Villages – Sonny
Here’s a track we’ve been loving. Villages’ ‘Sonny’ is like Bob Dylan singing a lot to State Radio. That bit of banjo/mandolin is just enough to fit this folksy turn into to the realm of celtic punk, which, as far this list has been going, feels pretty mainstream.
Stewart Legere – Dig Into The Dirt
We can talk about this album. A lot. We could have filled this list with tracks from Stewart Legere. His “debut” album Quiet The Station has easily been our favourite released this year. ‘Dig Into The Dirt’ is just your entry point, better get a shovel.
Hillsburn – Low Light
If you’re a regular reader you’re going to have no problem spotting our favourites. Hillsburn consistently makes it onto all of our lists. They’re on tour right now and we just hope they come back to us. They’ve got a way of creating powerful anthems full of harmonies that make us want to dance, or march, or both. We’re not sure, but we love them.
Mike Trask – Love On The Rise
Okay, weirdness aside, one thing that has been consistent this year has been some powerfully intimate songwriting. It’s like we’re all clinging to our loved ones. Mike Trask’s bread and butter is usually in the realm of quirky rock and roll, so when he cranks out a sentimental song like ‘Love On The Rise’ which isn’t just a step outside his usual, it’s an unexpectedly brilliant in its Dylanesque tale of unrequited love.
Partner – Everybody Knows
Partner churn out the catchiest songs about the simplest things, and sometimes that’s all you need for great rock and roll.
‘I was too high to be left alone on the internet, let alone out in public’
Jenn Grant – Galaxies
Jenn Grant’s ‘Galaxies’ is a great song on its own with a Sigur Ros vibe for a video, but we can’t help but wonder what this would sound like if Arcade Fire covered it. Is that the hallmark of a great song these days?
Stewart Legere – Please Say
Stewart Legere again! This album is amazing. Legere writes like he’s the Leonard Cohen of Halifax. ‘Please Say’ has all the depth of the rest of Quiet The Station but this track in particular has us throwing our own secret sing-along dance parties in the car.
Anything we missed? Let us know!