young’s "Don’t Be Denied". The other covers are from Horace Silver ("Peace") and Duke Ellington ("Fleurette africaine (African Flower)"). Such tracks are supporting in a beautiful way her original songs, as they all seem to stick to her skin. Day Breaks has depth and demonstrates all the talent of the artist. So it is a great record, a jewel for her fans! (November 2016)

Music Video: « Carry On »

Blue Note / Universal

½

   

 Kings of Leon – WALLS

Kings of Leon WALLS

For their seventh album, Kings of Leon landed in Los Angeles to work with producer Markus Dravs (Florence + The Machine, Arcade Fire, Mumford & Sons). The result is a major production where each instrument is perfectly highlighted, including singer Caleb Followill. This scale contrasts sharply with the garage sound of their debut, but is fine in the sense that the band was moving in recent years. Already customized for arenas, the group now has many potential radio hits with good pop rock, full of energy. WALLS keeps us interested until the end, its main mistake being to be too short with only 10 tracks. Here is a very good album by Kings of Leon. (November 2016)

Music Videos: « Waste a Moment » - « WALLS »

RCA / Sony

½

   

 Korn – The Serenity of Suffering

KornThe Serenity of Suffering

With their 12th career album, the nu metal band goes back in time with a rawer metal sound, worthy of their first recordings, until Issues and Untouchables at the turn of the new millennium. From the first songs of the album, fans of the first hour will be delighted with especially aggressive guitar riffs, a voice that alternates between guttural and melodic, and a rhythm section upsetting your neighbors. In fact, Korn perform what they do best without putting pressure on themselves or attempting to reinvent everything. The band has a unique sound, so why not exploit it completely. Most critics will say that the group looks more backward than forward, but after all, those were their most creative years when they were able to take the forefront of a metal industry in full revolution. Those who regretted those good years will finally rediscover what had ignited at first. In addition, Jonathan Davis sings better than ever and the band seems to play perfectly together again. (November 2016)

Music Videos: « Rotting in Vain » - « Take Me »

Roadrunner / Warner

½

     

 Lady Gaga – Joanne

Lady Gaga Joanne

On Joanne, Lady Gaga takes a more pop rock turn than on her previous much more danceable albums. She even seems to get inspiration from country on a few occasions, including on the title song which appears as a nod to Dolly Parton’s "Jolene". The singer can count on surprising collaborators from the rock industry: Father John Misty, Beck, Florence Welch and Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age). By the way, Homme has co-written two of the best songs on the album, the energetic "Diamond Heart" and "John Wayne". It’s rather the fusion between genres that makes Joanne somewhat unsettling. Between pop rock piano ballads, disco rock, country and dance pop, you’re questioning yourself. This is an album to listen to piece by piece rather than as a whole, which is a shame because it includes several effective compositions. (November 2016)

Music Video: « Perfect Illusion »

Interscope / Universal

   

 Mac Miller – The Divine Feminine

Mac Miller The Divine Feminine

Following the success of GO:OD AM in 2015, the Pittsburgh rapper is already back with a new album. On this fourth record, Ariana Grande introduces Mac Miller, while his grandmother concludes the CD detailing her relationship with his grandfather. So, he wanted to make a room for women on The Divine Feminine. But, in between, Miller remains fairly macho, boasting of his aptitude in bed to anybody who wants to listen. It is therefore better to quite quickly override the theme of femininity and instead focus on music. The Pittsburgh kid was surrounded by a leading team of producers that have managed to extract the best of him. He therefore has a rich sound that goes well beyond rap. He can also count on renowned collaborators. Besides Ariana Grande, his new flame, you can hear the piano of Robert Glasper, as well as the voices of Anderson Paak, Kendrick Lamar and CeeLo Green. It's still a solid album that offers Mac Miller, a perfectly logical follower to GO:OD AM. (November 2016)

Music Video: « Dang! »

Warner

½

   

 Pink Martini – Je dis oui!

Pink Martini Je dis oui!

The Francophile band from the American West Coast comes to us with a new album with a French title (meaning I Say Yes) as well as three songs in the language of Molière composed for the movie Souvenir featuring Isabelle Huppert. This ninth record also contains a unique version of "Blue Moon" with Rufus Wainwright, as well as "Finnisma Di", an Arabic version by Ari Shapiro of one of their first hits, "The Soledad". The band again offers a mix of jazz and pop music, with diverse influences of world music and lyrics in eight languages. The first single, "Joli garçon" (Pretty Boy), gives a touch of French pop to the group, which succeeds in still going a little further in the use of its past influences. This is again a very good album that is offered to us by Pink Martini, a varied and greatly interesting album! (November 2016)

Heinz / Audiogram

½

   

 Emeli Sandé – Long Live the Angels

Emeli Sandé Long Live the Angels

Following the success of her first album in 2012 (Our Version of Events), the British singer is finally back with Long Live the Angels. Emeli Sandé presents again a mix of poignant songs, between adult pop and R&B, mostly ballads (inspired by her recent divorce), but also more energetic songs. Collaborations are rare on this record, but we can still hear her father, that she went to visit in Zambia, as well as a local children's choir on "Tenderly". Overall, the album focuses on the voice of the singer who needs little artifice, especially with such solid compositions. Only a gospel choir adds some interesting vocal harmonies. It is a particularly successful album that proposes Emeli Sandé who passes easily the test of the second album. (November 2016)

Capitol / Universal

½

   

 Soul & Sister – Tandem

Soul & SisterTandem

This brother and sister duo was discovered on the TV show Faites comme chez vous on Quebec Channel TVA. Charles David Lapierre writes the lyrics and composes the music, and he is accompanied by his sister Maude at the voice. They offer particularly soft introspective music on acoustic guitar or piano, which oscillates between folk, alternative and airy music. With Tandem, the duo has two albums of original songs simultaneously, Volume 1 with 13 songs in French and Volume 2 with 13 tracks in English. Key songs of Volume 1 include the first single, "Mille ans" and "La marche des hommes". On Volume 2, you can hear "Eden's Gate" and "God's Whisper". With two hours of music, you certainly have to appreciate their unplugged style to be able to listen to the two albums in sequence. If this is the case, you will be delighted! (November 2016)

PUR

 Sum 41 – 13 Voices

Sum 4113 Voices

After five years of waiting, the pop punk Ontario band finally has a new studio album, its sixth. Admittedly, Deryck Whibley almost died two years ago as the result of alcohol abuse, and when he was out of the coma, he had to learn to walk and play guitar again. Now he's better, but he has to tell his story throughout the CD. The group still offers some impulses of metal or hardcore punk, but the whole remains rather melodic, deeply rooted in pop punk. After a first half filled with rage, Sum 41 become wiser in the second half with songs full of hope. String arrangements are surprising on a few occasions and help to add richness to this short 10-track album. The record may seem somewhat dramatic at first, but the band managed to create a coherent and pleasant package to listen to. 13 Voices is therefore a very good album. (November 2016)

Hopeless

½

   

 Teenage Fanclub – Here

Teenage FanclubHere

After six years of absence on record, the Scottish indie band is back with possibly its best album in 20 years. This tenth album still contains elements of rock and pop, but this time with a certain folk touch that suits them particularly well. Recorded in France and Glasgow, the record offers a rather soft organic sound. The choruses remain as catchy and Here contains undoubtedly music greatly pleasant to listen, which can be discovered slowly. Its main defect is perhaps to be a little too uniform, which can become wearisome for those who like less this melancholic acoustic style. It remains that Teenage Fanclub has lost nothing of its pop touch, after almost 30 years of career. (November 2016)

Merge

½

   

 Yellowcard – Yellowcard

Yellowcard Yellowcard

It took nearly 20 years for the band of Jacksonville, Florida to release a self-titled album, their 10th, which would also be their last before retiring. In addition, it turns out it is probably their best record to date. Yellowcard still offer their pop punk sound, but more mature and with more nuances than before. The band also offers its most varied album to date with very few songs that are comparable. They go from energetic songs dominated by electric guitar, to more introspective songs without becoming boring ballads. They even allow acoustic incursions as in "I'm a Wrecking Ball". While the album gives us many pleasant surprises along the way, it keeps getting better for a strong final with the energetic "Savior's Robes" and the ultimate anthem "Fields & Fences". It is with this great conclusion that ends the career of a contemporary band that was important for more than one. (November 2016)

Music Videos: « Rest in Peace » - « The Hurt is Gone »

Hopeless

½

   

 

october:

 

 M.I.A. – A.I.M.

M.I.A.A.I.M.

On her fifth album, the London rapper born in Sri Lanka seems to return to her legacy as a refugee, including the first single, "Borders", which addresses this new refugee crisis. Musically, she merges again hip hop and electro with sounds from the Middle East. This is particularly the case in her new single, "Go Off", produced by Skrillex and Blaqstarr, which offers a powerful bass accompaniment to her staccato voice. Unfortunately, the album is quickly running out of steam later while M.I.A. seems to be somewhat lost in various more or less successful experiments. She remains creative, but she loses some of our interest in several tracks, including the stripped down and frankly boring "Jump In". Rumors ran to the effect that A.I.M. would possibly be her last album and we could have expected more for the occasion. The album features many interesting elements, but it also includes too much filling, especially in its 17-track deluxe version. Longtime fans of M.I.A. should still find something they like. (October 2016 Featured Review)

Music Videos: « Borders » - « Go Off »

Interscope / Universal

   

       

 Goldroom – West of the West

Goldroom West of the West

Goldroom is a danceable electro trio formed in Los Angeles in 2011 by songwriter and producer Josh Legg (former NightWaves). Their music is based on synthesizers and pleasantly goes between introspection and the dance floor. Their music may seem slight at the base, but it remains both intelligent and entertaining. Produced by Josh Abraham (Velvet Revolver, Courtney Love, Limp Bizkit, Orgy, Linkin Park, etc.), West of the West is an album that is particularly pleasant to listen to, without disturbing us at any time. A perfect blend of pop and more ambient music to listen to in the background of an evening with friends. A beautiful discovery! (October 2016 Featured New Artist)

Downtown / Interscope / Universal

½

   

 The Balconies – Rhonda

The Balconies – Rhonda

The trio The Balconies was formed in Ottawa in 2007 as a side project for singer and guitarist Jacquie Neville and her brother Steve on bass. Now a quartet, they release their third album in a quite easy to reach indie rock style, enough to conquer radios. Bands like Metric may come to mind even if a darker side reminding Interpol could also be heard on occasions. (October 2016)

 Annie Blanchard – Those Were the Days

Annie BlanchardThose Were the Days

For this new album, the former participant to Québec’s Star Académie from New Brunswick has decided to sing some of her favorite songs from the 1960s and 1970s in English. The Acadian revisits these great hits in a rather sweet pop style with a country flavor. The album starts strongly with the excellent performance of Amanda McBroom’s "The Rose", popularized by Bette Midler in 1979. Other highlights of the record come to us with John Denver’s "Leaving on a Jet Plane", Gordon Lightfoot’s "If You Could Read My Mind", Fleetwood Mac’s "Don’t Stop", the excellent "Angel of the Morning" made popular by Carrie Rodriguez, and the dynamic title track from Mary Hopkin to conclude the CD. Most of the songs are perfect for her and she sings them with her beautiful voice and a disarming sweetness. In fact, she managed to appropriate these songs we already knew very well for most. A great surprise! (October 2016)

Bobten

½

 

 Danny Brown – Atrocity Exhibition

Danny BrownAtrocity Exhibition

After the excellent album Old issued three years ago, the rapper is back with Atrocity Exhibition, whose title was inspired by a Joy Division song. Obviously, the comparisons stop here. Brown pursues the same previous path with extremely rich hip hop music. Otherwise, themes are rather dark, depicting the atrocities of today’s world. Only "Dance in the Water" manages to give us a break about that. Collaborations are rare on the album, the more interesting one being certainly that of Kendrick Lamar in "Really Doe". Without being able to fully compare the new album to his previous one, we can consider that Danny Brown still manages to offer a high quality album that will surely please his fans. (October 2016)

Warp

½

   

 Thomas Carbou & Patrick Graham – Impulse

Thomas Carbou & Patrick Graham – Impulse

Virtuoso guitarist Thomas Carbou joins percussionist Patrick Graham for the presentation of Impulse, an album that fuses genres as jazz mixes world music and electronic music. The two musicians are used to play together and it shows on several occasions when they are as one, remaining totally at the service of music. Completely instrumental, Impulse makes us travel through Africa, Brazil and India with unique soundscapes and infectious grooves. The duo offers us a great contemporary jazz album! (October 2016)

Ad Litteram / SIX

½

   

Drive-By Truckers – American Band

Drive-By TruckersAmerican Band

After 20 years of existence, the American rock band seems to be more patriotic than ever with American Band. However, the first group that comes to mind when listening to "Ramon Casiano" is Tragically Hip, a Canadian band... I must say that external references have always been numerous with Drive-By Truckers who seem to get inspiration from about anyone. Meanwhile, many US critics talk about American Band as perhaps their best album to date. Well, there are many strong songs, political and effective, but creativity is far from the top. Although even if the band never denounced American politics and society like this, it remains that musically, they offer us a sound heard more than once before. R.E.M., CCR and Lynyrd Skynyrd can come to mind, with a trace of U2 in the moments that move away a little from Southern United States, shaping the sound of this group rooted in American culture. Their fans will surely love, although only their positions seem to get the band elsewhere. (October 2016)

ATO

   

 The Game – 1992

The Game1992

The rapper from Compton, Los Angeles, California issues his eighth album with 1992. He pursues in gangster rap inspired by his youth, but also by various past events which took place in Los Angeles, such as the OJ Simpson case. The Game takes an Ice-T classic, "Colors", to transform it in his own way in "True Colors/It's On". He also offers the excellent "92 Bars" that flays Meek Mill and some other rappers along the way. In addition, he offers his biggest radio hit in five years with "All Eyez", featuring Jeremih. The Game remains true to his reputation on 1992, without major surprises. (October 2016)

Music Video: « All Eyez »

eOne

   

Gringo Star – The Sides and in Between

Gringo StarThe Sides and in Between

Influenced by the British bands from the 1960s, the Atlanta group releases first of all a good contemporary garage rock sound. The Hives and The Vaccines therefore come to mind as well as The Kinks, The Animals, The Zombies and The Beatles. First known as A Fir Ju Well, they finally adopted the name Gringo Star as a nod to the famous Fab Four drummer, Ringo. On this fourth album, the band goes deeply into guitar distortion from another era, while maintaining effective melodies, often memorable. They skillfully blend references to the past with a more modern alternative sound. Otherwise, it sometimes seems to have some dichotomy between their love for the British Invasion of the 1960s and their desire to offer something new for a new generation of fans. The result is therefore sometimes risky and leaves us somewhat stunned. (October 2016)

Nevado

½

 Matt Holubowski – Solitudes

Matt HolubowskiSolitudes

Matt Holubowski stood out with his unique style during his participation in Québec’s The Voice. Indeed, a folk sound and a singular voice made him immediately a different talent in the contest. Shortly after, he was already filling venues everywhere and was developing a little more each day his already unique style, centered on his acoustic guitar and his voice. Solitudes is his first full-length album on which he can finally unleash his talent. There are 11 songs mostly in English, but also French ones. If expectations were already high towards him, we can say that he perfectly fulfills its mandate since he has a refined and smart album that corresponds very well to the height of his talent. As so well suggested by its title, Solitudes is an album to listen to by yourself, putting all your attention to it. An excellent album! (October 2016)

Audiogram

½

 

Joseph – I’m Alone, No You’re Not

JosephI’m Alone, No You’re Not

Joseph is a Portland, Oregon trio of sisters offering a folk sound very strongly oriented towards pop music thanks to excellent melodies and great vocal harmonies. They issue their debut album that has some interesting elements, with a great power of seduction. Arrangements are licked with beautiful orchestrations. Pieces like "SOS (Overboard)" are likely to remain in your mind for long, though later compositions are weaker and do not necessarily make you to want to go to the end. The talent of the Closner sisters as performers is undeniable, but they may need to be surrounded by stronger composers from a creative point of view. (October 2016)

ATO

½

   

 Dom La Nena – Cantando

Dom La Nena Cantando

For this EP, the Brazilian offers a collection of four songs in English, Spanish, Portuguese and French that run somehow her personal history. It is only with her cello that she introduces us to works of Beirut, Violeta Parra, Lupicinio Rodrigues, as well as Jacques Brel’s "Les vieux". The songwriter and performer of great talent likes to cover songs of others occasionally. She gets pleasure out of Cantando with songs that marked her youth. It is only a pity that the CD lasts less than 13 minutes. (October 2016)

Six Degrees / SIX

½

   

 Daniel Lanois – Goodbye To Language

Daniel LanoisGoodbye To Language

For his new album, Canadian Daniel Lanois teamed up with Rocco DeLuca to offer a totally experimental instrumental recording on which lap steel guitar is honored. Goodbye To Language is an atmospheric album that is much closer to his work with Brian Eno in the 1980s than his folk recordings of recent years. The arrangements and effects are subtle but numerous, and include several musical layers that make us doubly appreciate the work of Lanois as producer. This is an album that quickly creates hallucinations in addition to hypnotize us every time. With this new record, Daniel Lanois proposes avant-garde unique music, certainly his best work since Shine in 2003. But, an open mind and patience are needed to successfully adhere completely to his proposal. (October 2016)

Anti- / Epitaph

½

   

 Lisa Leblanc – Why You Wanna Leave, Runaway Queen?

Lisa LeblancWhy You Wanna Leave, Runaway Queen?

