The Forest City Lovers

And we’re back. After an extended holiday break, we’re very excited to bring Tuesday Tracks back for 2011. But before we head into the New Year, I just wanted to do a little housekeeping and pay some attention to a few of the truly great releases of the past year.

We’re not going to get into a whole best of list or anything, that’s not really our thing. But still, it’s certainly worthwhile to revisit some great songs that might not have gotten the spotlight for one reason or another.

First off, we did touch on Forest City Lovers briefly this year, but since Carriage happened to be one of truly great albums of 2010, it seemed appropriate to say hello one more time. The album is an ambitious collection of playful songs that seem as though they begin in folk music and end up somewhere far more playful. It’s one of the few albums that managed to keep my attention throughout the year. Here’s “Tell Me, Cancer”:

Next is Rebekah Higgs. Back in November she did an amazing session with Southern Souls on Roncesvalles in Toronto. She placed herself in the middle of construction and played a couple of songs for the passers by. This song, “Little Voice,” came out especially well. It’s simple yet striking, just the kind of unexpected surprise to brighten up a walk home.

Finally there is Jeremy Fisher, a talented musician I’m ashamed to say I was unaware of until this creative little video found its way to my web browser. It could easily be mistaken for an iPod/iPhone advertisement and to be honest, Apple should probably just cut Mr. Fisher a cheque and make it official because “Shine a Light” is one of those songs that works its way into your head and makes itself at home.

Fast forward 10 years and Kat Burns has released a number of albums under her own name as well as her band Forest City Lovers. Their latest, Carriage, is out June 29th and the first single “Light You Up” is available right now:

The Besnard Lakes make music with atmosphere. Since 2003, the husband and wife team of Jace Lasek and Olga Goreas have been building enormous sonic landscapes that reflect a chemistry both musical and personal. Their songs are beautiful, delicate and and inspired. Here’s “Albatross” off their new record The Besnard Lakes are the Roaring Night:

Finally, I’m certain I’m not introducing anyone to Broken Social Scene, Canada’s most well-known indie music collective. They’ve been making waves in Canadian popular culture and beyond since 1994’s You Forgot it in People.

So rather than introduce the band, I’d like to introduce a song. As with their previous records, it took me a few listens in order to appreciate their latest—Forgiveness Rock Record—but ultimately, it’s another stunning collection of emotion, empathy, and love. What is wonderful about this band is its willingness to wear its heart on its sleeve. They’re a band that truly believes in the astounding possibility of people, and there is no better example of this than the absolutely gorgeous “All to All”: