Reckon
Jason Collett
8-out-of-10
Being coined a "political" record, and in turn allowing radio DJ's to put Jason Collett on the same soap box as Bobby D., Reckon was penned during the meltdown of our global financial system and grew from the sights of Main Street America. Avoiding the "shrill rhetoric" and awkward embarrassment of much of the music stemming from the Occupy movement, Reckon stands on its own as a well rounded album with a stiff message.
What I mean by shrill rhetoric and awkward embarrassment is that the subtly of Collett's songs dodges the typical ideals of the blatant political songs that came from the movement. Tied in are metaphors and poetics that build a bridge over the economic turmoil. As well, the characters within the songs remain off the soap box, offering a public voice and folding in a very personal aspect.
Now, to disregard that entire paragraph, the album's radio single, "I Want to Rob a Bank", is a very straight forward song with a blatant message and which grates on my nerves. This track is the expression of rage that Collett's characters feel after examining their situation. Understandable anger maybe excuses the brazen execution, and it's possible I've just heard the song far too many times on CBC Radio 3 while at work, but it's my only complaint about Reckon.
I found the juxtaposition of the laid back music and folksy tenor of Collett to the actual flare and angst felt in the recession quite brilliant. For me it built anxiety and gave a feeling of not being able to change the outcome, though I thought there should be something more. Some songs end just as their rising and others plod along passionate but compliant. Although I really wanted some songs to have sharper teeth, I realized the helpless feeling was probably intentional and I succumbed to it.
-SEAN CRAIB-PETKAU
Damien's Lantern
B.D. Gottfried
6-out-of-10
Kitchener, Ontario's B.D. Gottfried has been in the "biz" for quite a while, working with many rather famous musicians throughout the years. With the release of his 6th album, Damien's Lantern, Gottfried's experience is apparent, and with the voice and lyrics of his son leading the charge, this album definitely carves its own path down the alternative isle.
You know the saying, "step on a crack and break your mothers' back"? Well in this case the 'crack' was mainstream music and these guys really care about the shape of their mothers' back. Described on their website as a band that "grinds against mainstream genres" really hits the nail on the head here, but unfortunately I just can't jive with it. I didn't find it to be too 'weird', and it was definitely original in its execution, I just thought many of the songs were flat. An overly distorted guitar riff over a technical drum beat with some lazy piano fills comprise a lot of the record, and the repetition of disparaging songs wears a little thin after a while. I'm definitely all for experimental, "Niche carving" music, but I found nothing on Damien's Lantern to be earth shattering, nothing I felt I should tell a friend about. Which is too bad. I want to like this record, and tracks 10 & 11 are particularly very good, but I could find nothing else to really sink my teeth into and chew on for a while.
The appeal of this record is there, but I'm just not catching it.
-SEAN CRAIB-PETKAU