After an EP in English in 2014 that allowed her to establish herself a little more in English Canada, Lisa Leblanc is back but this time with a 12-track full-length album. Mainly in English, Why You Wanna Leave, Runaway Queen? also offers some moments in French, including the excellent "Ti-gars". On this album, the folk rock singer ventures a little more in rock and blues territories with some frankly memorable songs ("Could You Wait 'Til I've Had My Coffee?", "City Slickers and Country Boys"). She also makes a surprising and highly interesting cover of Motörhead’s "Ace of Spades". With this album, the New Brunswicker takes more than ever a spot on the Canadian music scene, on top of the folk and blues rock scene. (October 2016)

Bonsound

½

   

 Barbra Lica – I’m Still Learning

Barbra LicaI’m Still Learning

Toronto's Barbra Lica is a rising star of the Canadian jazz scene. With this third album, she definitely makes her entry among the greats. She managed to charm us from the opening track, "Coffee Shop", and her beautiful voice carries us like a ray of sunshine to her attractive cover of the Cardigans’ "Lovefool". The singer-songwriter hooks immediately a smile to our face with her optimistic attitude that exudes joy of life. Her jazz pop songs have all these irresistible melodies that make us want to sing along with the singer before she becomes our best friend. Here is the ultimate refreshing album! (October 2016)

Justin Time / SIX

½

 

 Lowlands – Erie

Lowlands – Erie

Lowlands is a folk rock band from Guelph, Ontario, which is led by singer and guitarist Gordon Auld. Following their debut album, Huron, they come back with Erie in their series of albums dedicated to each of the five Great Lakes. Produced by Gavin Gardiner, the album contains a folk sound in which banjo and pedal steel guitar are featured. The voice of Auld also stands out from the whole that is rather nostalgic. You can hear very effective songs, but some tracks a little more boring can force us to accelerate the pace until the end. (October 2016)

Chelsea

 Misses Satchmo – Is That All There Is

Misses SatchmoIs That All There Is

For their third album, the Quebec quintet formed in Saint-Eli-de-Caxton in 2008 plays in their own way songs that characterize New Orleans and the African-American culture. Misses Satchmo remain firmly rooted in the jazz style of the 1930s. The band offers standards like "It Ain’t Necessarily So", the soft "Why Don’t You Do Right", the entertaining "Ol Man Mose", "Jonah and the Whale", and the medley "My Babe / Muddy Water". They manage to interpret better than anyone else this essential music of another era. (October 2016)

Bros / SIX

½

 

 Agnes Obel – Citizen of Glass

Agnes Obel Citizen of Glass

The Danish artist is back with her third album, three years after the success of Aventine which brought her to global recognition. Recorded in Berlin, Citizen of Glass admirably pursues the work begun on her previous records. She offers us very smooth chamber pop music in which the violins and piano are featured, in addition to adding this time some discrete electronic elements and vocal modulations. On some tracks with a gothic trend as "Trojan Horses", Agnes reminds us of a fusion between Enya and Nick Cave. Several songs are sure to seduce you, like the first single, "Familiar". On this new album, Agnes Obel succeeds in giving a modern twist to her style with influences of distant times. This is again a very good record, even if it requires a special atmosphere to truly enjoy it. (October 2016)

Play It Again Sam / SIX

½

   

 Regina Spektor – Remember Us to Life

Regina SpektorRemember Us to Life

Five years after the success of What We Saw from the Cheap Seats, Regina Spektor is back with Remember Us to Life. She offers her songs mostly piano and voice with great softness and perfect phrasing. Otherwise, one can also hear full orchestrations for often theatrical pop music, more interesting than the ballads. She even explores hip hop with "Small Bill$". Her highly theatrical trend can sometimes annoy and we can imagine her easily on a Broadway stage. Remember Us to Life appears somewhat uneven, despite great times. She still remains anyway an artist with an original style. (October 2016)

Sire / Warner

   

 Two Door Cinema Club – Gameshow

Two Door Cinema ClubGameshow

The Irish new wave band returns with their third album, the first since Beacon in 2012. Two Door Cinema Club have a little more dancing tangent on Gameshow with synth pop and several disco songs. Scissor Sisters and the Bee Gees can come to mind on tracks like "Bad Decisions" and "Fever". If at first this new direction may be disturbing for the fans of the first hour, they quickly manage to convince us that this is a nice evolution for the band that keeps looking forward despite influences from the past. Gameshow is much more energetic than the last one and that's good like that. But above all, the trio manages to offer us new compositions of very high quality. This results certainly in their most accessible album, but also the most complete and successful to date. To discover! (October 2016)

Music Videos: « Are We Ready? (Wreck) » - « Bad Decisions »

Glassnote / Universal

½

   

Wildlife – Age of Everything

WildlifeAge of Everything

Wildlife is a Toronto quintet that has existed for 10 years and offers an indie rock sound to strong pop trend, a custom music for radio. Alternative rock influences can be detected and even punk rock in their rhythm section and guitars, but the group remains primarily a pop rock band with memorable melodies. With this new record, Wildlife remain well of their time with a modern sound, music of their generation. (October 2016)

Wax

 

 

september:

 

 Britney Spears – Glory

Britney SpearsGlory

Following the disappointing Britney Jean in 2013, Britney has felt the need to give a boost to her career. First a residency show in Las Vegas and now back on record with Glory. She presents a modern pop sound with influences of hip hop, R&B and electro, while remaining always danceable. One can easily make comparisons with Justin Bieber on several occasions, but Britney does not deny what she did before, especially on the Blackout and Femme Fatale albums, her two most interesting of the last 10 years. The pace is a little slower than the average of her records, but you can still hear some energetic tracks on which she doesn’t take it too seriously, as "Clumsy" and "Do You Wanna Come Over?" for example. So there are several interesting elements on Glory which has enough contemporary hits to bring back the blonde singer to top 40. A beautiful blend of maturity and madness! (September 2016 Featured Review)

Music Video: « Make Me… » (feat. G-Eazy)

   

         

 Kaytranada – 99.9%

Kaytranada99.9%

DJ and producer Kevin Louis Célestin (aka Kaytranada) was born in Haiti but raised in Montreal. On this first album, he offers a mix of electronic music tending to house, contemporary R&B and hip hop. He is surrounded by collaborators throughout the CD while he only signs four songs alone among the 15 offered. His solo exploration includes a return to 1980’s R&B, but he remains generally really of his time, working with full modern technologies. Merges with BadBadNotGood and Karriem Riggins allow to discover an instrumental smooth side, at the limits of trip hop. The mixture of singers and rappers, which may seem unsettling at first, is proving to be rewarding in the end. A highlight of the record comes to us towards the end with the excellent collaboration with the Montrealer Shay Lia for "Leave Me Alone". 99.9% is an album of one hour that remains pleasant to listen to from beginning to end. (September 2016 Featured New Artist)

Music Video: « Glowed Up »

XL

½

   

 Nick Fradiani – Hurricane

Nick FradianiHurricane

The Connecticut native Nick Fradiani became an instant celebrity when he won the 14th edition of American Idol. He now releases his first album with pop melodies also including some rock sounds. Fradiani collaborated in the writing of 11 of the 12 songs offered and he proves to be quite a talented author. Unfortunately, despite a rather light pop style, it has few tracks really standing out of the whole, so he does not have many potential hits. The hits "Beautiful Life" and "Get You Home" thus represent the most remarkable songs of the album. The artist certainly has good qualities, but he will need help in writing effective songs. (September 2016)

Music Videos: « Beautiful Life » - « Get You Home »

Universal

½

   

 Grouplove – Big Mess

Grouplove Big Mess

With their third album, the quintet from Los Angeles continue their journey in a pop rock sound that has all it takes to please radio stations. The record was again produced by drummer Ryan Rabin (son of YesTrevor Rabin), even if Phil Ek (Band of Horses, The Shins) also participated for a few songs. The band seems to have had a good shot of maturity during their tour of the recent years. The result is that Big Mess proves to be more solid and consistent than their previous ones, as if Grouplove had finally really adhered to their own style, which is somewhere between MGMT, Fun and Katy Perry. But above all, what we discover quickly while listening to Big Mess is the pleasure and joy of living that emerge. It's a smart album of high quality, offering in addition great entertainment. So this is the best of both worlds! (September 2016)

Music Video: « Welcome to Your Life »

Atlantic / Warner

½

   

 Michael Kaeshammer – No Filter

Michael KaeshammerNo Filter

No Filter is the 11th album by the Canadian virtuoso pianist and singer. There is a mix of original songs and instrumental pieces, always in his own style. He remains indeed difficult to categorize, flirting with jazz, pop music and classic songs. His varied influences are the foundation of this musical eclecticism. Produced by Kaeshammer himself, the album was recorded live in the studio in just two days in Toronto. The first single, "Everybody Catches Sometime Love", was written with James Bryan of the Philosopher Kings, and you can hear Randy Bachman on guitar. Kaeshammer seems to discover himself as lyricist on No Filter, admitting that the lyrics usually come before the music. After 20 years of career, the artist born in Germany seems more comfortable than ever in this musical style he made evolve. (September 2016)

eOne / SIX

 

 Idina Menzel – idina.

Idina Menzel idina.

The specialist of musicals, who also lent her voice to Elsa in the Disney success Frozen, returns with her fifth album of original songs. She offers again highly polished adult pop music in which it is her voice that occupies all the space instead of average and often uninteresting music. We still find a few electronic elements, and occasional guitar, but nothing to dominate the voice of the singer who takes on the center stage, as in a blockbuster Broadway production. In fact, it lacks only the visual to believe in such a show. Still, one can feel that Idina perhaps has her most personal album to date. Otherwise, the lack of detachment from the scene that she was born on is still more than evident. It is an album for those who followed her for a long time or who have fallen under her spell on stage. (September 2016)

Warner

½

   

Okkervil River – Away

Okkervil RiverAway

The prolific band from Texas already release their eighth studio album in 16 years. Getting inspiration from the death of his grandfather, Will Sheff seems rather to offer a solo album instead of an Okkervil River record. Jazz, orchestral and even avant-garde instrumentations create a special atmosphere on the CD, which still retains some elements of indie rock, but largely hidden throughout. Melancholy remains for the 57 minutes of this CD, which takes a little too maudlin trends at times. The fans of the first hour may regret the most energetic style that had catch them. Sheff probably needed to do this record to evacuate all his sadness, but Away will certainly not mark the history of the group, despite good times. (September 2016)

ATO

   

 Angel Olsen – My Woman

Angel OlsenMy Woman

The folk and indie rock singer already has her fourth album. Less acoustic than her previous records, My Woman offers a broader palette with distorted guitars and even electronics. Recorded live in the studio in Los Angeles, the CD offers a rather raw and unusual energy. Through a majority of rock songs, Angel offers us more varied moments like jazz rock ("Those Were the Days") and even a piano solo at the end with "Pops". Besides leaving aside her acoustic folk sound, there is also country that completely disappears from My Woman. Otherwise, it is a highly interesting turn for this complete artist with boundless talent. While fans of the first hour may wince, Angel Olsen releases possibly her best album to date, the most complete and entertaining album. (September 2016)

Jagjaguwar

½

   

 Piano Cameleons – Piano Cameleons

Piano CameleonsPiano Cameleons

Piano Cameleons is a Montreal piano duo formed of Torontonian John Roney and versatile Matt Herskowitz. On this album, the duo confronts their piano virtuosity in fusing jazz and classical music. They perform works by Chopin, Bach, Schumann, Rachmaninoff, Gershwin and even Brubeck. They can also be heard with the great Oliver Jones for Christian Petzold’s "Minuet in G major". These peerless improvisers manage to perfectly mix jazz standards with immortal pieces from the classical repertoire. A great confrontation! (September 2016)

Justin Time / SIX

½

 

 Justin Rutledge – EAST

Justin RutledgeEAST

The singer and songwriter from Toronto was uprooted for his new album moving to the east, to the country. Inspired by the beauty and serenity of his new rural environment, he composed his seventh album on his way to Halifax, Nova Scotia where he recorded, for the first time outside of Toronto. It contains a little less the touches of country that characterized him until then, except maybe a little tinged country pop music on "The Old Oak" and "Blue Jeans". Rutledge mainly explores new styles, even incorporating elements of gospel ("The Great Ascension") to his introspective rock sound. His voice always remains cozy, to the service of the lyrics, and perhaps EAST turns out to be his most accomplished album to date. A very good record, very pleasant to listen to and to taste slowly! (September 2016)

Outside / SIX

½

   

 Zomba Prison Project – I Will Not Stop Singing

Zomba Prison ProjectI Will Not Stop Singing

Following the unexpected success of the first Zomba Prison Project album in 2015, Ian Brennan and his wife, Italian filmmaker and photographer Marilena Delli, returned to the maximum security prison of Malawi to record 14 songs included on I Will Not Stop Singing. It is once again prisoners and prison officers who are honored with several extremely touching songs, starting with "I Will Not Return to Prison", sounding like a hymn. Agnes Chiwisa also offers exceptional performances, while Elias Chimenya, a lifer, is bloodcurdling with "Sister, Take Good Care of Your Husband". "I Will Never Stop Grieving for You, My Wife" was born from a writing workshop led by Brennan on his last day recording in prison. It explores the emotions of the composer following the death of his wife and mother of his four children. It’s another moment of great emotion for a record that takes us in a particular atmosphere! (September 2016)

Six Degrees / SIX

 

 

august:

 

 Billy Talent – Afraid of Heights

Billy Talent Afraid of Heights

Four years after the excellent Dead Silence, the Canadian band is back with their fifth album. Afraid of Heights is possibly their most varied record to date, exploring different styles and including piano, synthesizers and acoustic guitar. This is the first album without drummer Aaron Solowoniuk forced to stand due to multiple sclerosis. He was replaced by Jordan Hastings (Alexisonfire). Guitarist Ian D'Sa made a monumental work in the production of the record while Billy Talent sounds better than ever. The band reminds us Metallica’s "The Unforgiven" with "Rabbit Down the Hole" while it's Muse that comes to mind with "Horses & Chariots". The group takes position in "This Is Our War", which further expands a little more their palette. Otherwise, the centerpiece of the album remains the title track, which is found as a reprise at the end of the CD. With Afraid of Heights, Billy Talent demonstrate the full range of their talents, both as composers and as musicians. This therefore results in a complete album on which each song has interesting elements, which thereby makes us want to listen to it until the end. A very good record! (August 2016 Featured Review)

Music Video: « Afraid of Heights »

Warner

½

   

     

 Jamie Kilstein & The Agenda – A Bit Much

Jamie Kilstein & The Agenda – A Bit Much

Jamie Kilstein managed to become known as a standup comic, but now it’s as the leader of an alternative rock band that he is getting discovered. Effective on guitar, it's mostly as a singer that stands out Kilstein with lyrics vigorously denouncing injustices such as homophobia, sexism, racism, irresponsible parents, economic injustices, etc. In several songs he is speaking to deliver his corrosive lyrics, more as a rapper/poet than as a humorist set to music. Otherwise, the best texts and music assemblies come when he truly sings, is a little less sharp and is not necessarily addressing to an audience supporting his ideas. Because it must be said: if you are not of the same opinion as Kilstein, you are likely to have a very long time! Same thing if cursing is bothering you... This is a good album for those who like artists who stand for their ideas with an energetic and interesting indie rock sound. But it is mainly for Jamie Kilstein to communicate his messages in another way than alone on a stage behind a microphone making the crowd laugh at all costs. (August 2016 Featured New Artist)

Music Video: « Fuck the NRA »

Don Giovanni

   

 Nicholas Angelich – Dedication

Nicholas AngelichDedication

On his new album, pianist Nicholas Angelich plays three works by Liszt, Schumann and Chopin that were dedicated to one of the other two. First, we find Liszt’s "Sonata in B minor" dedicated to Robert Schumann. Then it was the turn of Schumann to dedicate "Kreisleriana, Op. 16" to Frédéric Chopin. Finally, Chopin dedicated his "Études, Op. 10, nos 10 & 12" to Franz Liszt. With this 78-minute album Angelich pays a great tribute to these three pianists and composers born 18 months apart, which vowed admiration and mutual respect. (August 2016)

Erato / Warner / SIX

     

 Banks & Steelz – Anything But Words

Banks & Steelz – Anything But Words

Here is a side project by Paul Banks (Interpol) and RZA (Wu-Tang Clan). The duo introduces a mixture of new wave, indie rock and rap. One can certainly compare them to Gorillaz and the Beastie Boys. The album includes collaborations with Kool Keith, Method Man, Masta Killa, Ghostface Killah and Florence Welch (Florence + The Machine). They managed to give us a greatly varied and dynamic album that will seduce many by its energy. In fact, it seems that both artists stood in the presence of each other to become an indestructible force, as if they were made to play together. After an energetic and entertaining first half, the duo slowed the pace to take a trip hop path, equally interesting. This is a very good album that offer these two talented artists. (August 2016)

Warner

½

   

 Jeff Beck – Loud Hailer

Jeff BeckLoud Hailer

Six years after Emotion & Commotion, the legendary guitarist is back with a new album of original music. Jeff Beck uses this time a different path with the help of singer Rosie Bones and guitarist Carmen Vandenberg. He presents sometimes a heavy rock sound with blues and funky trends. He explores fairly and the two collaborators bring a fresh perspective to this album that blends the past with more contemporary music. Several interesting elements furnish Loud Hailer, allowing Jeff Beck to remain on the page despite 50 years of career. (August 2016)

Atco / Rhino / Warner

½

   

Blind Pilot – And Then Like Lions

Blind PilotAnd Then Like Lions

Blind Pilot is an indie rock band that was formed in Portland in the mid-2000s. They release their third album, five years after the one that made them known, the excellent We Are the Tide. They still offer an indie album to folk trend, but with little less pop elements, in spite of very good melodies. The group varies between electric and acoustic, with some rich arrangements that recall that Blind Pilot are six musicians. The layers of guitars, electro elements, trumpets and even a vibraphone add to the richness of the record that manages to capture attention quickly, in addition to retaining the interest until the end. It is still a very good album that offer Blind Pilot. (August 2016)

ATO

½

   

 Blink-182 – California

Blink-182 California

After a long period of uncertainty, the guys from Blink-182 finally release their seventh album, only their second in 13 years. They seem to have regained their form of the good old days because they offer us an energetic and inspired pop punk sound. It must be said that we have here a third incarnation of the band with the addition of guitarist Matt Skiba (Alkaline Trio), replacing founding member Tom DeLonge. So it's a fresh breeze blowing on Blink-182 and it restores at the same time some of their youth and teenage recklessness. Skiba was able to skillfully integrate the group and we still find the riffs and other Blink characteristic elements. In addition, the group gives us 16 tracks in less than 43 minutes, so they are short and effective songs that can be heard on California. Producer John Feldmann (Goldfinger) has kept the group in an excellent focus for a record with a great guideline, worthy of their best years. The energy is finally back in Blink-182, 15 years after soaring! (August 2016)

Music Video: « Bored To Death »

½

   

 Dinosaur Jr. – Give a Glimpse of What Yer Not

Dinosaur Jr. Give a Glimpse of What Yer Not

After 33 years of existence, the American alternative rock band possibly presents its most original album in 25 years. Give a Glimpse of What Yer Not stands out because of its boundless creativity, alternative music reminiscent of their best years, with a touch of Hüsker Dü and the Goo Goo Dolls in their early days, not to mention grunge and garage folk. No surprise really, Dinosaur Jr. managed to prove that they still have a communicative melodic sense. J. Mascis and Lou Barlow offer some of the best songs from the Dinosaur Jr. repertoire, going several years back, well before their comeback in 2007. (August 2016)

Jagjaguwar

½

   

 The Earls of Leicester – Rattle & Roar

The Earls of Leicester – Rattle & Roar

Formed in Nashville in 2013 by dobro master Jerry Douglas, The Earls of Leicester is a tribute to Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs of the band The Foggy Mountain Boys. They have a second album with 17 tracks of the Flatt and Scruggs directory. Faithful to the original songs, The Earls of Leicester are unfortunately not able to carry this classic bluegrass music to another level. However, the production of high quality by Douglas manages to give some luster to Rattle & Roar which we did not find on their first record. The group thus managed to evolve in a big way, while remaining true to those bluegrass classics. (August 2016)

Rounder / Concord

   

Lisa Hannigan – At Swim

Lisa HanniganAt Swim

Irish Lisa Hannigan was first known for her work alongside Damien Rice. After being informed their professional relationship was over in 2007, she began assembling her own folk pop songs. She comes to us now with her third album, At Swim. Produced by Aaron Dessner (The National), the album presents introspective music with very good pop melodies, despite a strong indie trend. Uninspired, Lisa had to travel for the writing of this new album. The result is particularly interesting when the 11 tracks are linked together beautifully. So this is certainly her strongest album to date. (August 2016)

Hoop / ATO

½

   

 Chantal Kreviazuk – Hard Sail

Chantal KreviazukHard Sail

The prodigious pianist and excellent pop rock singer from Winnipeg is back with her sixth career album, her first studio recording in seven years. She offers a new adult pop sound with elements of rock and beautiful arrangements. The melodies remain highly effective and Chantal delivers these melodies with a powerful voice. Unfortunately, with only 10 tracks totaling just over 35 minutes, Hard Sail seems incomplete. It still offers good times. (August 2016)

Music Video: « Into Me »

Hummingburd / Warner

   

 Skillet – Unleashed

SkilletUnleashed

The post-grunge quartet from Memphis now based in Nashville was installed for 20 years and presents its tenth album. The Christian band still has a powerful rock sound with a positive message of hope. Musically, it is a major album that has everything to appeal to a broad audience including fans of Nickelback. At times they can remind Muse, but some other times quite aggressive lead us almost at the feet of Slipknot. The group even managed to get a glance at the cover of "Blue Monday" by Orgy on "Burn It Down". The arena anthems are legion on Unleashed which will easily translate on stage with boundless energy. This is certainly the best album of Skillet in 10 years, since Comatose. (August 2016)

Music Video: « Feel Invincible »

Atlantic / Warner

½

   

 Switchfoot – Where the Light Shines Through

SwitchfootWhere the Light Shines Through

The prolific band from San Diego already issue their 10th album in 20 years of career. They show the different sounds explored throughout their careers for a varied album that will surely join a wide audience. There is a bit of the pop punk of their debut, blockbuster rock of the early 2000s, new wave inspired of the 1980s and electro. Moments a little more pop will certainly not miss to catch attention, as in the first danceable single, "Float". Dance rock also returns at different times of the CD, especially with "If the House Burns Down Tonight" and "Healer of Souls". Switchfoot succeed in addition to surprise us with a foray into the world of hip hop: the bluesy "Bull in a China Shop" and "Looking for America" ​​with rapper Lecrae. The album will perhaps seem too varied, with a guideline a bit fuzzy, but we hear enough quality compositions for wanting to listen to the entire CD repeatedly. This is the best Switchfoot album since The Beautiful Letdown released in 2003. (August 2016)

Music Video: « Float »

Vanguard / Concord

½

   

