An album of folk songs that represent the American malaise. Sure, Doug Paisley is Canadian (Toronto, to be exact) but so was Neil Young and four-fifths of The Band, and that didn’t stop them from tapping into the collective psyche of the continent. It would be bold of us to say this debut is on the level of the aforementioned, but truthfully it does recall an era of songwriting that was more simple, more honest, more modest. A time before ipods and myspace, when making a good album was simply enough.
Doug Paisley has been seen on tour with Bonnie “Prince” Billy under the pseudo name Dark Hand and Lamplight; a collaboration between himself and artist Shary Boyle. Shary creates live drawings and animates pre-drawn images on an overhead projector. Choreographed to the lyrics and music, she projects her artwork onto a screen, the wall, Doug, and other available surfaces. The way the visuals complement the songs is quite amazing and the shows have been called an encompassing, mesmerizing and tranquil experience. It’s probably one of the coolest things you’ll ever see. -Fina-Music
