The young French tenor is skillfully blending classical singing and pop music, and it is again the case on this third album. He revisits some pieces by the greatest composers: Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Chopin, Fauré, Mozart, Bach, Pachelbel, Debussy and others. He gives these classics a touch of modernity thanks to pop beats and he adds his own Italian lyrics written in collaboration with Davide Esposito. There is only "Siamo Noi Il Futuro", inspired by Borodine, that we can also hear in a French version in conclusion of the CD, "Tous ensemble pour demain (Nous on rêve)". (February 2013)

For the last 40 years, Lynyrd Skynyrd was representing the perfect American southern rock band, fusing rock 'n' roll, blues, country and boogie in a rather heavy sound. On this new album otherwise, they are leaving country music and boogie aside to focus on pure hard rock, on some occasions flirting with the Canadians of Nickelback. It is rather far from the southern US sound that has made them famous and which allows them to remain popular in concert. Several pieces are energetic and fun to listen to, but with Last of a Dyin 'Breed, Lynyrd Skynyrd might have trouble rallying their fans from the debut and they will try to attract a new audience of contemporary rock fans. (January 2013)

Radio Radio is the perfect mix between English and French hip hop, thanks in part to the inclusion of chiac, this unique language of southeastern New Brunswick merging the two languages. In addition, the band includes in a great way different musical influences such as electronics and rock for a result of great wealth. On this third album, the trio explores new horizons for a mixture difficult to approach between a jazzy hip hop and original pop music. Some tracks as the inevitable "Galope" are instant anthems to party, but the ensemble requires some efforts from the listener. While less immediately catchy, Havre de Grâce remains a good record by a group that certainly doesn’t lack creativity. (January 2013)

Video: « Galope »

The Sheepdogs are a band from Saskatoon formed in 2006 that sounds like a Southern United States band in the 1970s. They are in fact a mixture of classic rock and boogie, with traces of blues, all delivered in an alternative rock sound of the 2010s. This fourth album is the first for a major label. They have strong compositions with unforgettable melodies and music passages that make them immediately sympathetic. Some tracks stand out from the lot as "Feeling Good", "The Way It Is" and "While We're Young." Here is a particularly good album by a timeless band to discover. (March 2013)

Videos: « Feeling Good » - « The Way It Is »

Klone is a French alternative metal band that falls somewhere between post-grunge and corporate hard rock. The six guys have powerful guitars, but still retain very good melodies. They also incorporate more atmospheric guitars, keyboards and saxophones to make their music richer than many other bands in the genre. Few compositions really stand out of the lot, but the whole 54 minutes are listening well to the end. (March 2013)

For this third album as a trio, jazz pianist John Roney allows himself an exploration of new sounds and some intrusions into electronic music. He adds so much richness to his music that was already well alive. Accompanied by Rémi-Jean Leblanc on bass and Damien Schmitt on drums, Roney covers works of Oscar Peterson ("Place St-Henri") and Chuck Corea ("Spain"). Otherwise, he offers especially strong original compositions worthy of his huge talent. Already well established internationally, Roney will leave with a very nice project under the arm for his upcoming tour. (March 2013)

Waves of Fury is a new British band founded by Londoner Carter Sharp. The group offers influences of R&B and funk on an indie rock sound filled with distortion and feedback. Sharp's voice can be downright rude on occasions when he shouts to stand out among the rather noisy instruments that accompany him. The set has some interesting aspects, but the result may make several people uncertain by its very pronounced rawness. (March 2013)

Video: « Businessman’s Guide to Witchcraft »

Alicia Keys has probably the best contemporary mix between R&B and soul. Her talent was impressive for over 10 years and she is back now with her fifth studio album. For the 13 tracks of Girl on Fire, Alicia can count on the collaboration of twenty composers and a dozen of directors, as well as singing with Nicki Minaj on the title-song and Maxwell on "Fire We Make". Few jazz atmospheres alternating with electro beats are perfectly accompanying Alicia's voice throughout this record, which has a production of quality. Otherwise, we can hear overproduction which can become annoying considering Alicia Keys has all the talent needed to give us the creeps in a completely stripped atmosphere. After effective songs in the first half, the CD is becoming somewhat less interesting and it gives us the feeling of rushing towards the end. But there are still good moments that will probably succeed in satisfying her most ardent fans. (March 2013)

Video: « Girl on Fire »

For her new album, the singer from Ontario explores her career past, present and future. She has so many personal themes that influence her, which allows us to discover a little more about her. The album was recorded largely in her home studio, The Cottage, with Jerrod Bettis (Better Than Ezra) and Jon Levine (K'naan, Nelly Furtado), but also in Los Angeles, before being mixed by Joe Zook (Modest Mouse, Katy Perry). It has good moments, like the first single, "Stompa", but the whole remains easily replaceable in the universe of adult pop rock. (March 2013)

