Recommended by Denis, a photographer for the library's Internet Branch.

Check our other Fave Five lists, too!

BARK

by Blackie and the Rodeo Kings
There isn't a throw-away cut of roots rock, folk and country on BARK (Blackie and the Rodeo Kings), a Canadian supergroup comprised of Colin Linden, Stephen Fearing and Tom Wilson. The band is an award winner in Canada, has played at the Ark in Ann Arbor, but remains relatively unknown in the U.S. The Blackie and the Rodeo Kings' Website offers more background about the group. Meanwhile, this CD rates five-and-a-half stars (out of five)! A more recent release, Let's Frolic, is pretty good, too.

Barricades & Brickwalls

by Kasey Chambers
If Kasey Chambers had a voice like Mary Chapin Carpenter, she would be a household name. But she doesn't and she isn't, so recognition must come more from her splendid, sensitive compositions and, yes, her accompanying intepretations (edgy and plaintive). Cuts such as "Nullarbor Song," "Not Pretty Enough," "A Million Tears" and "If I Were You" are highlights.

Every Direction

by the Lash
"Every direction" refers to musical directions pursued by this Michigan band with a dominant Celtic foundation. Check "Irish Cajun Polka Queen" for a sample of international influences. Songs are well constructed and beautifully arranged, giving the impression this was the album the Lash was born to create. Visit its Website for word about upcoming appearances.

Living River

by Rawlins Cross
This is one of two Rawlins Cross CDs owned by the library (the other is Reel 'n' Roll); both are fine examples of rock-based Celtic music from Newfoundland. Members Dave and Geoff Panting are well known in Canadian music circles, but it was the addition of powerful vocalist Joey Kitson that carried the band to a higher plateau. "Wild Rose" rocks! Sadly, the group disbanded a few years ago.

A Brand New Night

by the Cash Brothers
This is the third album from another group that made an appearance at the Ark in 2004. "Power pop" is one description of the band and its music, but the overall pace of these meticulously crafted tunes is definitively laid back. Songs such as "Shadow of Doubt," "You're It," "Forget About the Dust" and "Sweet" offer examples of the album's catchy and melancholy moments.