Gentleman Reg hails from Trenton, Ontario. A sleepy little town revolving around an army base, this place surely has something to do with who he has become. I blogged about one track on These Roving Eyes, the gorgeous "Oh My God", which has been playing endlessly in my world. The album is eclectic, to say the least, ranging from sad and introspective songs like that one all the way to bouncing dance tracks like "We're in a Thunderstorm" (download now!) While broad, the album is cohesive, his voice a distinctive and perfect thread of continuity across these varied sounds. Produced by Dave Draves (who has worked with the super Kathleen Edwards) Reg Vermue sings every song in a slightly different version of the same fey and beautiful voice, though rarely verging on more than a hard whisper. At times reminding me of a moodier Jason Schwartzman (Coconut Records) there are palpably sunny moments strewn throughout. On the album opener, "Coastline", he sings with Elizabeth Powell (Land of Talk) laying the groundwork for a California-pop fourth album. However the mood is quickly countered by track two ("To Some It Comes Easy") which reminds me something of Tegan and Sara, a herky-jerky sing-along, a touch darker, he says "I hope for something that I still can't find." The album easily moves between these two worlds, the frothy and the quiet bedroom stuff I love so much.
I often put music into seasons: Winter Music would include the likes of Julie Doiron and Catpower, while Summer Music features Jill Scott, Estelle and Madonna. Jet Black is the kind of album you can listen to year-round - Light enough to pair with a gin and tonic but rich enough to hunker down with during the coldest months. If you haven't already, look into Gentleman Reg's entire catalogue on iTunes.
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I often put music into seasons: Winter Music would include the likes of Julie Doiron and Catpower, while Summer Music features Jill Scott, Estelle and Madonna. Jet Black is the kind of album you can listen to year-round - Light enough to pair with a gin and tonic but rich enough to hunker down with during the coldest months. If you haven't already, look into Gentleman Reg's entire catalogue on iTunes.
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Ok, Im right behind you. I have found a few extras you might like "Efterklang" Also I found this great little group in your hood "the Rural Alberta Advantage" let me know what you think. Oh and you prolly already know him but "Devendra Banhart"
ReplyDeleteMama LOVES the headphone graphics and rating schema!
ReplyDeleteYou can guess how that would sound if said out loud, by me.
What? I didn't know he was from Trenton! Practically next door to my home.
ReplyDeleteThat aside, this sister blog makes me very happy (and it's so aesthetically pleasing! Not that I would expect anything less).
Thanks, pal!
ReplyDeleteSophia I miss you.
Alex: Haven't had a chance to fetch any of those artists. I already have all of Devendra Banhart, though haven't given it much of a listen. There's just too much good stuff in the world!!
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