Robson Recommends!

2003 | 2004 | 2005

2005

• NQ Arbuckle - The Last Supper in a Cheap Town (Six Shooter)

• Geoff Berner with Wayne Adams & Diona Davies - Whiskey Rabbi (Black Hen)

• Elliott BROOD - Ambassador (Six Shooter)

• Caitlin Cary & Thad Cockrell - Begonias (Yep Roc)

• Rodney Crowell - The Outsider (Columbia)

• Eliza Gilkyson - Paradise Hotel (Red House)

• Paul Kelly & The Stormwater Boys - Foggy Highway (True North)

• Colin Linden - Southern Jumbo (True North)

• Matt Mays & El Torpedo - Matt Mays & El Torpedo (Sonic)

• Shannon McNally - Geronimo (Back Porch)

• April 10 - The Lowest of the Low - Pyramid Cabaret
  OK, I admit, my reasons are slightly sentimental. Earlier this same day I had a chance to interview Ron Hawkins and Stephen Stanley, two of my biggest musical idols live in the studio. This also may turn out to be their last Winnipeg show ever, if not for a long time. But aside from the sentimental reasons, it was a really damn good show, and almost nobody was there to see it. Sigh.
  

• July 4 - Roger Marin & Hayes Carll - High & Lonesome Club
  I knew of Hayes mostly by reputation only before this. I had heard some of his stuff and had been lucky enough to have him and Roger in to chat and play live on Steel Belted Radio, so I knew he was good, but I guess I didn’t quite realize how good he really is. I love the classic Texas singer/songwriters with all my heart, and this guy is a legitimate member of that club. His songs are gritty, honest, and wonderful. With a super tight backing band and an energetic appreciative crowd out, this was one of those events that some day I’ll be able to say, “I was there.”
  

• July 6 - NQ Arbuckle & Carolyn Mark - High & Lonesome Club
  Carolyn was the headliner, but I have no idea why. She may have been around for a long time and may know what she’s doing, but playing solo, she was no match for the hot, rockin’ NQ Arbuckle band. NQ started off strong and never let up. As much as I love Carolyn (and I do, especially live) her set was a total letdown. But even on a bad night or even following a band that was better, she’s still witty and fun. This show gets on the list thanks to NQ alone, although Carolyn had some killer guests, including Matt Allen, and Luke Doucet.
  

• July 9 - The Gourds - Winnipeg Folk Festival
  Although they hated the festival, the festival loved the Gourds. Perhaps because they were so miserable being there, this set was one of the most electrifying sets I’ve seen. The heat was sweltering, and major technical difficulties had Kevin Russell in a fit of rage that ended the show early, but it was an amazing opportunity to see this legendary outfit, even if it is to be their only Winnipeg show ever.
  

• July 9 - Camper Van Beethoven - Winnipeg Folk Festival
  I admit, unlike many of the nerds in the audience, I hadn’t been a massive Camper Van fan back in the day. Actually, I missed them entirely. It wasn’t until I heard Luke Doucet do “Take the Skinheads Bowling” that I even knew they existed. But, as H would say, once I got to the Camper Van Beethoven party, I was there to stay. I had been listening to a lot of Camper Van before the festival, so I was super pumped about this, but I still wasn’t sure what to expect. Were these guys doing the reunion thing for the money and sleepwalking through the old songs? Were they going to go over with a typically conservative, boring Winnipeg Folk Fest Crowd? The answers are no and yes respectively. They put on a tight, rockin’, amazing set that would put younger bands to shame, and the audience ate it up. I’m not sure if I’ll ever see this band again, but boy am I glad I got at least one opportunity.
  

• July 10 - Buddy Miller - Winnipeg Folk Festival
  There was really no doubt that this show was going to be amazing. Of all the things that I was looking forward to at the festival, this was probably the biggest. I’d been listening to quite a bit of Buddy Miller’s stuff over the past year or so, and I love everything I’ve heard. I just knew that he was going to be stellar, but I don’t think that even I could have predicted how amazing he’d be. With guest appearances by a bass player Miller recruited right before his set (nice improvisation by the dude, I gotta say, he held his own well) and a “surprise” guest appearance by Emmylou (I’d heard the rumours and spotted the signs from a mile away) this was a special event that capped off an amazing festival. Good job Frayer, good job.
  

