Obscure 70s Canadian Folk Groups

I stand to inherit a seriously MEGA record collection from my rents someday. As I was perusing the vinyls one day, my real cool Dad (by the way, I have found that most of the chicks I really vibe with are also members of the cool dads club. coincidence? I think not) suggested I check out this group I had never heard of before. As soon as the needle hit the groove (heh) I was locked into this trance-like state of musical euphoria. You know, where the music that's playing is not just background noise but it is commanding all of your attention and entreating you to listen and follow every heart-breaking measure.

Folk music, man. I know that in some incarnations it can become a little whiny, starry-eyed, overly-plaintive, etc. but it will seriously always have a special place in my heart.

This was the debut album from the folk-psych duo Alan Fraser and Daisy Debolt (seriously with a name like that what else do you do in life besides sing in a high, clear voice?) Put out on Columbia records in 1971, all of the tunes are original compositions, with the exception of their haunting cover of The Beatles "Don't Let Me Down." There is so much dissonance in these tunes that they break away from being blithe country songs. There is a real salt of the earth feel to the lyric content, as well as the transcendentally harmonious vocal delivery. This is the kind of music that can't be contrived or highly produced because it is just what pours out of some North American musicians who have lived simple and humble lives and grown up playing and listening to the very same homespun music. What strikes me most about this album, however, is the use of Ian Guenther's fiddle. As a classically trained violinist, I know it as an utterly melodic instrument. However, Guenther manages to turn his fiddle into a percussion instrument, lending a feeling that is unique from country or bluegrass fiddle because of the halting rhythm and meandering patterns he takes in his accompaniments. Seriously worth a listen.... here's the link to a direct download for all you pirates out there.