Rating: NNNN
Though he keeps a relatively low profile, Shawn Clarke has contributed to two of the better Toronto-area folk rock bands, namely Timber Timbre and Olenka and the Autumn Lovers. Clarke skews closer to traditional acoustic folk on his debut solo LP, but his simple, understated arrangements highlight his gift for lyrics.
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Clarke’s wit shows through on tracks like Sick Song, which attaches a gorgeous melody to mundane lyrics about watching television and checking email. Secret Bear paints an impressively authentic three-dimensional picture of a new relationship, while Hurt Before does the same for a breakup. His best love song, though, To Think I Once Was Lost, is addressed to Toronto.
Clarke’s vocals can get a bit nondescript, but instrumental and vocal contributions from Nick Zubeck, Olenka and the Wilderness of Manitoba nicely augment the minimalism.
Top track: To Think I Once Was Lost
Shawn Clarke plays the Free Times Café Wednesday (August 18).