• July 23 - Luke Doucet - Hillside Festival, Guelph
  Luke is the consummate performer. I’m sure that he was born on stage with a guitar in his hand, because he is absolutely comfortable on any stage he gets on, and it’s hard to take your eyes off of him whenever he performs. So it’s no surprise that he put on a great show in Guelph, but what was a surprise was his amazing band, which he doesn’t usually bring to Winnipeg. He played with Paul Brennan of one of Odds fame and had his girlfriend Melissa McClelland along to sing backups, but all of those seasoned vets were put to shame by Luke’s 9 year old daughter Chloe, who got up to sing Tom Waits’ “Gun St. Girl” and was a knockout.
  

• July 23 - Eliza Gilkyson - Hillside Festival, Guelph
  One of the main reasons I went to Guelph was to see Gilkyson, so this show was either going to be a home run or a major letdown. Luckily, it was a grand slam homerun. Playing solo to a crowd that likely didn’t know much, if any of her material, Gilkyson had everyone in the crowd silent and transfixed as she told her stories and sang her powerful songs. But the real killer was her show-ending number “The Ballad of Yvonne Johnson” which inspired the crowd to stand on its feet and scream for her for a good 10 minutes, even after the stage crew goons made it clear that she wouldn’t be back for an encore. Now that’s an ovation, and that’s a way to leave ‘em wanting more.
  

• November 17 - Rodney Crowell - Fine Line, Minneapolis
  I think that I’ve said about all that I can say about this show already. As I’ve said, I’ve seen hundreds of shows in my time, but almost none are even close to the amazing show that Crowell and his band put on. I may never need to see another show again, because this was the show to end all shows.
  

• November 23 - Elliott BROOD - High & Lonesome Club
  But I am glad that I did see more shows, because it meant that I got to see Elliott BROOD live. I like their CDs just fine, but somehow I knew that live was going to be where it’s at for this trio, and I was right. Live, they are engaging, powerful, and very funny. I really “got” it big time after seeing the BROOD live, and one can hope that many more will have the same experience.

CD Submissions of the year:

I know it's a nice problem to have, but I get way too many CDs in the mail. The problem is that the vast majority of them are total crap. But sometimes, somehow, a good one slips into the mailbag, and boy do I appreciate it when they do.

• Melwood Cutlery - Campfire

• Shiloh Lindsey - For My Smoke

• Colin Brooks - Blood and Water

Interviews of the year: (all are available to download! Just right click on the file, select "Save target as" and enjoy!)

• April 10 - TTBTGH - Ron Hawkins & Stephen Stanley

• August 14 - TTBTGH - Eliza Gilkyson

Most Over-Rated Album:

• Corb Lund - Hair in my Eyes like a Highland Steer (how could an album of lame, awful novelty songs make so many year end best of lists?)

Biggest Disappointments:

• Matt Mays & El Torpedo/The Pyramid Cabaret - never in my long history of going to shows have I had to leave a show because it was too loud. I was really looking forward to the show, but I did a surprisingly mature thing by worrying about my health before worrying about missing a show.
  

• Moe Berg & The Pursuit of Happiness - I had so much respect for Moe and the band, but this year they proved to be nothing more than shameless cash-grabbers, with a half-assed greatest hits CD and a tour of venues close to Moe's apartment. Lame. Really lame.
  

• The Lowest of the Low break up AGAIN! - I can't say I blame them. They're working harder than ever, and sounding better than ever, but for some reason, folks just weren't giving them the respect that they deserved.

View More 2005 "Best of Lists" HERE!

2004

Top 10 CDs of 2004: (by order of the English alphabet)

• Slaid Cleaves - Wishbones (Philo) http://www.slaid.com/
  (Slaid Cleaves is a master storyteller, in the Townes tradition, but he’s got a sweet, easy on the ears voice and that aw-shucks nice-guy face. This one is a masterful collection of songs with nary a stinker in the bunch, although “Below” and Rod Picott’s “Tiger Tom Dixon’s Blues” are standouts (Picott also has a terrific CD this year in “The Girl From Arkansas”))
  

• Easily Amused - Simple Stuff (Independent) http://www.easilyamused.ca/
  (a local duo that for years has billed itself as “folk-pop.” I told them to do away with the folk label and amp up the catchy melodies, and it worked like a charm. Featuring two talented writers and two distinct voices, Renee and Keith come together for one talented duo.)
  

