The Be Good Tanyas - "Hello Love" (Nettwerk Records, 2006)

British Columbia's Be Good Tanyas have the kind of harmonically intricate folk country sound that can drive a listener into a permanent state of music-shock. Covering Sean Hayes' "A Thousand Tiny Pieces," the trio layers vocals upon a light bed of acoustic guitar and lets the music do the talking, a refreshing change of pace from the over-production of much of today's popular music. And on originals like "Ootishenia," which features deep bass, intricately picked banjo and the best harmonies I've heard on any album this year, the band shows why it is garnering a major reputation north of the border. And where else can you hear a brilliant country interpretation of Prince's "When Doves Cry" that channels Dolores O'Riordan? Face it, Canadians know good music when they hear it, and those who pretend otherwise are doing themselves and those they love a grave disservice. For anyone who professes to love great acoustic folk pop, missing this album is not an option.

All reviews (c) Jonathan Sanders, 2004-2006, all rights reserved. No part of these reviews may be retransmitted without express written permission.