Dec

Alberta Cross – Broken Side of Time

Alberta Cross I get several music recommendations daily. It takes a major chunk out of my day but I listen to everything I receive. Unfortunately, listening to so much bad music sometimes leaves me not very optimistic about the quality of non-mainstream music. Don’t get me wrong. I want everything I receive to be great but I generally prepare myself for something only the musicmakers and their mothers could love. So when this recommendation arrived, I prepared myself for more of the same.

Well, the Me Like Good Music followers from Twitter are on the ball once again. I admit I was a little guarded at first because the person who recommended Alberta Cross (sorry, I can’t remember the Twitter name) did it with such enthusiasm that I was convinced he worked in the promotions department of the band’s label. So I took his recommendation with a grain of salt; trying to keep my expectations to a reasonable level. However, by the end of the first track I was just as enthusiastic.

As if the seduction of the first track wasn’t enough, the second track “ATX” left me willing to go anywhere this New York-based British band wanted to lead me….musically, that is. Let the head-bobbing ride begin. Admittedly, I’m a little easy when it comes to rock music. Add an element of blues and I’m all yours. (A strong drink has the same effect.)

Alberta Cross

Though I normally listen to a minute or two of each track the first time I listen to a CD, I found myself listening to several tracks before realizing I hadn’t touched the “next” button. I was captivated and thoroughly entertained. Petter Stakee’s voice maintained my attention throughout. It’s a brilliant combination of falsetto, power and range without sounding forced nor strained. It also has the right amount of imperfection necessary to honestly convey any form of blues-influenced music. Though it’s not a pretty voice, it’s quite beautiful.

I love this band. And, if you’re a fan of Neil Young (and I am), you should feel right at home with Broken Side of Time. It’s an impressive debut filled with memorable and recommendable songs. The four tracks I chose are ones I believe will be among this band’s future classics. Let me know what you think. I can handle it.