Cough it up

>> Fidget's Ron Woo, momentarily immobilized

by JOHNSON CUMMINS

It's 11 p.m. when I phone Ron Woo, local band Fidget's singer and chief songwriter, and I couldn't have called at a worse time. It wasn't really the late hour, it's just that Mr. Woo has come down with a cold and has chosen to self-medicate with copious amounts of Robitussin. Most of my questions are met with a lackadaisical giggle and punctuated with oxymorons like "definitely, sort of."

This is in contrast to Fidget's brand spankin' new disc Singles, where Woo's jangly popisms chime in crystal clear. The velvety, underground sound of "16 Miles" sounds like it was plucked off the stage of Max's Kansas City in its heyday, while "Walkin' This Trail" sounds like some grade-A certified insurgent country.

"Steve [Burliuk, guitar] and I have been playing for years," says Woo. "We're just keeping in line with our development--not that we don't know what's going on around us, it's just the way we write. I think there is a lot of pop in Montreal. No matter how heavy or light it is, as long as it's got a good hook, it's pop."

Singles also has Woo unabashedly pinning his heart to his sleeve throughout the record, putting himself in the first person in the tell-all "Cold Cold Will" and "The Rope." Perhaps it wasn't just a case of the sniffles that has driven him to cough syrup. "The day we got into the studio was the last day for a seven-year relationship for me, so my songs kind of centre around that. In live situations it's easier because usually people can't hear the vocals or they're not paying attention. It's harder for me to put it down on record because then it's clear and can be scrutinized. I try to be honest but I will still self-censor the lyrics. If anything I think I hide behind too many things in my lyrics."

I wish Woo good luck in getting over his bout with the sniffles and he assures me the end of his illin' is close as he pipes up with his best rubby slur, "I just got to drink more of this Robitussin."

CD launch with guests Fearless Freep on Friday, Oct. 26, at La Sala Rossa, 10pm, $5