Lee Harvey Osmond is the brainchild of Tom Wilson (of Blackie and the Rodeo Kings and Junkhouse fame). A rare larger-than-life character in Canadian music, he effectively reins in his booming voice on this follow-up to 2009 debut A Quiet Evil. Don't term this a solo record though, for Wilson has corralled a talent-heavy posse of fellow sinners. The album is produced with clarity by Michael Timmins (Cowboy Junkies) and the songs co-written with the likes of Josh Finalyson (Skydiggers), Paul Reddick and Colins James, Cripps and Linden. Musical accompanists include Ray Farrugia (Junkhouse), Brent Titcomb and Reddick. Horns, vibes and pedal steel add atmosphere, while Oh Susanna (whose duet on "Big Chief" is a stunner), Andy Maize, Margo Timmins and Hawksley Workman help mix things up vocally. The album kicks off with a riveting, near-a cappella version of Lightfoot's "Oh, Linda," with elements of rockabilly, blues and gospel present elsewhere. The collaboration with Workman on "Break Your Body" is another highlight, with their two vocal styles contrasting in compelling fashion. Wilson terms the LHO sound "acid folk," and it makes for prime uneasy listening.
Read our exclusive Lee Harvey Osmond interview here.
(Latent)Read our exclusive Lee Harvey Osmond interview here.