Video: « Stompa »

St. Ange is a Montreal band with multiple influences combining especially pop and jazz. First issued in November 2011 independently, their first album, Second Nature, was re-released by the Justin Time label in the fall of 2012. Following the image of the female singer, Angela Gallupo, the record presents colorful and joyful sounds. The CD fits perfectly into the new trend that mixes jazz with intelligent pop. This is a very good album that offers us St. Ange. (March 2013)

The Canadian singer now based in Montreal presents her fifth album in career, but her first one comprised of jazz standards. She managed to completely bring these classics in a world of her own. Among the essentials that you can hear on Rewind there are Cole Porter’s "Love For Sale", Cannonball Adderley’s "Sack of Woe", George Gershwin’s "Buzzard Song", Mel Tormé’s "Born To Be Blue" and Duke Ellington’s "Prelude to a Kiss". You can also hear a pair of songs from the French repertoire, including Georges Brassens’ "Les amoureux des bancs publics". With this warm album, Elizabeth Shepherd not only creates expectations for her next album, but she makes us to want to discover her in concert. (March 2013)

The Pittsburgh rapper has come up with a new album after the success of Rolling Papers in 2011. Unfortunately, that sudden success has a negative effect on the new record while the lyrics refer only to his new financial situation, his love for weed and what he can buy now that he is rich. After 3 tracks, we hope very much that it will not be a general trend until the end of the 74 long minutes. But it is coming back at different times throughout the CD, which is in addition not very interesting musically. There are 17 mid-tempo songs that give us a few moments of excitement. O.N.I.F.C. is therefore an extremely disappointing album by a rapper who proved highly promising only a few months ago. (March 2013)

Video: « Work Hard Play Hard »

For their fourth album, the quintet from Vancouver returns with the energetic pop rock sound that they have developed in recent years, especially on the previous album, Eureka. Folk influences of their debut are now rare and we rather hear an excellent indie pop and rock sound on which you will have to keep the beat. Many of the 14 tracks on The Sticks not only have the ability to make us stomp, but they also have beautiful creative qualities. This is the case for the title song, "Bit by Bit" and many others. If the band finally discovered themselves with Eureka, they reached the peak of their career with The Sticks. To discover! (March 2013)

Video: « Bit by Bit »

In recent years, the legendary Bob Mould issued albums that were particularly effective, almost worthy of his most creative years, either in solo or as part of Hüsker Dü or Sugar. He resumes his momentum with Silver Age, an energetic album which is not betraying the age of its creator. Songs are well linked and they never disappoint us. It sounds like the Bob Mould of the heyday of Sugar! We can still hear several tracks a bit slower, but never boring. Mould may be nostalgic or not, the fact remains that he brings back what his fans prefer of him, for their own pleasure. Silver Age is once again an excellent album by this genius of alternative rock. (March 2013)

Lee "Scratch" Perry is considered as the biggest reggae legend after Bob Marley. He has contributed greatly to the development of dub and made ​​many important albums in the genre, including some of the first recordings by Marley. On the eve of his 77 years of age, Perry continues to give us new material. He may not be reinventing the genre, but he still has good moments of dub / lounge, proving that he remains a towering figure in reggae dub. (March 2013)

The Northern Irish alternative metal band first caught attention in 1994 with its excellent album Troublegum, in the flow of the tsunami wave driven by post-grunge. They quickly went back to the underground, a much more natural place for Therapy?. A Brief Crack of Light is the 13th album of the band, which has lost none of its power of 20 years ago. The group seems determined to regain the charts with "Living in the Shadow of the Terrible Thing". Otherwise, it still presents experimental moments that are difficult to access, such as the instrumental "Marlow". The album offers interesting portions, but a few tracks prove to be truly memorable. (March 2013)

Neomythics is a duo formed of Gregory Howe and Matt Montgomery, two multi-instrumentalists that play many different instruments on the album. Produced by Howe, New Corporate Resistance is their first album together after they have composed several songs for other artists, especially in jazz and funk. Neomythics has a post-punk sound like Television and you could also compare them to early U2 material. Their music is rich and has beautiful creative qualities, even if they often fail to really capture our attention. Note the presence of guitarist Harvey Mandel who played with The Rolling Stones in the 1970s. (March 2013)

The pianist and his trio cover here some pieces by rather eclectic artists such as Alice In Chains ("Got Me Wrong"), Sufjan Stevens ("Holland"), Jimi Hendrix ("Hey Joe") and Chico Buarque ("Samba e Amor"). He still allows some jazz covers as Clifford Brown’s "Brownie Speaks" and Sonny Rollins’ "Airegin". Note also the reworked versions of the touching "Baby Plays Around" from Elvis Costello and Cait O'Riordan, as well as Nick Drake’s "Time Has Told Me". Although it is very interesting to hear jazz covers of pieces as varied, the fact remains that the whole is somewhat bizarre at the end. The trio is not at its best on Where Do You Start, but it brings an element of curiosity that is the whole point of the CD. (March 2013)

