Originally Published: 2006-10-01

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GREAT AUNT IDA: Pianist/singer IDA NILSEN is a key figure on the Vancouver roots scene. Her Great Aunt Ida project has just released a superb second CD, How They Fly (on Northern Electric/Fontana North). Co-produced by TIM VESELY (RHEOSTATICS), with whom Ida collaborates in VIOLET ARCHERS, it features a fine musical supporting cast, but it is Nilsen's poetic skill that really captivates. One of her fans is WATERBOYS leader MIKE SCOTT, and Ida will be on his next record. She plays here at The Press Club (Oct. 4) and Cameron House (Oct. 10).
UPCOMING: Neither band is yet a big name, but an upcoming bill from two American rock bands promises to be a winner, judging from the quality of their new CDs. On Carnavas (Dangerbird/Fontana North), SILVERSUN PICKUPS display an aggressive and adventurous sound at times reminiscent of SMASHING PUMPKINS (same initials too). VIVA VOCE are a Portland-based husband-wife duo (she plays guitar, he drums) who've just released a brilliant third album, Get Yr Blood Sucked Out (on Barsuk). It's psychedelic, sometimes dark, and always challenging. The two play Lee's Palace, Oct. 17.
NEW RELEASES: Masterful pop-culture historian RON MANN is getting rave reviews for his new documentary, Tales Of The Rat Fink. Haven't been able to catch the movie yet, but can certainly recommend the cool soundtrack CD (on Outside) from THE SADIES. They wrote instrumental tunes for the film, and deliver them in typically entertaining and surf-inflected style. In a neat touch, they name the songs after their favourite clubs, including The Horseshoe and The Matador. On the soft pop/adult contemporary side of the strip is Love Is All There Is (on Poplar), from Ontario-based singer/songwriter KATE ASHBY-CRAFT. All the well (ahem) crafted songs explore that eternal theme, love, and there's a refreshing musical diversity here. If dub is your thing, check out Atomic Subsonic (7 Arts), the second album from DUBMATIX. This project is the creation of Toronto's JESSE KING, and he recruits reggae stars FREDDIE McGREGOR and HOWIE SMART to help complement his authentic dub riddims. Fine stuff.

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