Dale Murray

You might not recognize Dale Murray's name, but his career is deeply ingrained in the Canadian music scene. He's worked with Buck 65 and Blue Rodeo, spent time as part of Cuff the Duke, recorded his wife, Christina Martin, and spearheaded the now-defunct yet celebrated alt-country group the Guthries. His most recent album, Dream Mountain Dream, is a nicely polished alt-country-pop offering. The title track is a jangly pop song reminiscent of the Beach Boys and the album's highlight, "The Wind is Trying to Kill Me," is a perfect little alt-country masterpiece. "You Are My Girl" is the moment when the record takes a sweeter, slower, fingerpicking turn, but other than that, this release maintains a high energy and tempo. Dale Murray's Dream Mountain Dream is a lovely pop album, which means it stays within the boundaries of being a lovely pop album. It will not offend, but it also will not challenge.