• David Francey - The Waking Hour (Jericho Beach) http://www.davidfrancey.com/
  (Canada’s best damn songwriter. Nobody tells such wonderfully understandable stories so simply and beautifully as Francey. His warm Scottish voice is like an old friend. But then again, so is Francey, one of the nicest people I know. I have no idea how he does it, but his albums keep getting better and better.)
  

• Reid Jamieson - The Unavoidable Truth (Independent) http://www.reidjamieson.com
  (Without a doubt, one of my favourite new discoveries of 2004, Jamieson has everything it takes to be a superstar, yet nobody’s heard of him yet. Let’s hope that 2005 changes that. He writes catchy and memorable melodies, with honest, intelligent lyrics, and presents them with the voice of a masterful crooner. Turn this heartbreaker on and watch the ladies (and some men) swoon.)
  

• Johnsmith - Kickin' This Stone (Independent) http://www.johnsmithmusic.com/
  (Perhaps the “feel good” record of the year. I can tell that Johnsmith is a wonderful, simple man, because his lyrics make him out to be that way. The songs are simple, yet elegant, much like Francey or Willie P or one of the other true greats. Every song makes you feel good, and leaves you smiling.)
  

• Kieran Kane & Kevin Welch (with Fats Kaplan) - You Can't Save Everybody
  (Dead Reckoning) http://www.deadreckoningrecords.com/
  (Kane and Welch have been making solo albums for years, and have played in bands and owned a record label together, but they’ve never done a true duo album in the studio. It’s a shame, but well worth the wait. Kaplan is a virtuoso musician who adds a lot to the incredible songs that these guys write. (note, they all also back up David Francey on his amazing record.)
  

• Ray Lamontagne - Trouble (RCA) http://www.raylamontagne.com/
  (Rarely do I hear a voice that stops me in my tracks like Lamontagne’s. He’s a bit bluesy, a bit folky, a bit soulful, but all around amazing. This CD is dynamite from start to finish.)
  

• Nathan - Jimson Weed (Nettwerk) http://www.nathanmusic.ca/
  (A local group that’s truly world-class. Their new CD is out on Nettwerk Records, and is getting attention far and wide. And rightly so. This one’s a more rootsy, country affair than their debut, “Stranger” which was a dark pop masterpiece. The sky’s the limit for this talented and likeable group.)
  

• Swank - The Survival Issue (Independent) http://www.iwantswank.com/
  (A B.C. based band that combines rock, blues, country, rockabilly, and a whole lot more into one wild, energetic package. Speaking of packages, check out the package for this project, which is made out to look exactly like a classic magazine from the 50’s. An amazing amount of effort went into that, and you should buy it if for no other reason than to see this amazing booklet.)
  

• The Wailin' Jennys - 40 Days (Jericho Beach) http://www.thewailinjennys.com/
  (I lost my heart to The Wailin’ Jennys a few years ago. They just keep getting better and better, finally releasing a full length album this year, which quickly caught on at festivals and on radio and TV in Canada and the U.S.. Since the CD, there’s been a bit of a line-up change, but I have a feeling they’ll be back and better than ever in 2005.)

** Coulda Been a Contenda ** (in some sort of strange random order)

• Feist - Let It Die http://feistmusic.artistes.universalmusic.fr/
  (Dreamy. Is it jazz? Is it pop? What the heck is it? Better, who cares? It’s amazing!)
  

• Eliza Gilkyson - Land of Milk and Honey http://www.elizagilkyson.com/
  (Powerful songs from a masterful songwriter. I’m pleased to have found her in 2004. Check out that cello on “Wonderland.” Gives me shivers, I tell ya.)
  

• Chuck Prophet - Age of Miracles http://www.chuckprophet.com/
  (Who lays down a more addictive groove than Chuck Prophet? Nobody that I know. This guy smokes.)
  

