The talented Canadian band, Born Ruffians, caught my eye when I saw they had a song entitled Kurt Vonnegut which appealed to the pretentious hipster inside of me. As I started listening to it and becoming more enchanted with their music I came to realise that I’d been neglecting Canadian bands in my music catalogue. There is more to Canadian music than Celine Dion. Although I’m positive that Canadians enjoy being associated with Celine Dion as much as the Kool-Aid company like being associated with suicidal cults.
Category Archives: The Dwarf
Tokyo Police Club, Champ – The Dwarf
Two years after the release of their debut album Elephant Shell, the awkwardly adorable Canadians, Tokyo Police Club bring their (possibly eagerly) awaited sophomore LP, Champ. Two years is quite a while in between albums, especially if you want to cash in on the momentum that a successful debut album brings.
Alpha Channel, Exotic Tales – The Dwarf
Alpha Channel consists of two Melbourne-based producers who describe themselves as “a mind- bending mash up of quirky electronica and smokin’ loungey vibes.” Both producers have used their skills in the education field and weekly DJ residencies: Trip-Hop beats combine with seamless sampling and live instrumentation to create a funky, laid back listening experience. This album will take you on a journey of ‘exotic’ locations, from an island paradise with snippets of the shore and other summery getaway sounds. Snake charmers at an Arabian Bazaar will enchant you with snippets of music that appear like they’ve come straight from the movie Aladdin.
David Gray, Draw The Line – The Dwarf
Hey, I don’t mind the odd pop/adult contemporary crooner but this CD was mediocre at best. Welsh singer/songwriter David Gray is at least consistent as he delivers to us a smorgasboard of coma-inducing songs. It begins with an Elton John-esque song Fugitive where there is no punchy chorus, no awe-inspiring lyrics; just some cliché crap about trying and striving. I’m not saying the guy doesn’t have some talent; he’s a decent singer, nothing to write home about, though.
Kid Harpoon, Once – The Dwarf
English singer/songwriter Kid Harpoon (Tom Hull) follows up two E.P’s by bringing us his first long player, joined by musicians touted as having worked with “everyone from Bob Dylan to Metallica.”
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