Anne Corrigan

Victoria Day

admin — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0000

My first taste of Melissa McClelland came about a year ago when a friend had me listen to her beautiful rendition of Bruce Springsteen’s ballad of the working class "Factory." Her version gave a feminine and country-tinged perspective that worked brilliantly with the song. I was immediately impressed.

I got very excited to learn McClelland had a new album out entitled Victoria Day, after her homeland’s holiday that generally marks the beginning of summer—not unlike Memorial Day for most Americans. The album definitely carries an air of summer it its sound, so the title is quite fitting.

McClelland was born in the Unites States, but raised in Canada. Many music fans simply know her as singer-songwriter Luke Doucet’s wife, but she has proven she will not remain in his shadow—and quite possibly may even take some of the spotlight for herself.

McClelland's music reminds me much of some of Canadia's other songstresses. Her blend of powerful vocals and just enough of a country feel to give it character makes for an easy association with the wonderful Sarah Harmer. Unlike Harmer, whom often leans closer to the melancholy folk side, McClelland brings a poppier barroom feel to many of her tracks. On past efforts, McClelland’s lyrics they told stories and felt more intimate, but Victoria Day seems to play it safe on most tracks and worries more about the melody.

McClelland’s sound brings to mind a picture of square dancers twirling skirts, a well-dressed band playing, hay bales on the sidelines, and her in the spotlight. It is a classic sound, meant to entertain and keep people interested. The ballads on the album would as easily fit within a big band ballroom filled with satin dresses and evening gloves since they lack the fiddle and banjo most pure country is wont to include.

The title track, “Victoria Day (May Flowers)”, is a standout on the album, as is “I Blame You,” but I can confidently say there are no tracks that feel like a waste of time. It is a brilliantly put together album from beginning to end.

Written by: Anne Corrigan, September 21st 2009

Dialtones

admin — Sat, 26 May 2007 23:24:00 +0000

By Acacia Sears

Sleepy Records

Anyone who has been to college will remember the local coffee shop guitar girl. Perhaps we see the stripped-stockings wearing girl around campus, and then one day we pass the local coffee shop or the student center and there she is, with her guitar and a microphone. All of the sudden we feel insight to this woman, now that we hear her melancholy and somewhat confessional lyrics. Her feminine and fairly vulnerable voice only add to this feeling. This woman will be playing her heart out on that acoustic guitar of hers, and you will be drawn in.

If that campus you were on happened to be the University of Maryland, that girl with the guitar might have been Acacia Sears. This, of course, is only if you were lucky, as this is not just any 'girl with a guitar,' but someone with more-than-average talent. This is the 'girl with a guitar' who might become “that girl playing at the club downtown” or “the girl opening for your favorite band” next year. Her first record, Dialtones, has been released on Sleepy Records, but it has all the charm and intimacy of hearing her play at the coffee shop that you remember so well. It would be hard to compare her to other artists without the cliché of comparing her to any and all guitar-toting ladies that came before her, but with the poetic qualities of an Ani DiFranco and the indie charm of a Ben Gibbard. She has potential for great things.

Written by: Anne Corrigan, May 26th 2007

Arco Iris

admin — Sat, 05 May 2007 19:31:00 +0000

By Skybox

Upon first listen to Skybox’s single “Various Kitchen Utensils,” you feel transported into the center of a 1920’s silent comedy, or perhaps something starring Buster Keater. The unique pairing of rock music with the sound of old-time vaudeville somehow manages to blend seamlessly and makes for an interesting and fun sound that leaves you wanting more.

If indie rock has a flaw it is that it often takes itself too seriously, but Phoenix-based Skybox has found a way to keep all of the joy and edginess of indie rock without losing their sense of humor. This is apparent just by taking a look at the tracklisting for their album Arco Iris and seeing songs with titles such as “Superglued to My Spaceship” and “Disco Duck.” With their inspiring use of disco and jazz sounds throughout their record, one thing Skybox could never be called is ordinary. Upbeat and creative, there is a little something for everyone in Arco Iris.

Written by: Anne Corrigan, May 5th 2007

So Much More

admin — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 12:49:00 +0000

By Brett Dennen

Dualtone

Anyone lucky enough to catch the usage of Brett Dennen’s song “There Is So Much More” on the November 9th episode of Grey’s Anatomy would probably have thought it was sung by some classic singer/songwriter that they should know, but simply could not place the name of. They would probably be surprised to find out that such a rich, classic and well-seasoned voice belonged to a somewhat young and new folk singer like that of Brett Dennen.

Brett Dennen has all the charm of a commercially successful pop singer like Gavin DeGraw or John Mayer, but unlike them there is a lot more soul in what he sings. You are left with the feeling that he has insight on the world and has a lot to say. His voice is pleasant and well-thought out as if this were all very natural to him. The words he sings, though often social commentary or simply deep and insightful, never sound whiney or cynical, but instead sound knowing.

This album will be enjoyed by fans of folk musicians like Patty Griffin, Colin Hay and Ray LaMontagne, as well as more pop-oriented musicians like John Mayer, Howie Day and Jason Mraz. It has a universal likeability and charm that will most certainly take him far.

Written by: Anne Corrigan, February 20th 2007