Little Big Town is a Nashville vocal quartet consisting of 2 men and 2 women. They have a country pop sound based primarily on vocal harmonies. Tornado is their fifth album in 10 years and it is certainly their most pop record to date. Otherwise, it is not sure that the country purists will be disappointed by it since they were not already enjoying the band. In fact, Little Big Town has always been perceived as a slightly more country version of Fleetwood Mac, and it continues with Tornado. If one forgets their country influences, one can easily perceive the new album as a great pop record, simply. (February 2013)

Videos: « Pontoon » - « Tornado »

For its second album, the rock 'n' roll band from Montreal presents only original compositions, some of them dangerously heavy. The group produced the album itself and the result is a highly effective garage rock 'n' roll sound. Some tracks are approaching a bit western spaghetti like "Lexie's Fang", and we can find enough variety on the album to keep us off balance. But the fact remains that the pieces frankly rock 'n' roll are the most interesting, as the first single, "Gimme Action". It's just a shame that with only nine tracks we seem to hear an album that would have benefited greatly additional moments of energetic rock. (February 2013)

Jah Wobble and Keith Levene were two of the original members of Public Image Limited alongside the singer John Lydon (Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols). The bassist and the guitarist met years later to offer us a totally experimental rock album. Very psychedelic, Yin & Yang brings us into an atmosphere fusing rock, jazz, punk, funk and dub. The album has some very good moments while Levene remains in great shape behind his guitar. Otherwise, other parts may be shocking with their weird side and a sometimes raw production aggressive for the ears. Note the somewhat psychedelic cover of "Within You Without You" of The Beatles. This is definitely an album that requires a great effort to adapt, but the nostalgic of PIL will probably find what they are looking for. (February 2013)

Formed 20 years ago, the group maintains a Californian metal horde of admirers since that time. To celebrate their 20 years, they have a double live album comprising an assembly of recordings at various locations around the world. The 15 tracks included on both discs paint a good picture of the band's career. The installation is smart enough to make us believe that it is a single concert, then the presence of the crowd felt so much so that sometimes seems to be on the spot, a few meters from the scene. Machine Fucking Head with Live, the group offers a gift to his fans who follow touring all these years. (February 2013)

Corey Taylor and Jim Root formed Stone Sour a few years before joining Slipknot and they have always pursued the band in parallel. More melodic than Slipknot, Stone Sour has influences of Metallica and Alice In Chains for a heavy alternative metal sound, but still accessible. House of Gold and Bones, pt. 1 is the fourth album of the band and the 1st part of a concept album in two parts. The album has a lot of depth, both musically and lyrically. There are extremely strong compositions, among the bests that the band has offered so far. The guideline is effective and the transition is beautiful between metal songs and more introspective songs, sometimes acoustic ("The Travelers, part 1"). Here is a very good album that will make us eagerly await the follower. The release of the second part is scheduled for April 9. (February 2013)

Video: « Gone Sovereign »

The French trumpeter quartet (completed by Marcello Giuliani on bass, Marc Erbetta on percussion and Benoît Corboz on keyboards and guitar) entirely composed this tenth album in the studio, almost one song per day. The logical continuation to In Between, the album navigates between various atmospheres, often influenced by their different travels ("Istanbul Tango", "African Mist"). Among the 10 tracks of the CD there are three songs, beautifully highlighted by the voice of Anna Aaron. Here is a very good ambient jazz record. (February 2013)

Only one year after the huge success of Planet Pit, the Cuban native is back with a new album of 12 concise tracks totaling only 41 minutes. Sampling the famous "Macarena" on the title song in introduction and "Take on Me" on "Feel this moment" with Christina Aguilera reinforce what is guaranteed to be successful. "Back in Time" was propelled by the movie Men in Black 3, and with hymns to the party as "Don’t Stop the Party", "Party Ain’t Over" (with Afrojack and Usher) and "Have Some Fun" (with Afrojack and Wanted), we know where Pitbull goes: directly late at night... Note also the participations of Chris Brown ("Hope We Meet Again"), Jennifer Lopez ("Drinks for You (Ladies Anthem)") and Enrique Iglesias ("Tchu Tchu Tcha"). With such a collection of sure hits provided at a non-stop pace, it would be difficult for his fans to complain. Even if it doesn’t necessarily include his best compositions in career, Global Warming is certainly his best album to date considering the way everything fits well together. (February 2013 Featured Review)

Videos: « Don’t Stop the Party » - « Back in Time »

