Rating: NNN
Bruce Cockburn might be the most famous folkie in Canada, but he’s not the only guitar-slinging Canuck you’ll see at folk fests this year. Fred J. Eaglesmith has been travelling this country’s back roads for more than 20 years now, delighting fans with his tales of drunken debauchery and small-town isolation. On Milly’s Cafe, Eaglesmith’s 16th release, the singer/songwriter surrounds his spare guitar work with minimalist percussion to create a haunting and slow-moving record. Like much of Eaglesmith’s other work, this sounds best when you’re travelling alone at night on the Trans-Canada. Even if you’re stuck at home this summer, Eaglesmith’s passionate tunes about cowboys and truck drivers will keep you satisfied until your next lonely road trip. Fred J. Eaglesmith plays August 17 at Hugh’s Room.
