Choice Cuts

Stephan’s Reviews

Album: Skyscraper National Park Artist: Hayden Hardwood

This is an intimate and affec- tionate homemade recording for everyone who has missed Hayden for the past couple of years. Hayden the songwriter is not afraid to put his heart into his words. He sings in a soft whis- pery voice, kind of like Neil Young except more subdued. His lo-fi arrangements and melodies are inven- tive, raw, and gorgeous. Somewhere in his rustic, folksy ballads emerges a spark of pop enjoyment. There are gems hidden on every track of this record. From his melancholy delivery to his struggle to hit high and happy notes, Hayden’s voice carries his songs through various waves of emo- tion. Watch out for the string arrange-

ments, too. I can’t begin to describe

how wonderful those things make me

feel. This record is spectacular. -Stephan MACLEOD

Album: Come With Us Artist: Chemical Brothers Label: Astralwerks

The Chemical Brothers splash beats, blips, and samples on their lat- est dance floor canvas. Come With Us captures the uplifting essence of the techno duo, while they fit new sounds into their successful catchy formula. Their blend of big beat and ambient electronica has always made the Chemical Brothers stand out among their sample-crazy contemporaries. Come With Us has a similar atmos- phere as their debut record Exit Planet Dust. Their instrumentals will leave

your head bobbing, their weird space- age beeps comfortably bounce along their intense electrifying drumloops, and the standard collaborations with singers (Beth Orton and Richard Ashcroft) are a welcome addition among the trance-inducing funk tunes. Listen to this album on a nice long

drive. -Stephan MACLEOD

Album: Easy Street Artist: Andrea Curry Label: Independent

The solo work of Bras D’or native Andrea Curry has been a main- stay in the Cape Breton music scene for several years now. Her latest EP demonstrates her vocal range and song writing capabilities outside of the open mic arena. This professionally

recorded collection of upbeat jazzy acoustic songs is the perfect introduc- tion to Andrea’s music. However, with only five songs included, it will leave listeners wanting more. The title track is a poppy little number which play- fully bops along while Curry’s vocals swing over a cheery guitar melody. As the beats on “Institution” tap away in the background, the slow distorted guitar chords in the background linger over Curry’s floating vocals. “Sweet Melody” is an ultra-hip, slow jam with a smooth bassline up front. Curry sounds like she’s ready to take on the Nelly Furtados of the world with her own strong and independent take on pop music. The final track on Easy Street is a soft and spooky tune featur- ing just a guitar and a voice. A beauti- ful and talented voice.

-Stephan MACLEOD

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