THE TRAGICALLY HIP: Their status as Canada's best-loved rock band of the past 15 years has been reaffirmed of late. Their 11th album, World Container (Universal) went straight to the top of the charts, and they instantly sold out four nights at The Phoenix. They'll return for an Air Canada Centre show on February 8th that's also sure to sell out. The group gambled a little in hiring superstar producer BOB ROCK (SIMPLE PLAN, BON JOVI, AEROSMITH) for the new album. His slick sonic approach doubtless pleases rock radio programmers, and he does capture the group's distinctive guitar sound well. GORD DOWNIE is in fine voice, but a little more sonic variety would have been nice.
NOAH ZACHARIN: This Montreal-born, Toronto-based singer/songwriter/producer/radio host is a valuable member of the city's folk/roots music scene. He's about to launch a brand new CD, Waiting On Your Love, with a Nov. 14 Hugh's Room gig. It's an excellent work, one that uses horns and Hammond organ to expand his sound from the traditional folk template, while showcasing his warm vocals. Both the gig and the album are highly recommended.
LEONARD COHEN: In OTB's view, the last few albums from Montreal's legendary bard have not quite lived up to his high standards, but there's no denying the timeless appeal of his earlier work. To coincide with the Maple Pictures DVD release of the critically acclaimed Leonard Cohen I'm Your Man documentary, some of Canada 's finest female vocalists of jazz, cabaret, country, blues, and folk will participate in a musical tribute to him. The event will be held on Nov. 14 at Revival Bar (783 College Street West ), with confirmed guests including BONNIE BRETT, KELLY PINEAULT of THE SILVER HEARTS (who'll act as house band), NANCY DUTRA, NANCY WHITE, cabaret star THERESA TOVA, blues singer SUZIE VINNICK, and wonderful pop meets cabaret diva SARAH SLEAN. Given Leonard's status as a 'ladies man,' it's fitting to have a femme-centric tribute.
NEW DVDS: The age of the CD and downloading has detracted from the value of the record album as coherent artistic statement, but an excellent new DVD series from Eagle Rock can take you back to those halcyon days. They've launched a Classics Albums series that takes an in-depth look at milestone records from the vinyl era. Just out are titles from STEELY DAN (Aja), BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS (Catch A Fire), MEAT LOAF (Bat Out Of Hell), U2 (The Joshua Tree), PHIL COLLINS (Face Value -the one slightly suspect choice), and THE WHO (Who's Next). Rare archival footage and interview segments make for fascinating viewing. Future titles will explore classic LPs from the likes of SEX PISTOLS, NIRVANA, LOU REED, CREAM, THE BAND, QUEEN, HENDRIX and more.

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