CD Review: "Coyote" - Matt Mays

The best album of 2012! 

 Matt Mays' fifth album cements him as this country's top musical talent.   Featuring 14 songs all written by Mays, 'Coyote' is his most introspective release to date.  It is the best album of 2012 so far.

On the opening track, 'Indio', Mays sings "If I give myself to you, well you got to give yourself to me".   If this were his request to listeners of the album, Mays certainly holds up his end of the bargain as he reveals much of himself through his lyrics.  With the social media buzz since the release of 'Coyote' it is clear that fans have also given themselves to Mays.

On each of Mays previous releases, he has shown knack for writing great rock songs and 'Coyote' is no different.  'Take It On Faith', a song on which Mays plays all instruments except drums, is the perfect rock song.  'Ain't That The Truth', a song in which Mays sings about burying the hatchet with an old friend, allows Mays smooth vocal styling to shine.  The songs 'Indio' and 'Drop The Bombs' provide the signature Mays' raspy vocals along with heavy guitar and drums that fans have come to know and love.   

While Mays excels at flat out rock songs, he has the ability to speed things up or slow things down as necessary.  He brings the funk on both 'Airstrike' and 'Rochambo'; and the recording of 'Madre Padre' ensures there is a song destined to become a concert classic.   Slowing things down on 'Loveless', 'Chase The Light' and 'Dull Knife' allow Mays to take the theme of longing and introspection, evident throughout this album, to the forefront. 

Every now and then, Mays breaks out his inner-Bruce Springsteen.  The song 'Terminal Romance' (a song in the vein of 'Born To Run' and 'Blinded By The Light') from the album of the same name is probably the best example.  'Queen of Portland Street',  is Coyote's Boss song.  Sung with unfettered emotion, Mays brings the listener to Dartmouth, Nova Scotia with him as he reminisces on days gone by. 

Coyote, which builds on the success of 2008's 'Terminal Romance', is an album that gets better with each listen.  It features some of Mays' frequent collaborators and Nova Scotia's top musicians including former El Torpedo members Jay Smith (guitar), Tim Jim Baker (drums),  Damien Moynihan (drums) and Adam Baldwin (Guitars and Keys) and Guthries alum Dale Murray (Pedal Steel) and Serge Samson (Bass).  

Mays is currently on tour across Canada.  He is playing four Atlantic Canada shows (St. John's on Nov. 13; Halifax on Nov. 15; Moncton on Nov 16 and Fredericton on Nov 17). 

Favourite Songs: 'Take It On Faith'; 'Ain't That The Truth'; 'Drop The Bombs'; 'Chase The Light'; 'Indio'

Coyote is also available on double white vinyl. 

Track Listing (click on any song below to hear it on Sonic Records Matt Mays YouTube Channel)

1. Indio

2. Airstrike

3. Ain't That The Truth

4. Take It On Faith

5. Loveless

6. Dull Knife

7. Drop The Bombs

8. Rochambo

9. Slow Burning Luck

10. Madre Padre

11. Zita

12. Stoned

13. Queen Of Portland Street

14. Chase The Light

Upcoming Concerts in Halifax

November

November 2 - Tim Chaisson with Poor Young Things at the Seahorse; Dana Beeler CD Release at The Company House; Old Man Luedecke at St. Matthew’s Church

November 3 - Steady Hills CD Release with Jenny MacDonald at the Seahorse (7:00 start); Irish Mythen & Christine Campbell at Patchwork House Concerts
November 6 - the Once at the Company House
November 9 - Kim Dunn, Graham Breeze and Rick Jones at Point Rock Concerts; Death From Above 1979 at Olympic Community Hall
November 10 - Rich Aucoin at Olympic Community Hall
November 13 - Norma MacDonald w. Willie Stratton, The Maladies of Adam Stokes at Gus's Pub; Jon Bryant at The Carleton
November 14 – Andy Maize & Josh Findlayson (Skydiggers) acoustic show at the Carleton