For her second official album, the pop singer managed to assemble with coherence a dozen of pieces for a record which is listening well as a whole. These are not all the songs that have the potential to become a hit, but there are still some essential titles as the title track and the excellent "Die Young". Her lyrics remain of course at the first degree, always with that little vulgar side which differentiates her from the mass of singers in the genre. She even raps on some occasions, but it should be noted that this is rarely when she is at her best. Please note that she invited punk legend Iggy Pop to sing with her on "Dirty Love". Overall, Warrior is stronger than her first album and she manages to have good songs for partying. (February 2013)

Video: « Die Young »

After writing several hits for other artists including Brandy and Flo Rida, Bruno Mars took advantage of the momentum to start his own singing career in 2009. After the success of his first album, definitely rose to the top thanks to the hits "Grenade" and "Just the Way You Are", he returns with a second record. There is a problem with the pop singer on Unorthodox Jukebox: he seems rather bitter against women, when he managed to seduce them on his first CD. It only remains to hope they don’t listen too much to the lyrics if he wants to maintain his fan base gained only during the last two years. There are a few good moments of R&B like with "Treasure", but the whole is dark with very few exciting passages. Fortunately, there is the first single, "Locked Out of Heaven", the best one among the 10 small tracks offered. Not easy the test of the second album Mr. Mars! (February 2013)

Video: « Locked Out of Heaven »

Outasight is the pseudonym of Richard Andrew, a singer rapper who does a mix of rap, rock and R&B. He became known in 2011 with the dance pop megahit "Tonight is the Night", the song at the centre of this first record that has few other interesting moments. One of those rare moments worthy of mention is "Shine" featuring Chiddy Bang, and you can also enjoy "I'll Drink to That". For everything else, it is a light pop sound without substance and without excitement, even in more danceable moments ("Ready Set Go", "Now or Never"). (February 2013)

Videos: « Tonight is the Night » - « Now or Never » - « Shine »

Formed in the late 1970s in California, Redd Kross has become a cult punk and alternative rock band. After a break of 15 years, it returns with its sixth album, Researching the Blues. The McDonald brothers show us not only their best compositions in a long time, but also superb unforgettable melodies, sometimes almost worthy of The Beatles, no less. Moments of rock 'n' roll will not leave you indifferent and mid-tempo songs will not fail to seduce you. Without daring to say that Researching the Blues is the best album of the career of Redd Kross, let’s say it is possibly the most enjoyable one to listen to. A breath of fresh air by a group of 35 years that doesn’t seem to have taken age! (February 2013)

Video: « Stay Away from Downtown »

DJ Debbie Tebbs is a Montreal native who toured across Canada over the past 15 years. On this new album, the artist makes a return to basics, abandoning her turntables for her voice and synthesizers, beautifully presented in electronic arrangements. She offers us a dance electro pop sound heavily influenced by the 1980s. Debbie is also fully in the new wave of disco. For Modern Talking, she can count on the participation of Eric Speed, DJ Nerve and Marie-Luce Béland, not to mention Sylvain Taillefer who wrote several lyrics. So, Debbie Tebbs is particularly well accompanied for the first album out of her comfort zone and bringing her in a world we didn’t know about her. Her tour will stop in Montreal on February 13 at the Casa Del Popolo with a surprise guest. (February 2013)

The German acoustic jazz quartet is back with a new album. It carries this time its tango on a journey through Europe and the rest of the world. The 18 tracks of Grand Voyage were in fact recorded in various locations around the world. Their atmospheric music makes us inevitably travel, and this is doubly the case with this sixth album for the Justin Time label. Bon voyage! (February 2013)

Xavier Rudd is an Australian indie musician who does not hesitate to explore different avenues of alternative rock music. From the opening track of Spirit Bird, "Lioness Eye", he managed to create a heavy and hypnotic atmosphere which can totally captivate us, or make us give up immediately. Otherwise, he quickly returns to a more standard acoustic folk sound on "Comfortable in My Skin" with just a guitar and an harmonica. This mix of folk and indie experimentation is sure to keep our interest, but Rudd does not revolutionize anything and we retain only very little from this new album. (January 2013)

The Toy Dolls are a British punk band that was formed in 1979. They do comedy rock and have never really taken themselves seriously. The trio presents the 12th studio album of its career. The record includes a few pieces of energetic efficiency and good times of rock 'n' roll, but their caricatural side often takes the spotlight which can become annoying, especially since it is not really funny though it wants to be comedy. The album features 3 bonus acoustic tracks by singer and guitarist Olga. (January 2013)