• Paul Kelly - Ways & Means http://www.paulkelly.com.au/
  (The Australian Springsteen finally caught my ear this year in a huge way. An amazing songwriter and magical performer. This double disc is killer.)
  

• Ben Arnold – Calico http://www.benarnold.com/
  (Another new discovery. Melodic and interesting pop songs. A truly great record.)
  

• Bruce Knauer - Allnight Breakfast Special
  (A somewhat mysterious Vancouver singer/songwriter. Take some folk & roots, mix in some modern electronic elements, hire Steve Zubot to produce it, and listen to the magic.)
  

• Neko Case - The Tigers Have Spoken http://www.nekocase.com/
  (Neko Case is amazing. What a voice. This one’s more than the standard lazy live record, it includes a lot of covers, new songs, and extra special guests for some on-stage magic.)
  

• OX - The Upstairs Sound Laboratory EP Vol. 1 http://www.oxmusic.ws/
  (one of my favourite discoveries from 2003 was back this year with a re-release of their debut “Dust Bowl Revival” (which you should own by now) and this new EP. You can’t buy this EP (nyah, nyah) but you can buy most of the songs on Endearing Records’ IPX #6.)  
  

• Leeroy Stagger - Dear Love http://www.leeroystagger.ca/
  This young punk rocked my world in 2004. His gritty, rockin' debut brings to mind Ryan Adams, The Clash, and a whole lot more. The guy is very young, and very, very talented. Watch for his great new release, "Beautiful House," in 2005; it was produced by Danny Michel, and it's great.

Honourable Mentions:

Yes, there were that many great releases in 2004. Here's some more you should check out:

• Iron and Wine - Our Endless Numbered Days

• Jory Nash - Spaz Loves Weezie

• Michael Johnston - Curious Heart (not officially released until 2005. Watch for it on next year's "Best Of" list!)

• Tom Waits - Real Gone

DVDs of the Year

• Blue Rodeo - In Stereovision
  More than just a concert DVD, there's so much on here. My favourite is the historical documentary by Paul Quarrington (author of Whale Music, and creator of Desmond Howl), but seeing Bobby Wiseman playing with Blue Rodeo again is pure joy. This is one cool package if you're a fan, and makes a great intro if you're not yet (although, how could you not be?)
  

• Calexico - World Drifts In
  The amazing live concert is enough to make this worthwhile. Calexico is one of the most amazing live bands in the world. I'll go see them anywhere, any time. Stunning. But also on here, there are documentaries, tour footage, interviews, and many of their amazing videos. This band needs to be seen to be believed, and this is a great way to discover the magic of Calexico.
  

• The Inbreds - Home Movies
  The much lamented Inbreds are back to remind me just how freakin' cool they really were. I liked the band in the day, but absence has made the heart much fonder. They have released more new stuff this year than they did while they were together, so one can only hope that a reunion might not be that far off. Only available at http://www.zunior.com/, the coolest download site on the 'net.

Top 10 Shows of 2004 (in chronological order):

• Merle Haggard, Blackie & the Rodeo Kings, & Russell de Carle – May 23 – Centennial Concert Hall

• Steve Forbert – May 28 – Hugh’s Room, Toronto

• Feist - June 15 - West End Cultural Centre

• Xavier Rudd – July 10 – Firefly Palace, Winnipeg Folk Festival

• Paul Kelly – July 24 - Calgary Folk Festival

• The Handsome Family & Jim Bryson - August 10 - West End Cultural Centre

• Regina Folk Festival - August 13-15 - Victoria Park

• Geoff Berner, Ford Pier, and Carolyn Mark - September 20 - High & Lonesome Club

• R.E.M. & Charlie Mars – November 15 – Centennial Concert Hall

• Reid Jamieson & Michael Johnston – Dec 3 – Dregs Cafe

Other great events:

• Wailin' Jennys CD Release - May 1 - West End Cultural Centre

• John Hiatt & Jon Dee Graham - August 4 - Burton Cummings Theatre

• David Francey, Kieran Kane, Kevin Welch, and Fats Kaplan - September 21 - West End Cultural Centre

• Kim Barlow (with Kris Demeanor & Wendy McNeill) – The Keno City Project – November 6, 2004

Biggest disappointments of 2004: (in no particular order, because they all sucked):

• Fred Eaglesmith – Dusty
  (2004 will be known as the year that Fred Eaglesmith became a lounge singer. Zzzzzzzzzzz. Now boring folks at Holiday Inn lounges everywhere. Actually, the live show still rocks, but this CD does not.)
  

