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

Into the "Light of a Setting Sun": Barry Canning releases his 4th studio album

On Saturday night, the 21st of May, the Rock House on George Street was crowded. The reason? Barry Canning, a native of Bishop's Falls, Newfoundland, now living in Toronto, ON, was in town to have a release party for his new album, "Light of a Setting Sun".

At 10 pm even that night, the doors for the show opened. I made my way in, got my bracelet (which I need to take off) and then took a look around the Rock House. Very nice venue, and I love the way it was set up.

Around 10:30, the opening act, Brothers In Stereo, came on. They only did a three or four songs, but I was impressed. If you're at all interested, you should definitely check out their music.

At 11:30, Barry Canning and his band- Cory Tetford, Paul Kinsman, Paul "Boomer" Stamp, Glenn Parsons, and Chris LeDrew- hit the stage. And did they ever rock it.

The First Set: Light of a Setting Sun

1. Haven't Learned A Thing 

This song is very catchy, and was a great way to kick off the show, and is the perfect choice for the lead track on this album. The lyrics really do lead you to wonder why we don't learn from our mistakes, and consequently, learn about love. Barry hits the nail right on the head with this song.

2. Broken Boy

Barry said that this song was inspired by a text conversation that he had with a friend. Makes one wonder what was said. This song was/is a little harder to get into, but I must confess that after listening to the album last night and today, the song has grown on me. Still not as much as the others, but its getting there, without a doubt. 

3. Don't Write Me Off

The idea for this song came from an e-mail Barry received from Chris LeDrew, and the subject header was "Don't Write Me Off". From those words alone, Barry managed to write a very catchy tune, one that I love the more that I hear it. 

4. Killing Me

One of Barry's favourite songs on the album. In listening to it last night and today, I can see why he feels that way. Definitely one of the better tracks on the album.

5. Time Turns Around

As the video says, it is one of two songs co-written by Alan Doyle, who most of you who read my blog know, is of Great Big Sea fame, and he also produced Barry's last album "Last Man Standing". Word of note on this track: I think it might have replaced LMS as my favourite Canning/Doyle co-write. Listen to it yourself, and you'll see why I think so. Video is mine, by the way.

6. Two Ships

I first heard Barry perform this tune back in December when he opened for Great Big Sea. From the first time I heard the tune, I fell in love with it. And last night I fell in love with it all over again. With the full backing of his band, Barry's voice and guitar work made this song even more lovely, if that's possible.

7. Sweet Surrender

I think that this song might be my new favourite Barry song, EVER. It is so romantic, and I think that the amazing Mr. Canning writes the best love and breakup songs. You have to get the album and hear this song for yourself. It will be worth your money!

8. Big Mistake

Really enjoyed this tune last night, and its one of those ones that will also grow on you the more that you listen to it. Honestly.

9. Ruins of Love

Love this one too, enough said.

10. Secret Love

I think that this song contains some of my favourite lyrics on the album in

"Is blood thicker than wine, is love stronger than time?

From Adam and Eve came the fall

Is a secret love better than no love at all?"

11. Get Over You

<3 <3 <3 That's all I have to say about this song.

12. The Other Side

The video explains it all. Second of two co-writes by Alan Doyle on this album. I'm beginning to love the Canning/Doyle songwriting relationship. Anyone else with me?

The Second Set

The second set contained a lot of fan favourites: Last Man Standing, When You Were Young, Beautiful Life, and The One, among others.

Here's some videos of my favourite songs from the second set.

Beautiful Life

I was late in switching my camera to video mode for this song, but still got the majority of this song. For those of you who like the song, its available on "Soul Parade" and Barry's compilation album, which features his best songs from "Soul Parade" and "Last Man Standing".

The One <3

I have loved this song for as long as I can remember. Still do. And last night, getting to hear it and dance along with it was so much fun!

King For A Day

Lemme explain this one. Barry gave the stage to Cory Tetford (producer of the record) for a little while. Before Barry came back up, a fan requested this song, and Cory was more than glad to oblige. Barry came back up, Cory whispered to him about this song, Barry nodded, and then left the stage again. Cory is joined on this song by Chris LeDrew. You'll see him on the centre microphone. The crowd went nuts during this song!

Some Pictures From The Show

Cory Tetford, Paul Kinsman, Barry Canning, Paul "Boomer"
Stamp, Sandy Morris, and Bob Strome.

See above caption.

Me and Cory Tetford

Barry Canning

Cory and Barry

Me and Barry. I love this picture. <3

My autographed CD. Love it, even if he forgot the "s" in my name.

Overall Impressions

1. I really like the Rockhouse. Nice place, great atmosphere, and a wonderful layout. Friendly staff as well.

2. Lighting on stage was excellent. Made it easy to take pictures a videos. A definite plus.

3. I  really enjoyed Brothers In Stereo. I need a CD of theirs, and quick.

4. Barry Canning knows how to draw a crowd to George Street on a Saturday night.

5. Light of a Setting Sun is better than Last Man Standing, and it takes a lot for me to admit that.

Your thoughts?

If you are reading this, and have the album, I would love to hear your thoughts. Also, if you get this album because of the review, let me know. I think great music deserves to be shared.