Various

Although not unheard of, soundtracks don’t usually accompany books and most record labels stick to proliferating sounds, as opposed to images. In any case, Northern Electric, a purveyor of diverse Canadiana, doesn’t seem bound by these generalisations. The release of Views, a book of photographs by Vancouver’s award-winning Lincoln Clarkes combined with the Views Soundtrack, featuring Northern Electric’s musical family and friends, creates an audio-visual panorama, as appreciable in parts as it is as a whole. While the book’s photographs capture people, places and curiosities from across the country and around the world, the Views Soundtrack cries straight out of the formidable Canadian expanse. While none of these musicians have garnered the pan-American praise fundamental to this country’s definition of success, Northern Electric’s roster is evidence of the ever-burgeoning swell of under-recognised music. That said, the motives of the Northern Electric family do not seem to be Juno-inspired, which is just fine. The photographer’s eye alights on uncommon beauty, just as the ears of the inquisitive listener discern the splendour of Rae Spoon, Herald Nix and Rodney DeCroo. From the sonic bits and pieces approach of Flophouse Jr. to the accordion-pressed torments of David P. Smith to the little voice of Great Aunt Ida and more, the Views Soundtrack is an evocative accompaniment to Clarke’s photographic retrospective. (Northern Electric, www.northern-electric.ca)