Maria Dunn

Hardscrabble Hope

Distant Whisper, 2026

9/10

Listen to Hardscrabble Hope

The 2022 JUNO Award-winning Canadian folk/roots songwriter Maria Dunn returns with an 8th album, where much reflection over the last 5 years surrounds the 11 sincere tracks.

The warm vocal harmonies of “Walking The Miles” opens with Dunn’s cozy guitar and flowing voice alongside Shannon Johnson’s well timed violin, and “Coal Is A Thirsty Business” follows with a slower climate that makes great use of Solon McDade’s precise upright bass.

The middle is where “Mister Potter” blends the cozy guitar, vivid wordplay and Jeff Bradshaw’s aching steel guitar, while “Accordiona/Over The Hills” allows for Dunn’s accordion prowess to shine via the Celtic influences.

“Essential” lands near the end and is strong on atmosphere thanks to Jeremiah McDade’s rich sax playing, and “Pekiwewin” exits with an a cappella moment via Dunn’s authentic vision.

A diverse outing that blends old time flavor with jazz, folk, country and Celtic nods, it’s easy to see why Dunn is revered in her home country, and her songs will have no problems resonating worldwide, too.

Travels well with: Brenda Earl Stokes- Motherhood; Kari van der Kloot- Window

Dressy Bessy

Fast Faster Disaster

Yep Roc, 2019

9/10

Listen to Fast Faster Disaster

The long running Denver indie rockers return with a 20th Anniversary album, and much like everything they’ve done in their lengthy and esteemed career, it’s dripping in gritty yet sweet lo-fi rock genius.

“It’s Not That Hard” starts the album on a high note with hook filled and ultra-catchy pop fun, and “I’ve Fallen In Love” continues on with fuzzed out melodies and an irresistible chorus.

Further along the luminaries bring us more greatness, as “Fearless” moves with a sassy, jangly spirit full of garage rock influences, while backing vocals add greatly to the punky, fiesty “Stay True”.

The back half is stacked with gems, including the rowdy and bouncy “Sweet Medicine”, the ‘80s friendly synth of “Freedoms”, and the quirky, charming “What It Is”. The album ends on “What Do I Get?”, a propulsive closer of driving guitars and punk fueled energy as The Buzzcocks cover serves as a tribute to the late Pete Shelley.

Front woman Tammy Ealom cites Fast Faster Disaster as Dressy Bessy’s best work to date, and it’s hard to disagree with that as the lyrical forthrightness and songwriting that’s as bright as the cover art sounds better than ever.

Travels well with: Tiger Trap- Sour Grass; Le Tigre- This Island