November 15 – Matt Mays at the Halifax Forum
November 16 - Symphony NS concert with Carmen Townsend & Ben Caplan at the Rebecca Cohn; Theory of a Deadman & Big Wreck at the Halifax Forum
November 17 – Mother Mother with Hannah Georgas at the Halifax Forum

November 20– The Sheepdogs with Yukon Blonde at Olympic Community Hall
November 21 - Steve MacDougall CD Release Show at The Carleton
November 22– Jill Barber & Matthew Barber at Spatz Theatre
November 23 - Dave Gunning at St. Matthew's Church

November 24 - Grassmarket at the Company House; Kim Wempe and Carmel Mikol at Point Rock Concerts
November 25– Royal Wood at St. Matthew’s Church; Savoury CD Release Show at the Carleton

November 30 - Big Sugar at Olympic Community Hall; Jarvis Church (of The Philosopher Kings) at Casino Nova Scotia; Kim Wempe at The Company House

December
December 1 - Ian Sherwood & Caleb Miles at Patchwork House Concerts
December 2 – The Trews at the Rebecca Cohn (SOLD OUT)
December 8 - Ria Mae at the Company House
December 10 - Rose Cousins at the Carleton
December 11 - Rose Cousins at the Carleton
December 15 - Matt Minglewood at Point Rock Concerts (SOLD OUT)
December 16 - Meaghan Smith at Spatz Theatre; Matt Minglewood at Point Rock Concerts (SOLD OUT)
December 19 - Gabriel Minnikin & Catherine MacLellan at the Carleton

2013

February

February 2 - The Tragically Hip at the Halifax Metro Centre

April

April 26 - Great Big Sea at the Halifax Metro Centre

The Tragically Hip to play Halifax on February 2, 2013

Sonic Concerts has announced that The Tragically Hip will play the Halifax Metro Centre on February 2, 2013.  Special guests are Hamilton, Ontario's The Arkells.

Tickets go on sale this Friday, Oct. 19 at 10 a.m

Presale info will be provided to those on the Sonic Concerts Mailing List.

Ticket prices:

$89.50* P1 / $69.50* P2 / $49.50* P3 / $29.50* P4

Tickets will be available at the Ticket Atlantic box office in the Halifax Metro Centre, at all participating Atlantic Superstores, by phone at 451-1221 (1-877-451-1221) and online.

Top 10 Trews Songs

(From left: Jack Syperek, John-Angus MacDonald, Sean Dalton and Colin MacDonald)

Since winning the CHTZ-FM Rock Search contest ten years ago, The Trews have blossomed into one of the best and hardest working acts on the Canadian Music Scene.  The Trews have released 4 studio albums, one live album and have performed over 900 shows.  They have shared the stage with Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, KISS, Guns n' Roses and Robert Plant.  The Trews have had 13 top ten singles on the Canadian charts.  The band  has been described as “… the greatest rock band of their generation”  by Performer Magazine and was named Best New Band by both the UK's Classic Rock Magazine and the United States SPIN.com.  The Trews have received five Juno Award nominations (2004 - New Group of the Year; 2005 - Single of the Year 'Not Ready To Go'; 2009 - Group of the Year and Rock Album of the Year "No Time For Later"; and 2010 - DVD of the Year  "Acoustic: Friends & Total Strangers").

The Trews are currently on tour and will release the 7-song EP "...Thank You and I'm Sorry" on November 6th.  In anticipation of that release, I thought I'd look back at the Top 10 Trews Songs so far.


10  'So She's Leaving'
from Den of Thieves (2005)

The first single from Den of Thieves, an album produced by Grammy Award winning producer Jack Douglas (Aerosmith, New York Dolls, John Lennon).   'So She's Leaving'  captures the intensity and energy of the band's live shows. 

Listen to 'So She's Leaving'


9  'Hold Me In Your Arms'
from No Time For Later (2008)

'Hold Me In Your Arms' won Best Hard Rock/Metal song at the  8th Annual Independent Music Awards.  The song premiered at the 2007 Grey Cup pre-game show. The video for 'Hold Me In Your Arms' reached number one on Canadian music station MuchMusic.