 Steven Tyler – We’re All Somebody from Somewhere

Steven TylerWe’re All Somebody from Somewhere

At 68 years old, the leader of Aerosmith strangely releases his first solo album. He traveled to Nashville to record a rock album, but tending to country. There are many pop ballads, always with a touch of country in the background. Tyler managed to find a guideline that suits him well, but unfortunately it is not all the songs that are newsworthy. Actually, the most interesting ones remain those that compare a little more to the rock 'n' roll of Aerosmith. The album concludes with two fairly useless covers: "Janie's Got a Gun" (of Aerosmith) and "Piece of my Heart" (with The Loving Mary Band). (August 2016)

Dot / Big Machine / Universal

   

Union Duke – Golden Days

Union Duke Golden Days

Union Duke is a folk indie quintet from Toronto. They issue their third album with Golden Days, an excellent blend of energetic songs with some more introspective passages (the ballad "Right For Me" for example). They use both the banjo and the violin to add to the acoustic guitars and create a rich and varied sound. In their most energetic and rock times they can certainly recall the Barenaked Ladies. But overall, the group remains more acoustic, so more folk. (August 2016)

 Young the Giant – Home of the Strange

Young the GiantHome of the Strange

The Californian indie band release their third album with Home of the Strange. Young the Giant seem genuinely to find themselves this time with music with sophisticated arrangements and irresistible funky rhythms. For the occasion, they worked with producers Jeff Bhasker (Kanye West, Bruno Mars, Mark Ronson) and Alex Salibian (Elle King, Mikky Ekko). Their pop trend brings them into the territory of OneRepublic, while retaining a little something of Coldplay. But above all, the group manages to offer us various musical ideas which keep our interest until the end, despite a much more corporate direction. With this new album, Young the Giant seem to succeed finally settle into a niche of their own. Home of the Strange therefore easily distinguishes from the previous ones to become the iconic album for the band. (August 2016)

Music Video: « Something To Believe In »

Fueled By Ramen / Warner

½

   

 

july:

 

 Red Hot Chili Peppers – The Getaway

Red Hot Chili PeppersThe Getaway

For their 11th album, the Red Hot Chili Peppers have decided for the first time in years not to work with producer Rick Rubin. It’s rather Brian Burton (aka Danger Mouse) who takes that responsibility. The band gains maturity and offers an album full of nuances with soul and funk influences of the 1970s. Several songs offer some sweetness that is very pleasing to the ear and the whole follows a great guideline. Subtle influences of disco (the title song) or electro ("Go Robot") prove their versatility and still show creative abilities. We can also hear influences of The Beatles ("The Longest Wave", "Feasting on the Flowers"). While we recognize the style of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, they managed just enough to surprise us. Note a huge collaboration with Elton John playing piano in "Sick Love". With The Getaway, the Red Hot Chili Peppers return to their place among the largest bands in the world. (July 2016 Featured Review)

Music Video: « Dark Necessities »

Warner

½

   

       

 Kaleo – A/B

KaleoA/B

Kaleo is an Icelandic band that was formed four years ago. On this first album, they offer an indie rock sound with influences of blues and folk. From the opening track, "No Good" (heard in promotion for the Vinyl series on HBO), we think about the garage blues sound of The Black Keys. But the group then slows down the pace for the excellent "Way Down We Go". The album produced by Jacquire King (Kings of Leon, City and Colour) has this nice mix of ballads sometimes folk and more energetic riffs throughout the 10 songs totaling 42 minutes. This is an excellent first record the quartet is offering us, a highly addictive CD and varied enough to keep our interest until the end. (July 2016 Featured New Artist)

Music Videos: « All the Pretty Girls » - « No Good » - « Way Down We Go »

Elektra / Atlantic / Warner

½

   

 Ana Alcaide – Leyenda: World Music Inspired by Feminine Legends

Ana AlcaideLeyenda: World Music Inspired by Feminine Legends

Ana Alcaide is a Spanish songwriter and performer. On this album, she was inspired by mythology and feminine legends from Spain, Europe and elsewhere in the world. She plays her favorite instrument, the Swedish nyckelharpa, that she accompanies with voices, flute and singing birds. The result is unique world music with influences of folk, jazz and classical. A beautiful tribute to women in general! (July 2016)

ARC

   

 BadBadNotGood – IV

BadBadNotGood IV

BadBadNotGood is a Toronto band founded in 2010. They first came forward with their jazz versions of hip hop songs. They now have a fusion of jazz, electro, funk and R&B. After working with Ghostface Killah last year for the album Sour Soul, the group returns with their fourth album on their own. They now welcome full-time saxophonist Leland Whitty as the fourth member and are changing at the same time their sound. This is especially electro that takes up more space and you can also hear some little more sustained rhythms. Also, many guest vocalists add a new color to the music of BadBadNotGood. Although jazz remains at the forefront, the album features an eclectic mix of styles that remains pleasant to listen to. (July 2016)

Arts & Crafts / SIX

½

   

 

Alison Balsom & Tom PosterLégende: Works For Trumpet and Piano

Trumpeter Alison Balsom explores a mix of classical and baroque since the early 2000s. Recently, she tries to discover especially contemporary French songs. With her longtime collaborator, pianist Tom Poster, she presents pieces by contemporary artists including George Enescu, Paul Hindemith and Leonard Bernstein, in addition to Maurice Ravel and George Gershwin. The Balsom / Post duo just seems in perfect fusion as the whole seems inseparable. This is certainly an excellent album! (July 2016)

Parlophone / Warner / SIX

½

     

 

DexysLet the Record Show: Dexys Do Irish and Country Soul

The Dexys Midnight Runners had their heyday in the 1980s thanks to their ability to skillfully combine rock, new wave, soul and Irish folk. In 2012, singer Kevin Rowland was back with a new version of the band simply named Dexys. On this second album by his new band, Rowland plays classic Irish folk, but also more pieces by known artists as Bee Gees’ "To Love Somebody", Rod Stewart’s "You Wear It Well", Johnny Cash’s "40 Shades of Green", LeAnn Rimes’ "How Do I Live" and Joni Mitchell’s "Both Sides Now". The result is a good mix of soul and folk, as only the Dexys can offer. (July 2016)

100% / Rhino / Warner

   

 Brandi Disterheft – Blue Canvas

Brandi DisterheftBlue Canvas

Four years after Gratitude, the Canadian jazz singer and double bassist returns with her third album in a trio with experienced pianist Harold Mabern (80 years old) and legendary drummer Joe Farnsworth. In addition to her favorite instrument, Brandi begins on cello in "When The Mood is Right". The entire Blue Canvas proves to be quite varied, in moods, tempos and atmospheres. Among the highlights of the album there are their interpretation of Clifford Brown’s rhapsody "Daahoud", and Mabern’s "Beehive". The album concludes 45 minutes later with the cool cover of Ann Ronell’s "Willow Weep For Me". This is again an excellent record Brandi Disterheft offers us with Blue Canvas, an album that certainly does not have a lack of virtuosity. (July 2016)

Justin Time / SIX

½

   

Mike Doughty – Haughty Melodic (2005) (2016 Re-Issue)

Mike DoughtyHaughty Melodic (2005) (2016 Re-Issue)

Five years after the split of Soul Coughing, Mike Doughty had his first solo album with a group of musicians with Haughty Melodic. The guitar is particularly present and for the bass, he preferred an acoustic bass. Just like its title, the melodies are very effective, making it certainly one of his most accessible albums. Eleven years after its original release, this is a CD reissue with two bonus tracks: "I'm Still Drinking In My Dreams" and a demo version by Dan Wilson of "All the Time". Haughty Melodic remains today the best album to discover Mike Doughty in solo, since he was at his best. (July 2016)

ATO

½

   

 Garbage – Strange Little Birds

GarbageStrange Little Birds

Strange Little Birds is the sixth album from Shirley Manson and her band, and it represents a milestone in the career of Garbage, following their return in 2012. We find again the sound that made them famous in the 1990s, but they manage to go a little further with captivating atmospheres on many occasions. Shirley sings better than ever, and even if she deals with sociological or personal problems, she captures us to the point of forgetting the themes. Despite the recognition of the past genre, Garbage managed to keep us in an atmosphere of the 2010s with a sound that remains generally well contemporary. In fact, Strange Little Birds is so pleasant to listen to that going back in time, we realize that this is perhaps their best album since their self-titled debut in 1995, the same one that propelled them as superstars. (July 2016)

Music Video: « Empty »

½

     

 Gojira – Magma

Gojira Magma

Le groupe métal français présente son sixième album en 20 ans de carrière. Ils laissent finalement tomber le death metal pour plutôt se concentrer sur un métal plus mélodique avec des chansons courtes et accessibles. Ils se rapprochent en fait du métal alternatif en de nombreuses occasions, malgré quelques moments toujours aussi extrêmes comme dans la 3e piste par exemple, « The Cell ». Un album plus simple pour Gojira conserve tout de même son lot de complexités et de pièces progressives. Certains journalistes parlent de Magma comme du Black Album de Metallica. La comparaison est facile et assez juste, mais n’a rien de honteux, puisqu’il s’agit peut-être de l’album qui leur permettra enfin de rejoindre un auditoire plus large, hors des inconditionnels de métal. Un très bon disque! (July 2016)

Vidéoclips : « Stranded » - « Silvera » - « Low Lands »

Roadrunner / Warner

½

     

 Reuben Hollebon – Terminal Nostalgia

Reuben HollebonTerminal Nostalgia

Reuben Hollebon is a British songwriter and performer. Until now, he mostly worked as sound engineer for artists like Nitin Sawhney and Courtney Barnett, as well as with the London Symphony Orchestra. He releases his first album on which he offers alternative folk rock music. With the integration of an organ and a piano, his sound sometimes takes a different direction becoming hypnotic background music, among others in "Fields, For Fields". Terminal Nostalgia can be quite difficult to approach at first, but it has several interesting elements if we manage to avoid going into a deep sleep... (July 2016)

Bright Antenna / ADA

   

 Jadea Kelly – Love & Lust

Jadea KellyLove & Lust

Jadea Kelly candidly admits that this third album was her most difficult to create, by its dark background of infidelity and heartbreak. Despite the hard process that Jadea had passed, Love & Lust shines with honesty, intensity and emotion. In fact, the Ontario artist seems to have reached the pinnacle of her career as a songwriter. She has a nice mix of folk and contemporary indie pop, as an amalgam of Patsy Cline and Feist. Here is an album to discover! (July 2016)

Fontana North

½

   

 Metronomy – Summer 08

MetronomySummer 08

Two years after Love Letters, Joe Mount and his band are back with Summer 08. True to its title, the album looks back on the summer of 2008, right after the release of the Nights Out album. This is a happy album with lots of disco and funk rhythms. The set is pleasant to listen to with Mount managing to remain still as creative. Note the presence of Robyn on the song "Hang With Out to Dry", a more than interesting addition to this beautiful album by the English group. (July 2016)

Music Videos: « Old Skool » - « Night Owl »

Because / Warner

½

   

 Mitski – Puberty 2

MitskiPuberty 2

Japanese singer Mitski Miyawaki is now based in Brooklyn, New York and is making her debut on the American independent label Dead Oceans after three other albums. She offers an alternative rock sound with some punk injections and an attitude that recalls Patti Smith. Her lyrics are often hard and depict the ups and downs of her generation. They come with a powerful and bewitching voice that can be downright impressive in the bass. Sometimes scratchy guitar riffs accompany in a beautiful way the voice of this young artist with a remarkable talent. The set of 11 tracks totaling only 31 minutes shows you the full extent of that talent with a nice mix of rock songs and power ballads. Puberty 2 is a beautiful album that is only lacking one or two outstanding tracks to make a historical record. (July 2016)

Music Videos: « Your Best American Girl » - « Happy »

Dead Oceans

½

   

 

Moulettes Preternatural

The English experimental band returns with a new album that pushes back a few boundaries. Moulettes have a highly exploratory alternative rock sound with elements of electro and progressive folk, so a perfect mix of genres! Otherwise, we must certainly get used to their somewhat disjointed style that goes in several directions. After a few songs, one comes to understand their guidelines and then we can truly appreciate. Preternatural is an album that will be most effective in the context of background music, during a dinner with friends for example. But, to listen to it carefully will make you discover some rather interesting parts. (July 2016)

Craft Pop / Pipe & Hat / Fontana North

   

 Needtobreathe – Hard Love

NeedtobreatheHard Love

With their sixth album, Needtobreathe tackle head-on commercial music with custom made songs for pop radios. More than ever they make us think of Kings of Leon and OneRepublic with totally unforgettable pop melodies. Even the voice of Bear Rinehart is perfectly comparable to that of Caleb Followill of Kings of Leon. That said, Needtobreathe still manage to keep their own personality, to make sure not losing their loyal fans. Hard Love will only make them reach a broader audience and potentially win radio airplay. This is their most accessible album to date, but it also has several high quality songs for a very efficient record in the end. (July 2016)

Music Video: « Happiness »

Atlantic / Warner

½

   

 Radiohead – A Moon Shaped Pool

RadioheadA Moon Shaped Pool

Thom Yorke and his band are back on record, five years after The King of Limbs. Probably unable to agree on a logical order for the 11 tracks of the album, they have simply placed them in alphabetical order. Another oddity from Radiohead that leaves us the choice to listen to it in our favorite order. Also note that some of the songs have been worked for a long time. For example, the band has started to work on "Burn the Witch" in the early 2000s, while "True Love Waits" appeared in concert as far back as 1995. Otherwise, we do not feel at any time that this is an album of rarities or rejected tracks, as if it was just the right time to offer them to the public. A Moon Shaped Pool surprises by its consistency and solidity to the end. Electro sound is still part of the group's music for ambient music that can sometimes seem heavy, but it is never uninteresting. Yorke continues to mesmerize us with his voice over background music of a quality little heard since Kid A. Less experimental than their last recordings, Radiohead still progresses in maturity and depth. (July 2016)

     

 Liz Stringer – All the Bridges

Liz StringerAll the Bridges

Liz Stringer is an Australian female singer who comes to us with a very good pop rock album. The soul in her low voice also brings a very special feeling. We can as well detect influences of folk, especially in the second half, but the whole is dynamic with a good assembly of rhythmed songs. For her energy, it reminds us especially of the 1980s with a little something of Blondie and the Pretenders. So, it is a satisfying album that can be discovered with All the Bridges. (July 2016)

Roaring Girl / Fontana North / Universal

   

 Tegan and Sara – Love You To Death

Tegan and Sara Love You To Death

The Quin sisters are back with a new album, three years after Heartthrob. The more pop direction of that album made some fans to leave, but they were able to find many new fans too. Tegan and Sara continue in the same path with Love You To Death, again demonstrating their huge talent of melodists. Produced once again by Greg Kurstin, the album presents a superb blend of pop rock, new wave and romantic ballads. Their lyrics remain deep and honest, but they reach a larger target than before. With Love You To Death, Tegan and Sara show more than ever that pop music can be both entertaining and intelligent. (July 2016)

Music Videos: « Boyfriend » - « 100x » - « U-Turn »

Warner

½

     

 

Allen ToussaintAmerican Tunes

The pianist born in New Orleans died in the fall of 2015, but not without leaving us this tribute to American music. This is producer Joe Henry who completed the album, left unfinished by the death of Allen Toussaint in November 2015 while he was on tour in Madrid. On American Tunes, Toussaint resumes to explore jazz like he did on The Bright Mississippi in 2009. Otherwise, jazz standards count for only a part of the new album which also features versions of his own repertoire and some more contemporary songs. There are two Duke Ellington songs, one of Bill Evans, one of Earl King and Paul Simon’s "American Tune" to conclude the CD. Whether unaccompanied at the piano or accompanied by guest singers, Allen Toussaint impresses by his solidity at the piano that gives new life to the songs performed. Note especially the outstanding vocal performance of Rhiannon Giddens for the two Duke Ellington covers, "Rocks In My Bed" and "Come Sunday". (July 2016)

Nonesuch / Warner

½

     

 The Tragically Hip – Man Machine Poem

The Tragically HipMan Machine Poem

Since we know that singer Gord Downie is suffering from brain cancer, fans were hoping for a quick new album from The Tragically Hip. So here is finally Man Machine Poem, four years after their previous album, Now For Plan A. As this is probably their last record, it takes a special significance and we certainly listen to it differently. From the first track, "Man", there is a little more experimental and progressive sound. We are far from the arena rock of their best years, what fans would have liked for this last record. One feels a certain melancholy and many themes obviously revolve around mortality and regret of the past. In this sense, Downie takes a little bit the formula of David Bowie on his latest album, as he staged his own death. Otherwise, it is somewhat less successful in the case of The Tragically Hip. Several songs will seem too long and boring. These are the lyrics that occupy the forefront with melodies that sometimes seem improvised and music serves only as support, without really remarkable riffs. We still find some good moments, but nothing to bring back the Ontario band in rock radios. (July 2016)

Universal

   

 The Virginmarys – Divides

The VirginmarysDivides

The Virginmarys is an English indie rock trio that formed in 2009 and they now issue their third album. They have a well assumed hard rock trend with a particularly dynamic rhythm section and great guitar riffs. A somewhat aggressive attitude in the genre of Billy Talent or garage punk reminiscent of The Hives do not prevent the band to have effective melodies and rhythms custom made for the stage. They are certainly very entertaining to see in concert. Here is a group to listen to with the volume turned up, but watch out for speeding on the road! (July 2016)

Wind-Up / Concord

½

   

 

june:

 

 Beyoncé – Lemonade

Beyoncé Lemonade

The sixth album by Beyoncé was preceded a few months ago by her unavoidable presence at Super Bowl halftime, thereby creating some expectations. On Lemonade, Beyoncé definitely does not feel the need to please at any cost and to invade commercial radios. She is concentrated to do what she does best: to produce remarkable songs by their creativity and demonstrating her strong woman personality. She defends with conviction black women, while denouncing men’s infidelities, but she also takes a social and political position. She avoids all clichés, still managing to surprise musically and on several occasions, such as in "Don’t Hurt Yourself" where she is accompanied by Jack White leading Beyoncé into so far uncharted territories. After a constant construction, the album concludes with the inevitable strength of "Freedom", "All Night" and "Formation". Guest artists include The Weeknd, Kendrick Lamar and James Blake. You can see a darker side to the artist on Lemonade, but it is an important addition, even essential, to her discography. A couple of plays are strongly suggested, but Lemonade will certainly be among the best albums of the year. (June 2016 Featured Review)

Music Video: « Formation »

   

     

 Michelle Willis – See Us Through

Michelle WillisSee Us Through

Born in England, Michelle Willis grew up in Toronto. She honed her art through numerous collaborations (including Iggy Pop) and through her work as a studio keyboardist. She still plays in different bands, but this is finally her first solo album, See Us Through. A real songwriter album, it includes a folk rock sound centered on keyboards, rather soft music that quickly manages to capture our attention with beautiful melodies. A remarkable album! (June 2016 Featured New Artist)

GroundUP / Universal

½

   

 Frankie Ballard – El Rio

Frankie BallardEl Rio

For his third album, the country singer takes a direction a little more rock, inspired among other by the 1980s. In fact, John Mellencamp comes quickly in mind. Frankie Ballard also does a version of Bob Seger’s "You'll Accomp'ny Me", one of the few ballads on the album, which releases energy for most of it. Ballard has several great songs, all simple, but highly effective. The sound of El Rio reminds perhaps John Mellencamp, but his most memorable material including Scarecrow. With this new record, Frankie Ballard offers his most coherent and effective recording to date. (June 2016)

Warner

½

   

 Champion – Best Seller

ChampionBest Seller

DJ Champion (aka Maxime Morin) is back with his fourth album of original compositions. The CD begins perhaps gently with "I Can’t Let Go," but it quickly turns then into an album to party and, right from the second song, "Life Is Good". These two tracks and two others had not found their spot on his previous album, fitting less in the mood, but on Best Seller, it was time to introduce them. In addition to his energizing beats and the ubiquitous electric guitar, Champion still considers voice as important since the performance of Betty Bonifassi on "No Heaven", the hit that has made him famous. Here, the guest singers are Lou Laurence, Marie-Christine Depestre and Anna Frances Meyer all offering outstanding performances. Even with very few words, Anna Frances Meyer manages to impress in "Boy Toy". This is a solid album that offers again Champion, a perfect record for the summer season. (June 2016)

Music Video: « Life Is Good »

½

 

