GORD DOWNIE AND THE COUNTRY MIRACLES

The Grand Bounce

2011-05-24

All songs FCC Clean

Label: Universal Canada
Released: (Outside of US, 8 June, 2010) ? April, 2011

This is the 3rd solo album from the lead singer of the Canadian rock band, The Tragically Hip and produced by famed guitarist Chris Walla of the PNW band Death Cab for Cutie. This earnest sounding rock record could come off as pretentious by any other artist but he truly convinces you that he is committed and believes in all the talk of poets, dancers and guitarists.

Musically the record bounces around with easy Wilco references with a little Michael Stipe vocal lilt. Where the record shines for me is when he is rocking the songs out the hardest but the easy, breezy, sun crushed songs of summer can be intoxicating as well.

What it comes down to though is Gord Downie fancies himself a collector of things he finds interesting and he is not afraid to wear those influences right on his civil war uniform/farmer’s overalls/dancer’s leotard sleeve.

Recommended tracks: The East Wind (1), Moon Over Glenora (2), As A Mover (3), Yellow Days (8)

Reviewed by Devon Cunningham

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