Watch the 'Hold Me In Your Arms' video



8  'Misery Loves Company'
from Hope & Ruin (2011)

The first song on Hope & Ruin, 'Misery Loves Company' combines all of the best elements of The Trews.  It is a straight forward pounding rock song of the type that has made The Trews a concert favourite.

Listen to 'Misery Loves Company'



7  'I Can't Stop Laughing'
from No Time For Later (2008)

Starting from the opening drum beat, 'I Can't Stop Laughing' showcases Dalton's exceptional drumming.  The song also provides the great lyric - "Tonight's the night, I'll dance like no one's watching; and I'll sing a song like nobody is listening, 'cause I'm just that drunk and heartaches blurred my vision, ain't it fun?"

Watch the 'I Can't Stop Laughing' video


6   'Sing Your Heart Out'
from Acoustic - Friends and Total Strangers (2009)

Friends and Total Strangers was recorded over two days at Toronto's Glenn Gould Theatre.  The DVD was nominated for a Juno (Canada).  'Sing Your Heart Out' won Best AAA/Alternative song at the 2010 International Acoustic Music Awards (US) and has become a crowd sing-along favourite at concerts.

Watch the 'Sing Your Heart Out' video



5  'Yearning'
from Den of Thieves (2005)

'Yearning' was the The Trews second single to reach number 1 in Canada.  The song features a memorable opening guitar riff from John-Angus and a chorus that has Trews audiences following along dutifully at concerts - "Hands in the air; Prayers and hymns..."

Listen to 'Yearning'




4  'Tired of Waiting'
from House of Ill Fame (2003)

Following the release of House of Ill Fame, the Trews first full-length album, the band was nominated as New Group of the Year at the 2004 Juno Awards (Canada).  'Tired of Waiting' features Syperek's signature bass line.

Watch the 'Tired of Waiting' video


3  'The World I Know'
from Hope & Ruin (2011)

Hope & Ruin was co-produced by John-Angus and Gord Sincliar of The Tragically Hip.  It is The Trews most mature album to date.  'The World I Know' was one of Classic Rock Magazine's top songs of 2011. 

Watch the 'The World I Know' video



2  'Not Ready To Go'
from House of Ill Fame (2003)

The Trews first song to reach number one on Canadian rock radio, 'Not Ready To Go' was nominated for Single of the Year at the 2005 Juno Awards.  It is the bands signature song.

Watch the 'Not Ready To Go' video


1  'Highway of Heroes'
from Highway of Heroes Single (2010)

A song for a nation!  'Highway of Heroes' was inspired by the death of Captain Nichola Goddard from Antigonish, the MacDonald brothers hometown.  When played in a quiet concert venue, this song has been known to draw a standing ovation during a mid-song pause and leave no dry eye in the house.

Watch the 'Highway of Heroes' video


With a music catalogue as strong at The Trews, I'm sure you will disagree with some of the rankings. You may even be wondering why your favourite Trews song is not on the list.  If you have any comments, or you think there is a song I missed, let me know in the comments section. 

CD Releases By East Coast Artists (2012)

I am attempting to compile a complete list of releases by East Coast artists.  I've only been writing this blog since September, so I know I will need to add more.  Let me know which releases I have missed.  Thanks.

Acres & Acres - Truth and Sky (November)
Alan Doyle - Boy On Bridge (May)
Amelia Curran - Spectators (October)
Billy Hickey - From There To Here (November)
Charlie A'Court - Triumph & Disaster (September)
Christina Martin - Sleeping With A Stranger (June)
Dale Murray - Dream Mountain Dream (February)
Dana Beeler - The Long Goodbye (October)
Dave Gunning - No More Pennies (September)
Erin Costelo - We Can Get Over (September)
Grassmarket - You Are For The Ocean (October)
Great Big Sea - GBS XX (Twentieth Anniversary Box Set) (October)
Heather Green - Your Last War (May)
Hey Rosetta - Sing Sing Sessions - EP (February)
Hey Rosetta - A Cup Of Kindness Yet - Christmas EP (November)
Jenn Grant - The Beautiful Wild (September)
Joel Plaskett Emergency - Scrappy Happiness (June)
The Long Distance Runners - Tracks (April)
Matt Anderson - Coal Mining Blues (May)
Matt Mays - Coyote (September)
Mo Kenney - Mo Kenney (September)
Morgan MacDonald - Back To The Wilderness - EP (May)
Paper Lions - At Long Creek - EP (June)
Rose Cousins - We Have Made A Spark (February)
Sleepy Driver - In A Low Dark Light (June)
The Stanfields – Death and Taxes (September)
Steven MacDougall - Cruel & Unusual (September)
Tim Chaisson - The Other Side (September)
The Trews - Thank You and I'm Sorry EP (November)