 Eric Clapton – I Still Do

Eric Clapton I Still Do

For his 23rd album, Eric Clapton returns to producer Glyn Johns, the very one who had produced Slowhand in 1977. Otherwise, Clapton is not at all at the same spot on I Still Do with a majority of sweet and touching songs. There are a few moments of pure blues, as with the first track, "Alabama Woman Blues", but that is no longer at the heart of his work. The CD contains a majority of covers, blues, pop and folk standards with songs from J.J. Cale, Robert Johnson, Skip James, Bob Dylan, etc. The only two original songs by Clapton, "Spiral" and "Catch the Blues", come to beautifully complete the set. Some might say they would rather hear an album of original songs, but the play of Clapton and his interaction with Johns are simply magical. The result is a highly enjoyable album to listen to that will find its significant number of fans. (June 2016)

ADA / Universal

½

   

The Claypool Lennon Delirium – Monolith of Phobos

The Claypool Lennon DeliriumMonolith of Phobos

When bassist Les Claypool joins singer and guitarist Sean Lennon, it can only get to experimental and creative material. That's what they decided to do last year and the result is this 11-track collective delusion. Monolith of Phobos is a rather surreal journey into a psychedelic progressive world. Fortunately, despite constant experimentation, the duo managed to concentrate their efforts to a still coherent sound in its madness. Their music is centered around the bass of Claypool in an energetic beat even if somewhat difficult to follow. It is a creative and highly effective album that released this unusual duo. (June 2016)

Prawn Song / Chimera / ATO

½

   

 Dan + Shay – Obsessed

Dan + Shay Obsessed

Daniel Smyers and Shay Mooney decided to form a duo in Nashville in 2012. Four years later, they release their second album, Obsessed, a country pop record for a wide audience. In fact, with the number of ballads that is included on the CD, Dan + Shay fall more easily into an adult contemporary territory than country. The duo is wrapped in sumptuous and syrupy arrangements, that are a little too present since they remove all the intimate side of the duo that might be interesting. After the successful "All Nighter" and "Road Trippin'", Obsessed becomes rather filled with annoying and uninteresting ballads. (June 2016)

Warner

½

     

The Dead Ships – Citycide

The Dead ShipsCitycide

The Dead Ships is a garage rock trio from Los Angeles issuing their debut album after three years of intensive tour across America. They pick some influences from The Strokes, but also the Pixies, with a focus on an energetic and powerful electric guitar. They certainly don’t revolutionize the genre, but it is rather nice to hear a pure rock sound in 2016, while the mix of genres is popular. Citycide is an honest and efficient album that offers some very good times. (June 2016)

Music Video: « Big Quiet »

Nevado

 

 The Paul Deslauriers Band – Relentless

The Paul Deslauriers BandRelentless

Two years after a remarkable first album, Paul Deslauriers is back with a new record of energetic blues rock. This time, the whole trio was put to work during the creative process. These are 10 original songs that offer Deslauriers (guitar, vocals), Greg Morency (bass) and Sam Harrisson (drums), with lyrics by Paul Deslauriers, assisted by Alec McElcheran. The contagious energy of the trio on stage is transposed to perfection on this album which will certainly be among the best blues albums of the year. (June 2016)

Big Toe / SIX

½

 Drake – Views

Drake Views

Awaited for a long time, here is the new album by the Toronto rapper. Unfortunately, Views quickly leaves the impression of a damp squib. First, it never seems to start with the endless "Keep the Family Close" of 5 minutes 30. Then there is a clear lack of catchy melodies, the sound is sometimes old and especially, we know we have 20 tracks for a total of 81 minutes in front of us! Even the most patient fans will struggle to get to the end of this challenge, but it's still at the very end that are probably the best times with the title song and the hit "Hotline Bling". The only other entertaining part arrives at the 16th track with "Too Good", a duet with Rihanna in a dancehall trend. It is often said, but the foundation of music is to provide pleasure. When it becomes difficult, it’s because they missed the goal... Even for the lyrics Drake gets back with his recurring theme of his love stories that go nowhere. Who cares? Drake had a successful debut which created excitement around him. But frankly, it is probably time to get over him as he proves more and more that he cannot be compared to the best Americans (Kendrick Lamar and others). (June 2016)

Music Video: « Hotline Bling »

Republic / Universal

   

 Fitz and the Tantrums – Fitz and the Tantrums

Fitz and the TantrumsFitz and the Tantrums

On their two previous albums, the Los Angeles band had rather retro R&B and soul influences. On this self-titled album, Fitz and the Tantrums turn to a contemporary pop sound. Danceable and generally perfect for radios, their music is certainly very pleasant to listen to, with infectious anthems like the hit "Handclap" and "Complicated". For this record, Michael Fitzpatrick and his band collaborated with author Sam Hollander (Katy Perry, Panic At The Disco, Neon Trees). He has certainly contributed significantly to the group by his sensitivity and ability with energetic programmed beats. Producer Jesse Shatkin (Sia, Tegan and Sara) has surely something to do with it too. An excellent album of dance pop! (June 2016)

Music Video: « Handclap »

Elektra / Warner

½

   

Margaret Glaspy – Emotions and Math

Margaret GlaspyEmotions and Math

The Californian now living in New York presents a superb blend of introspective songs on a vintage and quite aggressive rock bottom. Her guitar dominates in many occasions, like fighting with her nice voice. Margaret cites influences of Weezer and we can indeed recognize the band's style in her way of playing guitar at several times. Otherwise, the comparison stops there since it generally proves to be much more introspective, with Fiona Apple, for example, coming to mind. Blues influences are also evident at other times. This is a very effective album that offers us the American singer. (June 2016)

ATO

½

   

 Goo Goo Dolls – Boxes

Goo Goo Dolls Boxes

Since the late 1990s, a new album by the Goo Goo Dolls is no longer creating much excitement. Now a duo formed of John Rzeznik and Robby Takac, the Goo Goo Dolls release their eleventh album on an environmental awareness background. Otherwise, it is certainly the only modern element to the album that has a sound from another era, a common pop rock of 20 years ago. There are a few rhythms that can recall the hip hop of Twenty One Pilots, but they are not very persuasive essays. The whole remains mostly focused around ballads and mid-tempo tracks that characterized the group for almost 20 years. So we are again far from the aggressive alternative rock sound of their early years. Some interesting melodies will probably manage to capture the attention of a certain audience and by the way some radio stations. But Boxes contains nothing more remarkable than what the group has offered since the turn of the millennium. (June 2016)

Warner

½

     

 Ariana Grande – Dangerous Woman

Ariana GrandeDangerous Woman

The Floridian is back with her third album. Now well established as a mature singer, Ariana Grande offers a very nice mix of classic soul, 1990s pop and contemporary R&B. Producer Max Martin and his Swedish colleague Ilya certainly have something to do with this sound combining the present with the past. It is in the dance songs that Ariana truly stands out, like with "Be Alright". A little heavier R&B songs are also greatly interesting. Among the collaborators there are Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Macy G and Future. With Dangerous Woman, Ariana is able to offer us a more consistent album than her previous one. (June 2016)

Music Videos: « Dangerous Woman » - « Into You » - « Let Me Love You »

Republic / Universal

½

   

Les Handclaps – Sessions: Brooklyn

Les HandclapsSessions: Brooklyn

Since their debut album in 2009, the Quebec trio has come a long way. Their music has indeed been heard in several commercials and even in American series like The Blacklist, The Middle and Awkward. For this new album, they have in fact a compilation of all the songs recorded in Brooklyn with producers Gus Van Go and Werner F (The Stills, Trois Accords, Cowboys Fringants). Many of the 19 songs have already been heard regularly, starting with the excellent hit "Je pense encore à toi" which played extensively in an advertising for Bell Fibe, but also "Nouvelle-Angleterre" and "I'm So Into You". You can hear famous names as contributors: James Di Salvio (Bran Van 3000) and Ivan Doroschuk (Men Without Hats). Hugo Clermont, Lorraine Muller and Daniel Saucier offer us an energetic pop rock sound with memorable melodies, music that appeals to everyone. (June 2016)

½

 The Joy Formidable – Hitch

The Joy FormidableHitch

The trio from Wales releases their third album, which they recorded at home after a long tour, probably in a desire to reconnect with their early influences. But musically, The Joy Formidable don’t really go away from what they offered before, with their indie rock sound straight from the 1990s. They may have some gothic influences with references from the past, but it remains they manage to offer us very good melodies. Without equaling their previous two albums, Hitch is an honest record their fans will probably appreciate. (June 2016)

Cadence / Universal

   

 Adam Karch – Moving Forward

Adam KarchMoving Forward

After the very successful Blueprints two years ago, the songwriter and guitarist comes back again with an album that is somewhere between blues and folk. Adam Karch has a mix of solo songs and in trio with his cronies Marc-André Drouin (bass) and Bernard Deslauriers (drums). We hear many original compositions, but also surprising versions as Bob Seger’s "Night Moves", Keb 'Mo’s excellent "City Boy" and Warren Zevon’s "Werewolves of London". Karch redoes also one of his own songs in a very groovy version of "Did You Get the Latest News", going back to 2002 and that could be heard on his debut album, Crossroad Diaries. Recorded in Montreal, Moving Forward shows Adam Karch at the top of his game, a strong maturity gained in recent years on tour. Again, this is an excellent album that has everything to please fans of authentic music. (June 2016)

Bros / SIX

½

 

 The Low Anthem – Eyeland

The Low Anthem Eyeland

The indie folk band from Providence, Rhode Island issues a fourth album that is full of ideas and experiments, unfortunately not always successful. Several songs are quite cacophonous and become difficult to bear over their entire length. For example, "Ozzie", which starts yet aggressively, almost rock 'n' roll, is being slowed down for no apparent reason in the middle to add all kinds of irrelevant and especially uninteresting effects. This tribute to the Ozzfest could easily have become the anthem of the album if they had not massacred it. The Low Anthem definitely take aside folk to rather get lost in a progressive rock sound of the 1970s mixed with electronic experiments reminding of Radiohead (in quite less successful). Their break of the last five years was definitely not beneficial for the band that dangerously strayed from what they did best. If they had a profound desire to experiment, they had to propose a parallel project, not a new album by The Low Anthem that will only make their fans of before to get away. (June 2016)

Washington Square / Concord

½

 

 Brad Mehldau Trio – Blues and Ballads

Brad Mehldau TrioBlues and Ballads

On his new album in a trio version with Larry Grenadier (bass) and Jeff Ballard (drums), pianist Brad Mehldau plays seven standards of jazz, blues and pop ballads. There are titles by Buddy Johnson, Cole Porter, Charlie Parker, etc. One can even hear The Beatles "And I Love Her" and Paul McCartney’s "My Valentine". Everything is played in an extremely soft acoustic jazz style. Without being as audacious as some of his previous records for the choice of songs, Mehldau has still made wise choices that align perfectly for 55 minutes. The album is listened with pleasure to the end, providing excellent ambient music. (June 2016)

Nonesuch / Warner

½

   

 The Monkees – Good Times!

The MonkeesGood Times!

The Monkees are celebrating 50 years of career this year. So it's a good time to issue a new album, 20 years after their last studio recording. It is possibly their last album, but if that's the case, what a good way to end a career like no other! Good Times shows the style that made them so popular in the mid-1960s with catchy songs that give us the desire for singing in chorus. The quality of the compositions is impressive and even if the style refers to the past, the sound remains well anchored in its contemporary time. It's an album that is pleasant listening to the end, with a smile and a certain nostalgia for the golden age of pop music. Note collaborations of Rivers Cuomo and Noel Gallagher, both fans of the band. (June 2016)

Warner

½

   

 Mudcrutch – 2

Mudcrutch 2

Mudcrutch was formed in 1970 with a 17-year old only Tom Petty. Popular in bars, the band broke up before they recorded a full-length album and they would pave the way for Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. The five musicians reunited in 2007 to record their first album and they are now back with its follower. We quickly recognize the style of Tom Petty with a pop rock sound tending to country and sad ballads. Unlike the previous record, it only features original songs by each of the musicians, although with a domination of Petty who wrote seven of the 11 tracks. One of the highlights of the CD is offered by Tom Leadon with "The Other Side of the Mountain". But the whole offers a nice consistency and remains strong from beginning to end. This is actually the best material by Tom Petty in years. (June 2016)

Reprise / Warner

½

     

 Kevin Parent – Kanji

Kevin ParentKanji

For his eighth album, the Quebecer from Gaspésie returns to his English roots and issues his second album in the language of Shakespeare, his first since 2007. Kevin Parent also returns to his folk, country rock and blues roots. It is a trip to Japan that inspired the title song of the new album, as well as others to come on an upcoming album. For now, Parent was eager to present the eight tracks that appeared during recording sessions in Los Angeles. So it is a short album of 31 minutes, but with a wealth rarely heard on his latest albums. We feel that the artist found himself in a context where he was feeling particularly comfortable, in the heart of his real musical universe. Kanji is an extremely effective album which is sure to please his fans of the first hour. (June 2016)

Universal

½

 

 Blake Shelton – If I’m Honest

Blake SheltonIf I’m Honest

Following his divorce from Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton is back with a slightly more luminous record than the last one. He took the opportunity to present his new flame while Gwen Stefani is accompanying him on "Go Ahead and Break My Heart". The pop and romantic ballads dominate If I'm Honest, and this is an album that will certainly be mostly for a wide audience, not a country audience. Shelton seems specially to want to join his new fans who knew him through The Voice. Of the 15 tracks available, some stand out as "Straight Outta Cold Beer", "Came Here To Forget" and "Go Ahead and Break My Heart". Otherwise, the whole can quickly become boring for both fans of the first hour and true country fans. If I'm Honest proves to be rather annoying and good luck to listen to the whole! (June 2016)

Ten Point / Warner

½

     

 Paul Simon – Stranger to Stranger

Paul Simon Stranger to Stranger

The legendary Paul Simon is back with a new album, five years after the excellent So Beautiful or So What. Stranger to Stranger begins surprisingly with "The Werewolf", a song with a single rhythm, based on bass, drums and maracas. This is by the way an album primarily based on the beats that offers us Paul Simon with only a pair of acoustic songs that stand out from the rest. Despite his 50-year career, Simon is certainly not nostalgic and he instead turns to the future. He will still succeed in surprising many with the very effective Stranger to Stranger. Despite its 37 minutes, that's a record to savor each piece until the end. (June 2016)

Concord / Universal

½

   

 Train – Does Led Zeppelin II

Train Does Led Zeppelin II

The American band has decided to pay tribute to their favorite band, Led Zeppelin, replaying their second album in full, the excellent Led Zeppelin II, one of the best albums in history. Train are maybe going a little too far otherwise in their desire to remain faithful to the original as copying and mimicking all the expressions, all sounds, even playing with the stereo effects as in 1969. This can be confusing at times as if you’re not attentive enough you might think that this is the original that is playing. So in that sense, we must ask the question: was the exercise necessary? Certainly not since you can always listen to the original that was even rereleased recently. Train certainly could have put a bit of their personality in it, but the result does not even look like their other material, which may confuse fans of the band. (June 2016)

Crush / Atlantic / Warner

   

 Cuong Vu Trio – Cuong Vu Trio Meets Pat Metheny

Cuong Vu Trio – Cuong Vu Trio Meets Pat Metheny

Trumpeter Cuong Vu played regularly with guitarist Pat Metheny since the early 2000s. But, it's the first time they work together for a whole album with the Cuong Vu trio. Their collaboration for an avant-garde jazz album may seem odd at first, but don’t forget the versatility of Metheny that can adapt to different contexts. The quartet therefore offers modern jazz music of great creativity, which certainly lacks no sound experiments. It is a difficult album to approach at first but it has to be tamed slowly, only to find that the universe of the two musicians blend extremely well. (June 2016)

Nonesuch / Warner

½

     

 West Trainz – Train Songs

West TrainzTrain Songs

After the audacious book-double CD released last year, Erik West Millette resumed service with the collective West Trainz. This is again a musical tribute to trains that have always been a passion for him. He is accompanied by first class performers as Nanette Workman, Bïa, Emilie-Claire Barlow, Betty Bonifassi, Thomas Hellman, Steve Hill, and many others. Train Songs includes 11 songs from the 1940s to the 1970s that evoke the railway universe. Classics can be heard as Junior Parker’s "Mystery Train", Bobby Robinson’s "Number 9 Train", Goffin and King’s "The Locomotion", Jimi Hendrix’ "Hear My Train a Comin'", and even Félix Leclerc’s "Le train du Nord" in the Bïa way. One can also discover as first single Steve Goodman’s "The City of New Orleans" by Zachary Richard. The set contains many pieces of blues, but it also explores rock, jazz and pop music. A surprising and highly interesting album! (June 2016)

L-A be / SIX

½

 

 

May:

 

 Prince – HITnRUN Phase Two

PrinceHITnRUN Phase Two

The release in Canada of the latest album by the prince of music takes on a special meaning as it comes out eight days after his death. The prolific composer has not slowed down in recent years, although his health was worsening. HITnRUN Phase Two is indeed his fourth album since 2014 for a total approaching 40 in career. Less pop than Phase 1, HITnRUN Phase Two presents funk and soul recalling The Revolution. We can also hear jazz moments and an energetic rock song in "Screwdriver". Although it is very eclectic, the record has very good passages, possibly his best assemblage of songs since 3121 issued 10 years ago. Prince may be gone, but we can bet that many unreleased recordings are lying around in a drawer, because he was composing and recording constantly in his studio in Minneapolis. So you should see unreleased material by Prince released in the coming years. Meanwhile, enjoy the last good album that he offered. (May 2016 Featured Review)

Republic / Universal

½

   

     

 Ferraro – Losing Sleep

FerraroLosing Sleep

Ferraro is a quartet from Toronto formed of brothers Cosmo, Gianni and Tally Ferraro, accompanied by guitarist Tom Ionescu. They propose an indie rock sound that reminds The Strokes, but is heavily inspired by rock's golden age with many references to the 1950s and 1960s, specially the Beatles. Their music is upbeat and the energizing effect is immediate. Losing Sleep proves to be particularly contagious and it certainly makes you want to see them on stage. Bet you'll have many of the 10 songs of the album in mind for a long time. The only problem with Losing Sleep is that it is too short with only 32 minutes. (May 2016 Featured New Artist)

Cadence

½

   

 The Abrams – The Abrams

The Abrams The Abrams

The Canadian duo formed of the brothers John and James Abrams has already released three albums under the name of Abrams Brothers. They are now taking a direction a little less country to offer a rather folk rock sound to pop trend, much more oriented towards a wide audience. This self-titled EP features six tracks to greatly catchy melodies that will make them immediately appealing to fans of Mumford & Sons and The Lumineers. This is a beautiful card to open doors wide at commercial radios. (May 2016)

Lightbox / Warner

     

 Blue Man Group – Three

Blue Man GroupThree

The Blue Man Group was formed 25 years ago in New York City. Designed primarily for the stage, the project has also brought original music and this is the third studio album offered by the band of men in blue. Completely instrumental, their music is rather experimental, with the use of many instruments created by them, especially percussion. Their music is pleasant to listen to by itself, but we must say that their very visual shows are lacking greatly. It's best to have already seen their colorful shows, which is giving a new dimension to the album. (May 2016)

Music Video: « The Forge »

Rhino / Warner

 

 Deftones – Gore

DeftonesGore

After a career of more than 20 years, the Californian metal band continues to offer this heavy and dark music, put forward by the title of the album, Gore. Otherwise, the front cover with pink flamingos seems to create a dichotomy with the themes explored by the quintet. Deftones have still entrusted the production of the album to Matt Hyde who had worked on their previous album. Chino Moreno is riding between a voice of great beauty and a demonic voice, showing at the same time all his versatility. It's always on a wire that the group seems to be frolicking between attractive and repulsive music, between mainstream and music for metal specialists. On some occasions, the group honors the past of metal with riffs worthy of Judas Priest or Iron Maiden. But in general, the Deftones guys remain fairly well anchored in the 21st century. Gore is an album that deftly evolves to reach its peak in the middle with "Hearts/Wires", "Pittura Infamante" and "Xenon". They still finish strongly with the title track, the excellent "Phantom Bride" (with Jerry Cantrell on guitar) and "Rubicon". In fact, the weak moments are rare and you have to listen to the album as a whole to truly appreciate the quality of the work. A great record! (May 2016)

Music Video: « Prayers/Triangles »

Reprise / Warner

½

     

