Simon Cote-Lapointe et Magella Cormier

Topochronies

Hecto, 2024

9/10

Listen to Topchronies

The pianist, keyboardist, composer, improviser, and video artist, Simon Côté-Lapointe, has an impressive catalog, and this body of work has him fleshing out a concept album with the esteemed drummer Magella Cormier.

“Introduction : les tranches du passé” opens with a dreamy ambience and spoken word that builds into a busy and fusion filled climate that’s got plenty of energy, and it isn’t long until “Et. je puis vous dire ...” showcases Nicola Carillo’s guitar acrobatics via the dense and soaring delivery.

Further along, “Répons de la nuit de la poési” showcases Lapointe’s animated bass and keys via the ambient backdrop that’s plenty rhythmic, while “Témoins muets des récits effacés” allows for Tariq Amery’s colorful sax to shine amid the flowing melodies.

At the end, “Anthropologie interculturaliste/Épilogue/ Oublions le passé (partie 2)” exits with a busy display of electro-acoustic ideas that includes a strong percussive presence, wordless vocals, cinematic swells and plenty of buzzing synth.

A fusion filled effort, Côté-Lapointe handles keys, bass, synth and kalimba, and he balances electronic with organic sounds that explore free jazz and improvisation in exciting and memorable ways.

Travels well with: Disaster Pony- Disaster Pony; Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra- Tidal Currents: East Meets West

Charlie Parr

Book

Borrowed Light Press, 2025

9/10

More Information About Five

The folk legend Charlie Parr is also an established author, and this 2nd book from the Minnesota musician brings us five stories that run parallel to this honest and non-pretentious songwriting that often surrounds the emotion and conditions that we share as humans.

Parr’s conversational mood of his writing sometimes defies grammar purposely, as his imagination relays tales of a bird nursing home, AI predators, thieves drifting and lonely people and animals. They’re full of dark humor, are melancholic anecdotes and are seemingly wandering rambling that’s still somehow insightful.

Consider Five the eloquent equivalent of your semi-intoxicated family member cornering you at Thanksgiving with an awkward story about befriending a raccoon, only when Parr tells the tale, you’re not dodging bad breath and instead hanging over word.

Whether your interest is piqued by murder or you prefer to hear about the minutia of day to day life in small town America, Parr’s quick stories will resonate.

Big Tide

Sync Or Swim

A Turntable Friend, 2019

9/10

Listen to Sync Or Swim

Ben Thomas, aka Big Tide, isn’t that keen on today’s electronic scene, and in his protest he’s made one hell of a guitar album in Sync Or Swim, where he’s in great company with members of Hookworm, Spectrals, Cowtown and Deadwall.

“The Crash” gets things off with playful acoustic strumming and dreamy sounds that bring us back to the early days of folk music, and “Hide Me In Your Spaceship” follows suit with warm rhythm and universal appeal. From here, things only get better with the horns and punchy spirit of “Wrong Number”, the lush and highly melodic “Make A Baby”, and one of the album’s best, the jangly and upbeat “Half The Time”.

Near the end, the title track recruits low keys and a soulful spirit, while “Thirst For The Limelight” is a swift and cautious power-pop gem. The album ends on “I Could Walk Away”, the quietest tune, where indie-folk ideas are present in the thoughtful, pensive exit.

The A Turntable Friend label is quickly becoming the go to spot for thriving indie-rock sounds, and this mashing of ‘60s pop, ‘70s folk and timeless guitar rock is among their best and the sort of record that would have Alex Chilton smiling from his grave.

Travels well with: The Lemonheads- Car Button Cloth; Teenage Fanclub- Man-Made