Wintersleep - Hello Hum (June)

Dardanelles at The Company House - Newfoundland Traditional Music at its Finest

Newfoundland traditional music has a new name - The Dardanelles. 

 On Friday night, Newfoundland's The Dardanelles played their first ever show in Halifax to a packed house at The Company House.  If the reaction of the crowd was any indication, it will not be their last packed house in Halifax.  

The Dardanelles are Matthew Byrne (vocals, guitar, bouzouki), Tom Power (guitar), Aaron Collis (button accordian), Emilia Bartellas (fiddle) and Dartmouth's Richard Klaas (bodhran).  They have two releases (The Dardanelles, 2009 and The Eastern Light, 2011).  The band is named after a small street in St. John's connecting Barnes Rd. to where Hayward Ave. turns into Catherine St.

Prior to the show, the twitterverse was abuzz with excitement about the Company House show.  The many who showed up were not disappointed.  These five young musicians brought a combination of youthful enthusiasm, musical talent, love of playing and humour that called to mind the early years of Great Big Sea.

Throughout the night, the crowd was clapping along and tapping their feet to the music.  They were treated to witty banter and stories by Power (host of  CBC's Deep Roots and Radio 2 Morning), lovely singing by Byrne (who has his own solo album of ballads, appropriately titled Ballads), along with the exceptional musicianship of the entire band.

This was Newfoundland traditional music played at its finest.




The band played two sets.  At the end of the second set, when the band finished playing The Badger Drive and The Ship Inn Reel/Bridgett's Reel, the appreciative crowd jumped to their feet to give The Dardanelles a standing ovation. 

Fortunately, the band returned for an encore of Big Bow Wow and a few more instrumentals (including Mussels In The Corner).  Again the crowd showed their appreciation.




By the end of the show there was no doubt that although this was their first show in the city, Halifax has not seen the last of The Dardanelles.  You will not want to miss them next time.

The band is now in Cape Breton for Celtic Colours.  No doubt they will be a welcome edition to that fantastic week of music. 

 

Joel Plaskett Emergency - "Scrappy Happiness" CD Review

"You're so cool.  Oh my my.  I like you, and I know why." - Tough Love

Why do people like Joel Plaskett?  He's cool sure, but Joel Plaskett also makes people happy.  Ask a Plaskett fan what they like about him and you will be regaled with stories about fun songs and fun concerts where Plaskett himself seems to be having as much fun as the crowd.   The latest release by Joel Plaskett Emergency, Scrappy Happiness, continues this trend. 


Unlike typical recordings, Scrappy Happiness saw the band release a song a week for 10 weeks.  Each week a new song was unveiled by Plaskett on CBC Radio 2's "Drive with Rich Terfrey.  This was the first chance for fans to hear the song along with the story behind the the making of each song.
For me, the song was usually played as I was near the Windsor Street exchange in Halifax on the way home from work.  It was always a welcome distraction from the traffic.

The 10 songs on the CD are "Lightning Bolt", "Harbour Boys", "You're Mine", "Tough Love", "Slow Dance", "Time Flies", "Somewhere Else", "Old Friends" "I'm Yours" and "North Star".

