Behold the latest album by infamous boozy West Coast chanteuse Carolyn Mark, The Queen of Vancouver Island, recorded over the course of five sessions during the winter of 2011-12 with guest appearances from the tops in the field. One can’t help thinking this is the one! The mysterious “Poor Farmers” opens with a voice coming through an old telephone, fully materializing with the backing of an acoustic guitar; a beautifully sparse rallying call with stand-up bass and sweet harmonies courtesy of Terri Upton. Laden with instruments, the title track gives the impression that Mark just couldn’t stop inviting people over to join in the fun. When was the last time you heard cello (Hank Pine), harmonica (Paul Henry Oppers) and viola (Rachelle Reath) together with a “Sha-la-la-la” chorus and wailing guitar (Tolan McNeil)? “Best Friend,” recorded by Victoria’s meticulous Myke Hall, features The New Best Friends—drummer Juli Steemson laying down a funky disco beat over which a pair of guitars duke it out—while “Mellie’s Book” sounds like Sarah Harmer meets Pavement. “Not Like the Movies” is a tribute to the real-life world of being a full-time touring musician. In films they always omit the loading out and packing the van scenes. And dig that angular guitar line! The album ends with the inevitable descent from Queen to Whore through a pair of songs. “(We Weren’t Always) Old Whores” is a lament begging forgiveness of the former self for falling short of youthful expectations. “You’re Not a Whore (If No...
LP $17.50
10/23/2012
CD $13.00
09/18/2012
MP3 $9.90
09/18/2012
CD $13.00
09/20/2011
***BACK IN STOCK!!! The debut solo album from Neko Case's partner in the CORN SISTERS. Here she travels across Canada to record with noted representatives of Victoria, Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Regina and Calgary such as Ray Condo, Ford Pier, Greg Keelor (Blue Radio), Don Kerr (Rheostatics), Oh Susanna, etc. and even a by-mail track with Moncton's Rick and Tara White (Elevator Through). Basically it's a local album in every city. Down home country singing and songs. Like Neko, this girl can belt it out, with style and charm to spare.
CD $13.00
09/20/2011
***The third album from Canadian songstress CAROLYN MARK who moonlights with Neko Case in the CORN SISTERS. Taking on themes associated with wine, regret, hangovers, and more wine, Mark delivers another lovely batch of roots and country sounds. Features guest friends KELLY HOGAN, FORD PIER, GREG MACDONALD (PEPPERSANDS), DIONA DAVIES (PO'GIRL), PAUL PIGAT, PAUL RIGBY, and others.
CD $13.00
06/22/2004
***A charming and soulful new album from Canadian songstress CAROLYN MARK (CORN SISTERS). A beautiful collection of down home country, belted with style and passion.
CD $13.00
07/09/2002