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 Shad
TSOL (Black Box)
Artists can get so hung up on trying to find an identity in “Canadian music” that they forget to include themselves in their work. Enter London, ON’s Shad: less introspective than on Old Prince, but no less assertive; killing the wordplay; and taking up the mantle of rap greatness by simply being himself. Paced lyrically over more anthem-worthy production here, while further developing the moody, textured sound of OP, Shad has, wittingly or not, created an instant, borderless hip hop classic. 9.5/10 Trial Track: “A Good Name” (Darcy MacDonald)
The Figgs
The Man Who Fights Himself (Stomper)
For the past two decades and change, the Figgs have been keeping the flame of gleaming power pop alive and well. Although not as prolific as they once were, this trio still knows how to deliver infectious pop that can pack a ton of punch. In fact, with a wealth of gems already behind them, they actually hit new heights on the mod rocker “Casino Hayes,” while “Gone Spent” knows to act its age while still glistening with excitement. Great stuff! 9/10 Trial Track: “...And Here’s Some More” (Johnson Cummins)
 Hank III
Rebel Within (Sidewalk)
Probably the last of the true country rebels, Hank III plays by no one’s rules, especially Nashville’s current stringent guidelines. The only thing worse than the current state of pop is what passes for country these days, and thankfully, Hank III delivers the real deal with roots deep in Appalachian country, a tip of his 10-gallon lid to all the rebels who have been banned from the Grand Ol’ Opry. His pappy and grandpappy would be proud. 8/10 Trial Track: “Gettin’ Drunk and Fallin’ Down” (Johnson Cummins) With Assjack at le National, Sat., June 5, 9 p.m., $30
 Elektrik Bones
About Last Night (Go-Musique/Universal)
Fronted by Champion’s new singer Pilou, Elektrik Bones deliver slickly produced, high-octane, radio-ready rock that compares favourably to the energetic, often histrionic vocalist’s other gig. All 12 hook-filled tracks seem meticulously constructed to star in your next favourite beer commercial and stay lodged in your cranium. Considering Molson M recently used Amon Tobin’s “Four Ton Mantis” to hawk their brews, that’s no longer meant as a slight. 7/10 Trial Track: “About Last Night” (Erik Leijon) At Cabaret Juste pour Rire tonight, Thurs., June 3, 8:30 p.m., $8
 Born Ruffians
Say It (Paper Bag)
Meant to be a series of awkward, jittery indie nuggets, Say It sits in the seemingly contradictory territory of being equally quirky and boring. Sparse deconstructions of your average guitar-bass-and-drums combo feel like unfinished Costello/Byrne demos. The record comes across as over-analytical weirdness for weirdness’s sake—the insufferably garish vocals being the prime example. 4/10 Trial Track: “Higher & Higher” (Erik Leijon)
Peter Wolf Crier
Inter-be (Jagjaguwar)
Minneapolis bad boys Peter Pisano (formerly of Wisconsin’s Wars of 1812) and Brian Moen bridge antique folk and modern indie pop on their debut album. They may be followers of Bon Iver or M. Ward (Pisano’s vocal lilt certainly evokes the latter), but either way, the Midwestern duo has tapped into the new folk sound, with admirable craftsmanship but little flair. 6.5/10 Trial Track: “Hard as Nails” (Lorraine Carpenter)
 The Whitsundays
Saul (Friendly Fire)
The Faunts’ Paul Arnusch, aided by members of Shout Out Out Out Out, created this sophomore Whitsundays LP in his Edmonton basement, experimenting with vintage guitars and keyboards, AM radio fidelity and whatever you do for fun in Alberta. The result is a pop record that doesn’t pop as much as it warbles, meandering onto weird terrain and into murky atmospheres. This mid-’60s music box has plenty of dusty gems inside. 7.5/10 Trial Track: “I Can’t Get Off of My Cloud” (Lorraine Carpenter)
 Delorean
Subiza (MushroomPillow/True Panther)
These sunny, beach-minded Barcelonans by way of Basque country straddle the line between genuinely cheery and outright corny Eurodance, specifically the dopey house piano loops, intricate drum-machine layering and barely-there singing conversing with angelic vocal samples. It’s pretty unrepentant about being dreamy vacation music, yet never does one sense that maintaining such a positive disposition isn’t serious business. 7/10 “Infinite Desert” (Erik Leijon)
 Jori Hulkkonen
I Am Dead Remixes EP (Sugarcane)
Hulkkonen’s gorgeous, melancholy new wave single is retooled as a groovy, pared-down techno throwback by Hercules & Love Affair, as an easy-going soft-synth pop track with funky layered guitar by CFCF and, best of all, a sharp, freaky, fast Italo banger with big club techno breaks and flanging synths by WhoMadeWho. Also in there is a dark reprise by Hulkkonen. 9/10 Trial Track: “I Am Dead” WhoMadeWho remix (Jack Oatmon)
 Angelique Kidjo
Oyo (Razor & Tie)
Kidjo’s eighth set is an interesting blend of energetic originals and re-imagined remakes. With a musical assist from Bono and John Legend, she hand-delivers Curtis Mayfield’s “Move on Up” to a new generation of African youth. Elsewhere, she pays tribute to James Brown’s “Cold Sweat” and turns “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” into “Mbube,” complete with Zulu lyrics. 8/10 Trial Track: “Afia” (Gerard Dee)
 Cécile Doo-Kingué
Freedom Calling (independent)
Montreal guitarist Cécile Doo-Kingué is easy listening, and in the absolutely most literal way. This is Sunday morning, smoky and soulful music that possesses a smoothness reminiscent of Steely Dan (check “Come Undone” for evidence). A truly fantastic musician, Doo-Kingué doesn’t shy away from political lyrics on “Rise,” but she’s equally comfortable heating it up on “Not Around” and tossing some humour and jazz into the mix on “Dachshund Blues.” 8/10 Trial Track: “Come Undone” (Erin MacLeod)
Mecha Fixes Clocks
À l’inattendu les dieux livrent passage (&Records)
Launching the 10th edition of the Suoni per il Popolo festival with his latest masterwork, Michel F. Côté celebrates over 50 records in 25 years. Drummer, studio wizard, Ambiances Magnétiques and &Records founder, and instigator of more happening art than anyone could know, MFC brings another dream to life with pure imagination, desire, poetry and feeling. A bright jewel in a cool stream. 9/10 Trial Track: “Tenue ronde sous cieux” (Gordon Allen) CD launch with Jean René at la Sala Rossa, Sun. June 6, 9 p.m., $8
MINI CD REVIEWS
Mains de Givre Esther Marie (Textura) Amazing ambient soundscapes from local drone dude Eric Quach (thisquietarmy) and violinist Emile Livernois-Desroches. 8.5 (JC)
Tim Gilbertson Palisades (Pop Echo) Canadian power pop that isn’t afraid to jam in-between simple and effective hooks. 7 (EL) At l’Escogriffe, Mon., June 7, 8 p.m.
The Wilderness of Manitoba When You Left the Fire (Killbeat) Funeral procession folk by a Toronto band who nearly justify their moniker with the inclusion of a song about beets. 7 (LC)
Bettye Lavette Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook (Anti-/FAB) The resurrected soul matriarch tackles Floyd, Zep, Procol Harum etc., but a lackluster back-up band makes this too suited to shopping malls and sports bars. 6.5 (RB)
Our Last Night We Will All Evolve (Epitaph/FAB) Screamy verses, sing-songy refrains and some tacky studio additions pulling the songs further away from hardcore than what was likely planned. 3 (EL) With Asking Alexandria at la Tulipe, Sun., June 6, 6:30 p.m., $18
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