RAYMOND CORIN – THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A SMALL TIME

Listening to Corin Raymond’s latest cd brought a smile to my face and reminded me of John Prine back in the seventies. Corin alternates optimistic cheerful songs(Paid to party, Stealing my heart, There will always be a small time) with more melancholy songs(Blue mermaid dress, I wish I was in love, If wishes were horses). The music ranges from acoustic to semi-acoustic and some Tex-mex influences(Micheline, Leftover tears). (The Lonely one) (think Roy Orbison) could have been a great hit in jukebox times. The picking is brilliant with people like David Baxter(guitar), Sean Cotton(guitar), Treasa Levasseur(accordion), etc.

There’s no filler on this cd. Words fail me to describe the greatness of this musical project. This cd is highly recommended.

Score : 10/10

http://www.myspace.com/corinraymond

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/corinraymond

SLEEPY DRIVER – STEADY NOW – BLACK BELL PRODUCTIONS

Although Steady Now consists of 3 Americana songs(Where You Are, Only Water, North Dakota) , driven by the pedal steel of guest player Dave Palmer, Sleepy Driver is essential a rock band. Comparisons with compatriot bands Blue Rodeo and slices of Skydiggers and Blackie and the Rodeo Kings are obvious.

Some songs are radio friendly(Like A Weapon, And The Gravediggers Says), others have a Steve Miller band vibe (Get Right With The Lord, Architects).

Responsible for all these melodic songs is Peter Hicks, who wrote all the songs and also co-produced the cd.

Sleepy Driver has established itself with Steady Now on the Rockscene and created great expectations for the future.

score : 8/10