PopTodd Posted August 25, 2009 Share Posted August 25, 2009 I've come to love this album: AllMusic review:Where Americans are often stereotyped as being loud and boorish, Canadians are frequently portrayed as being overly polite. If there's a major criticism to be leveled against this sophomore album from former Sarah McLachlan guitarist Luke Doucet, it's that his downtrodden tales of battered hearts and broken dreams are wrapped in poppy musical packaging that's simply a bit too pleasant to deliver the necessary emotional impact. Never has heartbreak seemed so damn cheery. Called the break-up album of the year by various critics in Canada (where the album was released in 2005), Broken (And Other Rogue States) features some impressive Americana influences that could benefit from a bit more minor key melancholy here or a darker vocal melody there. When the soft-voiced songwriter croons, "So cry if you want to/Yeah, you can come undone/But you've gotta have a heart to have a broken one," there's virtually no bite behind the lyrical spite. He's obviously a master song craftsman, as evidenced by the South-of-the-border vibe of "Emily, Please," the deft acoustic balladry of "Wallow," and the shambling blues of "One Too Many." But it's not until the next to last track -- the devastating "No Love to Be Made Here Now" -- that Doucet approaches the greatness of, say, Elliott Smith, delivering a string-laden epic that hits like a sucker punch to the chest. Still, there are simple pop pleasures aplenty to be found here, offering glimpses of an accomplished songwriter just starting to hit his stride Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GtrPlyr Posted August 25, 2009 Share Posted August 25, 2009 I have his last two records, though I must admit I haven't listened to the newest one all that much. The one posted above got a lot of spins when I first got it, and is my favorite of the two. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
KevinG Posted August 25, 2009 Share Posted August 25, 2009 I've come to love this album: AllMusic review: You're not street teaming again , are you? In all seriousness I have never heard of this guy, but I will check it out. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kalle Posted August 25, 2009 Share Posted August 25, 2009 I've seen Luke three or four times. Really good guitar player, puts on quite a show and is a super nice guy. If you guys dig him check out his wife Melisa McLelland. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
k8tee Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 Saw Luke Doucet and the White Falcon open for Kathleen Edwards about a year ago (?) in Chicago. I was really, really impressed. Plus, the drummer was wearing a Wilco T-shirt I only know "Blood's Too Rich," but I listen to it a lot. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
blindgonzo Posted August 26, 2009 Share Posted August 26, 2009 i really enjoy Luke Doucet!! He's fantastic live, solo or with his band, and I definitely think people should check him out. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lizish Posted August 27, 2009 Share Posted August 27, 2009 Love him. Seen him many times, the last being my booking at the Aeolian. He and Melissa are really nice people. One of the cutest things is that the band changes names depending on whose record and tour are current. If Luke's got an album out, they are 'Luke Doucet and the White Falcon', with Melissa's their name disappears and they become 'Melissa's backing band' also love, how he's got that huge honking Gretsch and he's maybe 5' 5". Again, it's really cute. He looks like this little boy with a grownup's guitar. Hope you enjoy your discovery Poptodd. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bobfrombob Posted August 27, 2009 Share Posted August 27, 2009 Yeah. Love seeing him live. Great player and great performer. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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