Kid Rock seemed to have somewhat calmed down on his previous album, but he is back now with his well assumed rebellious side. He produces the album himself and this is perhaps his biggest mistake while Rebel Soul sounds a bit cheap. His lyrics remain predictable, but this is the case since the beginning of his career anyway. He continues to praise strippers and parties, as if the ex-boyfriend of Pamela Anderson knew only that... These are clichés over clichés that are sent by the kid of Detroit, all on a rock 'n' roll sound that is often simplistic, music from another era dangerously lacking creativity. In fact, Kid Rock could have had an important place in the history of music if he had instead produced albums in the mid-1970s. Forty years later, it seems like recuperation... (January 2013)

Videos: « Let’s Ride » - « Happy New Year »

The young singer has come to change the face of country music in 2006, which was something great. Six years later, she presents her fourth studio album. Despite a few references to country, we must say that Red is primarily a pop album. But it is a pop of quality that presents Taylor when she really found her place and her own style. The 16 tracks of the album are varied and allow us to appreciate the different facets of her personality. A deluxe edition of the album is also available with a second CD containing additional songs, demo versions and an acoustic version of "State of Grace". (January 2013)

Videos: « We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together » - « Begin Again » - « I Knew You Were Trouble »

The Montreal DJ comes up with a new album which is more pop than ever. She presents many good songs on which she recorded all the instruments. They are all catchy songs, but much less underground house than in the past. In fact, this is electro pop music with a disco direction, music that can be played at full volume. She would have been able to afford this album under her own name, Barbara Bonfiglio, as it is certainly her most personal album to date and for which she has literally done everything. Many Shades of Grey is a good album that can be listened beautifully until the end. (January 2013)

Video: « The Right Time »

Best known for his work with Blur and Gorillaz, Damon Albarn has redefined the contemporary British sound. On this first official solo album, he takes a different direction. He offers us a folk opera inspired by the life of John Dee (1527-1608), a mathematician, alchemist, philosopher and advisor for Elizabeth I. Around his voice, you can hear a choir and ancient English instruments mixed with more contemporary instruments from West Africa. The album was recorded partly in his London studio, but also in Salford with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. This is a pretty strange album that requires an open mind. This is a theatrical recording that would finally be entirely meaningful on stage. But on record, the effort will be hardly rewarded while listening to these 18 dark tracks that seem endless. Dr. Dee is a difficult album to listen until the end and even harder to listen many times... (July 2012)

After a great debut album 10 years ago, the emo band from Oklahoma had many problems when it presented two mediocre albums in 2005 and 2008. The interest has greatly decreased about them. The All-American Rejects are able to make a strong comeback in 2012 with Kids in the Street, a pop rock album highly accessible. Effective melodies and a pop sound that goes as far as the influences of the new wave of the 1980s characterize this new album of great maturity. The musicians have gained experience and dexterity, and they are no longer the teenagers they were in their debut and which simply wanted to shake everything. Here, we feel a special effort on the compositions which, even if they borrow from different genres, manages to differentiate them. There are some ballads which are not very interesting, but at the same time they demonstrate the extent of the capabilities of the band presenting its richest and most varied album to date. (June 2012)

Videos: « Someday’s Gone » - « Beekeeper’s Daughter » - « Kids in the Street »

For its fourth studio album, the pop punk quartet from Baltimore goes one step further in its unique pop universe. There are only a few elements of their early punk sound and the band is easier to compare to commercial hard rock of the 1980s, with a personal touch of modernity. On Don’t Panic, the group manages to present solid compositions and especially to balance everything to make an album that is listening well until the end. Although some tracks may seem common, there are enough energetic pieces to make a greatly interesting album. In fact, it is here perhaps their strongest record to date. (February 2013)

Video: « For Baltimore »

Twenty years after Little Earthquakes, Tori Amos is arriving with Gold Dust. She revisits 14 pieces from her catalog with the Metropole Orchestra conducted by Jules Buckley. The album was recorded live with the orchestra in the Netherlands. Even if every hit is not necessarily included, it is a great way to rediscover some of the best compositions of the artist. The orchestra plays its role perfectly in accompanying Tori’s voice and piano, without overwhelming them. We realize that it is the best environment that might have hoped Tori Amos for her songs. A deluxe version is also available with a bonus DVD including a documentary about the making of the album. (October 2012)

The Angry Kids are a duo from Toronto which is playing danceable house music, often influenced by rock. Jeff Beck (no, not the one you’re thinking of) and Ryan Wilock were already active for a few years in the clubs, in addition to be a part of numerous compilations of electronic music. This first album is therefore actually a collection of their greatest hits to date and it includes inevitably "Mr. Brown" in two versions (with the voice of Bob Marley). You can also hear the song that made them ​​known at their debut, "I Ran (So Far Away)" (with A Flock of Seagulls). There are also the excellent "Monkey" (with Kaysh), "Wouldn’t It Be Good" with Nik Kershaw and their cover of the Ramones’ "Blitzkrieg Bop". Dance music lovers will find something to satisfy themselves on this energetic album. (February 2013)

