Rob Szabo - Life & Limb

How does a guy who constantly gets expressions like "Cobain-worthy" and "like prime Costello" hurled his way, manage to stay significantly unknown? Not only is Rob Szabo unknown in the world of pop music, but even in the world of indie rock he still seems to be a heavily guarded secret, appreciated by only a few astute, CBC loving individuals. The fact is that such overly flattering comparisons, while perhaps a tad extreme, are not entirely inaccurate. Rob Szabo is one of Canada's most gifted singer-songwriters, on par with fellow under appreciated artist Danny Michel and even Ron Sexsmith.

His new CD Life & Limb has just been released, and it's a sophisticated follow up to 2006's Like A Metaphor containing more of the same clever wordplay set to melancholic pop hooks that fans such as myself have come to have an awestruck admiration for. The CD begins quite upbeat with That Cold Hard Sell, which is a wonderful Dylanesque rant on blatant commercialism. The rest of the album remains a little bit more acoustic and chilled, but never does it lag or grow monotonous. All the Sleepy Souls is a beautiful slice of balladry that avoids sounding contrived, as ballads often do. Last Night is a country and western shuffle, which features the beautiful voice of Kerri Ough. What I Deserve has Szabo sounding his most genuine, hinting at a slight desperation that is tempered with hope. The album closes with That Kind Of Fight, possibly the most beautiful song he's ever written, sounding as if he's taking a cue from some of Neil Young's more personal works. The album is the perfect length clocking in at just over 30 minutes and hopefully Life & Limb will finally be the release that brings Szabo the attention that has unjustly eluded him for too long.

Rob Szabo is playing The Cameron House with Revival Dear tonight (Oct 3rd)
$10 at the door

Myspace: Rob Szabo
Stream: Life & Limb - Entire Album here.

Other stuff:

The Matthews Brothers (whom I talked about here) are playing The Horseshoe Tavern on Friday October 10th. It's an open guest list, which means that you simply say that you're there to see The Matthews Brothers and you're in for free. It's part of Indie Music Week.

Myspace: The Matthews Brothers

Camera Obscura apparently have another album all finished, mixed and mastered and they're looking forward to releasing it sometime in the new year. They're interviewed over at Von Pip Musical Express.

Myspace: Camera Obscura

Retro hip hop soulster Slakah The Beatchild has a cool new video for his song What's This Feeling? from his current release Soul Movement Vol One. The video can be seen here.

Myspace: Slakah The Beatchild

Apostle Of Hustle and Tanya Tagaq are playing the Glen Gould theatre on Friday November 7th. They're giving you an opportunity to win tickets to the show over here.

Myspace: Apostle Of Hustle
Myspace: Tanya Tagaq

You wanna be the guitarist for an ultra cool San Franciscan rock 'n roll band? The Diletantes are apparently looking for a new permanant guitarist. They are going into pre production for their second album this month.

Myspace: The Diletantes

Tickets for Sondre Lerche's November 14th show at The Mod Club go on sale today for $18.50.

Myspace: Sondre Lerche

And finally, for people who are my age and stuff, Virgin Music Canada is holding their 25th Anniversary concert at Lee's Palace on Tuesday October 14th. Performers include The Northern Pikes, Colin James, Pluto, and Choclair. Tickets are $20 with all the proceeds from the show being donated to MusiCan, which will use the funds to raise money to support a school's music program.

Myspace: The Northern Pikes
Myspace: Colin James
Myspace: Pluto
Myspace: Choclair