Reviews

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The British Columbians

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Eccodek

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Jane's Party

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Knotted Cord

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MAZ

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Meeko Cheech

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Metal Mother

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The Nix Dicksons

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NN

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The Pointillists

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Pomegranate

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Ramune

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Rhoneil

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Vesely Couture

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Young Galaxy

!earshot year-end picks 2005

Darin Anderson

Name: Darin Addison
Show: The Parallel Universe
Station: 94.9 CHRW - University of Western Ontario (London, Ontario)
E-mail: darin@chrwradio.com
Website: www.theparalleluniverse.com

Top 3 Albums
1) Raised by Swans - Codes and Secret Longing (Independent)
Imagine Thom Yorke of Radiohead going into the studio with David Sylvian. The result might sound like Codes and Secret Longing from Raised By Swans. This album would be right at home on the 4AD label.

2) Bloc Party - Silent Alarm
The band claims to be inspired by New Order, but they constantly receive comparisons to Gang of Four. If Bloc Party continues to make albums like Silent Alarm, they are destined to find their own place in the realm of British rock royalty.

3)  Hot Hot Heat - Elevator
If I didn’t know this band was Canadian, I would think they were from the UK. These songs are so catchy. Soldier In A Box is my fave.

Most Under-rated Record of the Year
Raised By Swans - Codes and Secret Longing
Like many independent releases, this album did not get the exposure it deserved due to a lack of the money for marketing and touring.

Most Over-rated Album of the Year
White Stripes - Get Behind Me Satan
If Jack White has sold his soul to the devil in exchange for making great albums, he needs review the terms of the contract. With the exception of the first single Blue Orchid, I was reluctant to give this album any spins.

Best Local Release (London, Ontario)
The Straits - Self-titled EP
Since you already know how I feel about London-s Raised By Swans, I would like to redirect the spotlight onto another local band. The Straits self-titled EP was officially released in December, 2004, but it did not find it’s way into the on-air studio at CHRW until early 2005. Not only have these four local lads made a great record that harnesses a raw energy that is reminiscent of The Replacements, it is obvious that they know how to market themselves.
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