 Lorraine Desmarais Big Band – Danses Danzas Dances

Lorraine Desmarais Big Band – Danses Danzas Dances

Virtuoso pianist Lorraine Desmarais offers a new album of original compositions for big band. This is her first record for big band since Lorraine Desmarais Big Band which won a Félix (in Quebec) in 2009. Danses Danzas Dances is the 12th album of her career. On this new album, she makes a tour of the world in dances with the best jazz musicians in Montreal. She is accompanied by Jean-Pierre Zanella (alto and soprano saxophones, flute), Alexandre Côté (alto saxophone, flute), Jean Fréchette (baritone saxophone, clarinet), Ron Di Lauro (trumpet, flugelhorn), Richard Gagnon (trombone), Bob Ellis (bass trombone), Frédéric Alarie (double bass), and many others. This is first the tango that gave her the will of writing dance pieces, but there are also on the album a triple swing, a habanera, a milonga, a romantic bolero, a samba, etc. There are 10 in all totaling 57 minutes. Even if everything is not necessarily danceable, it is a real treat for the ears and a must for any jazz lover. (May 2016)

Scherzo / SIX

½

 

 Escondido – Walking With a Stranger

EscondidoWalking With a Stranger

Escondido is a duo from Nashville formed of Tyler James and Jessica Maros. They offer a pop rock sound tinged with some country touches and even Mexican music. Following the excellent album The Ghost of Escondido issued in 2013, the duo now returns with its second record. Again, they present several excellent songs in a consistent whole and which is pleasant to listen to. Jessica's voice seduces us quickly, from the first track, "Footprints". (May 2016)

Kill Canyon / Cadence

½

   

 Frightened Rabbit – Painting of a Panic Attack

Frightened RabbitPainting of a Panic Attack

The Scottish band is back with its fifth studio album. Masterfully produced by Aaron Dessner (The National), the album manages to carry the rather introspective indie rock sound of the band into a much larger atmosphere. They are found here somewhere between The Killers and Arcade Fire. There are still some good more intimate mid-tempo songs, but the whole is distinguished by its fast catching power. This is certainly their most accessible album to date, yet perhaps their strongest, with several prominent compositions. One only needs to mention the four tracks that start the album, "Death Dream", "Get Out", "I Wish I Was Sober" and "Woke Up Hurting". With Painting of a Panic Attack, there is no doubt that Frightened Rabbit just made their entrance into the big leagues. Let’s see what will happen next. (May 2016)

Music Videos: « Get Out » - « Woke Up Hurting »

Atlantic / Warner

½

   

 The Gloaming – The Gloaming 2

The GloamingThe Gloaming 2

The Irish band offer us their second album. The Gloaming still present their mix of Irish traditional music, contemporary classical, post-rock, jazz and experimental music. So it's definitely not common music they propose whereas they are absolutely incomparable. Violinist Martin Hayes points out that this second record is even more expressive and emotionally charged than the first one. Maybe a little more rooted in traditional music than the previous one, The Gloaming 2 offers once more an extraordinary musical experience. (May 2016)

Justin Time / SIX

½

   

 PJ Harvey – The Hope Six Demolition Project

PJ HarveyThe Hope Six Demolition Project

The English singer and songwriter is back with her first album in five years. She offers again a raw sound with a mix of blues and rock, with elements of jazz and even spirituality. As on her previous album, Let England Shake, the best moments remain her emotional passages looking back on the disasters of war. Otherwise, occasionally, she seems to denounce a bit for free, or even to accuse by pointing us. If there is a feeling that we don’t want when listening to music, it's really to feel judged... In this sense, some songs like "Medicinals" make us lose the interest in this rather unequal set where the artist takes only a position of an observer. We heard much more satisfying and personal stuff from PJ Harvey in the past. (May 2016)

Vagrant / Universal

   

 King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard – Nonagon Infinity

King Gizzard and the Lizard WizardNonagon Infinity

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard is an Australian band formed five years ago. Very prolific, they already have a fifth album since 2014 only, and none can be compared to the previous one. They offer a particularly creative psychedelic alternative rock sound. On Nonagon Infinity, they seem able to channel their various experiments of the last albums in a set a little more consistent. The nine pieces that make up the album (for a total of 42 minutes) were created to be listened to at once without breaks, like an endless music loop. The result is certainly mesmerizing with a fast pace that rarely stops, each track taking up a part of the previous one. At the beginning of the CD, we find traces of 1970’s metal like Black Sabbath and Blue Oÿster Cult. Thereafter, it is rather a mixture of old progressive rock as Frank Zappa and more contemporary prog rock as the Flaming Lips, with also some jazz elements. Here is a creative group which has to be discovered at any price, especially with this unique album! (May 2016)

ATO

½

   

 Lorraine Klaasen – Nouvelle journée

Lorraine KlaasenNouvelle journée

For the first time, Lorraine Klaasen has a French song, the title track of her new album. The rest of Nouvelle journée (New day) contains songs in English, but also in tribal languages of her native South Africa (Tsonga, Sotho, Isizulu et Xhosa). Lorraine pays tribute to her mother, Thandie Klaasen, performing "Izani Nonke" one of her most critical songs against the elected officials who govern us. The singer also presents "Where to Now", a soulful ballad she had written nearly 30 years ago imploring compassion and condemning greed. On Nouvelle journée, Lorraine Klaasen again offers an excellent blend of world music and soul for a sunny, positive and danceable record. (May 2016)

Justin Time / SIX

½

   

 Cyndi Lauper – Detour

Cyndi LauperDetour

The one that was the rival of Madonna in the 1980s for the title of Queen of Pop makes a true musical "detour" on this album. Cyndi Lauper offers indeed her favorite country standards from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. If her voice fits well to the exercise, her interpretations have nothing very bright and one wonders if this is an album that was needed. You can hear some interesting moments as "Funnel of Love", "Heartaches by the Number" and "Hard Candy Christmas" in conclusion. Otherwise, the whole proves somewhat disjointed and would probably be more interesting on stage in a musical revue. Detour is primarily for Cyndi a record to pleasure herself. Note the presence of renowned guest artists as Willie Nelson, Vince Gill, Jewel, Alison Krauss and Emmylou Harris (for the title track). (May 2016)

Music Video: « Funnel of Love »

Rhino / Warner

   

 Lights – Midnight Machines

LightsMidnight Machines

Ontario singer has once again decided on Midnight Machines to drop her electronic dimension to rather offer an acoustic album. A tradition that continues now with each of her albums, it's mostly new versions of songs from Little Machines issued in 2014, and two new songs, "Follow You Down" and "Head Cold". There are only eight in all for a total of around 40 minutes. A string section adds richness and magic to the album that manages to conquer us promptly with its warm atmosphere. In fact, one might even say that Lights is at her best in this context. A very fine record! (May 2016)

Music Video: « Meteorites »

Interscope / Universal

½

   

 Tim Moxam – Soft Summer

Tim MoxamSoft Summer

Following the separation of the Great Bloomers, the Canadian singer embarked on a solo career from which this is the first album. Accompanied by his acoustic guitar, Tim Moxam has a very nice mix between folk music and country rock. Soft Summer contains highly personal songs, many that were living a long time already and have been remodeled several times. Moxam was finally able to complete them and offer them on record. Although these songs are from different times in his life, he managed to make a coherent whole, cemented by his unique personality. If you like the country folk genre, the whole album is great to listen to, all in softness. (May 2016)

Music Video: « Bones »

Fontana North

   

 Meghan Patrick – Grace & Grit

Meghan PatrickGrace & Grit

Meghan Patrick is a country singer from Ontario who arrives with her first album, Grace & Grit. She started as the lead singer of the bluegrass group The Stone Sparrows. She offers highly energetic contemporary country pop music, to which is added her powerful voice. Among the contributors to the album, there is Chad Kroeger who co-wrote and produced several tracks including the first single, "Bow Chicka Wow Wow". There is also Joe Nichols who sings a duet with Meghan on "Still Loving You". It is a very effective first album that Meghan Patrick gives us, and she may well become the next Shania Twain. (May 2016)

Music Video: « Bow Chicka Wow Wow »

Warner

   

 Royal Tusk – Dealbreaker

Royal TuskDealbreaker

Royal Tusk is a band from Edmonton releasing their first full-length album. Produced by Eric Ratz (Big Wreck, Monster Truck, Arkells, Billy Talent), Dealbreaker offers an energetic contemporary rock sound. Their rock 'n' roll side is not without reminding us of Billy Talent on several occasions. They also have energy like Collective Soul, a band for which they are opening for a few concerts. Without overflowing creativity, Royal Tusk offers lively and entertaining music. (May 2016)

Music Video: « Fever »

Cadence / Universal

   

 Vox Sambou – The Brasil Session

Vox SambouThe Brasil Session

The Brasil Session is the third album from the Montreal’s songwriter and performer born in Haiti. Vox Sambou is flawlessly blending the genres for rich world music of diverse influences. As its title indicates, we can of course hear Brazilian music, but we also find elements of rock from various origins, traditional rhythms, Afro-Latin elements, reggae and rap. The lyrics change between English, French, Spanish and Creole. With The Brasil Session, the one who is very involved with local teens in the Côte-des-Neiges district in Montreal solidifies his leadership position in Canada’s new world music. (May 2016)

Ndjam / SIX

½

 

 Samito – Samito

SamitoSamito

Born in Mozambique, this neo-Montrealer presents a mixture of acoustic music, rock and electro, incorporating rhythms and lyrics inspired by his roots. It is therefore mixed world music that has all the necessary groove to appeal to a wide audience. With his first single, "LOL", Samito proves his talent as a melodist. His lyrics pass from English to Portuguese through TSWA. On this first album of eight tracks can be heard many energetic and lively moments that will satisfy the most demanding fans. It is only a pity that the whole lasts only 27 minutes. (May 2016)

Costume / SIX

½

 

 Andy Shauf – The Party

Andy ShaufThe Party

The young songwriter and singer from Regina, Saskatchewan picks his influences in Neil Young, Elliott Smith and Wilco. But, he managed to create greatly his own fantasy world on The Party. He offers sophisticated pop music, usually acoustic but still with rich arrangements. Some songs stand out from the lot as "The Magician" and "The Worst in You", but the whole should be listened carefully a few times to be totally digested. The reward will be even better as it is certainly one of the best Canadian albums to be released since the beginning of 2016. To discover! (May 2016)

Arts & Crafts / SIX

½

   

 Kyra Shaughnessy – Passage

Kyra ShaughnessyPassage

Born in the Lac-Mégantic region, Quebec, Kyra Shaughnessy is a poet, songwriter and singer who made a career for ten years. On her third album, conceived with producer Dany Placard, she still offers folk music, but integrating sounds and influences from Ireland, West Africa and the First Nations. She alternates between French and English (also with Irish Gaelic), and she operates in an enveloping atmosphere. The beautiful arrangements enrich the set that perfectly highlights the pure voice of Kyra. Passage is a beautiful album, both personal and universal. (May 2016)

½

 The Strumbellas – Hope

The StrumbellasHope

The indie band from Toronto certainly never thought about invading radios with an instant hit. That is what happened with the first single from Hope, "Spirits", a pop rock song that is totally unforgettable. Simon Ward and his band finally managed to produce their real anthem they will have to play for the rest of their career. The rest of the album offers a mix of indie pop, folk and rock. Other tracks compare favorably with "Spirits". This is particularly the case for the next one, "Shovels & Dirt", whose chorus with a choir has the same addictive potential. The Strumbellas present an album that is mostly addictive and it will certainly make you sing along. (May 2016)

Music Video: « Spirits »

Six Shooter / Universal

½

   

 Cole Swindell – You Should Be Here

Cole SwindellYou Should Be Here

The American country singer is back with his second album, You Should Be Here. From the first song, "Flatliner", he is accompanied by Dierks Bentley, to give some energy to the beginning of the album. Otherwise, he returns immediately to a mid-tempo song with little interest in "Middle of a Memory". It's a bit the feeling that we will have throughout the CD with several songs that are easy to ignore between mid-tempo songs and ballads. It is always the catchy songs that are the most successful for Cole Swindell, but he has unfortunately only a few. Those who had loved his first album will not be too destabilized while this is the same recipe on You Should Be Here. (May 2016)

Music Video: « You Should Be Here »

Warner

½

     

 Chaim Tannenbaum – Chaim Tannenbaum

Chaim Tannenbaum – Chaim Tannenbaum

With over 50 years of career, the 68-year old Montrealer is a true folk legend who played with the greatest including the extended McGarrigle/Wainwright family. Chaim Tannenbaum was involved on more than 20 albums, either as a multi-instrumentalist musician and as a producer. Otherwise, he releases his first solo album. "Finally", would say his friends and admirers. The album contains 13 tracks of traditional folk music, totally acoustic. A retired professor of philosophy, Tannenbaum now lives in New York City. It will be possible to hear him in concert in Montreal on June 9 at the Upstairs. (May 2016)

StorySound / SIX

   

 

Victoria + JeanDivine Love

Victoria + Jean are a duo from Brussels presenting their first album with Divine Love. For the occasion, they are surrounded by an impressive list of producers: Ian Caple (Tricky, Kate Bush), John Parish (PJ Harvey, Goldfrapp), Rob Kirwan (Depeche Mode, U2), Christopher Berg (The Knife, Fever Ray, Depeche Mode), Joe Hirst (Florence + the Machine, Stone Roses, M.I.A.) and Alistair Chant (PJ Harvey). Their music is based on the haunting voice of Victoria and the electric guitar of Jean. Note that Victoria and Jean, who also are a couple in life, wanted to produce a music video for each of the 12 songs of the album. The result is like a collection of short films, each more interesting than each other. Here is a convincing first album by this Belgian duo of great talent. (May 2016)

Music Videos: « Divine Love » - « Härligt Sverige » - « Where We Belong »

Cadence / Universal

½

   

 Rufus Wainwright – Take All My Loves: 9 Shakespeare Sonnets

Rufus WainwrightTake All My Loves: 9 Shakespeare Sonnets

Take All My Loves is not his first foray into the world of Shakespeare, but in this case, Rufus Wainwright presents a clever mix between his chamber pop music, opera and readings. Three sonnets have already appeared on All Days Are Nights: Songs for Lulu, but they are presented here in new arrangements. We find 16 tracks in all so, many poems are found in two different versions. Among the guest artists, first note opera singer Anna Prohaska, but also Helena Bonham Carter, Carrie Fisher, Martha Wainwright and Florence Welch (Florence + the Machine). BBC Symphony Orchestra also made many appearances. Some fans might be disappointed not to hear Wainwright sing very often on the album, but he rather acts as the conductor of a varied album which is designed primarily to highlight the work of Shakespeare. In fact, Wainwright especially proves his versatility as a musician and arranger. A beautiful album full of creativity! (May 2016)

Deutsche Grammophon / Universal

½

   

 White Lung – Paradise

White LungParadise

After 10 years of career, the indie rock band from Vancouver finally seems to truly take off with this fourth album. Really dynamic, Paradise quickly captures our attention with catchy rhythms, despite a rock sound that has nothing conventional. Their punk and noise roots are in fact never far away, with also some experiments on guitar, balancing between punk and metal. The voice of Mish Barber-Way stands out throughout the CD, despite a squeaky guitar and outstanding rhythm section. The influences of Hole and the Pixies are obvious, but White Lung seem to have finally found their own way. Too bad we only have 10 tracks totaling 28 minutes. We have no choice: we must listen to it in loop, but it will be with pleasure! A superb album, very entertaining! (May 2016)

Music Videos: « Hungry » - « Below »

Domino

½

   

 

Yes We MysticForgiver

Forever is the first album by indie rock band from Winnipeg, Yes We Mystic. The group offers a mix of brit pop we can compare to Radiohead and Coldplay with a Montreal introspective indie sound like Patrick Watson and Wolf Parade. The album has in fact been produced by Jace Lasek who worked with the last two. The band also integrates other influences like folk and orchestral pop music that can sometimes recall Arcade Fire. This is a really interesting and surprising debut record that is offered to us by Yes We Mystic, a band to watch closely. (May 2016)

½

 

April:

 

 

Gwen StefaniThis Is What the Truth Feels Like

Ten years have passed since her last solo album, but now Gwen Stefani finally releases her third record. This long break was marked by her children, but especially by her divorce from Gavin Rossdale (Bush). We quickly hear it on This Is What The Truth Feels Like when a handful of songs are about liberation ("Used To Love You", "Me Without You", etc.). Musically, she has a modern pop sound, but with trends that are a little too adult at times. Her dance rhythms are certainly approaching Kylie and Madonna over new pop sensations. Rock is unfortunately wiped out and the fans of the first hours of No Doubt are not likely to be concerned. They will wait for the new album from their favorite band to come soon, but with a man instead of Gwen, Davey Havok (AFI)!? To return to this new album, after several mid-tempo songs without much interest, Gwen goes head first into club music focused on bass and produced to perfection. Even if we finally get a bit of excitement, it's nothing to convince us of the relevance of this new record, and the chance to return immediately to the first song are slim. Gwen certainly has quality pop music, but she fails to stand out as much as we would have liked. (April 2016 Featured Review)

Music Videos: « Used To Love You » - « Make Me Like You »

Interscope / Universal

   

     

 Bullion – Loop the Loop

BullionLoop the Loop

After having become well known with his samplings of the Beach Boys, Nathan Jenkins issues his first album of original music. The London producer has since gone from hip hop beats to much more electro pop music. This does not mean that he has become accessible either. Instead, the music of Bullion remains rather left field with some good beats, but especially the need to listen carefully to what he has to offer us if we really want to adhere to his work. Otherwise, once you put an effort, you can only be convinced of the effectiveness of his compositions. Do not expect anything for radios, but his electro pop sound with new wave influences, sometimes reminding Gary Numan (the excellent "Speed"), should get to seduce you. Occasional Brass integration also helps to make his music earthier. Here is a very good example that hybrid music of the 2010s can be particularly creative and just as enjoyable to listen to. Bullion offers unique atmospheric music. (April 2016 Featured New Artist)

Deek

½

   

 3 Doors Down – Us and the Night

3 Doors DownUs and the Night

After five years of absence, the US band is back on record. But, they have two important members in less following the departure of guitarist Matt Roberts (a founding member) and longtime bassist Todd Harrell, who had to be replaced. Also, to give life to the music of the band that became frankly monotonous on Time of My Life, they hired producer Matt Wallace. In this sense, it is successful since the group returns to energetic rhythms, powerful choruses and riffs to fill stadiums in their way. Otherwise, forget creativity with 11 songs that remind all Nickelback. It becomes quickly annoying, as soon as with the first songs, "The Broken" and "In the Dark". 3 Doors Down have perhaps never been geniuses of creation, but now they don’t have any more inspiration. The only positive think: Us and the Night does not do us sleep as their previous CD, even managing to make us stomp on occasion. (April 2016)

Music Video: « In the Dark »

Republic / Universal

½

   

 Matthew Barber & Jill Barber – The Family Album

Matthew Barber & Jill BarberThe Family Album

After a dozen years in an independent career of each other, the brother and sister finally meet on the same album. They had collaborated on different records from each other and had tour together, but The Family Album is a first joint recording. They have five new songs, two of Matthew and three of Jill, in a country folk style. The six other songs of the album are covers carefully chosen from a repertoire of folk from the 1960s and 1970s. These include Townes Van Zandt’s "If I Needed You" and Neil Young’s "Comes a Time". We can also hear the English version of Leonard Cohen’s "La complainte du partisan". The album was masterfully produced by Michael Piersante (Willie Nelson, Robert Plant & Allison Krauss, Elvis Costello) and you can discover both their Canadian folk and Americana influences. Although they remain highly effective independently of each other, it seems that Matthew and Jill gain strength when they join together. (April 2016)

Outside / SIX

½

   

 Bibio – A Mineral Love

BibioA Mineral Love

The English artist Bibio (his real name is Stephen Wilkinson) is cleverly mixing electronics and acoustics for a unique electro folk indie sound. On A Mineral Love, he explores again modern music of the 21st century, but joining it with a R&B and funk atmosphere carrying us straight to the 1970s. He left aside sampling to play real songs in the studio. That's when he uses old synthesizers or a funky guitar from another era that he is at his best. Bibio offers us music in sweetness and subtlety that creates a very special and extremely pleasant atmosphere. Among the collaborators to the album, there are Gotye, Olivier St Louis and Wax Stag. (April 2016)

Warp

½

   

 Jean-Michel Blais – Il

Jean-Michel BlaisIl

The pianist and composer from Québec releases his debut album of neo-classical or contemporary classical. It is a minimalist album on which only the piano is expressed. Through eight tracks totaling 27 minutes, he managed to do admirably in spending emotion. It's like a movie playing in front of our eyes. Jean-Michel Blais will certainly become a widely recognized artist. (April 2016)

Arts & Crafts / SIX

½

 

 Megan Bonnell – Magnolia

Megan BonnellMagnolia

After a first album of great efficiency with Hunt and Chase, the young Ontario female artist returns with a successful record on which she extends a little bit her scope with strong pop melodies on a background ranging between folk, indie pop and more adult alternative music. She increases her level of creativity by taking her own personality and offering an album that really belongs to her. A very nice accomplishment for this young artist with infinite talent... And what a pleasure to hear her voice again! (April 2016)

Maple / Universal

½

   

 Matt Corby – Telluric

Matt CorbyTelluric

The singer-songwriter from Sydney, Australia releases his debut album with Telluric. He offers a mixture of pop rock and rather introspective adult alternative rock. Names like Jack Johnson and Josh Rouse may come to mind, but Corby has a distinctive voice and a unique phrasing. He presents an album with 11 songs totaling 46 minutes and the whole remains fairly consistent until the end with some very good times. (April 2016)

Music Video: « Monday »

Atlantic / Warner

   

 

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic ZerosPerson A

The indie psychedelic band from Los Angeles releases the fourth album of their career. For the occasion, the formation of 10 musicians has changed its creative process by locking everyone in the same room to write and record. This results in an overall work that is a little more consistent, despite surges of some instruments or voices which sometimes emerge oddly from the lot. But these spasms respond after all to their desire to introduce almost experimental psychedelic music. Jazz impulses also come to garnish the whole that is rather indefinable. Although they seem to succeed to tighten their work, the fact remains that the Magnetic Zeros have a messy sound still standing out as if we were listening to a huge unstoppable jam. We must therefore have the ability to enter their eclectic universe to truly appreciate Person A. (April 2016)

Community

½

   

 Kendrick Lamar – untitled unmastered.

