EARTH, ROOTS AND WATER - Innocent Youths

Thanks to Kevin "Sipreano" Howes and Seattle's Light In The Attic Records, Jerry Brown's legacy continues to grow, following last year's crucial Summer Records Anthology with a CD reissue of this 1977 LP, originally released in a pressing of only 500 copies. Anyone who loved the dub-tinged roots of Noel Ellis' self-titled album will surely take to the playful mixing touches added to the Summer house band. Howes' liners are particularly illuminating when describing the punky reggae party these Maltoners partook in, embraced as they were by the Two Garys and other rockers outside the Jamaican community.  

LAURA BARRETT - Earth Sciences (re-release)

Long a best-selling local independent staple of the store, much to Barrett's combined gain and pain (those old hand-sewn covers kept the times between batches all too long!), the Earth Sciences EP now comes in easy-to-shelve streamlined jewel case format, re-released on Paper Bag in anticipation of a follow-up full-length that we presume is well under way.

JASON COLLETT - Here's To Being Here

For his fourth full-length under his own name, the former Bird-man keeps rolling down the same road which has given him a loyal fanbase that consistently sells out multiple-night residencies. As intimate and amiable as the Radio Mondays he once hosted, these twelve tunes are both approachable and radio-ready, lazily drawled yet crisply produced, even dabbling with a slight disco beat for the chorus of potential single "Out Of Time".

KATIE STELMANIS - Join Us

This debut offering on Blocks from Stelmanis is a defiant mixture of hot and cold, harsh and velvet textures. You're just as likely to be twirled by waltzing synths as you are to be pummelled by moments of pure noise. The album's two constants--rhythmic piano and an exceptional voice--are the rooted fulcrum upon which this tug-of-war balances. Stelmanis is a singer of considerable power and talent, but it's not so much any series of acrobatics that impresses. It is more how well suited her rich alto is to this fascinating collection of macabre art-pop. Another solid release from T.O.'s most eccentric label.

THE WEATHER STATION - East

The Weather Station are a local 5 piece that consist of banjo, mandolin, and violin. They create a brilliant myriad of sounds that ranges from new, and old-time appalachian folk, celtic, and experimental. Their music reflects the harsh landscapes of the east coast, urban confusion and rural absolutes.  This is quite possibly one of my favourite albums of the year.  Look out for their monthly residence at the Tranzac starting in December.

JEREMY STRACHAN - The Heart Of The Matter

Although now a resident of St. John's, Nfld., Strachan has been a Toronto fixture for years. Whether as a bassist in Sea Snakes, an indie-rock sax-for-hire, or in woodwinds n' buckets duo, Feuermusik, he is an endlessly capable musician. This 36-minute solo album stretches those capabilities to their furthest yet; a four piece suite in response to the paintings of Toronto artist, Katie Bond Pretti, The Heart Of The Matter is an enthralling listen. Recorded in a T.O. art gallery and emboldened by the room's natural reverb, Strachan's sax and clarinet sing with intelligence, reserve and emotion.

TIMBER TIMBRE - Medicinals

The second album from Toronto songwriter Taylor Kirk feels far removed from this part of the world. A near-perfect blend of closing-time New Orleans jazz horns and Appalachian porch-folk suffering from sun-stroke, Medicinals is all haze and the cracks of light which illuminate it. While only a half-hour long, the album is deeply engaging and stays with you long after it ends. Pairing songs about winter, devils, and spells with this sort of music is nothing new, but Kirk takes to it like an old soul. The result is an album which is short, but never rushed: simply lovely.