Vidéoclips : « Mr. Brown »

For her fourth album, it was necessary that Fiona Apple comes up with a title like a novel. The Idler Wheel (you allow the shortcut) has a very nice creativity for this artist a little troubled, but unique. We must say that she had waited seven years before recording a new album since Extraordinary Machine. The creative process has been long, but ultimately successful. Alone at the piano with percussionist Charley Drayton, Fiona presents a minimalist music with various sound effects (voices, synthesizers and other different sounds). The entire album remains focused on her voice and personality, making it perhaps her purest album to date. But what is clear is that it is one of her best records in career, if not the best one... (December 2012)

Video: « Every Single Night »

For the female jazz singer from Toronto, the idea behind this project was to assemble a compilation of French songs she had previously recorded. But she ended up re-recording the songs and adding more songs to explore in greater depth French and Quebec music. It therefore includes 14 tracks with 6 new ones including "Petit matin" (Sylvain Lelièvre), "Des croissants de soleil" (popularized by Ginette Reno), "La belle dame sans regret" (Sting), "La plus belle pour aller danser" (Charles Aznavour, popularized by Sylvie Vartan) and the title track (Charles Trenet). Other songs include the country classic from Quebec "Quand le soleil dit bonjour aux montagnes", "C’est si bon", "Ces bottes sont faites pour marcher", "T’es pas un autre" (Claude Gauthier) and "Jardin d’hiver". Here is an excellent jazz album that makes us rediscover a range of French songs, perfectly performed by one of the greatest jazz singers in the country. (December 2012)

Natasha Khan is back with a third album for her project of Bat For Lashes. If her music was generally soft on her previous album, this is still the case on The Haunted Man and with more obvious sadness. She is more than ever focused on her voice, but one can not help but wonder why she chose the intimate ballad "Laura" as the first single, while other songs are much more exciting. She skillfully blends genres with some folk coupled with electronic arrangements. She can still be compared to Björk, but she managed to detach increasingly from her establishing her own style. And I must admit her voice is damn more pleasant to hear. She has some frankly catchy tracks as "All Your Gold", and especially no weak moment and wonderful arrangements. The only thing that could possibly disturb some is the intimate side that is sometimes a little too quiet. But otherwise, The Haunted Man is a flawless album, the best of Bat For Lashes to date. (November 2012)

Videos: « Laura » - « All Your Gold »

The Beatdown is a reggae trio from Montreal presenting its second album. In a style called northern reggae, the band incorporates various guest artists. Arrangements are raw, but go well with the atmosphere of the live band. On Walkin' Proud, the trio makes getaways in other musical genres: sixties pop on "Gone For Good", surf on "The Other Side". The main negative point of the band is its singer, Alex Giguère, who is lacking of voice and is not at the right level on several occasions. Despite some flaws on the CD, you have no choice but letting go to the rhythms of reggae. (February 2013)

For his new album, the harmonica player from Quebec invited several colleagues to add their personal touch to the album. Among others, we can hear Breen Leboeuf, Nanette Workman, France D'Amour, Antoine Gratton (keyboards) and Mélissa Lavergne (drums). Bélanger plays a mix of original compositions and traditional blues music of the southern United States. While Dusty Trails follows in the footsteps of Crossroads released 2 years earlier, it goes one step further and shows how Guy Bélanger masters his art beautifully. Here is his best album to date. (February 2013)

Big Kenny and John Rich are a duo from Nashville that debuted in 2004 in country music. They include rock and pop music in their country sound that is rather fanciful. After a break of five years, they are trying to reinvigorate their careers which seemed to be ending up badly with Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace in 2007. They requested the services of Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora for the writing of the opening track, "Born Again" (on which Jon also participates), and "Can’t Be Satisfied". The album has some good songs, but the whole falls quickly in the insipidity of the last record. The duo appeared as a joke in the country music world but it cannot get out of that image, unfortunately. The joke lasted long enough... (March 2013)

Videos: « Born Again » - « Party Like Cowboyz » - « Lay It All On Me » - « Cheat On You »

After a trilogy of eponymous albums between 2003 and 2009, the pop punk band from Toronto Billy Talent has a new start on Dead Silence. The band's sound is still recognizable, but listening to the quality of the compositions, it seems that they were rehearsing on their first albums and now they move on to more serious things. The band has experienced in the past in post-hardcore, emo and even metal, but it seems to have finally found its own sound, hard to describe. In addition, the group spends its clever socio-political messages that fit perfectly into its music. Ian D'Sa shows more than ever his guitar virtuosity and in addition, he allows himself to produce the album. After a one-minute introduction, Billy Talent presents the first single from the album, "Viking Death March". We then hear an all-star trio with the excellent "Surprise Surprise", "Runnin 'Across the Tracks" and "Love Was Still Around". Everything resumes with the mid-tempo pop of "Stand Up and Run" and the intense "Crooked Minds". That is when we realize that we have heard 7 of the 14 tracks of the album and no obvious weakness has emerged. The second half will remain as strong to reach the conclusion that Billy Talent offers its best album to date. (October 2012)

