| What
The Press Has
To Say...
Born quickly, the songs of Back Stories came in a flood--as songs often do to those who've held them back. Ranging from the pop-motorik of "Voice in the Night" to the plucked melancholic romanticism of "Nightingales," Back Stories, recorded between Sundae Sound studio and the artist's own house, is a true beauty worth taking to heart and doubtless evidence of Booth's place as the city's finest singer-songwriter.
Calgary Herald
The eligibility deadline for this year's Polaris Prize is still more than two months away, but I think I've found an album that might just qualify as a darkhorse pick: Aaron Booth's Back Stories.
i heart music
Back Stories... is a collection of songs that is incredibly engaging and ear pleasing; an album without a single rocky step. Booth is a seasoned song writer and the tones he paints on Back Stories are rich in sepia, despite the fact his words are usually dark grey.
Hero Hill
"Booth is sincere, but he's not satirical or ironic. He doesn't feign melodrama, he's not pompous, he doesn't play to the lowest common denominator and his intent lasts long after the final note rings through. And although it's a shame when overwrought and unsubtle performers overshadow those who are ultimately more focused on being creative -- the acoustic guitar is not a gimmick -- oversimplified messages will never triumph over undiluted expression as long as songwriters like Aaron Booth opt to satisfy their own impulses, graciously allowing us to follow along.
Splendid Magazine
"Cautious optimism runs throughout [Our Last
Escape] and is a perfect thematic counterpoint to the excellent
pop melodies Booth is mastering. His ideas are well developed and
he executes them expertly. Aaron Booth is shaping up to be one of
the most promising Canadian singer-songwriters and Our Last
Escape is one of the year's first really good Canadian
albums."
Exclaim! Magazine
"Booth's seemingly simple pop songs often contain
a complexity that deceives what first meets the ear....his latest
and most assured collection, Our Last Escape befriend
listeners with Booth's everyman vocals set in sunny, indie-pop settings.
Like Frosted Mini-Wheats, they evenly balance the earthy and the
sweet."
Eye
Weekly, Toronto
"Our Last Escape is a lengthy
lesson in love that isn’t too sappy or happy; it’s indifferently
intelligent. Once described as indie pop’s new hero, Booth
will probably have more than one teacher’s pet in the audience
when he tours. Aaron Booth + Our Last Escape = good times!"
Umbrella
Music
"The songwriting is crafted and the instrumentation
is big and full, with flute, horn, keyboard and lap-steel complementing
his warm voice. Our Last Escape is a gleefully
inspired and inspiring creation."
Chart
Magazine
"...the Calgary native's emergence as one of
the most interesting local singer/songwriters has been more of a
slow and steady progression. But after a great CMW show last week,
and with the release of his second album, Our Last Escape
-- celebrated at the Rivoli tomorrow -- the soft-spoken Booth is
bound to attract a lot more attention."
Toronto
Sun
"Our Last Escape proves that
Booth is not only a confident navigator but a skilled and increasingly
adventurous songwriter."
Vancouver
Courier
"Our Last Escape is an album
that could easily be a high point in other artists' careers, rather
than a sophomore release from a
Canadian indie artist."
Silhouette
Listening to Our Last Escape feels
like going home from a world of pretense to a place where people
are real. It also feels like having a nice, long conversation with
a good friend over a cup of coffee. You know Booth will be honest
with you, and you know exactly how he feels. And you get the feeling
he’ll understand you too.
Gazette
"I am struggling to find an original way to
say that [Transparent] puts me in a similarly reverent
position as the Ron Sexsmith debut."
Comes
With a Smile UK
"[Transparent], a debut release
from Canadian group Snailhouse’s keyboardist reveals a musician
and singer of genuine quality. Why? – Simply because he conjures
a style of mature, crafted music which is the essence of contemporary
Americana." Americana
UK
"In an age where roots rock is becoming the
alternative standard, Tune Up stands out as a fun,
refreshing not-so-roots-rock pop record." Calgary Straight
Shecky Forme 002 "There is
no way to categorize this Calgary band's music, but what I can say
about their sound is that it's progressive and always evolving.
There's a jazz element, a pop sensibility and post-rock vibe. The
musicianship is outstanding and oozes an incredible amount of experimentation."
Chartattack
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