Kendrick Lamaruntitled unmastered.

Issued without warning, untitled unmastered contains eight demos that are only numbered and dated. From the dates, we understand that most of this material was recorded during the studio sessions for the excellent album To Pimp a Butterfly released in 2015. With an album of such a strength, it’s not surprising that "the remaining" is still as effective. But above all, the eight tracks are linked together into a coherent whole, very pleasant to listen. The music is accompanying beautifully Lamar’s lyrics dealing primarily with extinction and survival. His hip hop sound is still soft but catchy, and it seems to be inspired from jazz and soul on many occasions. Vocally, he is supported at various times by Bilal and Cee Lo Green. Even if Lamar introduces this album as a CD of demos, the fact remains that he once again managed a feat with a record of high quality. Kanye West perhaps should learn from the humility of Kendrick Lamar instead of promising the best album ever. (April 2016)

Aftermath / Interscope / Universal

½

   

 Lost Love – Comfortable Scars

Lost LoveComfortable Scars

Formed in 2013, the young quartet from Montreal releases its second album, Comfortable Scars. Lost Love offer a melodic pop punk sound that goes straight to the point. The 11 catchy songs talk about the importance of making peace, to find comfort and painful moments of the past. In fact, they talk about topics of their generation, which has nothing to do with the claimant punk of another era. With less than 32 minutes, Comfortable Scars certainly manages to make you have fun, without much effort. (April 2016)

Stomp / ULG / Warner

 Kevin Morby – Singing Saw

Kevin MorbySinging Saw

Kevin Morby was first known as a member of two Brooklyn bands, The Babies and Woods. Now based in Los Angeles, he worked in solo since 2013. Singing Saw is his third album and Morby is increasing the scope of his sound with the addition of keyboards, trumpet and electronics. This is still alternative rock music by a songwriter with a unique voice. Otherwise, his music takes on another dimension here, pleasantly gaining wealth. This new sound allows us to appreciate even more the quality of Kevin Morby’s compositions. It's like he is going to another level. Here is a unique album, which is likely to be among the best of the year. (April 2016)

Dead Oceans

½

   

 Motel Raphaël – System

Motel RaphaëlSystem

Motel Raphaël is a female indie pop trio from Montreal that was formed in 2012. They are advantageously compared with Tegan and Sara, Feist and Arcade Fire. After a first rather folk album, Motel Raphaël takes a completely new direction on System with more complex compositions. The 14 songs are finely linked together to form a coherent whole that is so nice to listen to. Their tasty vocal harmonies add to the whole which is particularly exciting. Here is an excellent album by a band that we have not heard the last! (April 2016)

Stomp / ULG / Warner

½

 

 David Myles – Here Now

David MylesHere Now

Canadian David Myles represents certainly one of the best mixes of pop, folk and soul, somewhere between Justin Timberlake and James Taylor. With the Here Now EP, he moved more than ever in the pop world with six catchy songs with unforgettable melodies. He collaborated again with Classified for the production of the album, in addition to delivering a verse on the touching "Don’t Leave It Up To Me". This excellent record comes to us to make us wait while a French album should be released in spring 2017. (April 2016)

Little Tiny / SIX

½

   

 Parquet Courts – Human Performance

Parquet CourtsHuman Performance

The indie band from Brooklyn, New York is back with their third album, Human Performance. After many weird recordings, especially for the Monastic Living EP, Parquet Courts are back with a better focus. This results possibly in their most cohesive album to date. Great riffs and rhythms even succeed in making us stomp through an atmosphere that remains highly exploratory. This is the case with "One Man No City" that incorporates rhythmic bongos in a long jam of more than 6 minutes. However, they are usually limited to short songs including several below three minutes. They even include some moments of rock 'n' roll that are particularly captivating. This is a key album for Parquet Courts, an album that is likely to be among the best of the year. The group is certainly one of the most creative American bands at the moment, and they will also succeed in expanding their audience with Human Performance. A great and successful album! (April 2016)

Rough Trade

   

 Heather Rankin – A Fine Line

Heather Rankin A Fine Line

Heather Rankin is part of the famous Rankin Family from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, which was at the top of the Canadian folk scene in the 1990s before splitting in 1999. Heather pursued an actress career and she now releases the album A Fine Line. We still find some traces of Celtic folk music that has characterized her family, but with a direction much more adult pop. She returns with her sister Cookie and her brother Jimmy the time of a song, "We Walk As One". We can also hear Quake Matthews on her cover of Tears For Fears’ "Everybody Wants To Rule the World". Produced by David Tyson, who also collaborated on the writing of several songs, A Fine Line offers some interesting moments, without big surprises. (April 2016)

Back Street / Maple

   

 Redfoo – Party Rock Mansion

RedfooParty Rock Mansion

The youngest son of Motown’s founder, Berry Gordy Jr., releases his first solo album after the monster success of his band, LMFAO. Otherwise, the differences are quite rare when you can hear the same music style for party with danceable beats and ridiculous lyrics ("Booty Man", "Juicy Wiggle"). There are a few unavoidable songs that may be as successful as "Party Rock Anthem", "Champagne Showers" and "Sexy and I Know It" by LMFAO. This is the case among others for "Keep Shining", "Party Train" and of course the inevitable "Juicy Wiggle". But the album proves to be somewhat uneven and does not always provide the same level of pleasure. Fortunately, there is still "Juicy Wiggle" to make us smile... (April 2016)

Music Videos: « New Thang » - « Juicy Wiggle » - « Where the Sun Goes » (feat. Stevie Wonder) – « Booty Man » (3600)

   

 

Sainte RoseSweet Talk EP

Sainte Rose is an indie rock band from Quebec having a second EP out after Bloodlines EP in spring 2015. This is the second part of a trilogy. Sweet Talk EP contains four songs and each will have its music video. One can already discover the one for "Wounded" which looks more like a short film than a music video. Sainte Rose includes Marc Gebrayel and two pairs of brothers: Joey and Mikey Berlangieri, as well as Corey and Bryan Blondi. Wishing to retain complete control over their music, they refused some offers and recorded this record in their own studio. Their music borrows enormously to pop rock with very efficient melodies and good rhythms. (April 2016)

Music Video: « Wounded »

Allen Stone – Radius (2016 Edition with Bonus Tracks)

Allen StoneRadius (2016 Edition with Bonus Tracks)

Radius came four years after his debut album, in the spring of 2015. A year later, a new edition is issued with six new songs and a bonus alternate version of the hit "Freedom". Allen Stone offers soul music including pop rock and a few traces of blues. Even if he does have soul in him, Stone goes a little bit too much in different directions with moments that almost reach Maroon 5. And the bonus songs do not help this fragmentation which is now on 21 tracks totaling nearly 74 minutes. Allen Stone has a great talent of performer, but he still failed to operate correctly in a style resembling a little too much to Bruno Mars. (April 2016)

Music Video: « Perfect World »

Capitol / ATO

 

 Suuns – Hold/Still

SuunsHold/Still

The Montreal indie rock band celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and it is the opportunity to offer their third album (excluding the one with Jerusalem in My Heart issued last year). Suuns traveled to Dallas to record Hold/Still with producer John Congleton (St. Vincent, Swans). The arrangements remain minimal, but they succeed every time to mesmerize us. The group goes a little more into electronic music with almost industrial moments ("Resistance"). Their heavy electro beats may also recall PJ Harvey on occasions. If the first half of the album manages to captivate us, the second otherwise stretches somewhat long, especially with "Careful", lasting 7 endless minutes. Fortunately, the CD ends up nicely with the concise and effective "Infinity", perfect to make us want to listen to the album again, which will allow us to better appreciate it. (April 2016)

Secret City / SIX

½

   

 They Call Me Rico – This Time

They Call Me RicoThis Time

In 2009, Madcaps’ singer, Frédéric Pellerin (aka Rico), momentarily left the band to start the solo project They Call Me Rico. Two studio albums and a live album later, he returns with This Time. He pursues his exploration of blues and folk, his first love. He signed 10 new songs, lyrics and music, and he started a rock turning point. The album was recorded in analog and essentially live in two studios of the suburbs of Lyon, including his newest studio, Magneto. The man band surrounds for the occasion of Quebec and French musicians like Dominic "Rock" Laroche (Voivod), Nicolas Grimard (Caiman Fu) and violinist and keyboardist from Lyon Charlie Glad. The mastering was done in London by Ray Staff (Muse, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie). The result is a blues rock sound rather dirty and extremely effective, a sound both contemporary and garage. (April 2016)

Voxtone / SIX

½

   

 Weezer – Weezer (The White Album)

WeezerWeezer (The White Album)

Here is the 10th album in the career for Weezer, the fourth simply identified by a color. We have to face the fact that despite some great records, the blue, green and red albums stand out in their now impressive discography. White must now be added to the list. The band brought a breath of fresh air in 2014 with Everything Will Be Alright in the End, but could again renew with very good experiments. The strength of Rivers Cuomo and his band is to successfully experiment while remaining accessible and entertaining. Unforgettable melodies and carrying rhythms reach the goal again, all in a short set of 10 tracks totaling 34 minutes. (April 2016)

Music Videos: « Thank God For Girls » - « King of the World » - « California Kids »

Crush / Atlantic / Warner

½

   

 Royal Wood – Ghost Light

Royal WoodGhost Light

The songwriter, singer, multi-instrumentalist and producer from Toronto does almost everything on his new album, to the coproduction with Bill Lefler. The only other collaborations are those of Hannah Georgas and Felicity Williams (Bahamas). With very little electronic assistance, Ghost Light is essentially organic and warm. Wood explores different sounds of guitars and percussion, adding piano and orchestrations, which makes it very rich and extremely varied pop rock music. The first single, "Long Way Out" gives an excellent overview but this is the case throughout the 13 tracks. With Ghost Light, Royal Wood gives a new take-off to his career by taking the forefront of the Canadian pop rock scene. A surprising and so pleasant record! (April 2016)

Music Video: « Long Way Out »

Cadence / Universal / SIX

½

   

 

MARCH:

 

 Simple Plan – Taking One For the Team

Simple PlanTaking One For the Team

Five years after Get Your Heart On!, the Montreal band issues their fifth studio album. After more pop getaways, Simple Plan return with their rock sound trending to pop punk, always in a sweet and fun atmosphere. The songs are generally energetic, and even when the band slows the pace, the pieces retain their relevance. The band admits to having kept the best 14 compositions from dozens and dozens of songs and it is easy to believe because it is their best assembly of songs since their sensational debut in 2002. You can hear several guest artists as Jordan Pundik of New found Glory and Nelly (for the instant hit in the Maroon 5 style "I Don’t Wanna Go to Bed", we can also find a second time as a bonus in a French version). Taking One For the Team has several highlights ("Opinion Overload", "Everything Sucks", "I Dream About You" in a duet with Juliet Simms), but that's the whole CD that impresses by its constancy, a feat Simple Plan has not been often successful in recent years. Here is an effective pop punk album that draws the best of the genre while being forward looking. A great entertainment! (March 2016 Featured Review)

Music Videos: « Boom » - « I Don’t Wanna Go To Bed » - « Opinion Overload »

Atlantic / Warner

½

   

       

 BJ the Chicago Kid – In My Mind

BJ the Chicago KidIn My Mind

Brian James Sledge (alias BJ the Chicago Kid) has moved from Chicago to Los Angeles at the age of 19 to start his career as a gospel singer. After working with Stevie Wonder and different gospel and R&B artists, he finally releases his first album, 10 years after his debut. In My Mind contains several singles he has previously issued for a total of 15 tracks and more than 62 minutes. BJ offers contemporary R&B music with huge influences of classic soul and gospel. We also find a few traces of hip hop. This is an excellent album of R&B that BJ the Chicago Kid offers us, a rich, creative and comprehensive album that contains only very few weaknesses. It is perhaps just a little too long, since it is possible to lose interest, especially if one is not among the biggest fans of R&B. (March 2016 Featured New Artist)

Music Videos: « Church » - « Turnin Me Up »

Motown / Universal

½

   

 Amon Amarth – Jomsviking

Amon AmarthJomsviking

After nine albums, the Swedish metal band Amon Amarth finally releases a first concept album. Jomsviking tells the story of a brigand who got expelled from his village after having "accidentally" disposed of the man who was to marry the woman he loved. We follow his quest to win back his love. The vikings offer an excellent mix of death metal and guitar harmonies like Iron Maiden. Some riffs are particularly effective, as in "Wanderer" for example. Few tracks will leave you indifferent on this album that contains everything we loved from the band for twenty years (speed, heaviness, precision, virtuosity). Jomsviking is an excellent melodic metal album, certainly one of the best in the career of Amon Amarth. (March 2016)

Metal Blade

½

   

 

Betty BonifassiLomax

On her new album, Betty Bonifassi pursues her exploration of the work of Alan Lomax reviving eight songs of African slaves deported to America. She offers new versions of three songs from her first album released in fall 2014, which leaves only five new tracks. With a total of 31 minutes, Lomax looks therefore more like an EP than a full-length album. Musically, Betty goes a little more in pure blues with elements of rock, which enriches the traditional songs. Also noteworthy is the significant presence of female choir Les Marjo's giving a special color to the album. Lomax wants to be an ideal companion to her first album. Otherwise, it lacks some tracks to successfully truly satisfy us. (March 2016)

L-A be / SIX

   

 Jim Bryson – Somewhere We Will Find Our Place

Jim BrysonSomewhere We Will Find Our Place

The singer-songwriter born in Ottawa has made a name in Canada with his unique alternative country style. Absent on record in recent years, he is back with Somewhere We Will Find Our Place. This is an album of 10 tracks totaling 39 minutes that has many good compositions to folk trend. Throughout the album, his voice seems to whisper in our ears his sweet melodies, which is nice. He certainly does not revolutionize the genre, but he still stands some of the most interesting artists of the current Canadian country folk scene. (March 2016)

Maple / Universal

   

 Basia Bulat – Good Advice

Basia BulatGood Advice

The indie pop singer from Toronto releases her fourth album with Good Advice. She decided to give the production to her friend and collaborator Jim James (My Morning Jacket) and she even drove to his studio in Louisville, Kentucky. Less folk than her previous works, the album contains electric guitar, synthesizers and a rhythm section that support a little more her charming voice. It therefore has a more pop sound, as if she finally came out of her shell to show what she can really do with her voice, both in emotion and in power. Certainly her most accessible record to date, Good Advice shows also Basia Bulat at her best. An excellent album by an artist at the peak of her art! (March 2016)

Secret City / SIX

½

   

 Toronzo Cannon – The Chicago Way

Toronzo CannonThe Chicago Way

After having inflated the blues bars in Chicago and having become a national star at Chicago Blues Festival in 2015, Toronzo Cannon is ready to conquer the world. On The Chicago Way, he presents 11 original songs and he gives credit to the new generation of bluesmen from the Windy City. He offers blues in the style of Chicago in which he shows all his virtuosity. Without revolutionizing the genre, Toronzo Cannon managed to pursue the tradition in a great way with The Chicago Way. For fans of the genre, blues is still alive and well in Chicago! (March 2016)

Alligator

   

 Nick Carter – All American

Nick CarterAll American

The former member of the Backstreet Boys, the youngest of the group, releases his third solo album, two years after his tandem with Jordan Knight. He offers melodic pop music, sometimes energetic, with elements of rock. The first track, "19 in 99", sounds like Simple Plan in their most accessible times. Then, on "Get Over Me", Avril Lavigne sings with him, when he reminds us of new wave in the style of the Gogo's in "Tijuana". Carter even tries to reggae in "Second Wind". Very often on the CD the envelope added seems superfluous and above all cheap. "Swet" gives the best example of it with cheap synths and brass that are suffocating in the back. After the few catchy tracks over, Carter seems to have nothing more interesting to offer us. The good surprise did not last long! (March 2016)

Music Videos: « I Will Wait » - « 19 in 99 »

Kaotic / Maple / Universal

½

   

 The Cat Empire – Rising With the Sun

The Cat EmpireRising With the Sun

The Australian band that mixes rock and reggae music is back with its seventh album. Recorded in Melbourne with producer Jan Skubiszewski (Jon Butler Trio), Rising With the Sun pursues in the atmosphere created by the group on its tour of the biggest festivals. The Cat Empire have indeed played in front of more than 500,000 people during their last world tour, including a significant presence at the Montreal International Jazz Festival and a sold-out concert at the legendary Royal Albert Hall in London. The band therefore has once again effective rhythms and perfect melodies to sing in chorus in a crowd of several thousand people. World beats come again to add richness to the pop rock songs of the band, along with a significant presence of brass. The songs were quickly created in the studio from simple ideas or sounds. This therefore results in a greatly refreshing spontaneity to very pleasant music to listen to, to be discovered on stage. Note also that the cover was created by Australian artist Aaron Hayward. (March 2016)

Music Videos: « Wolves » - « Bulls »

Two Shoes / Fontana North / SIX

½

   

 Céu – Tropix

CéuTropix

The Brazilian female singer releases her fourth album with Tropix. She still extends a little more her musical horizons with the incorporation of electro to her Brazilian music, allowing her at the same time to pursue her evolvement. Despite the use of synthesizers, the music of Céu remains warm, perfect music for a late night cozy atmosphere. There are many nods to the past with references to disco and new wave, but always with an eye to the future. Céu signs 11 of the 12 songs on the record, the twelfth being a cover of Fellini’s "Chico Buarque Song", an obscure Brazilian band. Again Céu manages to seduce us. An incomparable artist! (March 2016)

Six Degrees / SIX

½

   

 Dan San – Shelter

Dan SanShelter

Dan San is a Belgian indie folk band that returns with a second album a little more ethereal. After a questioning period, the six musicians are back strongly. They trusted this time Yann Arnaud (Air, Phoenix, Syd Matters) which was seduced by the project and wanted to get them elsewhere. He preferred a live recording in the studio to capture the emotion and essence of their music. Also note the arrival of multi-instrumentalist Olivier Marguerit who gives a new light to the songs by adding synthetic sounds. This therefore results in a less folk and more contemporary album that blends acoustic instruments and synthesizers. Without altering their early influences, the band really goes to another level and approach a little more the style of Patrick Watson for example. (March 2016)

Simone / SIX

½

   

 Dead Obies – Gesamtkunstwerk

Dead ObiesGesamtkunstwerk

A year and a half ago, the Quebec rap group issued their first album, Montréal $ud, which allowed them to get a critical and popular success in Quebec, in addition to going on tour in France. Now to the forefront of the Quebec rap scene, the Dead Obies are back with a new album with an unpronounceable title which is tailor made for the stage. In fact, part of the 81-minute album was recorded live at a series of three sold-out concerts at the Phi Centre in Montreal. The band resumes to mix styles, both vocally (joual, slang, Creole, French and English) and musically (hip hop, soul, R&B and electro). They still explore new avenues with powerful bass and ethereal synthesizers for music of vaporous atmosphere that is felt more than it is heard. This is a very good album that offer the Dead Obies, a creative and varied album. Its only problem is that it is too long and could be synthesized to make it more consistent. Fans from the debut will surely appreciate anyway. (March 2016)

Bonsound

½

   

 Angel Forrest – Angel’s 11

Angel ForrestAngel’s 11

Angel Forrest has a career of already 27 years and she comes to us now with her 10th album. For the occasion, she paid tribute to 11 guitarists allowing them to play each on one of the 11 songs on this record. They include Rob MacDonald, Ricky Paquette, Paul Deslauriers, Steve Hill, Adam Karch, and several other great Canadian blues rock guitarists. Although she gives room to each of the guitarists, Angel dominates them all with her powerful and gravelly voice, which is immediately recognizable. Angel's 11 contains mostly blues at the base, but with a mix of rock and jazz that makes it varied and complete. It lacks only some compositions a little more prominent to make a great album of blues, considering the quality of the performances. (March 2016)

Ad Litteram / SIX

   

 Ron Hawkins – Spit Sputter and Sparkle

Ron HawkinsSpit Sputter and Sparkle

The Toronto singer is best known as the frontman of The Lowest of the Low, but he also has excellent solo albums including Greasing the Star Machine (1998) and Crackstatic (2000). On this new album, he offers a great mix of alternative rock and classic rock, occasionally flirting with rockabilly ("Strum and Drag"). He offers some very good compositions that require us to stomp. Otherwise, the whole may be somewhat uneven with frankly boring songs. (March 2016)

Pheromone / Universal

   

 Steve Hill – Solo Recordings Volume 3

Steve HillSolo Recordings Volume 3

The Quebec virtuoso guitarist is back with his Solo Recordings Volume 3. He is again offering powerful blues rock, to the limits of hard rock on several occasions. More importantly, he continues to play the one-man band playing everything by himself. He must be seen alone on stage with his guitar and his drums to discover the immensity of his talent. Although he has several songs that quite move, Hill also has some more melodic tracks on acoustic bases ("Slowly Slipping Away", "Troubled Times" and "Emily"). He also reinvented three songs among the 12 tracks of the album: "Still a Fool & a Rollin Stone", "Rollin & Tumblin / Stop Breaking Down" and "Going Down the Road Feeling Bad". With Solo Recordings Volume 3, Steve Hill presents perhaps his best album to date, a diverse but cohesive album to the end that perfectly highlights the virtuosity of this amazing guitarist. (March 2016)

No Label / SIX

½

 

 The James Hunter Six – Hold On!

