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Music

Sarah Greene’s Top 10 albums

A lot of thought went into creating a top ten list of the year’s best music. But obviously not everyone agrees.

So, for the next week, NOW will be posting top ten lists from all our individual music writers – all the different opinions that went into creating that master list. Watch NOW Daily for a new list every day.

1. LAURA VEIRS July Flame (Raven Marching Band)

Laura Veirs is inspiring, both clever and sweet, while nimbly avoiding pretension and preciousness. She’s also a solid guitarist and banjo player. The songs on 2007’s Saltbreakers were so good, it’s a testament to the strength of July Flame that I didn’t miss her earlier work that much during her July Flame-heavy performance at the Horseshoe. Just wish I had bought the accompanying lyric and chord songbook from the merch table. I simply can’t stop listening to this right now.

2. JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE Harlem River Blues (Bloodshot)

Despite the younger Earle’s rough living and cancelled tour dates, this album is an exciting promise of good songwriting yet to come. Inspired by life in New York but hanging on to more than a touch of country, this is current and timeless. Did I mention the man can sing?

3. LUKE DOUCET AND THE WHITE FALCON Steel City Trawler (Six Shooter)

Big and jangly, this 70s-inspired album from guitarist/songwriter/producer Luke Doucet is a good mix of honey and crunch. Perhaps it’s his domestic life in Hamilton shining through, but I think this would be a good soundtrack to home renovation. It’s both motivating and contemplative. There are also sweet backup vocals by singer/songwriter Melissa McClelland (Doucet’s wife), a cover of Lightfoot’s Sundown and artwork by David Collier.

4. RICHARD LAVIOLETTE AND THE OIL SPILLS All Of Your Raw Materials (independent)

There’s something really comforting about hearing Richard Laviolette’s voice. The Guelph-based singer/?songwriter manages to sing about difficult stuff – namely illness and death – without being a bummer. The directness and clarity of his voice and lyrics are at the centre of this loose and homey live band recording. If you’re inclined to add the subtle hiss of a needle to the vibe, get the vinyl.

5. COLLEEN AND PAUL (independent)

This is really pretty, but behind the summery pop are two musical powerhouses: By Divine Right’s Colleen Hixenbaugh and in-demand guitar whiz Paul Linklater. Low-key arrangements make the lyrics and harmonies crystal-clear. That said, guests also include Christine Bougie and Barenaked Ladies’ Kevin Hearn. Take this with you on a summer picnic, and just try not to dance.

6. STEVE MCKAY (Fuzzy Logic)

Bruce Peninsula drummer Steve McKay took a break from the sticks to make this eccentric pop album. A fan of XTC and Paul McCartney, McKay’s a baritone crooner who sings about his wife, his friends, slowing down and buildings that need some love. Sonically he’s not afraid to go all over the place, incorporating synths into a fairly acoustic album. Glad he found time to do this.

7. JENNY OMNICHORD All Our Little Bones (Label Fantastic)

Former Barmitvah Brother Jenny Mitchell’s had a love affair with the omnichord since finding one at her dad’s thrift store in Guelph years ago. The way she plays it, it’s a pretty versatile instrument, and the group of musicians who got together to make this album draw out the diversity in her songwriting. But most impressive here are a few standout songs about the simultaneous weirdness and optimism of pregnancy and new parenthood.

8. KIM BEGGS Blue Bones (Black Hen)

Beggs’ hushed voice is in great form here, and her songwriting has taken a leap forward. This one would settle in nicely next to your Bob Dylan and Lucinda Williams albums. Unlike most singer/songwriters, Beggs’s also got sparkling imagery from the Yukon in her tool belt to keeps things fresh.

9. EMILIE MOVER Seems So Long (independent)

If you haven’t heard Emilie Mover’s voice yet, you should really consider buying this album. Daughter of jazz saxophonist Bob Mover, Emilie has a natural, casual delivery that manages to wrap confession in mystery. Backed by members of Steamboat, this has a loose, late-night feel, best for enjoyment with a stiff drink in your hand. The Toronto singer/songwriter probably won’t remain low-profile for long, considering her song placements on Grey’s Anatomy and Telus and BlackBerry ads.

10. TUCKER FINN The Cup & The Lip (Jane Wayne)

This collection of Toronto cowboy songs by former Jane Waynes member Tucker Finn isn’t strictly a country album, though it draws inspiration from the genre. Low-key orchestral pop arrangements keep the album atmospheric and interesting. Finn may address pathetic thoughts in her writing, but she’s got a strong songwriting voice, and it invites sympathy.

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