Video: « Viking Death March »

Footsteps 2 follows a first cover album released in 2009. This 19th studio album by the British singer presents once again 11 of his favorite songs that inspired him to write his own songs. And once again, The Beatles are honored with the covers of "Let It Be" and "Lady Madonna". But you can also hear "Blue Bayou" of Roy Orbison, "S.O.S" of ABBA and "In the Ghetto" popularized by Elvis Presley. To these 11 new versions, de Burgh adds 3 new compositions. Interpretations are rich and accurate, and they make a good tribute to the songs and their composers. As it was the case for the first album, without reinventing the original compositions, Chris de Burgh manages to deliver them in a great way for a record that is pleasant to listen to until the end. (September 2012)

For her second record, the singer is once again working with her faithful collaborator Eric Dick who co-wrote the album with her and produced it. It was mastered in Hollywood by Bernie Grundman (U2, Sheryl Crow, Jack Johnson). Celleste presents nine songs with rhythm in which we can easily discover her passion for rock and catchy melodies. It is a custom made music for a trip in concert. Her voice remains unique and powerful, so she steals the spotlight to guitars on several occasions, despite the performance of the amps. With Join the Infestation, Celleste hits the mark and has everything it takes to make a name for herself around the world. (December 2012)

Video: « Join the Infestation »

Céu is a Brazilian singer born in Sao Paulo who comes up with a third album after the excellent Vagarosa issued in 2009. Caravana Sereia Bloom is less based on ambient electronics in the jazzy bossa nova and samba style. She rather presents songs of Latin pop widely accessible, with little more experimental elements, influenced by her travels on the road throughout Brazil. You can hear quite a bit of samba and cumbia, sometimes mixed within the same song ("Contravento"). "Amor de Antigos" presents surf guitar, while "You Won’t Regret It", one of three songs in English, is a cover of a piece of rocksteady. For those who like a rich Brazilian pop sound, you will be delighted with this new recording by Céu. (August 2012)

Gerald Eaton by his real name, Jarvis Church is a Canadian singer who has several albums to his credit. On The Soul Station Vol. 1, he paid tribute to Sam Cooke by covering eight of his hits and adding two personal compositions. The album was recorded live in Toronto and its main problem is that it is too short with less than 33 minutes. It is a very good album of soul music that will make you discover (or rediscover) in addition the repertoire of Sam Cooke. (December 2012)

For its latest show, the Cirque du Soleil team has yet ask Bob & Bill (Guy Dubuc and Marc Lessard) for the composition of the music. Their mission was to create a unique and raw sound and the result incorporates influences from heavy rock, certainly the heaviest music that has been heard so far in a Cirque show. Another interesting aspect is that these are all women who interpret the original music (with Jenifer Aubry on the microphone), a first for Cirque du Soleil. The guitars play a significant role throughout the CD, but they are supported by beautiful arrangements of strings and percussions among others that enrich pleasantly the music of Amaluna. Again. Bob & Bill managed to create a music soundtrack that complements the show, while bringing a lot of surprises. (March 2013)

Le Best of 2 presents the best music produced by Cirque du Soleil since 2005. We can hear music from the shows KOOZA, ZED, Corteo, IRIS, TOTEM, Criss Angel Believe, ZAIA, OVO, Wintuk, Zumanity and the most recent, Amaluna. There is also the choice of Facebook fans, "Pageant" of KÀ. Of course are left aside themed shows about The Beatles, Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson, whose music is the central subject of the shows. This new compilation by Cirque du Soleil makes us discover very good world music with hints of pop, cabaret, orchestral ensembles and modern rock. Although their music is primarily written and arranged to accompany their spectacular shows, we discover that it can live by itself on record. It also has the advantage of bringing us back into the atmosphere of the shows for those who were lucky enough to assist. (December 2012)

Gary Clark is a guitarist from Texas who plays a blues rock sound mixed with more contemporary soul and hip hop. Often compared to Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan, he has indeed a guitar play based heavily on them. His qualities are undeniable as a guitarist. After a few independent albums, Clark offers us a first album for a major label. Blak and Blu will not impress many fans of Jimi Hendrix, especially with his cover of "Third Stone from the Sun". Without revolutionizing the blues rock genre, he still manages to modernize it a bit. We must say that soul songs as the title track and "The Life" form quite a contrast with the walls of guitar that he offers on most of the album of 13 tracks. On a few occasions, like on "Numb", Clark can remind us of the Black Keys’ garage blues sound. However, the production of Blak and Blu is too clean to put the album in this category. He also provides a pure rock 'n' roll track with "Travis County". No matter what style he tackles, he doesn’t revolutionize anything, despite a talent for composition. But what really sets him apart is certainly his huge talent as a musician, one of the best guitarists of the new generation. (November 2012)