• Steve Earle – The Revolution Starts Now
  (and ends when your boy loses! We should call him Self-Indulgent Steve for putting up with this political diatribe.)
  

• Rheostatics – 2067
  (they used to care enough to make really interesting music. Now, songs like Bidini’s dreadful ode to Ozzy Osborne, make them the real jokes. I’m still the world’s biggest Rheostatics nerd, but only if they follow this up with something grand.)
  
• Serena Ryder – Unlikely Emergencies
  (this gal showed so much promise, but let Hawksley Workman drive her career right off the rails with a truly average CD.)
  
• Wilco – A Ghost Is Born
  (and so was one really boring CD, apparently!)
  
• Paul Thorn - Are You With Me?
  Hell no! What a stinker. I'm shocked at just how bad this album really is. One of the most disappointing albums of all time. Paul is a genuine heartbreaker with his slow songs, and a really funny guy with his goofy songs, but this awful album turns him into the most soul-less white boy soul singer in history. I wouldn't make my worst enemy listen to this thing. What he did to "If I Can Get Over Her" should be punishable by the death penalty. When I saw him do that live, I was in tears (well, not really, but it's a damn good song) but the CD version inspires a different kind of tears, PAIN.
  
• Cara Luft leaves The Wailin’ Jennys
  (I understand, and I wish her well, but it still breaks my heart)
  
• The Wailin’ Jennys don’t pick Lisa Winn to replace Cara Luft
  (now that I don’t understand, but I’m hoping that I will when I meet this weird new gal in January)
  
• Rheostatics at West End Cultural Centre October 30
  (Rheostatics gigs used to make me feel so good. This one left me feeling kind of pathetic for following this band around for so many years. They’ve become just another band, and that really upset me.)
  
• Van Halen at Winnipeg Arena October 30
  (they used to be the greatest rock band in the world. Now, they’re just pathetic. I used to be very anti-Sammy Hagar, but without him, this show would have been a total loss. Wait, it was anyway. Well, thanks for the effort, Sammy.)
  
• The 2004 Winnipeg Folk Festival lineup
  (although Jackie Greene and Xavier Rudd almost saved the day)
  
• Winnipeg losing the bid to host The Canadian Music Hall of Fame
  (I blame Burton Cummings)

Most Over-Rated CD:

• Loretta Lynn – Van Lear Rose
  (ridin’ that Johnny Cash comeback train without the talent to buy the ticket.)
  

• Wilco’s dog of a disc and Steve Earle’s self-indulgent poo
  (critics are putting these on their best of lists? Why?)

Biggest surprises of 2004:

• Getting to see & meet R.E.M.
  

• Regina Folk Festival

People of the year: (in alphabetical order. I love them all equally. Well, almost.):

• James Ash (my hero – gives, gives, gives, and finally took some time and did something for himself this year. Good for him. Nobody deserves happiness more)
  

• Ken Beattie (if only the music industry were more full of people like Ken, who really cares about good music and does a great job of spreading it around)

• Chris Frayer (for turning around the Winnipeg Folk Festival in a very short time, and for giving me a lot to look forward to in 2005)

• Allison Green (The best friend that I’ve never met.)

• Michael Johnston & Reid Jamieson (magical music from a couple of truly wonderful people. I hope to be able to call them my friends.)

• Kristi Kolbauer (the best friend anyone could ask for)

• Lucy (the best mom anyone could ask for. Here’s hoping that some day she gets the health, happiness, and relaxation she truly deserves.)

• Jared McKetiak (if you enjoy my show or anything on UMFM, you owe Jared a thanks. He makes everything easier and more fun for all of us. I don’t know what we’d do without him.)

