1) NICK CAVE - “DIG LAZARUS DIG” - This stunning new album by the one of a kind wordsmith and vocalist spins some memorable tales, at times echoing Lou Reed’s “New York” recording, and features a revitalised Bad Seeds band.
2) BILLY BRAGG - “MR. LOVE & JUSTICE” - On his first release in 6 years, Billy Bragg incorporates the various facets of his musical vocabulary, from the roots sounds of his Wilco collaborations to the music hall stylings of earlier days. His trademark themes ranging from social justice to more domestic topics are here, along with his sharp wit. All in all, a welcome return by this gifted artist.
3) OJOS DE BRUJO - “TECHARI LIVE” - CD/DVD - Spain’s leading cutting edge roots posse presents an impressive live recording, augmenting their flamenco sounds with a remarkable variety of Spanish,Cuban and Indian guests, as their sound morphs from flamenco to salsa to reggae to bhangra. Also included is a DVD that features a live concert as well as an informative documentary.
4) OTIS TAYLOR - “RECAPTURING THE BANJO” - This wonderful roots-blues album reconnects the banjo to its African-American roots. Assisted by great players like Keb Mo’, Corey Harris and Alvin Youngblood Hart, this is music to warm the soul.
5) THE RACONTEURS - “CONSOLERS OF THE LONELY” - Compelling roots rock from Jack White, Brendan Benson and associates, echoing Led Zep, White Stripes and a panoply of garage rockers.
6) DEVOTCHKA - “A MAD & FAITHFUL TELLING” - Beirut meets Calexico on this great new recording by the group which was prominently featured on the “Little Miss Sunshine” soundtrack. Eastern European bohemia meets prairie pop, as guitar, violin, tuba and accordion find common ground in this uncommon music.
Other Cds currently making a splash at Highlife:
“THE ROUGH GUIDE TO AFRICAN STREET PARTY” - Action packed collection of recent musical wonders from the land of many rhythms.
“THE ROUGH GUIDE TO CUBAN STREET PARTY” - Among the vast number of Cuban collections that flood the market, this one stands out for the variety and quality of the musical fruits on display.
DESTROYER - “TROUBLE IN DREAMS” - From piano ballads to psychedelic jams, Vancouver based Dan Bejar and cohorts and their assorted guitars continue to traverse a broad musical landscape.
PORTISHEAD - “THIRD” - Compellingly dark return.
“FUTURE MEMORIES” - New Interchill collection focuses on dubby downtempo with various global rhythyms.
UPCOMING CONCERTS OF NOTE:
MAY 7 - BUCK 65 @ the Commodore
“ 11 - HARD RUBBER ORCHESTRA @ VECC
“ 13 - SLACKERS (big ska party) @ Red Room
“ 17 - JULLY BLACK @ Commodore
“ 22 - BEATS WITHOUT BORDERS present “Night of the Sultan” featuring Jef Stott (whose debut CD of middle-eastern electronica is coming soon) and belly dancers @ Red Room
“ 23 - SHUBENDRA & SASKIA RAO (sitar meets cello) @ Christ Church Cathedral
“ 25 - ADELE (strong voice, compared to Amy Winehouse) @ Red Room
“ 25 - MIA @ PNE Forum
JUNE 4 - BOOTSY COLLINS @ Commodore
“ 5 - BILLY BRAGG @ St Andrews Wellesley Church
“ 20-29 - VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL - various shows at various venues - www.coastaljazz.ca
JULY 10 - SKATALITES (ska legends) @ Richards on Richards
“ 11 - EASY STAR ALL-STARS (great reggae band) @ Commodore
“ 25-27 - PEMBERTON MUSIC FESTIVAL in Pemberton
AUG 5 - FEIST @ Deer Lake Park
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