Folk & Country 2011: 16 Best Albums

Page 16

Features > Year In Review > Dec 2011

16. Jenn Grant Honeymoon Punch (Six Shooter)
The faltering steps before you somersault down the rabbit hole of love are sometimes the only clear moments one can remember during the hazy, heady first six months of a new relationship. And as good as that feels ― that promise, those elements of surprise and intense attraction, a hint of something special ― it's everything that comes next that's the stuff of real love songs. Jenn Grant's Honeymoon Punch details every moment of that kind of next-level shit: the moment you both realize that you're in it to win it with all the hope and humour and occasional heartache that entails. Album opener "Oh my Heart" remembers those moments with a kicky, pop love letter while "Baby's Been Away" finds our lovers struggling with priorities against a twinkly one-two shuffle. "Paradise Mountain" is that bittersweet moment where you debate whether it's mean to be, longing to get back to the beginning. It's a brave collection that celebrates real, true, transformational love with lots of momentum from helpful sources: a bass clarinet, synthesizers, and playful forays into '50s pop rhythms, soul and even a little riot grrrl defiance. But true to form, despite the album's often upbeat nature, it's impossible to know for sure if Grant will let her lovers have that happy ending. The final track, "Stars to Waves," is a beautiful, crazy, two-parter (soft, sweet lament and triumphant, instrumental frenzy) that, wisely, lets the listener choose his or her own ending.
Andrea Warner

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11Comments

December 03, 2011Nameless Poseur9643

YAY!

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December 04, 2011Nameless Poseur9665

Elliot Brood's Days Into Years not in the top 16? Someone's not paying attention

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December 05, 2011Nameless Poseur9673

Where's the new Matt Andersen album? Surprised it doesn't make it after two great album reviews!

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December 06, 2011Nameless Poseur9691

I agree with the poseur above. This list should be invalidated for not including Elliott Brood. For shame, Exclaim. They are one of Canada's most excellent bands.

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December 06, 2011Nameless Poseur9701

Has anyone heard of Fleet Foxes ?

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December 06, 2011Nameless Poseur9704

Where is Chuck Ragan??

Sure he isn't playing popular hipster folk like The Decemberists or Dan Mangan, but he not only won over the oft picky punk crowds with his hints of bluegrass & gritty folk, he is also promoting the most interesting folk in the genre with his brilliant Revival Tour!

I would also argue that Trampled By Turtles and Blackie & the Rodeo Kings are obvious exclusions.

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December 06, 2011Nameless Poseur9709

all the bands your talking about suck

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December 06, 2011Nameless Poseur9710

Um, Fleet Foxes? Helplessness Blues? You know, the best album of the year? You may have heard of it?

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December 06, 2011Nameless Poseur9713

I'd also add William Elliott Whitmore to the list.

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December 06, 2011Nameless Poseur9718

maybe bruce cockburn, you know that dude that just won an award for best folk album yesterday. Jenn Grant? Please. I dig Chuck Ragan. I like most of this list though.

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December 12, 2011Nameless Poseur9845

William Elliott Whitmore!!!!! ya!!!!

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