The best songs on this album are those that have you dancing in you seat when they play.  Lightning Bolt, You're Mine and North Star do this with some typical Emergency heavy guitar, bass and drums.  Harbour Boys does it with an acoustic guitar.  And good luck listening to the new single Tough Love without grooving.  Just check out some moves in this fan-made video.

Due to the nature in which it was recorded, Scrappy Happiness is like an Emergency mix tape that is packed with hit after hit.  If you ever need a jolt of happiness (scrappy or otherwise), just play this album.   It will put a smile on your face and get your body moving in no time.

Joel Plaskett Emergency is now on tour.  If you haven't already done so, pick up this album, give it a listen and then go see them live.  You will not be disappointed. 

Mo Kenney, Carleton Stone & Molly Thomason - 3 Nova Scotia Musicians To Keep an Eye On

Nova Scotia has its share of great musicians (Joel Plaskett, Matt Mays, Christina Martin, In Flight Saftey...the list goes on and on).  Three young Nova Scotians are poised to enter the Nova Scotia musical elite with recent releases and constant touring.  They are Mo Kenney, Carleton Stone and Molly Thomason.  All three have their own unique style, but all three are heading for breakout careers.

I have been a fan of Molly Thomason's music since "All Down The Highway" became my family song of the summer in 2011.  All I need to do is sing "She says baby how about a night out just you and me" and I can get a family sing along started at any time. 

Molly, who only recently turned 18, already has two CD's under her belt (Through the Static, 2009 & Beauty Queen, 2011).   Some of my favourite songs are All Down the Highway, People Lie, Heroes, and One Anthem Girl.   I had seen her perform a couple of times, including once at the Cape Breton Fudge Company (wonderful place to see a show and great food too!).  In late August, the opportunity to see her at the Hydrostone Concert in the Park arose, so my two kids and I headed off to the park.  Molly was once again excellent.

Carleton Stone performed next and as soon as he played "Dominos", we were all hooked.  After he finished, my son spent his own birthday money on one of Carleton's CDs.  Carleton has two CDs (Carleton Stone Drives The Big Wheel, 2009 and Carleton Stone, 2011).    There is not a bad song on either of his releases.  Some of my favourites are the above mentioned Dominoes, Moving On, Last Thing, and the fast paced Strong Medicine.  Carleton has a great voice, which is perfectly suited for the style of music he performs.  I hesitate to describe him as country, because I do not propose to be a fan of country music.  But if this is country, then call me a fan.  I could listen to him all day.

Carleton & Molly just released a duet version of "Never Felt A Thing", a song they co-wrote. It is produced by Joel Plaskett.   This is a terrific version of the song (there is a version on Carleton's self-titled CD).  Their voices complement each other beautifully.

You can listen to it here. 





Mo Kenney was the last singer we saw at the Hydrostone.  I had heard a lot of buzz about Mo and was looking forward to seeing her play. I was not disappointed.  She had a very understated (kind of shy) style.  Almost like she didn't realize how good she is.  I think that will change with the release of her CD.

On September 25th, Mo Kenney released her first album.  It is produced by Joel Plaskett, who also co-wrote some of the songs.  Since purchasing this CD, it has been in constant rotation.  Mo is a great songwriter and has a terrific voice.  The album can be listened to in any situation (relaxing, walking, sitting at a desk working, or reading).  It is the perfect album for continuous rotation.  The songs Eden, The Great Escape and The Happy Song are some of my favourites.    I would describe the album as a pleasant and relaxing listen - with a kick.  Every time "Deja Vu" comes on, my ears perk up and my body starts grooving.  It is the "Joel Plaskett song" on the album because as with Joel's songs, this song will make the listener groove and dance. 

Mo Kenney is on tour now promoting her new album.   She is opening for Joel Plaskett on a number of Canadian dates and playing some of her own shows. Carleton has four upcoming shows in October and November.  Molly is attending university in Toronto and not touring at this time.    My advice is to catch them now if you can.  These three young Nova Scotia musicians will be playing bigger stages soon and then you can say "I say her/him when...".

Enjoy their music.  I do.