• Deborah Schnitzer (another hero who helped me to learn more in a few months than I have in years of university courses. Someone who truly cares about learning and growing, and not about ridiculous requirements. I hope you are healthy and strong and back soon, my friend.)

• Art Thomas (the best man in Beamsville. The show always sounds a little better with him on board)

• Julian Tuck (helping to make True North Records the best damn record label (and Canada’s oldest independent label, I might add) and helping me out, a lot.)

Radio Moments of the Year

• Colin Linden (Thursday, April 22) on Steel Belted Free Range Radio - Colin is a legend in the making, but he's still one of the most down to earth nice guys in music today. With all of his accolades and accomplishments, there's really no need for him to do little campus & community radio shows like ours, but he's so nice that he went out of his way to make this happen.
  

• Greg Macpherson (Sunday, May 16) on Tell the Band to Go Home - Greg is destined for greatness. He's one of the most commanding solo performers I've ever seen, and a truly nice guy. What a treat to finally have him in the studio to perform.
  

• Kevin Welch (Sunday, September 5) on Tell the Band to Go Home - A truly great guy who was so easy to talk to, and so interesting to listen to.
  

• Geoff Berner (Thursday, September 9) on Steel Belted Free Range Radio - It's always a highlight any time Berner's on the show, but having him sing us a special birthday song in honour of the first anniversary of SBFRR was a hilarious treat.
  

• The Fred Eaglesmith "Will He or Won't He" Show (Sunday, October 3) on Tell the Band to Go Home - This had the potential to get me in a lot of trouble, but it worked out like a charm. I've had a bit of a shaky history with Fred Eaglesmith interviews, but he came through in style this year with a thoughtful and revealing interview that may have gotten him in more trouble than I did!
  

• JP Hoe (Sunday, November 7) on Tell the Band to Go Home - Another favourite who is a highlight whenever he appears (he was on twice this year). His songs just get better and better and better, and having him on the show always amazes and entertains me.
  

• John Wort Hannam & Dave Lang (Thursday, November 19) on Steel Belted Free Range Radio - I knew Dave Lang was going to be fun to have in the studio, but I wasn't quite prepared for how amazing John Wort would be. What a fun show and how nice to discover JWH this way.
  

• Reid Jamieson & Michael Johnston (Sunday, December 5) on Tell the Band to Go Home - Not since I first heard The Wailin' Jennys have I heard voices that so naturally belonged together. Seeing these two guys in action is pure magic. Having them perform in the studio for just me was an amazing experience.

WORST Radio Moments of the Year

• That's way too easy. By far, the worst interview of the year (and perhaps of all time) was my chat with Martin Tielli (Rheostatics) on Steel Belted Free Range Radio, Thursday, October 14. Martin's tough to get information out of at the best of times, but this interview was like pulling teeth. It wasn't entirely his fault, I was nervous and not on top of my game. It didn't help that T-Bar sat there and laughed at me the entire time.

2003

Top 10 albums of 2003:

• Ryan Adams - Rock N Roll

• Geoff Berner - We Shall Not Flag or Fail, We Shall Go On

• Blackie & The Rodeo Kings - BARK

• Jim Bryson - The North Side Benches

• Calexico - Feast of Wires

• David Francey - Skating Rink

• The Jayhawks - Rainy Day Music

• Shannon Lyon - Wandered

• Ox - Dust Bowl Revival

• Gillian Welch - Soul Journey

Top 10 concerts of 2003

• Geoff Berner & Kris Demeanor- Times Change(d) – February 15

• David Francey- WECC – April 6

• Ladybird Sideshow- Pyramid Cabaret – May 15

• The Music- Le Rendez Vous – May 19

• Guy Clark , Joe Ely, John Hiatt, Lyle Lovett- Calgary & Edmonton – May 25/26

• Harry Manx- Winnipeg Folk Festival – July 11-13

• Chris Brown & Kate Fenner w/ Luke Doucet- Pyramid – Aug. 20

• Jim Bryson- Stu Dome – Sept. 15

• Calexico & The Frames- West End Cultural Centre – Sept. 29

• High & Lonesome Benefit- West End Cultural Centre – Nov. 29