Paul McCartney
Chaos and Creation in the Backyard
(Universal)
3.5/5
Paul McCartney’s Chaos and Creation in the Backyard, a reissue of an album originally released in ’05, is pretty good for someone in their sixties. Not that it’s not good anyway, but considering McCartney could have been most college-aged students’ grandfather makes it extra impressive.
Fun, orchestral melodies float through most of the songs. “English Tea” features what sounds like a pan flute, and the lyrics describe Sunday morning, cakes, games, English gardens, and croquet. In other words: the olden days.
“A Certain Softness” is a ballad-style song with a soft bongo and simple piano riff. It may put you to sleep, but sometimes that’s a good thing. The album definitely has a sing-along feel. Have a couple drinks, find your bff, and you’ll be crooning in no time.
The bottom line is this: this album is for those who like to mix it up with old-people music once in awhile.
Number of drinks recommended pre-listen: 2.5.
-Ali Hackett
Greg MacPherson
Disintegration Blues
(Disintegration)
3.5/5
Greg MacPherson’s seventh full-length album, Disintegration Blues, is a dynamic and personal release from the Winnipeg musician. While Disintegration Blues still fits into the singer/songwriter genre, it’s able to experiment with alt-country, contemporary folk, and indie rock effectively.
There’s something about this release that just works; it’s like spending a warm summer evening on the back porch while bats pick away at bugs and mosquitoes. It’s oddly comforting.
Disintegration Blues isn’t without its scars, though; while its liveliness shows great courage it leaves the album very disjointed. “Crackdown” is a brilliant, hypnotic slow-dance gem, “Snowman” is a telling love story, yet “Ukrainians,” “Lost at Sea,” “Long Goodbye,” and “Frequencies” are bug bites.
MacPherson is obviously unafraid of disorder, and it’s hard to dislike Disintegration Blues because the disorder feels intended. It’s just the way he writes.
-Adam Price
Lou Canon
Lou Canon
(Hardwood/Universal)
4.5/5
Lou Canon’s debut album won’t be receiving any awards or nominations anytime soon, but those looking for a new alternative album with songs to relax to should definitely check this one out.
The Toronto-based artist continues to teach during the day, but after the school bell rings, Canon spends her time pursuing music. From the way she clings to the last letter of each line to the carefully combined background music, her debut album showcases her passion for the art form.
Canon’s years in the classroom are apparent throughout the album on songs such as “The Dancing,” “In Fall,” and “Close to Me,” which are filled with animation, enthusiasm, poetic descriptions, and fairy-tale stories.
Lou Canon has managed to create a work of art that’s simple but beautiful, and has the potential to take her passion and turn it into a career.
-Chesley Ryder