ROCK FOR MENTAL HEALTH Halifax Thursday October 4

ROCK FOR MENTAL HEALTH In Halifax Thursday October 4
Christina Martin and Dale Murray will perform at Rock For Mental Health, an event presented by Mood Disorders Association of Nova Scotia.
DETAILS:
St. Antonio's Hall, 2304 Hunter Street, Halifax 8:00-10:00 PM / ALL AGES$7.00 at the door or for advance tickets call 902-404-3445

With Special Guest Graham Hooper & M.C. Tom Bedell Q104

From the Joel Plaskett Mailing List - October 1, 2012

Hey Everybody,

First up- BREAKING NEWS:
The JPE are playing 5 shows at Toronto's Legendary Horseshoe Tavern in December to be part of their 65th anniversary celebration. The dates are Dec 12-16 with Sunday Dec 16th being an all ages show. We are very excited for these shows and will be an amazing way to wrap a busy year of touring. Tickets go on sale to the public this week, but you, our LOYAL MAILING LIST FAN, can jump the queue and buy advance tickets Here. The password for the link is mokenney.

Speaking of Mo Kenney, I just got home from a stellar tour of BC, AB and SK and Mo was opening all the shows. I produced her debut self-titled record, which was released last week. I'm really proud of the work we did on the record and she will be opening our upcoming Ontario dates. Here is a video link to the CBC session Mo and I did a couple weeks ago. She even does a version of my song, Somewhere Else which I like more when she sings it! You can also get the whole record on iTunes Here.

In other recording news, I've been busy wrapping a few projects and building a new studio. The last song I produced at the old Scotland Yard is a sweet, soulful duet by Molly Thomason and Carleton Stone. It's being released tomorrow as a single and you can check it out Here.
The old Scotland Yard is no more and the New Scotland Yard is under construction. Below is a creepy photo of me cleaning up the dust in the new space.
Excited to get back to some more recording in the new year. Until then, on the road again...

I'm gearing up for another round, this time with the Emergency in Ontario starting in Huntsville this Saturday. We also have dates lined up for Newfoundland and the Maritimes in November and December (Halifax is still not scheduled but it will be, I promise!). For a complete list of upcoming dates see below.

Tour dates:
10/6 Huntsville, ON - Algonquin Theatre
10/9 North Bay, ON – Capitol Centre
10/10 Barrie, ON – Georgian College Theatre
10/11 Lindsay, ON – Academy Theatre
10/12 Oshawa, ON – Regent Theatre
10/13 Kingston, ON – Grand Theatre
10/16 Cobourg, ON – Park Theatre
10/17 Belleville, ON – Empire Theatre
10/18 Waterloo, ON – Starlight Club
10/19 Hamilton, ON – Hamilton Place Theatre
11/2 St John's, NL -St John's Arts & Culture Centre
11/4 Labrador City, NL – Labrador West Arts & Culture
11/5 Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL – The O'Brien Arts Centre
11/7 Bonavista, NL – Garrick Theatre
11/8 Gander, NL - Gander Arts & Culture Centre
11/9 Grand Falls-Windsor, NL - Grand Falls-Windsor Arts & Culture Centre
11/10 Corner Brook, NL - Corner Brook Arts & Culture Centre
11/11 Stephenville, NL - Stephenville Arts & Culture Centre
11/13 Clarenville, NL - Clarenville Events Centre
11/30 Saint John, NB - Imperial Theatre
12/1 Moncton, NB - Capitol Theatre
12/3 Windsor, NS - Mermaid Imperial Performing Arts Centre
12/4 Truro, NS - Marigold Cultural Centre
12/5 Glace Bay, NS - The Savoy Theatre
12/12 Toronto, ON - Horseshoe Tavern 65th Birthday Celebration!
12/13 Toronto, ON - Horseshoe Tavern 65th Birthday Celebration!
12/14 Toronto, ON - Horseshoe Tavern 65th Birthday Celebration!
12/15 Toronto, ON - Horseshoe Tavern 65th Birthday Celebration!
12/16 Toronto, ON - Horseshoe Tavern 65th Birthday Celebration!