Boy On Bridge- New Music From Alan Doyle!

New music alert!!!

For anyone who follows my blog, you'll all be aware that yesterday, May 15th, marked the release of the debut solo CD from Alan Doyle. And let me tell you all, it is most certainly worth the wait.


The CD is an eclectic mix of tracks. There are several rock tracks, some that sound country (as they should since they were done in Nashville) and even one track that sounds sort of reggae. I can tell you this much right now; I love it! It is uniquely Alan! Check it out if you can. Bonus tracks can be found here! You'll have to download the tracks to your computer, but trust me, it is so worth it!


Here's my track by track breakdown so far:


#1- Sorry- I love the raw edge to Alan's voice here. He sounds vulnerable and exposed, and I think that this is when Alan is at his best. I can't speak for all my fellow fans, but this is one of the many reasons that I adore the man and his music!


#2- I've Seen A Little- The first single off the album, and a real rocker. I've been enjoying this song since the single was released in March, and I still enjoy it now. I used to think I was a country music girl (and perhaps there is still some country in me) but I think I have become a rocker. And it's all thanks to songs like this! The guitar solos have me hooked, and bonus points to Alan and Gordie for leaving the laugh and commentary in after the song is done!


#3- My Day- This is the song that has the reggae feel. You can't help but have a bounce in your step when you listen to it. It has a positive message as well: that no matter what happens, nothing is going to bring me down. We could all do with an attitude like that. Two thumbs up, Mr. Doyle! This is one of two tracks that the lovely Maureen Ennis provides backing vocals for. Her voice sounds so nice with Alan's. Would love to hear them do more together!


#4- Where The Nightingales Sing- For the longest time, my favourite love song by Alan had been 'Boston and St. John's'. I would now like to inform everyone that's changed now. 'Where the Nightingales Sing' is my new favourite. Buy the album and listen to the track, and you'll see why I think so. This song is a lovely waltz, written with Gordie Sampson and Kelly Archer, who also provides backing vocals on the track. Alan wanted to write a song that his Mom could be proud of. I think he succeeded!


#5- Testify- Russell Crowe fans will recognize the title of the song from his 2005 release 'My Hand, My Heart'. As this song was co-written with Alan, it only seems fair that Alan would take a stab at recording it. Now I might be a little biased (ha, understatement, right?) but I always thought that Alan could do a better job with it, and at first listen on this CD, I was proven right. His voice and the guitars work together perfectly to create the southern vibe that is the overall feel of the song. You can't help but rock out when you listen to this song! For music aficionados, Colin James also appears on this track playing guitar and doing backing vocals!


#6- Break It Slow- The only song on the album that Alan wrote on his own. It's a song that anyone who has ever been through a break-up can relate to. Nobody wants the break-up to linger; to drag out and die an undignified death. I think most people would agree with the words of the song "If you've made up your mind, don't you waste our time/If you're leaving won't you go/ And if you're going to break my heart/ Please don't you break it slow". Quite simply put, make it quick. It's going to hurt, but get it over with now so I can move on. A very easy song to relate to.


#7- Love While Love's Awake- Very beautiful lyrics in this one :) The more I hear it, the more I like it. Very much looking forward to seeing how this one is going to be done live (this blogger has her fingers crossed that it gets performed live). Only time will tell if that's going to happen.


#8- Light the Way- Another rocker; yay!! Since 2004 and the release of When I Am King, I have been transformed into a fan of rock music. It's been more than eight years now, and I love rock now more than ever! And I have Alan to thank for that. If you by chance read this Alan, thank you for your positive influence music wise :) This song is co-wrote by Sean Panting, and this blogger thinks that Alan and Sean Panting should collaborate more often! Backing vocals on this track are provided by Alan's friends Scott Grimes and Keith Power. This is definitely one song I CANNOT wait to hear done live!!


#9- Northern Plains- I'll admit that when I heard the sample clip of this on Amazon I wasn't too keen on it. But upon listening to the full song yesterday, my mind has been completely changed. This is a lovely song, and Alan is joined here by Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo. Could ask for a better man to back you up on vocals!


#10- Lover's Hands- A beautiful ballad co-written by Russell Crowe; it sounds like it could have been on the Crowe/Doyle Songbook Volume III. I'm very thankful that it wasn't though, and that it appears here on Boy on Bridge. Alan and Russell have an amazing way with words, and their songs never fail to move me. Lover's Hands is no different. Well done Mr. Doyle and Mr. Crowe. Looking forward to seeing what other songs you two gents write!


#11- Perfect Excuse- Best rock song ever! "You're all I need, you're the perfect excuse!" 'Nuff said!


#12- The Rules Will All Be Broken- Just when I thought I couldn't melt any more, I heard this song. From the first time I heard it (admittedly on Q with Jian Ghomeshi) I thought it was a lovely song. It's even lovelier on the CD. You'll have to pick up the CD and take a listen for yourself. Trust me, you won't regret it.


#13- Where I Belong- Great Big Sea fans will recognize this song as a bonus track from the 2008 release Fortune's Favour. However, this version of the song is far, FAR better. It's still acapella, but the vocals this time around are more raw. As Russell pointed out on twitter "The vocal on 'Where I Belong' ...are you kidding me? It cut me in two ...so proud of you" With you on that Mr. Crowe. Lacerating comes to mind. Well done Mr. Doyle!