The James Hunter SixHold On!

The James Hunter Six is a British soul band around James Hunter. For their fourth album, the first for Daptone Recording, they decided to go to California and record 10 songs directly to an 8-track. The result is a mono sound reflecting more the atmosphere of the 1950s which is at the heart of the music of the sextet. Nostalgia is decidedly at the rendezvous, but the variety in compositions impresses greatly even though there are only 30 minutes of music. Soul is blended with elements of R&B, funk and Motown for a rich sound from another era. Hold On! is a custom album for nostalgic fans. (March 2016)

Daptone

   

 Ian Kelly – SuperFolk

Ian KellySuperFolk

On his fifth album, the Montreal singer has a pair of songs in French among the 13 tracks offered, including the strong first single, "Montreal". For the record, Ian Kelly had been stolen from his album while it was on a hard drive in his car. Fortunately, it could be recovered and it is now released. SuperFolk pursues in the same acoustic style to which he has accustomed us, usually on guitar, but sometimes on piano. You can hear many unforgettable melodies, performed with the solidity that surprises us every time. We do not listen to the songs of Ian Kelly, we live them! He is again right on target with SuperFolk and let’s bet he will still create quite a stir in the coming months. (March 2016)

Sunset Hill

½

   

 Killswitch Engage – Incarnate

Killswitch Engage Incarnate

The Boston metal band is back after the disappointing reunion with singer Jesse Leach for the Disarm the Descent album in 2013. The album still managed to get his share of success, but now the expectations are huge regarding Incarnate. The group does not lose its hardcore fury, but it makes more inroads into melodic death metal and progressive metal. So they manage to somewhat reinvent themselves, all in a magnificent production. As the voice of Leach and guitars, everything is clear and in its place for a sound that reminds us the best of Pantera in the 1990s. It is perhaps only a little too clean for metalcore fans, but you can listen to it really easily. Killswitch Engage therefore propose an album with greatly effective melodies enhanced by flawless execution. Without returning to the greatest years of the band, Incarnate succeeds where the previous record failed: presenting a united group again. (March 2016)

Roadrunner / Warner

     

 The Knocks – 55

The Knocks55

The Knocks is a New York duo formed in 2008 and composed of James "JPatt" Patterson and Ben "DJ B-Roc" Ruttner. The duo first produced remixes for Katy Perry ("I Kissed a Girl"), Britney Spears ("3") and Chris Brown ("Beautiful People") before releasing EPs. The DJs and producers now issue their first album including rather soft pop / house dance music taking into soul, funk, disco and rap. The 15 tracks on 55 include several songs previously released as singles or on their EPs. So we feel to discover a collection of greatest hits ("Classic", "Dancing With Myself", "Collect My Love", "I Wish (My Taylor Swift)"). Yet, all stands fairly well and is still listening as an album. We hear many guests as Cam'Ron, Powers, Fetty Wap, Wyclef Jean, X Ambassadors, Matthew Koma, Alex Newell (Glee), Justin Tranter (Semi Precious Weapons), Walk the Moon, Carly Rae Jepsen, etc. In the dance music genre, this is a very good album! (March 2016)

Music Videos: « Classic » - « Dancing With Myself » - « Collect My Love » - « I Wish (My Taylor Swift) » - « Comfortable »

Big Beat / Warner

½

   

 Ray Lamontagne – Ouroboros

Ray LamontagneOuroboros

For his sixth album, Ray Lamontagne still wanted to mix things up by bringing aboard Jim James (My Morning Jacket) as co-producer. He retains the fuzzy blues guitar brought previously by Dan Auerbach, but he goes more than ever in old English psychedelic rock, somewhere between Cream and Pink Floyd. Comparisons with Van Morrison can permanently disappear when there is nothing more soul in the voice of the American on Ouroboros. He offers a rather old dirty rock sound with complex experimental requiring a lot of patience to actually understand it. Ouroboros is an ambitious record, but not fully mastered. (March 2016)

RCA / Sony

   

 Greg Laswell – Everyone Thinks I Dodged a Bullet

Greg LaswellEveryone Thinks I Dodged a Bullet

The songwriter and performer from California releases his seventh album on which he seems particularly haunted by a broken love. Everyone Thinks I Dodged a Bullet in fact contains a blend of dark songs in which sadness or depression are accentuated by synthesizers, piano and electronic rhythms. The atmosphere is not uninteresting, but it becomes heavy in the long run and it is not likely to get you back on track after a separation. Laswell has an incredible talent for melody, as well as for cinematic pop and orchestral music, but there is a bit much this time. It creates a distance with the listener who wants at all costs to get out of this depressing atmosphere. He managed at least to finish strong with "Not Surprised" but it’s only if you have been able to go further without letting go. (March 2016)

Vanquard / Concord

   

 Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – The Unruly Mess I’ve Made

Macklemore & Ryan LewisThe Unruly Mess I’ve Made

Following the runaway success of The Heist, awarded a Grammy, the duo rapper / producer is back with its second album. For the occasion, they put everything together with a huge sound, certainly a bit too much at times. Immoderation looks pretty good, but it quickly becomes dizzying after the great hit "Downtown" even in the softest songs. Guest artists are everywhere throughout the 13 songs totaling nearly an hour. You can hear Mike Slap, KRS, Ed Sheeran, Leon Bridges, XP, Carla Morrison, and many others. The duo constantly wanders between hip hop and pop, with each its memorable moments. Otherwise, the whole remains destabilizing and inconsistent. With such a dense album, it’s difficult to want to listen to it immediately when it finishes. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis perhaps were trying to go for a new Grammy, but they tried a little too much. (March 2016)

Music Video: « Downtown »

Warner

   

 Miike Snow – iii

Miike Snowiii

Miike Snow is a Swedish electro pop trio whose two members are best known under the name of Bloodshy & Avant and produced hits for Britney Spears, Madonna and Kylie Minogue. This third album, cleverly titled iii, possibly introduces what the trio has recorded best to date. It comes four years after the disappointing Happy To You. What we particularly like about iii is the injection of a healthy dose of soul in their avant-garde pop music. On some occasions, the band takes an introspective and melancholic trend, but the whole is rather entertaining with well supported beats. The melodies remain effective throughout the CD that contains in addition much creativity, despite some nods to the past with among others the use of old synthesizers. Female singer Charlie XCX just gives an energy boost to "For U", and we can hear samples of jazz and soul singer Marlena Shaw in the first single, "Heart is Full". Another highlight comes to us with the excellent hit "Genghis Khan", not to mention the surprising "Over and Over" that flirts with industrial music. For a very good album of creative pop music, you cannot be wrong with iii. (March 2016)

Music Videos: « Heart is Full » - « Genghis Khan »

Atlantic / Warner

½

   

 

Valérie MilotOrbis

Orbis is the seventh album by Quebec harpist Valérie Milot, who is again accompanied by the Violons du Roy. After well-known works for harp and orchestra of the classical and romantic periods, she takes a much more contemporary direction going into rarely explored territories for harp. So she performs works of Canadian Marjan Mozetich, Americans Steve Reich and John Cage, Quebec violinist and arranger Antoine Bareil, as well as two songs by leading progressive rock artists, Gentle Giant and Frank Zappa. Many of the pieces presented install an ethereal atmosphere to the limits of new age. But above all, the album shows all the possibilities of this instrument which is among the oldest stringed instruments. In addition to the Violons du Roy directed by Mathieu Lussier, you can hear the clear voice of soprano Marianne Lambert on the song "Castile in 1382" which was specifically composed for Valérie Milot by Antoine Bareil, inspired by Jacob Senleches. Here is an album of harp like you've never heard of. (March 2016)

Analekta

½

   

 Roxanne Potvin – For Dreaming

Roxanne PotvinFor Dreaming

The Montreal-based artist is back on record after five years of absence. Roxanne Potvin pursues the shift started on Play with a much more pop sound than before, even though folk is still well present. Her rich and melodic music also leaves room for her virtuosity as a guitarist. Then she participated in all stages of the creative process, from writing to production, she expresses herself more than ever in her songwriting with intimate and very personal music. This is certainly her most accomplished work to date, an album tailored for fans of contemporary and intelligent pop music. (March 2016)

SIX

½

 Eric Prydz – Opus (2 CD)

Eric PrydzOpus (2 CD)

The Swedish DJ now based in Los Angeles, also a member of Swedish House Mafia, has worked hard in recent years, but he issues now his first album of original material. We previously knew him for his covers or remixes, including his version of Steve Winwood’s "Call On Me" with a music video that gained much attention, or "Proper Education", a dance version of Pink Floyd’s "Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 2". It is a double album of 19 tracks totaling two hours of music that he gives us with Opus. He offers an inescapable progressive house music as much for fans of electronic music as for simple dancers who cannot leave the dance floor. Highlights abound throughout the CDs with "Black Dyce", "Floj", "Breathe" and many others. It is important not to forget the epic title track to the very end that gradually builds over nine minutes to become a favorite of both house and trance clubs. In fact, Prydz may have taken his time before releasing his first "opus", but the wait was worth the cost since he offers one of the best albums in the genre for a long time. (March 2016)

Music Videos: « Liberate » - « Generate »

Astralwerks / Universal

½

   

 Radio Radio – Light the Sky

Radio RadioLight the Sky

The Acadian electro-rap duo arrives with its fifth album, but this time, completely in English. Although their music fits beautifully the language of Shakespeare, we particularly appreciated their uniqueness when they were singing in chiac. On Light the Sky, Radio Radio seem determined more than ever to make us dance, with custom concocted beats for the dance floors. The arrival of two talented beatmakers in Shash'U and J.u.D. to replace Arthur Comeau certainly adds to the festive atmosphere that is full of energy. Despite this unstoppable energy, Radio Radio is less successful in capturing our attention on this new album that seems a bit too much like the mass of the genre recordings. Radio Radio guys may very well sing in English if they wish, but a few songs in chiac should always be part of their world, since that is where they really shine. (March 2016)

Music Video: « My Dance Floor »

Bonsound

   

 

Bonnie RaittDig in Deep

After 45 years of career and now 66 years old, Bonnie Raitt is still present in the American blues rock landscape. Dig in Deep is delivered to us four years after the surprising Slipstream, and this is the 20th album of her career. The record was produced by Bonnie except "You've Changed My Mind", recorded in 2010, which was written and produced by Joe Henry, the very man who had produced her previous record. Bonnie signs five of the 12 songs on the CD, in addition to do a very nice new version of INXS’ "Need You Tonight" and Los Lobos’ "Shakin' Shakin' Shakes". Again, her slide guitar and her voice dominate this varied album that includes a superb blend of energetic and mid-tempo tracks, as well as two ballads in conclusion, the composition of Joe Henry and "The Ones We Couldn’t Be". Bonnie Raitt managed again to offer us a solid album in the genre. (March 2016)

Redwing

½

   

 Santigold – 99¢

Santigold99¢

Santi White (aka Santigold) is back with her third album. Her amalgamation of styles remains as relevant as she pursues to deftly walk the line between commercial and indie pop music. On 99 Cents, she joined again new wave, reggae, R&B and electro elements to often accessible pop music which also has its unsettling times. In fact, what is the most unsettling with Santigold is that she still offers both a highly creative pop sound throughout the 12 tracks. Although it is her most accessible album to date, few titles stand out from the whole and after a few listens you will certainly accept her own world. Another good record for the American artist! (March 2016)

Music Videos: « Who Be Lovin’ Me » (feat. ILOVEMAKONNEN) – « Chasing Shadows »

Atlantic / Warner

½

   

 The Small Glories – Wondrous Traveler

The Small GloriesWondrous Traveler

The Small Glories is a folk duo from Winnipeg, Manitoba, which issues its debut album. Cara Luft and JD Edwards give us acoustic folk music with a mastery of their instruments: guitar, banjo and vocals. Both could well make separate careers, but when they come together, magic happens and they become a powerful tandem. Produced by Neil Osborne (54-40), the disc recorded "live to tape" beautifully showcases the talent of the two musicians, their vocal harmonies and the quality of their compositions. Here is an excellent folk album, certainly one of the best of the year so far! (March 2016)

½

   

 

Esperanza Spalding Emily’s D+Evolution

After four years of waiting, the female singer and bassist is finally back with her fifth album. This time, she leaves out jazz and Latin standards by taking a different direction. She proposes instead a concept album around the character of Emily (which is her middle name). Musically, there are still elements of jazz, but above all it could be described as experimental pop rock. She co-produced the album with the legendary Tony Visconti (David Bowie) and the result is a mix of progressive rock with aggressive guitars, energetic fusion jazz and poetic pop music. It's a mix that surprises at first and may be scaring for many of her longtime fans. Otherwise, the creative richness of this record makes it a unique work for the artist, surely her most eclectic record to date. (March 2016)

Concord / Universal

½

   

 Rokia Traoré – Né So

Rokia TraoréNé So

Three years after a rock album with Beautiful Africa, the Malian female singer returns to a folk style incorporating world music, especially African of course. This sixth Rokia Traoré album grows introspective and questioning her identity, while her country is still in civil war. Still produced by John Parish (PJ Harvey), the intimate record is based on subtle rhythms and inventive acoustic guitar. The lyrics go between Bambara, French and even English, among others on "Strange Fruit," a 1937 song made popular by Billie Holiday. The lyrics also seem to become more important than ever in the work of Rokia Traoré. Note the participations of John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin) and Devendra Banhart, even if they do not do so much notice. So is an album that provides a great feeling of satisfaction. (March 2016)

Nonesuch / Warner

½

     

 Underworld – Barbara Barbara, We Face a Shining Future

UnderworldBarbara Barbara, We Face a Shining Future

For their new album, Rick Smith and Karl Hyde started a unique writing process, writing a new song every day without much thinking. This resulted a few weeks later in several interesting compositions on which they could put a little more effort and then get to this album of nine tracks exceeding 55 minutes. Ultimately, that creative process has surely been beneficial for the British duo as they introduce their best album in 15 years, maybe even the best since Second Toughest in the Infants issued 20 years ago. With their style of techno and progressive house, which sometimes slows the pace, they certainly give a nod to their best years, but Underworld (the music directors of the opening ceremony of the London Games in 2012) remain well oriented to the future. Barbara Barbara, We Face a Shining Future is a leading electronic album, an important addition to the Underworld discography. (March 2016)

Caroline / Universal

½

 

 

Kanye WestThe Life of Pablo

Narcissistic, egocentric, megalomaniac apply increasingly to Kanye West while he was claiming for quite some time to be about to release the best album in history. After various title changes, he finally presented his new album at a mega release concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City on February 11, before returning to the studio in the following days to touch up some of the 18 tracks of The Life of Pablo. Not so perfect ultimately this album Mr. West! The album finally reappeared in his final version a few days later on the Tidal sharing platform (owned by his friend Jay-Z), but West was quick to declare that it would not be available elsewhere. Result: The Life of Pablo is nowhere in the Billboard top 200, while four of his previous albums are there. It feels more like a professional suicide... However, that's a shame because the album has great times, even brilliant passages worthy of the greatest hip hop recordings in history. The first half includes experiments somewhat unsettling, but we discover a few gems whose opening piece, "Ultralight Beam", and very good moments of soul, R&B and even gospel. We only have to avoid paying attention to his lyrics in which he loves himself too much (for example in "I Love Kanye"). The second half has more conventional hip hop, but with the usual creative flair of Kanye West. And what about the surprise appearance of Kendrick Lamar for the excellent "No More Parties in L.A.". The album certainly contains inequalities, but there are enough prominent compositions to make it one of the best albums to date in 2016. By tightening it a bit, he might have been able to approach the so desired perfection, but it seems that he finally failed... (March 2016)

½

 The Wild Feathers – Lonely is a Lifetime

The Wild FeathersLonely is a Lifetime

After the success of its first album and the huge tour that followed, the band now based in Nashville is back with its second album, Lonely is a Lifetime. One still finds traces of the classic American rock sound of their debut, but the group expands its sound well beyond. One can even hear big influences of brit pop with bands like Oasis and Blur that can come to mind at various times. As much their style can now be easily screened in an arena context, they move away a bit from what wowed the audience at start, their very Americana side near its roots. Here, everything is a little too clean and this is too much, for a pop rock album that probably will appeal to the general public, but which should leave their fans indifferent and orphans. Disappointing! (March 2016)

Warner

     

 

FEBRUARY:

 

 David Bowie – Blackstar

David Bowie Blackstar

Two days after the release of Blackstar on January 8, which was also the day of his 69th birthday, we learned the death of David Bowie, as the result of a long battle against cancer. He almost managed to conceal the last 18 months of his life, cloistered for recording what would be his last work of a long and successful career. For this new album, Bowie does not hesitate to experiment. There are a few references to the past, but he still manages to innovate. After all, he contributed directly to put forward several styles throughout his career, so it's not a small cancer that would prevent him to remain at the forefront! Two songs were already presented in 2014 to promote the collection Nothing Has Changed ("Sue (Or in a Season of Crime)" and "Tis a Pity She Was a Whore"), and they have been revamped for Blackstar. Moreover, this new record contains two snapshot masterpieces with the 10-minute title song and "Lazarus" (in which he prepared his own death). Despite its 40 minutes total, with only 7 tracks, Blackstar feels a little like an unfinished work when it ends with "I Can’t Give Everything Away". Yet this is still his most accomplished album in 35 years. A great way to say goodbye! (February 2016 Featured Review)

Music Videos: « Blackstar » - « Lazarus »

Columbia / Sony

   

