Dear folkies and friends,
Mer’s Best Bets is a new feature on the OFC Music site. I have been a musical consultant at the OFC off and on for the past couple of years. Recently, I have been given the daunting but wonderful task of managing our CD inventory! Chopper has left very large shoes to fill, so I will do my best to provide the best selection of new music, local finds, and folk treasures to fill your ears. My goal is to carry a selection of music that will suite kids, parents, grandparents, and your uncle’s cousin, while maintaining a focus on music under the folk/roots umbrella.

Mer’s Best Bets will highlight a monthly Top 4, including a “Mer’s Pick” album review and a “Small Talk” local artist interview.

Hope you enjoy!
Your ear on what to hear,
--- Meredith

1. Feist – Let It Die

Mer’s Pick

Feist – Let It Die ØØØ ½
(Released on Arts & Crafts, 2004)

This Queen of the indie scene did not start out as the folk-meets-torch songstress she is today. From punk-rock to pop, Leslie Feist has led a musically mixed path to this point. Her songs captivate and enchant with their sugary harmonies and infectious guitar hooks. It is no wonder that Feist has become Canada’s newest international music icon.

Although this is not a new release, I am recommending this as a soon-to-be classic for any Canadian music collection.

This album was the turning point in Feist’s indie-stardom with the single “Mushaboom”: a smart pop song with a Canadian winter backdrop. Although guitar features prominently on this record, it is smothered in smooth synth textures. Let It Die features both original and cover material, including Ron Sexsmith’s “Secret Heart” and the Bee Gees’ “Inside and Out.”

The record is book-ended by two sparse tracks, “Gatekeeper” and “Now At Last,” drawing the listener in and out of the album with ease. They contrast nicely with the lush “Mushaboom” and the traditional-inspired “When I Was a Young Girl.”

Let It Die is a featured album in our CD Makeover Sale at $18.95 (+ tax).
Grab a copy; you won’t regret it!

2. Kathleen Edwards – Asking For Flowers

Local heroine Kathleen Edwards shines on her third full-length release! Asking For Flowers deserves much praise. The new album has plenty of beautifully crafted songs with few dawdling moments. From the upbeat single “Cheapest Key,” which captures her tongue-in-cheek humour, to the haunting “Alicia Ross,” Kathleen is on the road to becoming one of Canada’s great songwriters.
Grab a copy today, $21.95 (+tax).

3. David Gaudet – David Gaudet

Small Talk: David Gaudet on his new release

MER: Is this your first solo release?
DAVE: Yes it is.

M: How has performing with other artists helped in the development of your own material?
D: I’ve learned a lot from everyone that I’ve played with. I’ve been able to pick up on the things that they do particularly well and apply them to my performances and songwriting.

M: What is your favourite song on this album and why?
D: “Missing the Point.” It wasn’t any harder or easier [to record] than any of the other [songs], but it stayed fresh for me. It is easy to get sick of any song that you hear many times.

M: What instruments do you play on the record?
D: I play electric and acoustic guitar, piano, some bass, glockenspiel, banjo, and shaker. And some finger cymbals!

M: When is your next performance?
D: Thursday March 27 at the Rainbow. Several of the musicians who played on the album—Dean Watson (bass), Tim Watson (drums), and Brian Simms (vocals)—will perform with me at the show.

Dean and Tim Watson are both instructors at the Ottawa Folklore Centre when they aren’t busy performing in a slew of different Ottawa bands.
Dave’s self-titled release (August 2007) features guest appearances by local songstresses Sarah Hallman and Kyrie Kristmanson. Your copy is waiting to be heard! Get one today: $9.95 (+tax).

4. The Acorn – Glory Hope Mountain

Ottawa’s folk-rock five-piece the Acorn combines world with wonderful on this semi-biographical concept album. Acorn songwriter Rolf Klausener recorded interviews with his mother Gloria Esperanza Montoya on which he based much of the album narrative. From moments of sparse acoustic to thundering percussion and a chorus of vocal textures, this is a magical album best enjoyed with a tropical drink and bare feet! Experience this 12 track vacation for only $21.95 (+tax).

Top of Page