Overall Impression: Alan had nothing to worry about with his debut release! This album is wonderful from start to finish, and has a little something for everyone! If you don't believe me, buy the album on iTunes or in stores NOW!


That's all for now. I'll be back with a review of the bonus tracks when I've had more time to listen to them!


Cheers, 
Krista

Basement Blues

Dear Readers, permit me a rant if you will.


Woke up this morning to more yelling and stomping from upstairs. Granted it was after 7 in the morning (I'm not going to say when). Now most times I am a pretty patient person, but the noise from upstairs has gotten to the point where I am losing sleep and my high reserve of patience.


I had just gotten out of the shower the other day and had my music up a little louder than normal. As it was well before 11 in the evening, I thought nothing of having it up (noise rules for both the upstairs and downstairs, as both are rented, are in effect from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.) but the disrespectful cows that live upstairs thought otherwise. 


I was barely out of the shower with my towel wrapped around me when the stomping started. Now I don't know if I've ever told you this before, but the stomping happens on a regular basis. Most times I just let it slide. Turn my music up a little bit, or stick the iPod ear buds in, and I'm fine. But when the stomping is so hard that the light in your bedroom shakes and then shorts out, well enough is enough.


Haven't yet told the landlord about it, because I know that the minute I go to her with a concern or complaint, that the neighbours upstairs will make up something about me. So in an effort to keep the peace, I have said nothing. But I honestly don't know how much longer I can put up with the noise. Every day is some combination of screaming, fighting, yelling, stomping, swearing and kids crying. This woman (and I use the term lightly) has three children from three different men and CLAIMS that her kids are her life. Well if that's the case beotch, get up and see to your children when they are yelling, fighting or crying. That's what a real mother does. I may not have children, but a know the difference between a good mother and one who just pawns them off on her own mother.


Phew. Now on a lighter note...


The countdown is on for the release of Alan Doyle's solo record. The album, titled Boy on Bridge drops on Tuesday, May 15th, just a week from today. The video for the first single I've Seen A Little is being filmed in Toronto on May 10th. There will be tv appearances on May 14th and 15th, and Alan will also be on Q, (CBC Radio-2, 99.1 FM) this coming Friday at 11 a.m. check it out if you can.


Also, check out his website for details on tour dates and how to get tickets. I'll be seeing him with a friend at Club One, George Street, St. John's on June 10th. Hope to see you there; should be a blast!


Cheers,
Krista

Yesterday

Yesterday was a good day. Got up relatively early (11-ish... hey! It's early for me, lol) and headed out with sis to get things done. By the time we were ready it was nearing 1pm. By quarter to two we had reached the Post Office and got my check. I love check days!!


We went for groceries first, because Co-Op is the only store in town that will cash your checks if they are post-dated. Followed the list I'd made and left Co-Op about 30 minutes later with a cart full of groceries. Full cupboards are a good thing, ya know!


After sis and I returned home with groceries and put them away, we decided to head up to Walmart. We both had a few things that we wanted to pick up, and we figured that with a little bit of money in, that day would be the perfect day to do it. Called my mother first, to let her know that we were back from grocery shopping. We agreed to meet at Walmart, as I had something that I needed to give her, and then after ending the call with my mother, I called a cab to Walmart. Note: the cabs here in Clarenville are great. Even though it was crazy busy yesterday, they were still quite efficient in their service.


Got up to Walmart and headed straight for the electronics department. Y'see, there was a new album that I just had to get. Dean Brody's Dirt. For the uninitiated, Dean is a BC born, Nova Scotia based country music star. His new album Dirt dropped on the 24th, and I just had to have it. I had kept hearing the first single Canadian Girls on CMT and the Galaxie channels (Bell ExpressVu subscribers will know what I'm talking about). Then before it dropped, a couple of my favourite musicians had tweeted about their participation in the album (you all know who my favourite band is). Well this made me even more curious; I had to have the album. 


Turns out that Dirt is quite a great purchase. I will admit that I only bought the album for two songs- Canadian Girls and It's Friday (feat. Great Big Sea). But once I got home from Walmart, and gave the album a listen, I was quite surprised by just how much I loved it. I concur with my sister that It's Friday and Canadian Girls are definitely standout tracks, but I also have a few other favourites. Flowers In Her Hands, a love song that spans decades, really touched my heart. That's Your Cousin made me laugh out loud. It details a night out in a small town for this guy, taking a female friend of his out. Just as things are about to get serious, his father finds them, and explains one very important detail: they're cousins. Well whoops! Didn't see that one coming, right?


Anyways, if you can, check out the album. You won't be disappointed.


Now onto the news of the day! New Alan Doyle news!! Kevin Kelly of the Newfoundland Herald tweeted today that Alan will be doing a acoustic set at Costco in St. John's on Saturday May 19th. This acoustic set will be followed by a autograph session. St. John's fans, please turn out and support this! We all know how wonderful a musician Alan is, and we need to show him our support. In that same vein, please attend his solo show at Club One on June 10th. Tickets are only 29.50, and can be ordered through his website- www.alandoyle.ca. Please check it out if you can!


That's all for today folks. If anything else interesting happens, I'll be back!


Cheers,
Krista