Videos: « Bright Lights » - « Ain’t Messin ‘Round »

This superb voice of Canadian jazz returns with a first studio album in five years and in addition, she is accompanied by her original trio. For this record of 11 tracks, she explores various territories, from a James Bond theme ("You Only Live Twice") to Jacques Brel ("If You Go Away"), via Tom Waits ("Walk Away", "Whistlin' Past the Graveyard"), Mort Shuman (the classic "Viva Las Vegas"), Gordon Lightfoot ("If You Could Read My Mind") and even Captain Beefheart ("Love Lies"). She offers also an original composition, "You've Got a Secret." With Night, Holly Cole shows us once again the full extent of her talent. (February 2013)

Saxophonist Ravi Coltrane, son of John and Alice, is active on the jazz scene since the mid-1990s. Spirit Fiction is his sixth album, the first for the famous Blue Note label. There are two groups of musicians on the album: a quartet that was working with Coltrane for almost 10 years, but also the quintet which participated to the album From the Round Box, issued in 2000. Co-produced by Coltrane and Joe Lovano, the record has a jazz mood with some lightness, very pleasant to hear. With Spirit Fiction, Ravi Coltrane seems ready to take a new direction with his career. (January 2013)

Dr. Stompin' Tom Connors is the most famous country singer in Canada with a career that spans over 45 years. Unfortunately, he has always suffered from the comparison with the giant Johnny Cash. This new album features 17 songs including originals, instrumentals, as well as covers of Wilf Carter ("Rattlin' Cannonball"), Hank Snow ("My Nova Scotia Home") and other legends of country music. The Road of Life presents an interesting journey into the world of Stompin 'Tom and he will certainly succeed in capturing the attention of his fans. (February 2013)

With the U.S. presidential election coming, legendary Ry Cooder felt the need to give his opinion in music. It is in folk and old blues songs that Cooder presents 9 political songs very specific to the time we are dealing with, and there is a huge risk that they are likely to age badly. Aside from the drums played by his son Joachim, Cooder plays all the instruments on this very special album. Not only he gives his opinion, but he clearly displays his anger on several occasions, as in "Guantanamo". Election Special is certainly his most raw album in many years, but more importantly, it is the most political record of his career. Although this is an interesting album in the genre, it probably will not stand the test of time, unfortunately. (October 2012)

For his eighth album, the flamenco guitarist is somewhat in a different direction and leaves room for his musicians to produce a particularly rich environment. Even if you can hear mostly original instrumental compositions, there are also two huge covers. The album begins with Screamin 'Jay Hawkins’ classic "I Put a Spell on You", beautifully interpreted by Toronto female singer Emma-Lee. Another classic comes from the French repertoire, Jacques Brel’s "Ne me quitte pas". The album was recorded with old microphones to recreate the atmosphere of the Miles Davis era. The result is an intimate and mature album that is listening beautifully in the late hours of the night. This is another great album by this excellent classical guitarist. (March 2013)

The Cranberries are back in the studio after a break of 11 years during which singer Dolores O'Riordan has issued two solo albums. The band was particularly successful with its first two albums in the mid-1990s, in the middle of the post-grunge era. Otherwise, the following three records were much more difficult and the Cranberries found themselves on hiatus in the early 2000s. All original members reunite for Roses, also with producer Stephen Street. On this new album, the band returns to the style that made it successful almost 20 years ago, which may be interesting for fans of the first hour. But, the sound may thereby show signs of age on different occasions with a rock sound which is now particular to the 1990s. We again hear their Smiths influences, with elements of Celtic music typical to their native Ireland. The melodies are still as effective and they are perfectly highlighted by the unique voice of Dolores, which is stronger than ever. The Cranberries avoid falling into the trap of trying to repeat another hit like "Zombie" with aggressive guitars, and the other trap of trying to modernize their music by incorporating electronic treatments. Instead, they opt for a more folk music trend, all in subtleties, drawing from the finest lightweight pop influences of their first recordings. The instruments are all organic and an occasional accordion or violin brings them back to their roots. "Tomorrow" is perhaps not the best single that would be needed for the album to climb the charts, but the record still contains tracks that are gaining strong interest after a few listens. Without revolutionizing anything, let’s say that Roses is a very good album of adult pop with a folk trend. (April 2012 Featured Review)