Coasts – Coasts

CoastsCoasts

Coasts was formed in 2011 in Bristol, England. The quintet releases its first album in an indie rock / new wave style incorporating electronic elements. We can compare them more easily to American bands like Imagine Dragons and X Ambassadors than to English bands. Otherwise, there is the Irish Two Door Cinema Club that can also come to mind with a rock sound generally danceable. The rhythms dictated by drums dominate the record with power. But also memorable melodies occupy a more than important place in the music of Coasts with catchy choruses that will be sang along with great pleasure at their concerts, surely huge ones soon. A simple listening of "Modern Love" quickly gives an overview of all their rallying potential. "Oceans", "You", "Your Soul" and "Tonight" are the other cornerstones of this 16-track CD. Some pieces come to slow down the beat on occasions but, despite its 60 minutes, the album maintains a certain consistency to the end. Some tracks in less would only have further tightened a little more this excellent album. (February 2016 Featured New Artist)

Music Videos: « A Rush of Blood » - « Modern Love » - « Oceans » - « You »

Capitol / Universal

½

   

 

AaRONWe Cut the Night

Ten years ago, the French duo had a remarkable debut with the hit "Lili". Simon Buret and Olivier Coursier now have a new album of aerial electro-pop, with influences of Radiohead and Portishead. The space atmospheres of the record are always hypnotic, and we end up more than once not really listening but rather just following this dark music that takes to the guts. Depeche Mode are never far in the music of AaRON. Some irresistible melodies require us to sing with them, among others in "The Leftovers" and "Blouson noir". Otherwise, light times are rather rare and We Cut the Night instead offers the perfect music to live at night. With this new album, AaRON managed to renew in a very nice way for an impressive record. Impressive by its atmospheres and unique power of attraction. To listen to from beginning to end! (February 2016)

JUNZI Arts / SIX

½

 

Matt AndersenHonest Man

The singer and songwriter from New Brunswick already has his seventh album, following the success of Weightless issued in 2014. Recorded in New York City with producer Commissioner Gordon (Joss Stone, Amy Winehouse, Santana, Quincy Jones), Honest Man presents especially the personal side of Matt Andersen, also with political topics. This is an intimate blues sound that gives us the artist, with a strong folk, country and even R&B trend. Otherwise, for the first time we discover electro elements (sampling, drum loops, etc.) that can easily be considered unnecessary in Andersen’s music, as he is at his best in a guitar-voice naked style. Among the songs to pay particular attention to, there is the touching ballad "I'm Giving In" which will surely leave no one indifferent. (February 2016)

True North / SIX

   

 

Michel CussonSolo

One day on a beach of the US East Coast, Quebec composer and guitarist Michel Cusson saw a woman throw to the sea in panic all her family photos. She seemed to want to erase her past. Unable to let those memories disappear, Cusson recovered the photos and forgot them in a box for years. The day he decided to take a glance, these pictures became the inspiration for a personal musical project. Matured for ten years, Solo includes nine instrumental pieces influenced by this reconstructed story from altered images of an unknown life. Cusson offers an atmospheric and cinematic sound blending jazz and world music, with even some touches of Arabic music. The virtuoso guitarist manages to make us travel and he is varying the emotions transmitted from one song to another. Again, Michel Cusson managed to upset by his huge talent as a composer and musician. (February 2016)

SIX

½

 Dream Theater – The Astonishing (2 CD)

Dream TheaterThe Astonishing (2 CD)

The progressive metal band never does things by halves and so once again with The Astonishing, an album of 34 songs in two acts exceeding 130 minutes. It was perhaps their own way of celebrating their 30-year career. Guitarist John Petrucci has created a rock opera of science fiction that exceeds anything the band could offer previously in concept albums. He just invented a new country for which we can find the map in the booklet, a country that prohibits music created or played by humans, relying on a small group of rebels to perpetuate the tradition. For this grandiose album produced by Petrucci, the group was accompanied by the Prague Symphony Orchestra and three choirs, all directed by David Campbell (Beck's father). This is the singer James LaBrie that ensures the voices of the characters, while all the music seems headed by the keyboards, pianos and organs of Jordan Rudess. Obviously, the guitar playing of John Petrucci is still hallucinating, a musician who is considered by many as one of the best guitarists in the world. His performance in "A Better Life" is particularly remarkable, even if he plays a little fewer solos than usual on the album. Few songs stand out of the lot, but the album was initially designed to be listened to in full, an exercise rather challenging but greatly rewarding. We cannot say that The Astonishing rivals the greatest rock operas in history as Tommy, but it offers great moments of satisfaction and will certainly delight the many hardcore fans of the band. (February 2016)

Music Video: « The Gift of Music »

Roadrunner / Warner

½

     

 

Kevin GatesIslah

After two albums that have got attention in 2013 and 2014, the Louisiana rapper is back with Islah. Unlike most other artists in the genre, he is not surrounded by a bunch of collaborators, but he rather presents a personal work. The only exception is for a bonus track, "Jam", on which he is accompanied by Trey Songz, Ty Dolla $ign and Jamie Foxx. The recent newlywed gives way to his romantic feelings in a few occasions, but everything stays wrapped up in a macho atmosphere typical to east coast rap. He also deals with tougher topics like drug-dealing, prison, depression and suicidal thoughts. Musically, Gates has more substance than in the past with several layers perfectly merging into a rich sound that is very interesting to discover throughout the CD. Here is a very good album by a rapper who has a bright future. (February 2016)

Music Videos: « La Familia » - « Really Really » - « 2 Phones » - « Pride »

Atlantic / Warner

½

   

 GoGo Penguin – Man Made Project

GoGo PenguinMan Made Project

The Manchester England trio was introduced primarily as an experimental jazz trio. But it goes far beyond the traditional jazz piano trio by integrating electronic elements (not using computers), trip hop, brit pop and indie rock. In fact, they borrow as much to Radiohead and Massive Attack than to some of the most innovative jazz standards. Brad Mehldau and St Germain may also come to mind. The virtuosity of the three musicians leaves no doubt as the drums of Rob Turner may seem straight out of a preprogrammed beat box and the piano of Chris Illingworth beautifully replaces any other instrument, including voice. The powerful bass of Nick Blacka fills in the space to make an album of a surprising richness. The 10 instrumental tracks that offers the band impress by their creativity, even if after a while the surprise is a little less present. Despite its complexity, Man Made Project is listening admirably well to the end. (February 2016)

Blue Note / Universal

½

   

 Elton John – Wonderful Crazy Night

Elton JohnWonderful Crazy Night

For his new album, the veteran English singer and pianist seems determined to have fun again, if we go by the title, the front cover and most of the lyrics by Bernie Taupin, his faithful collaborator. Elton John brings back his touring musicians for the first time since 2006 and it is once again T-Bone Burnett who produced it, the one who had worked on the duet album with Leon Russell, The Union, in 2010. His sound of the 1970s could well recover old fans, but unfortunately after the first songs, most compositions fall flat and give us very little fun in the end. One can find the CD nice to listen at different times, but there is little chance that we want to return to it again, which is the sign of an album that lacks inspiration and misses its target. Wonderful Crazy Night is therefore far from the album that would have marked a return to the genius of Elton John in the 1970s. (February 2016)

Music Video: « Blue Wonderful »

Virgin / Universal

½

   

 Lake Street Dive – Side Pony

Lake Street DiveSide Pony

Lake Street Dive is a Boston quartet featuring contemporary soul music. There is a blend of influences from 1960s rock to the music of Motown, certainly with a jazz background. Side Pony is their fourth album and they pursue the same path as before. Their music is centered on the voice of Rachael Price, and although the album was recorded in Nashville, there is no trace of country, a style that was also part of their influences at their debut. Among the remarkable moments of the CD there are in particular "I Don’t Care About You", which seems like a cross between The Beatles and Janis Joplin, and the disco/soul "Can’t Stop" which contains a sample of "Love Pains", a 1978 hit by Major Lance. The album features several interesting elements, especially for the nostalgic fans. Otherwise, there are very few innovations. (February 2016)

Nonesuch / Warner

     

 Majid Jordan – Majid Jordan

Majid JordanMajid Jordan

Majid Jordan is a Toronto duo formed of singer Majid Al Maskati and producer Jordan Ullman. Endorsed by Drake, they issue a first album focused on moods and R&B rhythms that make stomp. They remain especially effective when their beats can be carried on the dance floor, because in some songs for late evenings as "Love Is Always There" and "Warm", they become downright annoying. Fortunately, there are those mid-tempo ballads in limited quantities. Catchy melodies and exciting rhythms are comforting and we realize that this first album by the duo is not so bad after all. To listen to in skipping some tracks to keep the pleasure. (February 2016)

Music Videos: « My Love » (feat. Drake) – « Something About You » - « King City »

Warner

   

 

MakayaElements

Makaya is a Montreal Creole jazz quintet. After a first album in 2009, the band returns with Elements. It contains 11 tracks, four songs and seven instrumental pieces, seven original compositions and four covers. The covers specifically include the first single, Gerard Dupervil’s "Gwog Mwen", a 1963 standard of Haitian music performed by the Jazz des Jeunes (Youth Jazz) and often revisited since. We can also hear their unique version of a traditional Haitian folk piece "Peze Kafe" attributed to Lina Mathon. Their jazz music, which uses no drums, draws heavily in African roots that have shaped Creole music. Their effective beats quickly create an irresistible attraction to their music. With Makaya, there is no better way to celebrate the Month of Black History. (February 2016)

Music Video: « Gwog Mwen »

½

 

 Matt & Florence – Quiet Nights

Matt & FlorenceQuiet Nights

Matt Dusk and Florence K combine their voices to offer us an album of great sweetness. They have jazz arrangements with superb orchestrations reminiscent of crooner music from another era. The very symbiotic duo performs great standards like "Girl of Ipanema", "Ces mots stupides/Somethin' Stupid" and "You Are the Sunshine of My Life". Quiet Nights is undoubtedly an album of choice for Valentine's Day, a retro album yet but modern at the same time. (February 2016)

Music Video: « Ces mots stupides/Somethin’ Stupid »

Royal Crown / Productions J

½

   

 Modern Space – Before Sunrise

Modern SpaceBefore Sunrise

Modern Space is a Toronto quintet which is issuing a first EP of seven tracks totaling nearly 25 minutes. They offer us an energetic rock sound with greatly effective pop melodies. The group already has extensive stage experience with bands like The Vaccines and The Arkells and let’s bet that with songs as catchy and fun to sing they are very successful in concert. A first full-length album should certainly be eagerly awaited because we can certainly hear about them for a long time. (February 2016)

Music Video: « Let It Out »

Warner

     

 Monster Truck – Sittin’ Heavy

Monster TruckSittin’ Heavy

Monster Truck is a band from Hamilton, Ontario, which gives into classic rock and rock 'n' roll, but also with blues influences. Their music focuses on a wall of guitars and effective beats. Their second album, Sittin' Heavy, was produced by Eric Ratz (Billy Talent), and it continues in the same raw energy as demonstrated before. On "For the People" can be heard Ian Thornley (Big Wreck) as a guest. Even if the album will not reverse any rock barrier that does not already have been demolished, some tracks stand out of the lot: "Don’t Tell Me How To Live", "She's a Witch" and "The Enforcer". (February 2016)

Dine Alone / SIX

   

 Panic! At the Disco – Death of a Bachelor

Panic! At the DiscoDeath of a Bachelor

The Las Vegas band is back with their fifth album. It offers an excellent mix of emo and pop rock with great theatricality. Death of a Bachelor represents the vision of singer Brendon Urie whose marriage in 2013 marked "the death of his bachelor life". Urie co-produced the almost concept album with Jake Sinclair (P!nk, Taylor Swift, Five Seconds of Summer). The group explores a more expansive sound with some hip hop elements, Queen-like exuberance, gospel inspirations ("Hallelujah"), and even phrasing like Sinatra (the ballad "Impossible Year" at the conclusion of the CD). A sampling of "Rock Lobster" of The B-52's comes to give life to the excellent "Don’t Threaten Me With a Good Time". Death of a Bachelor is a grand production that pursues in the direction taken by the band in the last few years and still less and less punk rock. (February 2016)

Music Videos: « Hallelujah » - « Emperor’s New Clothes » - « Victorious » - « Death of a Bachelor »

Fueled By Ramen / Warner

½

     

 Charlie Puth – Nine Track Mind

Charlie PuthNine Track Mind

The singer from New Jersey already had a huge success with "Marvin Gaye" (featuring Meghan Trainor), the first single from his first album. The CD opens strongly with the unforgettable "One Call Away", but unfortunately it goes out of steam very quickly with abuse of ballads and mid-tempo songs that become downright boring over the CD beforehand. It is therefore easy to limit ourselves to the first three tracks and drop everything after the excellent "Marvin Gaye", with Motown influences. (February 2016)

Music Videos: « Marvin Gaye » - « One Call Away »

Atlantic / Warner

   

 Rihanna – Anti

RihannaAnti

The work on Anti began more than a year ago, in the fall of 2014. Despite several singles that appeared in 2015 like "Bitch Better Have My Money", none of these hits is included on the album, probably because they did not fit in the special atmosphere of the record. Anti is indeed an album that is listening as a whole, rather than a bunch of hits. It includes a beautiful sensitivity, enhanced by the unique atmosphere of the CD. The focus is much more on the atmosphere than on beats and catchy pop melodies, as it was especially the case in the past for Rihanna. This therefore results in her most consistent and coherent album to date, not bad for a pop singer who is often overlooked. Here's what could prove to be one of the best pop / R&B albums of the year. (February 2016)

Def Jam / Universal

½

   

 Suede – Night Thoughts

SuedeNight Thoughts

The London band, which had taken a long break in the 2000s, is back with a second album in three years. On Night Thoughts, the leader Brett Anderson seems to reach a new level of maturity and the result is the band's best album in over 20 years. Both grand and intimate, the album placed on what the group has always done best, intelligent Brit pop music that requires a minimum of effort. Few tracks stand out of the lot, and we must focus on the whole. Night Thoughts is perhaps not a concept album, but the pieces are linked beautifully to form a whole that is important not to split. The album still reaches its climax at the fifth track with the epic "I Don’t Know How To Reach You", which exceeds 6 minutes. Here is a superb album for Suede, an album that is savored slowly for 48 minutes and then that makes us want to return to it. (February 2016)

Music Videos: « No Tomorrow » - « Pale Snow »

Warner

     

 

Tedeschi Trucks BandLet Me Get By

The Tedeschi Trucks Band is an American collective assembled around Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi. They have set a particularly rich blues rock sound incorporating piano, organ and brass to the electric guitars. Susan's voice also adds a nice color to the set that will satisfy demanding fans of blues rock. The Tedeschi Trucks Band is very pleasant to listen to and it is certainly a good fun to discover on stage. (February 2016)

Swamp Family / Concord / Universal

   

 The Temperance Movement – White Bear

The Temperance Movement White Bear

The Temperance Movement is a rock 'n' roll British band releasing their second album, White Bear. They offer a sound sometimes hard rock with blues influences. The 1970s are never far away and they seem rather nostalgic of the good years of rock. As much as some songs are energetic, the album also offers some softer moments, like in the verses of the title track for example, when the chorus hits us right in the face afterwards. Without revolutionizing rock music, The Temperance Movement come to us with an interesting and entertaining option. The group will be performing at Montreal’s Corona on March 9 opening for Monster Truck, a band they tour with across Canada. (February 2016)

Fantasy / Concord

   

Toothgrinder – Nocturnal Masquerade

Toothgrinder Nocturnal Masquerade

Toothgrinder is a hardcore metal band from New Jersey which arrives with its first full-length album after the Schizophrenic Jubilee EP. They have a fairly violent music, but also with some moments of "softness" integrated into several songs. The guttural voice certainly does nothing melodic, but the guitars very often catch our attention for an overall sound that is not too aggressive in the end. The tempo changes continuously, just to keep us on the alert, and they manage to maintain our curiosity throughout the CD. Without revolutionizing post-hardcore, Toothgrinder offers an intelligent alternative to everything we hear on the market. (February 2016)

Spinefarm / Universal

   

 Erik Truffaz Quartet – Doni Doni

Erik Truffaz QuartetDoni Doni

The French trumpeter returns with a new album in quartet formula accompanied by Benoit Corboz, Marcello Giuliani and Arthur Hnatek (replacing Marc Erbetta on drums). Doni Doni offers jazz music very strongly inspired by African music. Malian singer Rokia Traoré sings on four songs, then you can hear the rapper Oxmo Puccino, also born in Mali, in conclusion of the album on "Le complément du verbe". The other half of the CD still remains instrumental with jazz music that occasionally flirts with instrumental pop. Doni Doni is nice to listen to from beginning to end. (February 2016)

Foufino / Parlophone / Warner

½

   

 

Roman Zavada – Résonances boréales

With Résonances boréales, the Montreal pianist, known as an accompanist for silent films, presents a unique project. Inspired by the northern lights during a car ride to the Iles-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, Roman Zavada had the idea of ​​a dialogue between the northern lights and the piano. After going once to the Northwest Territories in 2013 for inspiration, he returned in 2015 and brought back more than 10 hours of piano recordings under the northern lights, as well as twenty hours of video material. He overlaid textures and resonances of three different pianos into a rich music evoking the vastness of the North, and the beauty of the northern lights. We may lack the visual on the album, but his evocative music manages to immerse ourselves in the atmosphere he wanted to create. However, an immersive film was produced, inspired by the compositions of the album, and it will be presented at the Society for Arts and Technology (SAT) in Montreal from February 18 to March 4 with a live performance of Zavada. (February 2016)

Videos: Introduction Demo 360o

SIX

½

 

JANUARY:

 

 Arno – Human Incognito

ArnoHuman Incognito

The Belgian rocker is back with a new studio album, recorded between Brussels and Bristol, England with acclaimed producer John Parish (PJ Harvey, Eels). PJ Harvey is also a name that comes to mind listening to Human Incognito, of course with Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen. Arno returns to a basic sound centered on the guitar by dropping most of the synthesizers used previously. This is an excellent blend of experimental folk and rock 'n' roll that offers us the veteran, who has obviously lost none of his passion and his creative abilities. His hoarse voice delivers beautifully his inspired lyrics in French and English. Once again, this is an excellent record for Arno. (January 2016)

Naïve / SIX

½

 

 Daughter – Not to Disappear

DaughterNot to Disappear

Formed in London in 2010, the Daughter trio offers a rather intimate indie pop sound with moments of rock and electro. Not to Disappear is their second album after If You Leave in 2013. The lyrics by Elena Tonra often turn dark and sad as she deals with separation, brokenness, loneliness and disappointment. It is therefore not a sunny record! Otherwise, the whole album creates a very pleasant world that surrounds us quickly into its comforting atmosphere, carried on by the beautiful voice of Elena and effective guitars. Some lengths could be avoided, but it is still a successful second record for Daughter. (January 2016)

Glassnote / Universal

½

 

 Cécile Doo-Kingué – Anybody Listening Part 2: Dialogues

Cécile Doo-KinguéAnybody Listening Part 2: Dialogues

After the discreet and soft Monologues issued last year, the guitarist and singer returns with her second album of an exploratory trilogy of blues and roots music. This time, she plugs her electric guitar to offer us an energetic sound, which has groove, and is even sometimes hard. This is an excellent blend of blues and rock which admirably suits her warm voice. We can also hear some jazz, folk and soul influences. For the occasion, Cécile is accompanied by some of the best musicians and singers in Montreal. The result is a rich, unifying music, contemporary blues played with some skill. As a final point to the CD, Cécile even offers an impressive cover of Jimi Hendrix’ "Manic Depression". Again, Cécile Doo-Kingué demonstrates the breadth of her talent in this record that wants to be a perfect complement to Monologues. It remains to see how she will complete her trilogy… (January 2016)

CDK / SIX

½

 Aidan Knight – Each Other

Aidan KnightEach Other

With two critically acclaimed hits, "All Clear" and "The Arp", the third album of the singer from Victoria, British Columbia is already on a roll. Knight proposes a dense indie pop / indie rock sound that is reminiscent of Patrick Watson and Jeff Buckley. His lyrics have a mixture of melancholy, comfort and positivism. Although it lasts only 33 minutes, the 8-track album is thick enough to give us a lot for our money. Some additional tracks might have been too much. Here is a more than successful record for Aidan Knight. (January 2016)

Music Video: « All Clear »

Outside / SIX

½

   

 

 

 

     

     

 

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